Alastair Galpin

took to world record-breaking in 2004 after being inspired by a record-setting rally driver in Kenya. What began as a hobby soon escalated into an active publicity pursuit. Today, he promotes the work of social and environmental causes. For these purposes, the most fitting game plans are chosen; then world titles are attempted and frequently created.

Recent media

Wall Street Journal:
Shaking On It in Times Square

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Special thanks

Behind every world record attempt is the expertise of professionals in their field.

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Most table tennis balls held underwater: 12

This is the story behind my world record for the Most table tennis balls held underwater.

Does this look easy? If I were asked that, my answer would be based on how big my hands were. Actually, it is more involved than that. The method and thought beforehand is far more relevant. My own hands are definitely not the world's largest – I have proof of that, and yet I was able to succeed at this world record. That's because I spent considerable time thinking about how I would go about it.

I had assembled, together with dozens of others, at a public event in New Zealand. Everyone there had a common aim: to be their best that day and to show it. Yes, it might sound quirky to you, but my way of showing my best side was to hold table tennis balls underwater. It was to be a satisfying challenge, and one I'd be proud to add to my list.

Referees were instructing people, registrations were taking place, other world record holders were being welcomed and the atmosphere was generally one of anticipation. Once I'd completed my formalities, I took my gear to an area on the grass where I could pay full attention to my table tennis balls. With a towel, several packs of table tennis balls, two stopwatches and a bucket full of cool water, I knelt down. Members of the public gathered round. This didn't seem tricky so people weren't looking apprehensive. Neither was I, actually. Quite calmly, with witnesses and timekeepers in place, I began.

I quietly re-read the instructions. They were simple, but all world record rules read simply at first. I had to use one hand to lay all the balls in the other, then submerge the lot without a single ball rising to the surface for a minimum time. I proceeded.

Holding 12 table tennis balls in one hand Using the hand I thought would control all the table tennis balls better, I brought the towel closer while my other hand picked up the first of the white and orange balls. I slowly packed individual balls onto my palm, then on top of one another as the pile grew. I had practised, so I suspected what was about to happen. The stack came tumbling down. Not to worry, I told everyone, because it was simply a matter of repeating the process. I did this perhaps six times. Then, I got it right and submerged my hand. From trying this at home, I knew it was important to thrust my hand into the bucket at a steep angle in a similar fashion to a sea bird diving for prey. But as my fingers struck the water surface, two balls popped up and drifted to the sides of the bucket. I stopped immediately and reached for the towel.

I repeated this until my hand, clasping the highest number of balls I'd managed to hold so far, shot under the water. I twisted my wrist and angled my elbow fast, as was meant to happen... all very technical for my spectators. To me, however, this was what it took to succeed. I'd do it no matter what others thought. The timekeeper was watching intently, because this was the closest I'd come to success and he knew I was excited. On his count, I released the balls and they all came speeding up, splashing drops across my clothing. We counted and double counted the balls before I began the admin process my witnesses knew would be next. I had a good feeling about this attempt, but I also knew I could not claim an official world record until I'd mailed in the evidence and waited for the decision.

Easy, I thought, smiling at the faces peering down at me. Ending this world record attempt was straightforward. I tossed out the water, dried myself, then packed away the coloured balls with the stopwatches and towel. We were done!