Snapshot: Montgomery Resident Sets World Record

Last week, the received word from London, England that Colin Sullivan’s attempt to set a Guinness World Record at this year’s PrairieFest has been authenticated. 

Sullivan, 22 of Montgomery, balanced an 8 foot ladder on his chin for 2 minutes and 31 seconds on Saturday, June 16 in the East View Gym.  Hundreds of fans were on hand to watch the record, but documentation needed to be sent oversees and researched before the attempt was an official record. 

As the community festival in June, PrairieFest served as a celebration.  Those in the Oswegoland area came together to enjoy summer days with friends, family and neighbors.  Local flavor is always the cornerstone of the event; our local rocket club kicked off the event, Oswego High School’s Cash Inn took the main stage, and our youth sports teams marched in the parade alongside Oswego school bands.  The record attempt was another chance to cheer on one of our own. 

In the Spring, Colin began training for the attempt while studying at Northern Illinois University.  He continued after coming home and working with Oswegoland Park District youth programs.  East View Elementary School gym filled at 5 p.m. on the Saturday night of PrairieFest for this unique entertainment.   Oswego’s Home Depot donated the 8 foot ladder.  Everyone enjoyed the show and the crowd left confident they might have seen a record set. 

While Colin keeps crowds gleefully mesmerized at pep rallies and halftime events, this was his first attempt at a Guinness World Record.  Affidavits, videotape, and photographs of the attempt were compiled along with signed schedules and completed forms.  After 8 weeks of investigation, a letter came from across the pond on Thursday, August 24.  The people at Guinness agreed with what everyone in town already knew.  Colin Sullivan is officially amazing.

Special thanks to the Oswegoland Park District for providing the release and photo.