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The Guinness World Records are the global authority on anything, and everything, record-breaking, with official judges who are tasked with verifying records across all corners of the world. And it appears the adjudicators have been busy in Melbourne over the decades, with many Melburnians breaking some impressive, and random, records. From record numbers of fish and chips to gatherings of tall people and the quickest underwear pull-ons, it is fair to say we have an eclectic and rather unusual track record of accomplishments. And hey, we couldn't be more proud.
Here are the most random Guinness World Records held by Melburnians:
1. The most swimming goggles put on in one minute
In 2018, Shane Crawford (a real jack of all trades...) put on 32 swimming goggles in one minute to crack this record.
2. The largest gathering of Abba impersonators
To celebrate Guinness World Records Day in 2011, 368 students, teachers and parents of Kew Primary School in Melbourne gathered to impersonate Abba, singing their way through Waterloo to break the record.
3. The most underpants pulled on in one minute
How do you figure out that you are good at something this niche? In 2011, Sheena Reyes broke the record for the most underpants pulled on in one minute when she piled on a whopping 36 pairs on the set of Sunrise. This record was equalled in Japan in 2014.
4. The most people star-jumping
This record was broken by Kayla Itsines and her BBG Community in 2016, with 2,192 people star-jumping together in Melbourne.
5. The oldest rollercoaster operating continuously
You guessed it! This award goes to the Scenic Railway at Luna Park in St Kilda, which has remained in operation since it opened to the public in December 1912.
6. The largest gathering of tall people
On January 29, 2009, 136 people gathered in Melbourne to break the record for the largest gathering of tall people in a confined area. The criteria simply included a minimum height of 178cm for women and 188cm for men.
7. The most portions of fish and chips sold in eight hours
In a true feat of endurance, Harry Ramsdens fish and chip shop in Melbourne sold and served 12,105 portions of fish and chips in 1996 to take out this greasy record.
8. The most people doing chest bumps
In 2009, McDonald's Australia assistant managers lined up and completed 223 chest bumps in five minutes and 55 seconds.
9. The farthest throw of a rubber chicken
Now, this is one to be proud of. In July 2022, Oscar Lynagh broke the record by throwing a rubber chicken 32.49m.
10. The most candy canes hung on a Christmas tree in 30 seconds
Well, look who it is...our rubber chicken-throwing friend Oscar Lynagh, popping up again to break another incredibly specific record. In 2021, he broke the record by hanging 31 candy canes on a Christmas tree, which actually is rather impressive the more you think about it. Our guess is that Oscar was a bit bored during the COVID lockdowns...
If you're feeling inspired, why not apply today to set a new record yourself?