9-Year-Old Breaks World Plank Record After 61 Minutes

Most kids struggle to hold a plank for a minute, but nine-year-old Jack Sims just crushed the world record by holding one for 61 minutes and 5 seconds.

The Kennewick student beat the previous record by more than 11 minutes on June 16. His achievement will be published in the Kid's World Record Book 2027, complete with a medal and certificate.

Jack's journey started in P.E. class during a planking contest. He won after holding the position for six minutes, which sparked an idea: Why not aim for a world record?

For the next six months, Jack trained on his own without any coaching from his parents. He made massive jumps in his abilities, going from 11 minutes to 25 minutes in just days.

"The first time he said he wanted to break the record, I told him, 'Well, you have to beat me first,'" said his dad, Marc Sims. "I lasted two minutes, and he very easily beat me."

On record day, Jack's two younger brothers cheered him on, though they eventually got bored during the hour-long challenge. Jack stayed focused by listening to a playlist his mom helped create called "Jack's planking pump-up jams."

He kept a Powerade nearby for hydration but avoided snacks. When he tried watching a show once during training, his form started to slip, so he stuck with music only.

Why This Inspires

Jack's story shows what happens when kids discover their own motivation. His dad never had to push or encourage him because the drive came from within.

His competitive spirit even inspired his friends. One reached 30 minutes, which pushed Jack to double that goal.

Now that Jack turns 10 in December, he's already eyeing his next challenge: breaking the planking record for kids ages 10 to 12, currently set at 76 minutes and 8 seconds.

"Seeing your kid pursue something without you having to really guide them into it is very satisfying," Marc said. Jack's determination proves that big goals are within reach when you take them one minute at a time.