Fiji's long-standing Guinness World Record in coconut tree climbing remains intact after a Cook Islands athlete equalled the record time at a traditional sports festival in Tahiti.
22-year-old Yaliloa Papitai climbed an eight-metre coconut tree in 4.88 seconds at the prestigious Heiva Tu'aro Ma'ohi traditional sports festival, setting a new competition record.
According to Guinness World Records, Fiji's Fuatai Solo still holds the world record for the fastest barefoot climb of a taller nine-metre coconut tree, also in 4.88 seconds, set during the annual Sukuna Park competition in 1980.
After being declared the winner for the third time running, Solo climbed the tree again, clutching the prize money of £43 in his mouth.
After being declared the winner for the third time running, Solo climbed the tree again, clutching the prize money of £43 in his mouth.
At this speed he would scale the Empire State Building in just over 4 minutes.
While Papitai matched Solo's time, the Cook Islands athlete achieved the feat on a shorter tree, meaning Fiji's world record remains unbeaten after 46 years.
Source: RNZ via Cook Islands News
Source: RNZ via Cook Islands News
