Guinness world record for underwater bench press! - video

The American Greg Wittstock, a proud representative of the beautiful state of Illinois, has become a Guinness world record holder in barbell bench press underwater. Yes, my friends, this brave daredevil plunged into the waters of Lake St. Charles, where he performed 62 repetitions with a barbell weighing 50 kg while holding his breath.

We are all well aware of the current situation in the world and it is taking its toll on all of us. Also, when it comes to diving issues there is a big hmm… drought? This word probably best describes the state of limbo we are currently in. However, it’s not like there is absolutely nothing going on underwater.

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Greg Wittstock made history in the Guinness Book of World Records by improving the previous record by 20 repetitions. He needed two attempts to become the official record holder. The first time, in September 2019, his efforts came to nothing, as an incomplete shoulder extension was spotted during the repetitions and the attempt was not recognised.

However, according to the old adage “what goes around comes around”! Greg didn’t let up and honed his form over the next few months, so that on his second attempt he would leave no illusions or doubts as to who is the king of underwater bench press.

What’s more, this type of physical activity seems to have taken a special liking to him, as he has announced another attempt to break his own record for August 2020! Fortunately, the newly crowned record-holder seems to have a healthy approach to everything and keeps a good distance.

“Of course I’ve never tried it. When I came across a video showing a French ex-swimmer who is 31 years old, I threw a bench into a pond and did 46 repetitions from the spot in my first attempt! As you can imagine, it is a very strange feeling when you try to lift weights underwater and hold your breath! But I have been a diver all my life and love lifting weights,” said the newly crowned record holder with a laugh.

Greg Wittstock did not hide the fact that breaking the record was a kind of an attempt to unwind the whole situation we are currently dealing with due to the coronavirus pandemic. He also thanked representatives of Guinness World Records for the fact that this type of initiative is also classified, because at the moment we need as many initiatives as possible to take our minds off the epidemic.

^{Source: guinnessworldrecords.com}