This girl can and did
A London woman's quest to smash a men’s endurance world record
How often are two world record times beaten in the same hour by the same person?
On a chilly and windy late September 2020 afternoon, 35-year-old Rhian Cowburn picked up a 10-kilogram rope and set out on a mission to do just that.
“I’m not playing it safe.
"I’m gunning for the men’s time!" she said bullishly.
Whipping the rope non-stop, her aim was to not only set the women's world standard but also surpass the men’s world record time - 59 minutes 28 seconds - for performing ‘alternate waves’ with battle ropes.
An exercise normally performed in fitness classes in stints of c.30-45 seconds.
A tense wait resulted to learn if her attempt qualified as a new world best.
This is her story.
"There's no good reason why I can't"
The initial goal would be 22 minutes to set a verified women’s record, then - in the same stint - target 60 minutes to surpass the men's record time.
Working to an average of 62-64 repetitions per arm per minute, Ms Cowburn could total over 7,500 continual whips of the rope if she met her target of an entire hour.
It would be all for nothing if a whip fell below shoulder height during that time - a Guinness World Records rule.
She could not afford a mistake.
She said: “I really, really want to beat the men’s record.
"There’s no good reason why I can’t."
A quirk of the record attempt being if she surpassed the men's record held by Ambrish Parmar, he would remain as the men's record holder.
Ms Cowburn would, officially, solely have the honour of being the women's world record holder, but she was undeterred.
"I just feel really strongly that it’s something that men and women can be equal in - I want to prove that,” she said.
In a year when the Strong + Bendy fitness studio she co-founded with her identical twin sister - Faye Bell - was hurt so badly by lockdown and social distancing, her optimism was infectious.
The thought of Faye being there for the attempt on the day motivated her.
"You feel like you’re doing it for the both of you!” she explained.
Identical: Hackney based Strong + Bendy co-founders Faye (back) and Rhian (front) are originally from County Durham. Photo credit: Strong + Bendy
Identical: Hackney based Strong + Bendy co-founders Faye (back) and Rhian (front) are originally from County Durham. Photo credit: Strong + Bendy
It was the stress caused by lockdown which led to her taking up the challenge and training consistently for six months.
"It wouldn't be something awesome to achieve if it came that easily": Rhian Cowburn discusses her training and preparation
"It wouldn't be something awesome to achieve if it came that easily": Rhian Cowburn discusses her training and preparation
Just a short walk from the iconic Olympic stadium where records tumbled during the 2012 Olympic Games, on 25 September the mural-adorned exercise garden of their studio was home to the world record attempt.
Ms Cowburn explained that the murals are of Strong + Bendy's members.
She said: "It’s a celebration of our members – a peaceful protest against something that’s become so normal in the fitness industry where people are body-shamed and told they need to transform.
"It's to anyone pursuing fitness and saying, ‘you’re absolutely fine the way that you are’."
Ready for action: Rhian Cowburn in training
Ready for action: Rhian Cowburn in training
"I'm ready!"
In any other year, Strong + Bendy would be a lot busier with members attending classes on Friday 25 September - the day of the world record attempt.
Ms Cowburn outlined the plight of her business in the pandemic.
"We used to be able to fit 20-22 people in an indoor class and 17-18 people in an outdoor class – now that’s down to 6-8 people," she said.
The reality of the situation became all the more real when twin sister Faye was unable to attend in person due to an enforced self-isolation - instead cheering on remotely through a live Zoom feed.
Going live: Supporters tune in to watch the action from the Strong + Bendy garden. Photo credit: Helen Trickey
Going live: Supporters tune in to watch the action from the Strong + Bendy garden. Photo credit: Helen Trickey
She remained positive however, despite chilly conditions and predicted 40 miles per hour gusts of wind.
She said: "I could do without the wind, but I just have to get on with it.
"I'm ready!"
"I can't wait!": Rhian Cowburn expresses her excitement on the day of the her world record attempt
"I can't wait!": Rhian Cowburn expresses her excitement on the day of the her world record attempt
Let's get ready to rumble: Socially distanced adjudicators observe the start. Photo credit: Helen Trickey
Let's get ready to rumble: Socially distanced adjudicators observe the start. Photo credit: Helen Trickey
In for the long haul: Rhian Cowburn sets out on reaching two world record times in one stint on the battle ropes
Smiles better: A beaming smile appears as she storms past the 22-minute mark for a new women's world standard
Willpower: She digs deep as the men's time nears
Grand slam: The 10-kilogram rope is slammed to the floor on the hour. 32 seconds longer than the men's world record time
Celebrations: A run to the camera to celebrate with those watching from home - including her twin sister Faye and 3-year-old niece Vayda
"It was a very long hour"
Ms Cowburn relaxed after the feat - presented with a comedy crown and a medal by a friend.
She dug into a well-earned beer and pizza.
Strong + Bendy yoga instructor Grace Smith and Ms Cowburn's father Les Cowburn (pictured) were part of a select group of spectators during the record attempt.
Ms Smith said: “I can’t possibly physically imagine what an endurance that was.
“The experience of being here - it was so exciting watching the strength and commitment on her face.
Mr Cowburn said: “It was a very long hour!”
He spoke of the pride and admiration he felt on his daughter’s effort.
He added: “It was incredible – the absolute determination that she had.
“I’m very proud.”
His daughter was in a reflective mood.
"It wasn't just for me"
Ms Cowburn said: "It hasn't been the best year, it wasn't just for me.
"It felt important to do something.
"The hardest part was the first ten minutes.
"It felt like a total win or lose situation - completely mind over matter.
"I went through phases of thinking no-one was around to being completely tuned in."
All that was left was the all-important verification from Guinness World Records...
After ten painstaking days, the waiting game was over.
Rhian Cowburn received an email from Guinness World Records which certified that her time of exactly sixty minutes - was a new world record, and therefore a new world's best time.
This girl can. And did.
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