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Want to break a WORLD RECORD? Here's a step-by-step guide

By Vassiliki Bakogianni
Published

Have you ever dreamed about breaking a world record?

Maybe you thought it was something only grown-ups could do, or that you'd have to wait forever to try. 

But what if we told you that you can be a record breaker no matter how old you are? 👀

If you are under 16 years old, then you belong to our special under-16 category

Which means you can attempt any record from our looong list of titles without competing unfairly alongside the old-timers! 

Got your attention? 😎

Stop thinking about it and take action – here is our step-by-step guide on how to break a world record. 👇

Step 1: Choose your record

So you want to be a record breaker – but what record are you going to break? 🤔

First, have a look at some of our awesome record titles on the dedicated Set a record page and try to decide based on your skills and passions.

For example, are you into sports, arts and crafts or are you a gamer?

There’s something for everyone! 😉

Whichever record title you choose, it’ll take you to this page, where you’ll need to create an account with the help of your parent or guardian.

Don’t worry, it’ll only take a few minutes!

Step 2: Practise, practise, practise!

So you’ve chosen your record and registered – now it’s time to start practising!

You didn’t think you’d break a record in just one try, did you? 😏

So here is how it works – first, you submit an initial application via the account you just created. 

Soon, we’ll send over a specific set of guidelines, which you need to read very carefully as they must be followed to the letter. 🤓

Now you know the rules, the all-important training can begin! 

No matter how old you are, getting ready is the key to success. 💪

Step 3: Ready… set… go!

You’ve practised and practised and feel ready to take on the challenge. 

You’ve honed your skills, everything set out in the guidelines is in place, and you’ve tested your tools such as stopwatches and cameras necessary to film the attempt, ensuring they’re working properly.

You’re ready! 😎

Remember, it's totally normal to feel nervous, and things might not always go as planned.

So, don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t work out the first time…

Take your time, restock and try again – don’t forget to ENJOY IT too! 🥳

Also, record breaking is tough, however old you are! So if one record doesn’t work out, consider another.

Step 4: Prove it

If you think you succeeded, now it’s time to send us the evidence.

Depending on the record, this might include videos, photos and witness statements.

Be sure not to miss anything! 😬

Now be patient, because we’ll need a few weeks to review the proof.

If successful, you’ll receive email confirmation and, later on…

Your authentic GWR certificate, confirming that you are now part of the Guinness World Records family! 🥹

A word of advice from our Official GWR Adjudicator

Dave Wilson is one of the official Guinness World Records Adjudicators, our expert judges who travel all around the world to approve records!

We convinced him to take a break from his clipboard to give you all some helpful advice:

"Whatever your hobby or skill, it’s very possible that there’s a record in our system that you could apply for.

"The best thing about Guinness World Records is that there really is something for everyone!”

So take a look at our list of records and figure out which one is best for you.

Good luck! 🍀