A 16-year-old From Michigan, USA, has the largest feet and hands of any living teenager, setting two Guinness World Records. Eric Kilburn Jr measures 6 feet 10 inches and his feet are 13.5 inches while his hands are 9.13 inches – sizes considerably above the average for his age. He wears an American size 23, which is equal to size 22 in the UK. That’s much larger than the average shoe size for an adult male which is between size 8.5 and size 9.
Eric started his records journey very early in his life. He has always been taller than the rest, though he only realised that he was as big as he is now when he was still in Kindergarten. In the fifth grade, he was unable to find any shoes that could be bought off the shelf and required specially constructed orthopaedic shoes which cost over $1,500 (Rs 1.25 lakh) each.
This led him to suggest his mother apply for the Guinness Book of Records, thinking that getting therein would attract the attention of those companies that would be ready to make shoes for him.
Eric’s story went viral, particularly throughout the internet, and even more so when last year NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal gifted him his custom sneakers. After such support, prominent brands like Puma and Under Armour came forward to offer him properly fitting shoes.
“I love to inspire people to be them and be who you are," the 16-year-old said. In a Guinness World Records video, Eric added that he would not hide behind anything. The teenager informed the organisation that, though he is mostly just a “regular Eric" to his friends with whom he frequently plays sports, featuring in “Guinness World Records book still feels surreal."
In this final account of his record-breaking, Eric stated that one of the greatest parts of the record he set was the relationship he had with the great shoe companies and everyone who came to assist him with shoes.
In addition, he wants to become engaged in The Big Shoe Network, a nonprofit that his mother started with the goal of assisting people who have trouble finding shoes and clothing in their size. “I want to help people the same way I was helped when I needed it," Eric explained to GWR.
Comments
0 comment