U.S. Air Force Academy breaks Guinness World Record with synchronized push-ups

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Cadets and personnel at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) officially broke a Guinness World Record Friday after thousands of participants completed synchronized push-ups for one minute.

The academy held the challenge at 11:57 a.m. on Oct. 2, with 3,703 participants completing the exercise.

The effort surpassed the previous record of 3,068 participants, held by the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, according to USAFA.

The record-breaking challenge came less than 24 hours before the Air Force Falcons hosted the Navy Midshipmen in their annual service rivalry game at Falcon Stadium on Saturday, officials say.

"At the Academy, our mission is to develop leaders and warfighters ready to fight, win, and lead in service to our nation," said Brig. Gen. Brandon J. Tellez, Academy commandant of cadets. "This world record attempt is about more than earning a place in the record books. It reflects the discipline, grit, and shared purpose we work to build every day in the Cadet Wing."

Participants were required to complete repeated, full-range push-ups for 60 consecutive seconds while following official Guinness World Record regulations.

Each push-up required participants to lower themselves until their elbows reached a 90-degree bend before locking out at the top of the repetition.

The academy said the event was intended to showcase the discipline and teamwork of the Cadet Wing while taking on a record previously held by its service-academy rival.

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