Words by Smiley Team
A man from Guernsey has broken the world record for distance completed in a 24-hour solo indoor row.
Sponsored by his employer, global firm PraxisIFM, Simon Johns rowed 302.515km, breaking the world record by an astonishing 22km and two hours.
The event took place on 13 and 14 November 2021 and proceeds raised for the challenge are being donated to Simon’s chosen charities; Bright Tights, which is a charity supporting people affected by gynaecological cancers, and the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation (PPBF) – both charities local to his home in Guernsey.
So far, Simon has raised over £16,000.
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For the gruelling challenge, the previous world record for the men’s 40-49 lightweight from 2006 stood at 280.541km. By comparison, Sheffield to central London is 255km.
The previous British record for the men’s 40-49 lightweight stood at 234.039km. This roughly equates to rowing the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race 34 times. Simon covered the distance, 302.515km, the equivalent of Brighton to Paris on foot.
Simon is an accomplished rower – he is one half of the current world record and British record holding team for the 24-hour tandem men’s 30-39 years, lightweight category.
Talking about his world record achievement, he said: “Rowing 24 hours continuously at such a demanding pace is the toughest physical event I’ve ever done, both mentally and physically. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support from PraxisIFM, other corporate support sponsors, the support rowers alongside me, my “pit crew” and the overwhelming community support I received. I can’t thank everyone who has donated to the fundraising page enough.
"I chose to do this in support of Bright Tights and PPBF is because the families of two very close friends, who I took up rowing with back in 2006, have benefitted from the great work these organisations do. I’ve seen first-hand how our local community relies on the work and support that these charities provide.”
Robert Fearis, Chief Executive Officer of PraxisIFM, said: “We are so proud of Simon and his achievement. Rowing 24 hours is no easy feat, and to do so while attempting to break a world record and raise money for charity, is commendable. Our staff at PraxisIFM enjoyed supporting their colleague throughout those 24 hours.
"Charities like the PPBF and Bright Tights rely on the support of residents and the business communities in Guernsey, so we are happy to be backing Simon."
