Guinness World Records has hosted its first ever Anker Speed Challenge, putting some of the world’s fastest record holders through their paces in some super speedy challenges.
Presented by TV host Belle Donati at Southampton Athletics Centre, UK, the main event centred around a jet suit “triathlon” attempted by Richard Browning (UK) who holds the record for the fastest speed in a body controlled jet engine powered suit.
The first challenge saw Richard channelling his inner Usain Bolt as he took on the 100m sprint. The aim was to beat Bolt’s world best of 9.58 seconds; Richard jetted across the finish line in just 7.69 seconds, earning him the record for the fastest 100m in a body controlled jet engine powered suit.
Next up was the fastest 400m hurdles in a body controlled jet engine powered suit, a record attempt which required a combination of speed and control from the jet pack pilot as the guidelines stated that the hurdles must be a cleared one at a time in a definite up-and-down motion.
@guinnessworldrecords #ad 100m jet suit #AnkerSpeedChallenge by @takeongravity with @ankerofficial ⏱️
♬ original sound - Guinness World Records
Taking on the challenge on foot alongside Richard was talented Southampton athlete Callum Gregson; both had their eyes set on breaking the current record set by a human of 46.87 seconds which had remained unbroken since 1992. Ultimately Richard was able to set the record with a time of 42.06 seconds.
Last but not least, a pole vault inspired challenge as Richard attempted to set a new world record for the fastest time to clear an elevated crossbar in a body controlled jet engine powered suit.
The guidelines required the flight to mimic the trajectory of a human pole vaulter, travelling 40m forward and then, with an obvious upward motion, clearing the pole vault bar and landing safely on the mat. With the bar set at 6m 19cm (1cm higher than the current human world record), Richard soared into the record books once again, setting a new record of with a time of 13.09 seconds.
"A couple of years ago we set the speed record in this equipment, and in fact that was beating a record we’d set with Guinness World Records a few years before then. Speed is a core ingredient of what we do here, and it’s a pleasure to come along and set more records." - Richard Browning
Meanwhile, at Elvington Airfield, UK, yet more speed-obsessed record holders were putting their unusual and highly inventive vehicles to the test, all under the watchful eye of official adjudicator, Alan Pixsley. Each would attempt an individual record title before going head-to-head in the ultimate race down the air strip.
First up was Kevin Nicks (UK) who had his sights set on breaking his own record for the fastest motorized wheelbarrow. Despite the wind and pending rain Kevin achieved a record-breaking average speed of 46.190 mph (74.33560kph).
The second contender, Andy Jennings (UK), was also looking to break his own record, this time in the world’s fastest wheelie bin. Bettering the record he set in 2020, Andy was able to achieve a new record-breaking speed of 45.092 mph (72.56854kph).
Next to take to the start line was Thomas Ellis who, along with Robert English, Joe Summers and William Beaty (all UK), originally created the record-breaking fastest motorized toilet (dubbed the HAWC (Highly Advanced Water Closet) Mk1) as part of a school project. With a speed of 68.553 mph (103.254kph), they narrowly missed out on breaking their current record of 70.545mph (113.531 kph), set in 2018.
With two new records achieved, the competition stepped up a notch with a head-to-head race between the toilet, wheelbarrow and wheelie bin, with the HAWC (Highly Advanced Water Closet) Mk1 emerging victorious.
The Anker Speed Partnership was a collaboration between Guinness World Records and Anker to celebrate the launch of their new charger, the Anker Nano II.
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