World record facts for kids

Usain Bolt setting a 100 m world record in Berlin in 2009.

A world record is the very best performance ever achieved and officially confirmed in a certain skill, sport, or other activity. It means someone has done something better than anyone else in the world, ever!

Many organizations keep track of these amazing achievements. The most famous one is probably the book Guinness World Records. This book collects and publishes all sorts of incredible records, from the fastest runners to the tallest buildings. Another group, the World Records Union, also registers unique world records.

What is a World Record?

A world record is a top performance that has been officially checked and approved. It's not just someone saying they did something great; there are strict rules to make sure it's true and fair.

Understanding "World's Best"

Sometimes you might hear terms like "World's Record" or "The World's Best." In the past, "World's Record" was a common way to say "world record" in places like the United States.

The term "The World's Best" is still used in some athletics events, like track and field. It describes a great performance that isn't quite an official world record. This might happen if the event isn't one where the IAAF (the main group for athletics) tracks records, like a 150-meter race. It could also be because the event didn't meet all the strict rules, such as a race course being too downhill.

"The World's Best" is also used in video game speedrunning. This is when players try to finish a game or a part of it as fast as possible. The fastest time achieved in a game category is called "The World's Best."

World Records in Sports

Many sports have their own world records. These records are recognized by the official groups that manage each sport. Here are some examples of sports where world records are kept:

See also

In Spanish: Récord mundial para niños

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