Guinness World Record holder Matthew Akpan has two Guinness World Records, both of which he achieved while dressed as John Cena; the runner was diagnosed as autistic in 2013 and lost two family members during the pandemic, he is now an inspiration to others
This Guinness World Record holder hopes to inspire other autistic people as he aims to break his own half-marathon record at the Great North Run in September while dressed as John Cena.
Matthew Akpan was diagnosed as autistic in 2013, and has since broken three Guinness World Records, two of which he still holds and are for fastest marathon and half-marathon times while dressed as a wrestler.
The pandemic inspired Akpan to take on the challenge of achieving his own world record after losing two members of his family.
“We were all in COVID times when we all lost people,” Akpan said. “In particular in my situation, I lost my grandma and my dad unfortunately passed away from kidney failure in January 2021.
“So as a tribute to him, and everyone who had lost someone, I wanted to do something to commemorate him and that started by me choosing the Guinness World Record as a professional wrestler.
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“[Running gives me] that sense of openness and relief to be who I am. It makes me feel great and a sort of sense that I can tackle anything.”
Akpan’s story even drew attention from WWE legend John Cena, his wrestler of choice he dresses as for these records, who sent a tweet praising the record holder.