World’s extremes come to London for Guinness Book of Records launch

Zeus, from Michigan, USA, measures more than 7ft tall on his hind legs

Thursday, September 13, 2012
7:00 AM

Speedy sheep, giant dogs and a tiny bull are all celebrated in the 2013 edition of the Guinness Book of Records, released today.

86 year-old Johanna Quaas from Germany is named the oldest gymnast

The book includes the story of Lamborghini, a sheep from Gloucester under the title “most races won by a sheep,” and the tallest dog ever, Zeus, measuring 7ft 4ins when he stands on his hind legs.

Those behind some of the more remarkable records in the new edition were in London yesterday to mark the launch, including the smallest woman, Jyoti Amge from India, standing only 2ft 0.7ins high.

Also in town was the man with the largest biceps. Egyptian-born Mostafa Ismail’s biceps and triceps measure 64.77cm or 25.5in in circumference.

Strength of a different kind was shown by an octegenarian gymnast who performed on parallel bars.

Egyptian born Mostafa Ismail, recognised for having the Largest Guns (biceps and triceps) measuring 64.77 cm (25.5 in)

Johanna Quaas, 86, from Germany was named the oldest gymnast.

Remarkably the retired PE teacher only began to train at gymnastics in her 50s, taking part in her first competition at the age of 56.

Mrs Qaas said: “It is a great feeling to be included and I hope the record inspires others to realise it’s never too late.”

Guinness World Records, the global authority on record breaking achievements, first published the book in 1955 and has sold more than 120 million copies to date in over 100 countries.