58-year-old Donna Jean Wilde, a grandmother and retired educator from Alberta, has set a new world record by holding the longest plank for 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 11 seconds. This incredible feat took place at her former workplace, Magrath High School, in Alberta, Canada. Wilde broke the previous record for the longest time in an abdominal plank position (female), which was held by fellow Canadian Dana Glowacka since 2019.
Donna Jean Wilde previously taught at Magrath Elementary and Magrath High School and served as a Vice Principal before retiring. Her journey into planking began about 12 years ago following a minor accident that resulted in a wrist fracture and forced her to wear a cast. Unable to run or engage in weight training, Wilde discovered she could still perform planks. She dedicated herself to improving her planking time, quickly realizing her talent. Since then, planking has become a regular part of her daily exercise routine, and she planks for about 2-3 hours every day.
On the day of her record-breaking attempt, Wilde was supported by her family, including her children and their spouses, along with her twelve grandchildren, who range in age from 1 to 12. Donna Jean’s husband, Randy, was the main organizer and supporter of this attempt, keeping the supporters engaged and spirits high.
As per Ray Wilde, Donna Jean’s son said that growing up, whenever the kids woke up, Donna Jean had already run four miles. She has always been highly active, and that just progressed through the years.
As the accident restricted Wilde’s ability to work out, run, and play sports, she developed an interest in planking as that was the only thing she could do with a cast on, turning adversity into a new opportunity which has gotten her name registered in the Guinness World Records. Donna Jean has spent her planking time watching movies and she even did her entire master’s degree planking.
Wilde has been preparing for an event by doing planks for 5 to 6 hours everyday, usually for 2 to 3 hours at a time. With constant practice, Donna Jean gradually improved her stamina and endurance. Her dedication and perseverance paid off as she broke the previous record with an extraordinary plank duration. Reflecting on the challenge, Donna Jean admitted, “The last hour was the most challenging, just to stay focused and keep my form. I actually still can’t believe it. It feels like a dream.”
Source: Guinness World Records
