How to set a Guiness world record: Tommy Baker

In order to set a Guinness World Record you need to either have a record in mind that currently exists, or to have an idea for something totally new that is not listed as a current record. This blog is specifically focused on creating a new record that does not exist… its the difference between “setting a new record” and “breaking an existing record”.

It is worth being aware that apart from the very popular records, only a small percentage of the records on the ‘Guinness database’ are selected to be featured in the annual book, they keep a healthy rotation of content to maintain constant interest.  This means that if you are successful in achieving “Guinness World Record” status, you will not find out if your record has been entered in the book until the following September, when the new edition is released around the world for sale.  There is always a limited number of books made each year and they sellout in the UK before Christmas.

To develop a record that does not currently exist the idea needs to be clearly measurable by an official and sometimes with the assistance of slow motion video footage.  The various methods to measure a new record can be through time, repetitions, distance, height or weight.  Combining two of these measurements to your chosen task provides the Guinness official with the precise cross reference required to measure and set your achievement as a new record.  The task you choose must be completed in a consistently repetitive manner.  There can be no debate or interpretation applied to the measurements your chosen task generates. 

The next thing to consider is the creativity and talent aspect.  Your idea needs to capture the imagination of an audience.  Nobody really cares if your talent is “watching the most episodes of Eastenders back-to-back”.   

This is the challenging aspect… combining precise measurements to a creative idea.

Finally, if you do have a record setting concept your best bet is to source a third party company that will sponsor your idea.  Guinness do not send their officials out to anything other than major events & clients or TV companies as the cost of an official (for one day) is £5000 plus VAT.

Alternatively, you can send in evidence of your achievement directly to Guinness through their website: www.guinnessworldrecords.com

However, please consider that Guinness World Record have this note on their website:

 “If your enquiry is regarding the details of an existing record and you do not intend to invite a judge to your event, we do reserve the right not to get back to you.”

 My experience with Guinness World Records over the last 10 years has been amazing.  I have been invited to numerous  venues in different countries to set 4 brand new world records within both football and basketball freestyle, I’ve then subsequently been invited back to break my own records.  I’ve been featured in the 2003, 2004, 2006 editions of the book, with three of my records currently photo featured in the 2010 edition on page 238 & 239.

Tommy Baker: Freestyle basketball entertainer