Kenta Adachi, hailing from Japan, has etched his name in the annals of athletic achievement by breaking the record for the most pull-ups performed in 24 hours, an astonishing feat totaling 8,940 pull-ups.
This remarkable accomplishment surpasses the previous record set by Gary Lloyd of Australia by over 300 pull-ups, solidifying Adachi’s status as a formidable force in the world of pull-up endurance.
Adachi’s journey to pull-up prowess is nothing short of inspirational. Despite not being initially inclined towards sports, his determination and dedication propelled him to extraordinary heights. His venture into the realm of pull-ups commenced in 2007 when he joined the Japan Coast Guard and encountered a daunting sports test that left him disheartened.
“I was not good at pull-ups, and I got 12 out of 21 for the test. I still remember clearly how frustrated I was,” Adachi recounted.
Undeterred by the setback, Adachi embarked on a rigorous training regimen to hone his pull-up skills. His progress, meticulously documented in personal notes, reflects a remarkable ascent:
June 2015: 80 pull-ups
March 2016: 100 pull-ups
February 2021: 102 pull-ups
April 2021: 110 pull-ups
June 2021: 221 pull-ups
September 2021: 430 pull-ups
Adachi’s crowning achievement came in 2022 when he shattered the record for the most consecutive pull-ups, achieving an astounding 651 consecutive repetitions.
Buoyed by his previous success, Adachi set his sights on conquering the 24-hour pull-up record, considering it the pinnacle of pull-up achievements.
“While there are many pull-up records, I felt that the 24-hour record is at the top of the pyramid, king of all pull-up records,” Adachi remarked.
Despite facing challenges in organizing his record attempt, Adachi persevered, diligently preparing for the monumental task ahead. However, he encountered a setback when he learned that the record had been broken multiple times, with the current benchmark standing at 8,600 pull-ups, set by Australian athlete Gary Lloyd.
Undeterred by the formidable competition, Adachi intensified his training regimen, gradually increasing his pull-up volume in preparation for the record attempt. Two weeks prior to the endeavor, he completed a practice session, amassing 5,000 pull-ups in 9 hours and 32 minutes, albeit sustaining a sprained forearm in the process.
“I had to look after my body for the last two weeks of the attempt. I only practiced between one or two hours,” Adachi recounted.
Despite the adversity, Adachi’s unwavering determination propelled him to achieve his monumental feat, etching his name in the annals of athletic history and inspiring future generations with his extraordinary display of resilience and fortitude.