DonnaJean Wilde: How an injury-forced exercise helped this 61-year-old Canadian grandmother set a stunning 5-hour plank world record

What started as an injury-forced exercise eventually turned into an extraordinary achievement for Canadian grandmother DonnaJean Wilde. At 61, she has taken her passion for planking to another level, breaking her own world record with a remarkable five-hour hold at the World Senior Games. But her journey to becoming a record-breaking athlete wasn't part of some grand fitness plan. It started off with an injury which later forced her to rethink her exercise routine.

Years later, that simple routine has become an inspiring story of determination, patience and extraordinary physical endurance. After tasting success in plank, Wilde went one step ahead as she also made headlines in 2024 after completing an incredible 1,575 push-ups in just one hour, smashing the previous record of 1,207.

HOW A BROKEN WRIST INTRODUCED DONNAJEAN WILDE TO PLANKING

According to Guinness World Records, Wilde's love for planking began around 12 years before her first world record, when she broke her wrist and could no longer run or lift weights while wearing a cast. Rather than abandon exercise, she discovered that planking allowed her to stay active despite the injury.

What began as an alternative workout soon became something she genuinely enjoyed. Wilde even found ways to make the exercise entertaining. She would read books, watch movies and work on her master's degree while holding the plank position.

Over time, the Canadian grandmother turned the exercise into a daily habit, gradually building remarkable endurance. Her dedication eventually paid off in March 2024, when, at 58, she held a plank for four hours, 30 minutes and 11 seconds, breaking the previous women's world record, set by fellow Canadian Dana Glowacka in 2019.

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DONNAJEAN WILDE'S SECRET BEHIND HER DETERMINATION

Wilde's journey has never been entirely comfortable. During her 2024 record attempt, she battled painful elbows, aching muscles and the constant pressure of maintaining the correct position. She later admitted that the final hour was particularly challenging, requiring intense concentration.

Her family played an important role in keeping her motivated. According to Guinness World Records, all 12 of her grandchildren attended the record attempt, alongside supportive students of the high school where she formerly served as vice principal before retiring.



Preparation was equally demanding. Wilde normally planked for up to three hours daily but increased her training to six hours, divided into two sessions, before the event.

The most recent success by Wilde has seen her fitness odyssey at the age of 61 once again in the spotlight. Planking for Wilde was not about breaking records. Rather, it is an activity she loves that changed her life entirely.