Lachlan Racovalis holds the world record for most pogo jumps in one minute by a kid under 16.

Courtesy of Guinness World Records (Lachlan); Illustrations by Moreno Chiacchiera

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How to Break a World Record

Guinness World Records turns 70 this year. Find out what it takes to be a record breaker.

December 1, 2025
By Cailin Loesch

As You Read, Think About: What world record would you like to break? Why?

On Christmas Day in 2023, Lachlan Racovalis flipped through his new copy of Guinness World Records. The middle schooler from Gympie, Australia, wondered what it would be like to see himself in the pages of the famous book one day.

It didn’t take long for Lachlan to find out. He has loved jumping on his pogo stick since he was 8 years old. After doing some research, Lachlan found out that the record for most pogo jumps in a minute by a kid was 170. He was determined to beat it. He practiced for months, bouncing faster and faster. 

“Our dirt driveway is really long, so it really helped build up my stamina,” Lachlan says. 

Finally, on the day of his 12th birthday party in June, Lachlan went for the record. He made 187 jumps in just 60 seconds!

“I feel incredible,” he told reporters. “What kind of kid doesn’t want to break a world record?” 

If you have ever thought about breaking a record, now’s the perfect time to try. To celebrate the book’s 70th anniversary, Guinness officials are challenging people around the globe to attempt 70 records that haven’t yet been set. Some of them are specifically for kids 16 and under.

“We want you to get in the book,” says Craig Glenday, the editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records. “The anniversary gives us a chance to look back on our history but also look forward to what’s next.”

Ready, Set, Smash a Record!
Watch a video to explore the history of Guinness World Records.

Back in Time

The first edition of Guinness World Records was published in August 1955. At the time, there wasn’t one resource that listed superlatives—like the world’s strongest person, longest beard, or fastest vehicle.

The book became a global hit and inspired people to attempt new eye-popping feats. Over the years, some records have reflected the latest trends. For example, the first record for solving a Rubik’s Cube was set in 1982. More recently, people have been honored for things like playing Minecraft and taking selfies.

“As each new thing emerges, people want to make their mark,” Glenday says. “If you look back over the last 70 books, you see how the world has moved on.”

Making It Official

Guinness receives tens of thousands of applications from possible record breakers each year. But earning an official honor isn’t easy (see “Top Tips”). To become the best in the world, you need to put in the time. 

“Believe in yourself, try your hardest, and don’t give up,” Lachlan advises. 

If you manage to set a world record, it won’t be official unless you closely follow Guinness’s rules. That includes providing proof of your achievement: photos, videos, and statements from eyewitnesses.

“Anyone can attempt a world record,” Glenday explains. “But it’s important that you can prove the record.”

Top Tips

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The experts at Guinness World Records have seen it all! Here’s their advice for possible record setters. 

 

  • Know the Rules. For safety reasons, some records aren’t open to kids younger than 16, so be sure to visit the book’s website for guidelines.
  • Get Creative. Anyone can suggest a new record, but it has to be something that can be set and broken. “Maybe we get applications saying ‘I can lick my elbow,’” explains editor-in-chief Craig Glenday. “But there’s no superlative—no most or biggest or longest.”
  • Do What You Love. Choose something you’re truly interested in—because you’ll need to spend a lot of time practicing it. “If you don’t really enjoy it, then it becomes a chore,” Glenday explains.

Up For Grabs

If your record is confirmed, you’ll get an official certificate. About 1 in 10 record holders get featured in the printed book. Lachlan is lucky enough to appear in the 2026 edition.

So do you want to try to set one of the 70 unclaimed records? Who knows? You just might surprise yourself—and the world. 

“Everyone’s got an amazing ability in them,” Glenday says. “Let’s find yours and celebrate it.”

Set Your Sights on 70

These are just a few of the 70 records waiting to be set this year.

Fastest 4x100-meter egg and spoon relay race

Most balloons blown up in one minute

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Most eggs cracked with one hand in 30 seconds (team of two) 

Fastest time to build a five-story playing card pyramid

Fastest time to frost 100 cupcakes 

Most treats balanced on a dog’s nose in 30 seconds

1. According to the article, how are officials at Guinness World Records celebrating the book’s 70th anniversary?

2. Summarize the main ideas of the section “Making It Official.”

3. According to the sidebar “Top Tips,” why would someone probably not get into the Guinness World Records for being able to lick their elbow?

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