60-Year-Old Bodybuilder With 28 Broken Bones Achieves Record-Breaking Feat

The art of bodybuilding continues to enthrall and amuse people from all walks of life. Ever since the sport was popularized in the 1960s, there have been countless examples of inspirational figures. But inspiration lies not only amidst big names but also in stories about great determination and tremendous willpower. Fitness fanatic Rob Stirling is one such example of pushing beyond boundaries.

Stirling had an injury that cost him as many as 28 broken bones. After surgery, he wasn’t allowed to bench press anymore. Gutted, Stirling focussed all his energy on push-ups. And unbeknownst to him, he soon stamped his name in the Guinness Book of World Records. Here’s how.

Rob Stirling’s feat stands out as a testament to all fitness enthusiasts

Rob Stirling completed 3264 push-ups in under an hour, not to forget the age (60) at which he did it with 28 broken bones in his body. Even Floyd Mayweather’s 470 daily push-ups in preparation for a fight seem petite in front of it. While this is impressive, the wonder of his accomplishment magnifies itself manifolds when one learns that the person whose record he broke is half his age.

Australian powerlifter Lucas Helmke previously held the record with 3206 push-ups in an hour. He is currently in his 30s. Joking about the same, Stirling said to Tampa Bay Times, “It’s probably not going to sit really well with him that a 60-year-old has the record.” But Stirling believes that Helmke might come back for another challenge and that he is ready for it.

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The ‘fitness fanatic’ tag that Stirling carries around is not for nothing. He has been an avid bodybuilder and has worked out every day for more than 40 years of his life. A surgery, no matter how severe it was, was never going to stop him.

Stirling was determined and focused to achieve the record

The moment he let go of bench presses, Stirling not only shifted mostly to push-ups but also vowed to create a world record. But the margin with which he got there is astonishing to any fitness enthusiast. His injuries included a broken collarbone and both punctured lungs. Combining them with the wear and tear of bench pressing would’ve been an extremely rough toll on his body.

Also a passionate motocross and boat racer, Stirling finds more comfort in working out than anything else. Within six months of his surgery, Stirling was back in the gym. Helmke had already made the record then, and his goal was set from then and there. Although Stirling is basking in the glory of his recent world record, he has no plans of slowing down, and instead wants to embrace new challenges.

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