Many people dream of one day being officially recognised as the best in the world at one discipline, be it cup stacking, fire breathing, or running marathons.
However, after achieving his first record in 2011 for most squats in one minute (single leg), Italian personal trainer Silvio Sabba decided being the best at just one thing wasn't enough. Now, eight years on from the start of his record-breaking journey, he holds over 200 Guinness World Records titles.
“For me, breaking records means working to become the very best in the world in whatever I do. Record breaking is not a hobby for me, but a job,” Silvio explained.
“I have trained for 2 to 3 hours a day from Monday to Friday over the past 8 years! On the weekends I rest or organise my official attempts.”
Among his many achievements, Silvio has broken records for most eggs held in the hand (palm down) (8) and most underpants pulled on in 30 seconds (16) (though this record has now been broken); as well as more physical challenges such as most jump squats in one minute (male) (62), highest standing jump (one leg) (1.346 m / 4 ft 5 in) and most squats on a balance board carrying a 100 lb pack in one minute (22).
“My favourite records involve fitness. I like jumping records and balance board challenges most of all. The record I am most proud of is highest standing jump onto a balance board carrying a 40 lb pack, which I achieved on a TV show in China.”
While Guinness World Records no longer monitors who tops the overall leaderboard of ‘most records broken’ (as all titles we monitor are very different and require an array of skills), Silvio is unquestionably one of the most proficient record breakers in human history!
“I was first inspired to try record-breaking after watching the Italian TV show Lo Show dei Record… My dream has always been to reach Ashrita Furman’s record total and I believe I may now have overtaken him!”
Silvio proudly displays all of his certificates and Guinness World Records books in a shop window in Milan.
Incredibly, he is not the only member of the Sabba family to be crowned Officially Amazing™. Both his wife Julijana and 10-year-old son Cristian also hold Guinness World Records titles.
“I believe my son is very athletically gifted and far superior to myself at that age. If he continues to grow like this he will become very strong.”
It may be some time before anybody else reaches the distinguished 200-record-title club currently occupied by Silvio Sabba and Ashrita Furman. However, with record breaking in the family genes, we may one day see Cristian challenging his father’s own records as the next generation of serial record breakers start their quests for greatness.
Silvio Sabba features in Guinness World Records 2020. Make sure to order your copy in time for Christmas!
Main image photo credit (bottom right): Simone Modugno