Dareen Babar Breaks World Record for Longest Static Wall Sit
Samson’s chair, also known as a static wall sit, is known for being a challenging, thigh-burning exercise. While some may struggle to maintain the position for 30 seconds, Dareen Barbar (Lebanon), who lives in Dubai; managed to stay in the position for a record-breaking 2 minutes 8.24 seconds. With this impressive feat, the fitness and lifestyle coach broke the record for the longest Samson’s chair/static wall sit (female). Dareen has an above-knee left leg amputation (LA1), and her record was attempted in conjunction with the launch of the Guinness World Records Impairment Records Initiative, which includes classification categories for those with physical; intellectual, and visual impairments.
Dareen Babar Tells about Her life:
“I lost my leg at the age of 15 to bone cancer. I had another accident in 2013 [I] broke my left hip where my amputation is and had to have two screws in the hip;” Dareen explained. However, Dareen’s accident led her to discover her passion for sports and fitness after she started going to the gym to aid her recovery. “I started going to the gym after my broken hip accident in 2013. It [her passion] grew each day with discovering my abilities and how far I can go in exercising and overcoming challenges.” Collage images of Darine Barbar
Inspired by Terry Fox:
Dareen was inspired by Terry Fox; a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist who also had one amputated leg. “His story inspired me to start a public profile on all social media networks; share my life and fitness journey with people to raise awareness towards inclusivity of the disabled in all aspects of life especially sports. And how people who have disabilities can be productive and successful regardless of obstacles;” The date of Dareen’s static wall sits attempt; the 4th of June; was particularly significant to her.
“Breaking the record on 4th of June means a lot to me because in this month in 1993 I lost my leg and here I am in the same month 28 years later breaking a Guinness World Records title.”
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) June 8, 2021
“Breaking the record on 4th of June means a lot to me because in this month in 1993. I lost my leg and here I am in the same month 28 years later breaking a Guinness World Records title. Dareen, who is married with two children; plans to continue encouraging people to go beyond their limits and work hard to achieve personal and physical goals. “Achieving something is always rewarding. Go for it; plan, train, and aim.”
