Best Guinness World Records held by South Africans
South Africa has a plethora of Guinness World Records under its belt. Here are some of the best ones.
South Africa may be famous for its wildlife, diverse culture, and scenic beauty, but it also holds a surprising number of Guinness World Records.
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From sporting achievements to quirky milestones, South African content creator Cool Story Bru! highlights some of the most impressive records currently held by South Africa.
Here are some of the best Guinness World Records held by South Africans:
1. World's youngest cricket umpire
South Africa holds the record for the youngest cricket umpire in the world, a nod to the nation's deep-rooted love for the sport. According to the Guinness World Records website, the record is held by 14-year-old Renier Janse van Rensburg from Cape Town.
2. Oldest bungee jumper ever
A fearless South African, Mohr Keet, holds the record for being the oldest person to complete a bungee jump, proving age really is just a number. Keet was 96-years-old when he jumped his way into the world record books.
3. Largest ultra marathon in the world
The Comrades Marathon, a historic and well-known race, is officially the largest ultramarathon globally.
Runners from across the world gather each year to test their limits in this iconic event.
4. Most milkshake flavours in a single restaurant
Gibson's Gourmet Burger & Ribs in Cape Town holds the record for the most milkshake flavours, offering a staggering 207 different flavours, setting the record for the most in the world.
5. Largest diamond ever found
South Africa is the birthplace of the largest diamond ever discovered, the world-famous Cullinan Diamond, weighing over 3,000 carats.
6. Biggest plum ever grown
A lesser-known but equally quirky record: South Africa grew the largest plum ever recorded.
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7. Largest sausage roll ever baked
Adding to its list of culinary achievements, the country also baked the largest sausage roll in the world.
8. Deepest scuba dive ever performed by a woman
A South African woman set the bar for the deepest scuba dive ever done by a female diver, a record requiring immense training and courage.
9. Most skips over a rope in 12 hours
One incredibly determined South African set the record for the most skips over a rope in 12 hours, a test of endurance, coordination, and mental grit.
10. Longest surfboard ride on a paddleboard
South Africa also claims the title for the longest distance surfed on a paddleboard, showing off both skill and stamina.
11. Greatest distance by canoe on the ocean in 24 hours
Another endurance-based feat, a South African paddler holds the record for the farthest distance covered by canoe on the ocean in a single day.
12. Most expensive goat ever sold
In the animal kingdom, a South African goat fetched an incredible R2.3 million, making it the most expensive goat ever sold.
13. Most expensive painting by an animal
Believe it or not, a South African pig named Picasso holds the record for the most expensive painting ever sold by an animal, priced at R430,000.
14. Largest impact crater on Earth
South Africa is home to the Vredefort Dome, the largest verified impact crater on Earth, a site of immense scientific importance.
15. Highest bungee jump spots in the world
Apart from holding the record for the oldest jumper, South Africa also boasts some of the highest bungee jump locations globally, including the famous Bloukrans Bridge.
16. Biggest cycle race in the world
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycle race on the planet, drawing cyclists from all over the world.
17. Biggest open water swimming event
KwaZulu-Natal hosts the Midmar Mile, the largest open water swimming event worldwide, with thousands taking to the water every year.
18. More records in sports
South Africa also holds numerous Guinness World Records in cricket, rugby, and athletics.
Presenter and former professional netball player, Vanes-Mari du Toit, also took a moment to comment on this video, saying that she had just set a new Guinness World Record last year.
"We took back the Guinness World record for the highest swim above sea level (6405m altitude) from Australia last year. I know, coz it was me," Du Toit wrote.
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