Guinness World Records Refuses to Recognize Fauja Singh’s 'Marathon' Feat

Soul_jyot · #1 (**permalink**) 25-Oct-2011, 09:44 AM

Guinness World Records refuses to recognise Fauja Singh’s 'marathon' feat

Ashis Ray, TNN | Oct 25, 2011, 05.22AM IST

LONDON: Guinness World Records has refused to recognise Fauja Singh, the London-based 100-year-old Sikh, as the world's oldest man to have completed a 42km marathon. Singh ran the distance in Toronto, Canada earlier this month, finishing in eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-personalities/37348-guinness-world-records-refuses-recognize-fauja.html

Guinness World Records told TOI: "Although we appreciate the great running achievement of Mr Singh, we simply cannot acknowledge the title for the 'oldest marathon runner' until we have a copy of an original birth certificate."

Singh, who worked as a farmer in Punjab before moving to Britain in 1992, presented his passport as the proof of his age. According to the passport Singh's date of birth is April 1, 1911. Guinness World Records said: "His passport is taken as supporting evidence but the key piece of evidence is the birth certificate. They are very welcome to present this evidence whenever they are ready."

Such evidence may never be available as Singh's trainer, Harmander Singh, explains: "Such documents were not made in India then." A letter from the Indian government stating that no birth records were kept in 1911 was also submitted, as was a statement vouching for Singh's age from a former neighbour in India; but these, too, have failed to impress Guinness World Records.

A message from Queen Elizabeth II congratulating Singh on his 100th birthday-a customary gesture to all centenarians in her country by the British monarch-was shown to the organisation. But this too was deemed to be insufficient compared to Guinness World Records' uncompromising standards.

Singh, who does not speak any English, has over the years claimed a number of world records for his age group, but none of these records have been ratified by Guinness World Records.

Singh received international media coverage, acknowledging his apparently unique feat at Toronto. It was also erroneously reported at the time that Singh already had a place in Guinness World Records for the over-90 marathon category after running the 2003 Toronto marathon in five hours and 40 minutes.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=37348

source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/w...w/10482131.cms

Kanwaljit Singh · #2 (**permalink**) 25-Oct-2011, 09:50 AM

That could be devastating for the old man! Hope he realizes that his achievement will stand on its own, and will continue to inspire millions of people, including people in their 20's who are yet to run a marathon!

harry haller · #3 (**permalink**) 25-Oct-2011, 13:34 PM

I do not think he will find it devastating at all, such trivial recognition is irrelevant compared to the good he has done, the money he has raised, he is a sikh, validated by Guru, not the Guinness book of records

Tejwant Singh · #4 (**permalink**) 25-Oct-2011, 22:25 PM

We should sue Britain where the Guinness Book of Records is from for not keeping birth records in India. Fauja Singh was born under the British reign. Guinness can not have it both ways.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=37348

The loss of common sense by the record keepers has broken its own records.

Ambarsaria · #5 (**permalink**) 26-Oct-2011, 00:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tejwant Singh

We should sue Britain where the Guinness Book of Records is from for not keeping birth records in India. Fauja Singh was born under the British reign. Guinness can not have it both ways.

The loss of common sense by the record keepers has broken its own records.

What is good for Her Majesty the Queen is not good for Guinness. I suppose what is good for Guinness is also not good for Her Majesty the Queen

,

The Queen's Guinness lesson on Ireland visit - YouTube

I love the Queen, wonderful person who knows how to handle mediocrity of Guinness.

Sat Sri Akal.

a.mother · #6 (**permalink**) 26-Oct-2011, 03:27 AM

This is devastating. Even from his half age people don't have proper birth certificate in villages. Whatever you ask Sarpanch of village write the date .What they are talking about? Isn't that enough inspiring for today's youth who are sitting on the couch and playing video games.

a.mother · #7 (**permalink**) 27-Oct-2011, 00:17 AM

I think there is a some kind of bone or blood test to know the real age. But personally I think he doesn't need any recognization from any one.
HE IS A TRUE HERO AND A REAL CERTIFICATE TO ALL OF US AND TODAYS LAZY GENRATION.