Deepest Underwater Modeling
On a sunny day in December 2023, Kim Bruneau, a 38-year-old Canadian, ventured off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas, to set a new Guinness World Record for the deepest underwater fashion model photoshoot. She removed her scuba gear and held her breath while photographer Pia Oyarzun captured her posing.
At depths of nearly 40 meters, the team spent nine minutes photographing Bruneau without a face mask or snorkel. They then ascended, stopping at various depths for additional shots. In total, they spent 37 minutes underwater.
Bruneau, who had never been a diver, turned to the activity as a way to escape her life's heartaches. Her record-breaking photoshoot came after a "battle" with infertility. She took up diving during her treatments and, despite the stresses of her infertility, never felt anxious underwater.
"I think part of the reason I got pregnant is because I started diving. I tried everything for fertility, from Chinese herbs to acupuncture. I tried everything to relax and nothing worked. When I dive, I feel free. It's a different world. It's so unique that I don't have time to think about my stresses in life," she said.
The resilient woman eventually gave birth to a baby girl named Ella. She took a year and a half off from diving before deciding to attempt the world record with photographer Oyarzun. The photoshoot served as a celebration of Bruneau's journey through infertility and aims to inspire others.
Senior Speed: 91-Year-Old Breaks Running Record
Italian grandmother Emma Maria Mazzenga shattered the 200-meter running record in the over-90 age category, clocking in at 54.47 seconds at the indoor Masters Championships in Veneto. The astonishing feat came just over a month after the 91-year-old sustained a sternum fracture.
Mazzenga surpassed the previous record held by Olga Kotelko by more than five seconds, a mark that had stood for 13 years. The nonagenarian's winning formula is simple: "never stop." Every morning, she walks with her friends, interspersing walking and running with biking. Despite setting a world record, Mazzenga remains modest and confident in her future performances.
Longest Hair in the World: A Touch of India
In late 2023, Smita Srivastava, a 46-year-old Indian woman, was recognized by Guinness World Records as having the "longest female hair in the world." Her hair measured an astonishing 7 feet 9.8 inches.
Srivastava has not cut her hair since she was 14 years old, drawing inspiration from the long hairstyles of Indian actresses in the 1980s. She washes her hair twice a week, a process that takes three hours including washing, blow-drying, detangling, and styling. The Guinness World Record holder has no plans to cut her hair anytime soon and intends to care for it to maintain its length. "I will not cut my hair because my life is in my hair... I want to grow my hair longer and see how long I can keep my hair," Srivastava said.
Srivastava shared that whenever she steps out in public, her luscious locks attract attention. "People come close, touch my hair, take pictures with me. They also often ask about the hair care products I use as my hair is so beautiful. I have shared my experience, and many have shown interest in following it for their healthy hair," she added.
Apnea Ice Diving: No Tanks Needed
Valentina Cafolla, a 27-year-old dual citizen of Italy and Croatia, broke the Guinness World Record for the longest unassisted ice freediving distance, covering a distance of nearly 140 meters under the ice of Lago di Anterselva, Italy. For the daring dive, Cafolla reportedly slowed her heart rate to a mere 50 beats per minute. Comments on Cafolla's clip expressed awe at her achievement. Many voiced concern over the daring distance she covered without an air supply. One viewer even likened Cafolla to a "real-life mermaid."
Flipping Through the Air: Most Flips in a Minute
In December 2023, Mexican acrobat Yammel Rodriguez, 27, broke the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive aerial flips in one minute (47) during a performance in Las Vegas, USA.
Rodriguez credits her fascination with acrobatics to attending a music festival where she witnessed a performance at age 17. She began learning techniques from instructional YouTube videos before enrolling at the École de cirque de Québec, a renowned circus school in Canada.
"It makes me feel so proud to represent my country and Latin women abroad," Rodriguez told Guinness World Records. She added that she prepares for each performance by repeating the mantra, "Have fun, connect, and enjoy the moment you're living."
Summary
Women around the world continue to shatter records, proving their strength and perseverance in various fields. From underwater modeling to freediving and acrobatics, these individuals have demonstrated remarkable abilities. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to others and highlight the limitless potential of women.