New Stilt Walking Guinness World Record display is unveiled at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre

Photo of the new Stilt Walking Display with dignitaries and Doug Hunt

BRANTFORD, ON – Representatives from the City of Brantford and famous stilt walker Doug “The Great” Hunt and representatives from his 2023 Stilt Walking Support Team unveiled a new Stilt Walking Guinness World Record display this morning at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre at 254 North Park Street.

Visitors are invited to visit the new display that showcases the successful attempt in setting a new Guinness World Record for Tallest Stilts ever mastered. Doug took 14 unassisted steps on stilts measuring 55 feet in height at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre’s 10^th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

The stilts now on display, are made of carbon fibre and weigh 140 pounds combined. On the event day, two cranes were positioned side by side and extended approximately 60 feet into the air, connected by two safety cables. A third crane, equipped with an aerial lift was placed between them to serve as a safety platform and provide support for assisting personnel. Six people helped to move the stilts in place so that Doug could step into the boots from the platform before beginning his attempt.

The new display also features the Brantford Bulldogs jersey that Doug wore during his attempt, the Guinness World Record certificate he received for Tallest Stilts ever mastered in 2023, and his successful attempt for Tallest and Heaviest Stilts ever mastered in 2002 at the Brantford Tourism Centre that was previously located next to Lynden Park Mall.

Watch the video of Doug Hunt’s incredible achievement and learn more by visiting www.waynegretzkysportscentre.ca/StiltWalking.

Quotes

“Our team had two goals in mind when we planned to attempt to break the World Record. One was to break the Guinness World Record, which we did, but more importantly, to help those who are unable to walk for themselves. Our main goal was to raise money for Brantford’s Participation Support Services who help provide support to adults with physical disabilities. I’m pleased to share that we raised $28,000 for Participation Support Services.”

- Doug “The Great” Hunt

“The City of Brantford is proud to commemorate Doug’s accomplishment at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. We are grateful for the dedication and passion displayed by Doug and the Stilt Walking Team, whose efforts have helped raise funds to support those in need. This achievement truly demonstrates the power of community when we come together with a shared purpose.”

- City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis

Photo caption (Left to right – top to bottom): Mayor Kevin Davis, Councillor Greg Martin, Councillor Mandy Samwell, Councillor Rose Sicoli, Councillor Dan McCreary, Councillor John Sless and Doug Hunt.)

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Media Contacts:

Sharon Sayles | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-757-2840 | ssayles@brantford.ca