By Siti Solehah
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 November 2021: With a distance of 1.295 kilometers, Asia’s best tower runner Soh Wai Ching has been declared as the new Guinness World Record holder for the Greatest Vertical Height Stair Climbing in One Hour (Male).
Within 48 hours, the 26-year-old Malaysian obtained approval from the adjudicator, Swapnil Dangarikar of India, as promised, followed by official certification from Guinness World Records London Headquarters.
Wai Ching broke the world record held by David Robles Tapia of Spain, who clocked 1.227km in an hour, on Wednesday at the Four Seasons Hotel.
“Setting a world record is the ultimate goal for any athlete, but for Malaysia Towerrunning Association and myself, I hope that through this attempt, we will be able to inspire all of you to do something great, be creative, and think outside the box, despite the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wai Ching, who is also the president of Malaysia Towerrunning Association.
The official virtual certificate presentation is scheduled to take place at the Ministry of Youth and Sports soon, according to a statement issued by Malaysia Towerrunning Association.
In a statement, Malaysia Towerrunning Association vice president Ravinder Singh thanked the Four Seasons KL security team for providing logistical support for the 12 training sessions held over a month.
“Despite the difficult economic conditions, we gratefully acknowledge the main sponsors, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Allianz, KBS, US Potatoes, National Sports Institute (ISN), and Yakult.” TNB and Allianz are given special mention for doubling their sponsorship at the last minute when unexpected expenses arose.
Wai Ching made his way to the 66th floor of the building during the run, then took the elevator to the ground floor before running to the top again and again from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ***
Photo taken from Bernama