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Thursday, March 28, 2024
NEWS  |  CAMPUS

UF student attempts to break world record of most hugs given in a minute

Hugs
Hugs

UF sophomore Charlie Le Grand may have broken a Guinness world record Friday.

On the Plaza of the Americas, the 19-year-old attempted to break the world record of the most hugs given by an individual in one minute. He got help from about 50 of his friends and others who were nearby, to break the current record of 79 hugs in a minute. After a failed first attempt, Le Grand went for a second try.

Before his first try, Le Grand directed people to stand in two angled lines on either side of him and pay close attention to the people in front of them so he wouldn’t lose time. Once the timer started, they had to move up the line to meet him and briefly accept his hug before running back to the end of their line.

Chloe Denney, 19, hugged Le Grand on his first attempt. The UF political science freshman said she was confident he had given more than 79 hugs, the record set by the previous title-holder.

“I think he made it,” she said. “It was sweaty and quick.”

After replaying the video, taken by his friend Arnold Baburam, and counting the number of hugs he had given, Le Grand realized he only gave 74 hugs, six fewer than he needed to break the world record. He had to rethink his strategy.

“I’m going to shift into maximum overdrive,” Le Grand said.

He reorganized the lines so they were straighter and began again.

On his second try, Le Grand reached 100 hugs in 60 seconds and took a victory lap at the end. He then called for a group hug and raised his fist in the air in celebration.

“This was great, and I hope I made your day!” he yelled.

In order to be the official world record holder, Le Grand will have to send the video footage to Guinness World Records to determine if all of his hugs will count. The process will take 12 weeks due to the volume of entries Guinness receives, he said.

“Honestly, if I’m remembered for nothing else at this school, I’m happy with that,” Le Grand said.

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