World record


A world record is usually the best global and most important performance that is ever recorded and officially verified in a specific skill, sport, or other kind of activity. The book Guinness World Records collates and publishes notable records of many types, from first and best to worst human achievements, to extremes in the natural world and beyond.

Terminology

In the States, the form World's Record was formerly more common. The term The World's Best was also briefly in use. The latter term is still used in athletics events, including track and field and road running to describe good and bad performances that are not recognized as an official world record: either because it is not an event where the IAAF tracks the record, or because it does not fulfill other rigorous criteria of an otherwise qualifying event. The term is also used in video game speedrunning when someone achieves the fastest possible time for the game and category.

Culture

is one country where world record-breaking has become something of a national fad. In India, the setting and breaking of records is also popular.

Sports

Some sports have world records recognised by their respective sports governing bodies: