World Records: Egyptian swimmer sets two records after losing his leg

Two Guinness World Records for swimming underwater with a single breath were established by an Egyptian guy who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident.

Omar Hegazy, 31, swam 185 feet and 4 inches underwater in a single breath and then used a fin to swim 251 feet and 7.6 inches underwater in a single breath. He was 25 years old when he lost his left leg. He was riding his motorcycle when he hit a pothole and was flung underneath a moving truck, according to him.

Hegazy holds the world records for the greatest distance swam underwater on one breath and the longest distance swam underwater with fins on one breath. Both records were in the LA1 category, which Guinness defines as an accomplishment accomplished by someone who has had a unilateral above-the-knee amputation.

Hegazy told Guinness World Records, “When the doctors made their final recommendation for amputation, I was very calm. I asked for an immediate operation and cosmetic amputation for the remaining limb.”

After the amputation, he said he went through a time of sadness, but in 2021, he began reading about others who had broken Guinness World Records after enduring similar amputations. He expressed the hope that his personal recordings will now inspire others to overcome challenges.

Hegazy said, “My source of motivation in the beginning was that I do not have much left to lose. I only got into swimming because I was a very angry. I found a way to I let out my anger and frustration, but it was also where I felt really free and capable.”

He added, “I hope these Guinness World Records titles inspire others and serve as a reminder that amazing is somewhere near you, you just have to open your eyes wide.”

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A post shared by Guinness World Records Arabia (@gwrarabia)

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