Two Emiratis break Guinness World Records

Areej Al Hammadi. (Supplied photo)

The Guinness World Records (GWR), the global authority on record breaking achievements, announced that the UAE national football team player Areej Al Hammadi broke the record for most football 'hotstepper' ball control tricks in one minute, completing 86 repetitions.
Walid Yari, another Emirati, smashed the record for most side jump push-ups in one minute, competing 33 flying pushups in a single minute.
The two Emiratis' achievements were announced at the launch of Guinness World Records Day which is encouraging people to take on a new challenge now that Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.
Known as 'The Beast of the Middle East', Walid is a 34-year-old fitness professional and social media content creator. He is taking the region by storm with a growing fan base of more than 650,000 followers on Instagram.
"I encourage people to swap their burgers for burpees and get into shape with unique training routines that resemble something that can be visualised in a film," said Yari.
"I have been training almost all my life, and I was ready the minute I knew about Guinness World Records Day. So, I set up my cameras the next exact day, and filmed the entire scene to smash the previous record title," said Walid.
Areej has paved her way to the top of women football in the Mena region. A creative services professional, she has lived most of her life chasing opportunities in football, forming football teams both in school and during higher studies in the American University in Dubai, and attending many of the women's football championships within the Mena region. She finally made it to the UAE national football team.
"I am incredibly proud to be Guinness World Records title holder and excited to help celebrate the launch of Guinness World Records Day this year. It is proud moment for me, for my country, and for women around the world. Why football? Because it is my passion," said Al Hammadi.