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World champion freediver Tom Sietas endured a nail-biting 17 minutes and 19 seconds underwater on "Live with Regis and Kelly" to set a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Time Breath Held Voluntarily. The German national beat David Blaine's previous record of 17 minutes 4 seconds that was set on The Oprah Winfrey Show in April. By breaking the record, Sietas reclaimed his title as Guinness World Record holder and his position at the top of competitive freediving. The record was part of an international week-long celebration commemorating the launch of the new Guinness World Records book.Sietas' attempt brought an end to an amazing week of record-breaking on "Live with Regis and Kelly," which included Canadian strongman Kevin Fast setting the record for the Heaviest Vehicle Pulled Over 100 feet with 126,200 lbs, Andrew Dahl blowing away the record for the Most Balloons Inflated By Nose In One Hour with 308 and a presentation to Regis Philbin for the Most Hours on Camera with 16,100 hours. In an inspirational attempt at a record, ultra marathoner and best-selling author, Dean Karnazes, ran for a mind-blowing 211 miles on a treadmill in a 48 hour period falling less than 30 miles short of the current mark of 240.11.
"Working with Guinness World Records I'm used to seeing amazing feats on a regular basis," said Stuart Claxton of Guinness World Records. "But this week, with its non-stop world-class record breaking, from Kevin Fast pulling two semi trucks through the streets of Manhattan to Tom Sietas holding his breath for over a quarter of an hour, these events set a new standard of excellence for Guinness World Records!"
Other records announced with the launch of Guinness World Records 2009 edition, included the crowning of super couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as the World's Most Powerful Actor and Actress, respectively and Britney Spears' title as the Most Searched Person on the Internet. A new World's Shortest Living Man was also revealed. He Pingping, 20, stands at an unbelievable 2 feet 5.37 inches. Pingping traveled to both London and New York to promote the new book.
