A 58-Year-Old Woman Just Broke the Record for the Longest Plank and Left Everyone in Awe

Breaking records often remind us of youthful athletes in their prime. But sometimes, the most remarkable achievements come from unexpected sources. Meet DonnaJean Wilde, a 58-year-old mother of 5 and grandmother of 12, who conquered the world record for the longest plank, proving that age is truly just a number.

When her passion started.

On March 27, 2024, DonnaJean set the new standard for female planking endurance, holding the position for an astounding 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 11 seconds. This remarkable feat didn’t come overnight, but through years of dedication and perseverance.

DonnaJean’s journey into planking began over a decade ago under circumstances that would stop many. Following a wrist injury that left her unable to engage in traditional forms of exercise, she discovered the benefits of planking. What started as a means of rehabilitation soon became a passion, with DonnaJean incorporating the exercise into her daily routine. “I realized that I could read and do things when I was planking and fell in love with it,” she said.

Preparing for her record-breaking attempt was no small task. DonnaJean dedicated herself to rigorous training, holding planks for 5 to 6 hours each day, split into manageable 2 to 3-hour blocks. Her routine was not just about physical endurance, but also mental courage.

How she did it.

The stage for DonnaJean’s record-breaking feat was set at the very institution where she once served as vice principal before retiring — her local high school. With the eyes of the world watching, Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator Tina Shi meticulously observed DonnaJean’s form, ensuring every second of her plank met the rigorous criteria set forth by the record-keeping organization.

Surrounded by her loved ones during the monumental event, DonnaJean remained focused, channeling her energy into maintaining her form and composure. As the hours passed, she leaned on her inner strength, emphasizing the importance of breathing and staying calm, particularly during the challenging final hour.

It wasn’t an easy task.

For DonnaJean, the journey to breaking the record was not without its challenges. Enduring physical discomfort, she battled through the pain, particularly in her elbows and quads. As the hours wore on, maintaining focus and form became increasingly demanding. Yet, fueled by determination and drawing inspiration from her 12 grandchildren and a supportive crowd of school students, DonnaJean pressed on.

Her resilience in the face of adversity is nothing new. DonnaJean, who copes with chronic pain in her hands and arms, has learned to persevere through life’s obstacles. In fact, her husband Randy believes that her condition has actually aided her in achieving such remarkable feats. “That chronic pain and numbness that she deals with every day has helped her to be able to plank through the pain,” he remarked.

She was proud of her achievement.

Reflecting on her historic achievement, DonnaJean describes the moment as “overwhelming” and almost surreal. After years of dedication and perseverance, she finds it hard to believe that she’s made history. Yet, her advice to aspiring record-breakers is simple: “Keep trying and keep practicing.” With consistency and determination, anything is possible.

As DonnaJean relaxes in the glory of her accomplishments, she serves as an inspiration to people of all ages, proving that with grit and determination, there are no limits to what can be achieved. Her record-breaking plank not only adds more honor to her name but also reaffirms the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and defy expectations.

While DonnaJean holds the record for females, Josef Šálek currently holds the men’s plank world record at 9 hours, 38 minutes, and 47 seconds. With each record broken, the boundaries of human potential are pushed ever further, proving the only limits that exist are the ones we impose upon ourselves.