DonnaJean Wilde, a resilient grandmother hailing from Alberta, Canada, has etched her name in the annals of history by breaking the world record for the longest time spent in an abdominal plank position among women.
Wilde, aged 58, demonstrated extraordinary endurance as she maintained a plank for an astounding 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 11 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by fellow Canadian Dana Glowacka in 2019 by just over 10 minutes.
Her remarkable achievement unfolded at the very high school where she once held the position of vice principal, marking a triumphant return to the scene of her former professional endeavors.
Overseeing this monumental feat was Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator Tina Shi, who meticulously monitored Wilde’s form throughout the arduous endeavor.
To secure her place in the record books, Wilde adhered to strict guidelines stipulating that her forearms and toes must remain in contact with the ground at all times, while the rest of her body remained elevated and perfectly straight.
Reflecting on her monumental accomplishment, Wilde admitted, “My elbows hurt pretty bad,” acknowledging the physical toll of her extraordinary feat. “I was so worried about losing my form, and I think that’s why my quads hurt because I was just really tense.”
Despite the discomfort, Wilde persevered, drawing strength from her resolve and unwavering focus. “The last hour was the most challenging, just to stay focused and keep my form,” she revealed, highlighting the mental fortitude required to endure the grueling challenge.
Wilde found inspiration in her 12 grandchildren, who eagerly cheered her on from the sidelines, along with a supportive audience of school students.
For Wilde, who grapples with chronic pain in her hands and arms, the plank has become a source of solace and strength. Her husband, Randy, attested to her indomitable spirit, remarking, “That chronic pain and numbness that she deals with every day has helped her to be able to plank through the pain.”
In preparation for her record-breaking attempt, Wilde dedicated herself to rigorous training, incorporating daily planking sessions into her routine. “I realized that I could read and do things when I was planking and fell in love with it,” she recalled, underscoring her unwavering commitment to the exercise.
Even her academic pursuits were not immune to the plank’s influence, as Wilde revealed she completed her master’s degree studies while assuming the challenging position.
Now, basking in the glow of her remarkable achievement, Wilde remains humble, offering sage advice to aspiring record-breakers: “Keep trying and keep practicing. When you have to read or work on your computer, just get on the floor and do it on the floor.”
As she reflects on her journey, Wilde finds herself overwhelmed by the realization of her lifelong dream. “I actually still can’t believe it,” she confessed. “It feels like a dream.”
Wilde’s awe-inspiring accomplishment serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, inspiring others to reach for new heights and challenge the limits of human potential.
