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

Courtesy of Guinness World Records

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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 15, 2025
By Cailin Loesch

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

It was Christmas Day in 2023. Lachlan Racovalis flipped through his new copy of Guinness World Records. He wondered what it would be like to see himself in the book one day.

It didn’t take long for Lachlan to find out. The 13-year-old from Gympie, Australia, loves jumping on his pogo stick. He learned that the record for most pogo jumps in a minute by a kid was 170. Determined to beat it, Lachlan practiced bouncing for months. 

Finally, he went for the record in June 2024, on the day of his 12th birthday party. Lachlan made 187 jumps in just 60 seconds!

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

Have you ever thought about setting a record? If so, now’s a great time to try. To celebrate the book’s 70th anniversary, Guinness officials want people to try for 70 records that haven’t yet been set. Some are just for kids under 16.

“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.”

It was Christmas Day 2023. Lachlan Racovalis opened his new copy of Guinness World Records. He wondered how it would feel to see himself in the book one day.

Lachlan found out soon enough. The 13-year-old from Gympie, Australia, loves jumping on his pogo stick. He learned about the record for most pogo jumps in a minute by a kid. It was 170 jumps. Lachlan was determined to beat it. He practiced bouncing for months.

Finally, he went for the record. It was June 2024, on the day of his 12th birthday party. Lachlan 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?” 

Have you ever wanted to set a record? If so, now is a great time to try. This year is the book’s 70th anniversary. To celebrate, Guinness officials want people to try for 70 records that haven’t yet been set. Some are just for kids under 16.

“We want you to get in the book,” says Craig Glenday. He is 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 or fastest vehicle.

The book became a global hit and inspired people to try 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.

The first Guinness World Records book was published in August 1955. At the time, there wasn’t one resource that listed superlatives. Examples include the world’s strongest person or fastest vehicle.

The book became a hit. It inspired people to try 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.

Make It Count

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

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

If you do set a world record, it won’t be official unless you follow Guinness’s rules. You’ll need to provide proof of your achievement. That includes photos, videos, and statements from witnesses.

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

Guinness receives tens of thousands of applications each year. Earning an official honor isn’t easy (see “Top Tips”). To become the best, you need to put in a lot of time. 

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

If you set a world record, it won’t be official unless you follow Guinness’s rules. You’ll need to send proof of your feat. That includes photos and videos. Statements from witnesses are needed too.

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

Top Tips

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The experts at Guinness World Records have some advice for future world record setters. 

  • Know the Rules. For safety reasons, not all records are open to kids. Visit the Guinness website for guidelines.
  • Get Creative. Anyone can suggest a record. But it has to be something that can be set and broken. “Maybe we get applications saying ‘I can lick my elbow,’” says Craig Glenday. “But there’s no superlative—no most or biggest or longest.”
  • Do What You Love. Pick something you’re interested in—because you’ll need to practice a lot. “If you don’t really enjoy it, then it becomes a chore,” Glenday explains.

The experts at Guinness World Records have some advice for future world record setters. 

  • Know the Rules. For safety reasons, not all records are open to kids. Visit the Guinness website for guidelines.
  • Get Creative. Anyone can suggest a record. But it has to be something that can be set and broken. “Maybe we get applications saying ‘I can lick my elbow,’” says Craig Glenday. “But there’s no superlative—no most or biggest or longest.”
  • Do What You Love. Pick something you’re interested in—because you’ll need to practice a lot. “If you don’t really enjoy it, then it becomes a chore,” Glenday explains.

Up For Grabs

If your record is confirmed, you’ll receive an official certificate. And about 1 in 10 record holders get to be featured in the printed book. Lachlan appears in the 2026 edition.

So do you want to set a record? Who knows? You just might surprise yourself—and the world. 

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

If your record is confirmed, you’ll receive a certificate. And about 1 in 10 record holders appear in the printed book. Lachlan is in the 2026 edition.

So do you want to set a record? 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.

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

Illustration by Moreno Chiacchiera

Fastest 4x100-meter egg and spoon relay race

Fastest 4x100-meter egg and spoon relay race

Illustration by Moreno Chiacchiera

Fastest time to build a five-story playing card pyramid

Fastest time to build a five-story playing card pyramid

Illustration by Moreno Chiacchiera

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

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

Illustration by Moreno Chiacchiera

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

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

Illustration by Moreno Chiacchiera

Fastest time to frost 100 cupcakes 

Fastest time to frost 100 cupcakes 

Illustration by Moreno Chiacchiera

Most balloons blown up in one minute

Most balloons blown up in one minute

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 “Make It Count.”

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?

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 “Make It Count.”

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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