A supermum-of-three has smashed a world record by completing 8,501 burpee jumps in 24 hours.
The astounding feat was achieved by Nicola Leah, who beat the previous record of 8,321 – averaging 360 burpees an hour, or six a minute.
The burpee, a squat thrust with an extra stand between repetitions, is considered one of the toughest exercises around.
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Nicola, a firefighter with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, raised thousands for The Fire Fighters Charity.
She was inspired after seeing the charity’s work earlier this year following the tragic firefighter deaths in Bicester, Oxfordshire, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Ahead of the challenge, Nicola said, “This is about pushing limits.
“I’ve always kept myself fit and strong, partly because my job demands it but mainly because I want to set a good example for my kids.
“I look around and there are people pushing themselves physically all around me, whether it’s marathons, triathlons, IronMan, endurance events or this very challenge itself that was done by the current holder of the most chest to floor burpees in 24 hours.
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“The current record-holder is Ellie Horrocks – her achievement was phenomenal, and I’m proud to follow in her footsteps.
“I’ll be 45 one week after the record attempt, and I’m keen to show that age is just a number if you keep yourself fit and healthy.
“I’m feeling strong and really looking forward to it.
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“I’m training hard and breaking down the task at hand in my mind and attacking it strategically.”
The challenge took place at The Graft Gym, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, on Saturday (16 August).
Alex Byers, Regional Fundraiser at Fire Fighters Charity, said: “We’re so grateful to Nicola for taking on such an incredible challenge in aid of us – and we’ll be cheering her on the whole way.
“It’s inspiring supporters just like Nicola who help us to continue offering our life-changing care and support to our fire services community – those who, every day, go above and beyond to keep us and our communities safe.”
After finishing, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service added, “Nicola has shown extraordinary strength, determination, and heart.”
At the time of writing, a JustGiving page had raised £4,740 from 253 supporters.
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