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Walking, an activity that’s both simple and essential, is the most ecologically-friendly form of transport in the world. However, in recent history, there have been a few more athletes who’ve managed to push the boundaries of the practice.
In this new article, we’re going to rediscover some sports feats which show that even by keeping your feet on the ground, you can reach great new heights… And even walking on your hands!
Putting things in context : It’s August 15th, 2014 at the European Championships in Zurich. By achieving the feat of reaching the time of 3 hours, 32 minutes, and 33 seconds, Yohann Diniz has set a new record in the discipline of walking which has never been equaled since. On August 13, 2017, he achieved definite international fame in London by winning the world championships in athletics over the same distance despite a score slightly lower than his performance in 2014 at 3 hours, 33 minutes, and 11 seconds.
In the women's category, Chinese athlete Lui Hong currently holds the record. The latter is all the more symbolic because it took place in her homeland on March 9th, 2019 in the city of Huangshan. By achieving the performance of reaching 3 hours, 59 minutes, and 15 seconds, Lui became the first woman in the history of the discipline to reach 50 km under the 4-hour mark.
The Olympic Games are all about competition and sports in general. This is where the best in every category come together to push the limits of endurance and performance. In the men's 20 km walk, it was Chen Ding who left his mark at the London Olympics on August 4, 2012. The Chinese athlete achieved a remarkable time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 46 seconds. This performance established a whole new Olympic record that still stands today.
On the women's side, the 20km walk has been part of the Olympic Games program since the games were held in Sydney in 2000. At the record level, we find the Chinese Qieyang Shenjie who achieved a unique performance, again during the 2012 Olympic Games. The champion won in 1 hour 25 minutes and 16 seconds.
As for the 50 km race, it was the Australian Jared Tallent who left his mark on the London Olympics in 2012. With unfailing endurance, Tallent covered the distance in 3 hours, 36 minutes, and 53 seconds!
Something important to note: There will be no 50 km walk at the next Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. The event will be replaced by a mixed relay. According to the IOC (International Olympic Committee), the decision was made to improve parity between men and women.
American wrestler Zion Clark really earned his spot in the 2022 edition of the Guinness World Records with an impressive workout performance. Originally from Ohio, this athlete who is the very definition of resilience and perseverance, set a new record by covering the fastest 20-meter dash while running on two hands in just 4.78 seconds.
His prowess places him among the stars of the 2022 edition, alongside other record holders such as Laetitia Ky, from Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire, who has broken the record for the fastest person to jump with her own hair in 30 seconds: 60 jumps!
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