Mormon World Records

An article in today’s Deseret News led me to the Mormon World Records website. The article came about because of an earlier article that apparently wasn’t researched enough: just which ward has the most twins? Who knew such things could be so controversial or competitive?

Paul Skousen, the keeper of the website and writer of the book The Skousen Book of Mormon World Records is quoted in the article: “There’s a lot of enthusiasm,” he said. “People enjoy associating with others of like mind, and they like to hear the success stories of other members of the church. It’s not just about being pious and reverent on Sunday; people really do lead rich, full and interesting lives.”

I would have said, “My goodness, what a hyper-competitive, prideful bunch.” His way is much more kind and optimistic. However, I’m all for self-improvement and challenging oneself, and this seems like just the ticket for a ward or youth activity. It looks like you have to buy the book to find out most of the records, and I’m afraid I don’t plan on buying it, but there are a few records on his website. For example:

(2001 World Record) In October 2000, Richard Jones, a high priest in Sandy, Utah, pushed off from the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa and rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. His 133 day trip had some close calls with a freighter at night and the U.S. Navy, but otherwise he arrived safely at the Bahamas in February 2001. The trip was record breaking. He became the oldest person ever to row an ocean. He was the first American to row the Atlantic. And, he was the first person ever to row an ocean towards his native country. The total distance rowed by Brother Jones was 4,576 miles.

I have to admit, that is pretty impressive. So what would you like to do? Be the Mormon with the heaviest squash? Be the Mormon human cannonball shot the farthest? Be the Mormon with the longest toenails? So many ways to excel, so little time…

(By the way, it appears that the Overlake 1st Ward in Tooele, Utah, which has 13 sets of twins, all 18 or younger, is the new record-holder.)