John Curley wants in the Guinness Book of World Records

Many proud new record holders are likely reveling at their names printed in the latest edition of “Guinness World Records 2013,” released earlier this week. One KIRO host says such an honor has been a lifelong quest.

“I used to flip through it all the time and say one day my name will be in here,” says KIRO host John Curley.

When the nuns would bring the weekly book cart around at school, Curley says he wouldn’t hesitate.

“The only book that I liked, because it was mostly pictures, was the Guinness Book of World Records.”

He’d get some flack from the other kids, “Why don’t you let somebody else read that?” But he says he was crazy for those long fingernail photos and wasn’t willing to share. The book inspired something in him.

When he was a senior in high school, he decided to make his first attempt to make it among the legendary record holders. He set out to break the record of 36,243 jumping jacks. After multiple attempts, he couldn’t beat that count. But he didn’t give up.

His next effort was an attempt to hold the longest saxophone note on record. He did his darndest, employing circular breathing techniques, but again fell short.

Failing as a solo record-breaker, Curley’s next attempt involved other participants. He joined up with a number of other water skiers trying to beat the record for the most skiers behind one boat for one nautical mile.

“We failed miserably,” Curley says.

His last Guinness attempt was in 2000, but he says he’s in no way given up.

“I’m still trying to do it,” says Curley. “I will still try to get in before I die.”

Guinness says there are around 65,000 record claims filed each year. They say attempts are not considered if they are too dangerous, too specific to a particular individual, or if they are unbreakable. What record should Curley go after next?

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor