Do you know what Down syndrome is? 🤔
It's a chromosomal disorder: most people have 46 chromosomes, but people with Down syndrome are born with one extra copy of their 21st chromosome.
And what are chromosomes, you may ask? Well, they're basically “puzzle pieces” that make you... you. They determine the colour of your eyes, whether you have curly or straight hair, even what ice cream flavours you like best!
This extra “puzzle piece” means people with Down syndrome will be a little bit different than most other people in the way they look, learn and grow...
But they can also live a full, meaningful life just like everybody else. 😊
21 March is World Down Syndrome Day, a special day to celebrate all people with that extra 21 chromosome!
And here at Guinness World Records, we have so many incredible record breakers to celebrate...
One of them is Tom Enoch, a fitness star who, at just 18 years of age, has collected a HUGE amount of record titles.
No, really, it's mind-blowing. 🤯
Tom lives in Leamington Spa, UK, with his mum, his sister Emily, and their dog Cooper. 🐶
One of his many record titles is for the most squats in one minute (II), having achieved the fantastic result of 51 in 60 seconds!
He has also broken the record for most chest to ground push up burpees in one minute (II), with a total of 16 reps.
If you're wondering what the (II) means, it is just one of our special categories created for people like Tom.
How does it feel to be a serial record breaker?
“I’m chuffed, proud and happy,” Tom told us.
Having Down syndrome, Tom had initially set a very ambitious goal for himself: he wanted to try to break a total of 21 record titles to celebrate all people with Trisomy 21 (that extra chromosome 21!).
With persistence, continuous training and the support of his mum and his personal trainer Jack, Tom has not only achieved his goal, but even surpassed it.
As of November 2023, he had achieved over 24 titles - but he's still attempting more!
Clearly, there is no stopping him. 🤣
Tom wants to become a fitness coach himself, and he teaches fitness classes online 5 times a week.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
He started his very own fitness course TomFit as an online class during lockdown, and it's become very successful. 💪
As if that all wasn't enough, Tom is also taking part in his after-school club, he trains every day with his personal coach Jack, and he even goes skiing once a week at his local slopes! ⛷️
Do you like sports? Watch more sports record videos here!
"When I’m older I want to get married, live in a flat with my wife, grow a beard and a man bun," he said.
A beard and a man bun do sound pretty cool. 😎
Congratulations, Tom - keep breaking records and celebrating your uniqueness! ❤️
Want to test your sports knowledge and become the next champion? Take the ultimate Sports Quiz!
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