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Bilateral Amputee American Travels 245 Km in Wheelchair in 24 Hours, Breaks Previous Record and Achieves Record Recognized by Guinness World Records.
A bilateral amputee and military veteran from America set a new world record by traveling over 245 kilometers in a wheelchair in just 24 hours, according to official confirmation from Guinness World Records.
The feat was achieved on November 10, at Morgan’s Wonderland Sports Complex in San Antonio, Texas, and certified on January 22, placing the athlete at the top of one of the most demanding records in the category.
Michael “Mike” Egan, a former member of the United States Marine Corps, completed 720 laps on the circuit in a single day, facing cold temperatures and extreme physical wear.
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The achievement surpassed the previous record held by Paralympic athlete Mário Trindade, who covered 182.4 km in Portugal.
Wheelchair Record Surpasses Previous Record Recognized by Guinness
The record achieved by the American draws attention not only for the distance but also for the context.
Throughout the 24 hours, Mike remained in motion for over 21 hours, taking only quick breaks for rest and energy replenishment.
Even so, he maintained a steady pace until completing 245.2 km, equivalent to 152.37 miles. Guinness World Records highlighted the consistency and physical endurance required for the achievement.
After all, covering this distance in a wheelchair requires arm strength, cardiovascular fitness, and continuous mental focus.
Who Is the American Who Transformed Overcoming into a World Record?
Mike Egan lost both of his legs in 2012 during a military mission in Afghanistan. After more than 40 surgeries, he was medically retired in 2014.
However, instead of abandoning physical challenges, he found new motivation in training. Over time, the American began to see sports as a way to inspire others.
In 2023, after years of intense preparation, he decided he was ready to pursue the wheelchair record, combining discipline, resilience, and personal purpose.
Wheelchair Record Becomes a Message of Motivation and Inspiration
After crossing the finish line, Mike was greeted by family, friends, and supporters who followed the entire attempt.
Exhausted, he made a point to publicly thank his wife, his coach, and his gym buddies, who were essential to his achievement.
In a statement released by Guinness, the athlete left a clear message: more important than the outcome is the process.
According to him, failures along the way teach more than successes and help to build a better version of oneself.
Thus, the American’s record in a wheelchair goes beyond the numbers. It transforms into a symbol of overcoming, discipline, and hope for people with and without disabilities around the world.
With information from Revista Galileu.
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