Silehm Boussehaba started as a breakdancer in his home country of France. After an injury ended his breakdancing career, he moved on to swimming and then doing planks, where he has excelled.
Today, Boussehaba holds two Guinness World Records–for the longest plank with a 200-pound pack (a record he’ll try to break on Saturday) and the longest plank with a 100-pound pack. I had the chance to sit down with the record-holder recently and explore a variety of topics.
McElwain: How does it feel to have two World Records in your name?
Photo courtesy Le Bien Public
Boussehaba: Those records are absolutely nothing special in themselves. They are the culmination of dedication and hard work towards a specific goal. It gives you a feeling of satisfaction for a few moments, but I just want to go back right after that.
McElwain: What is your advice for anyone trying to make it in the sports world?
Boussehaba: To move forward at your own pace, be aligned with yourself and your goals, and do not compare yourself to others.
McElwain: Who are your favorite athletes and why?
Boussehaba: I like many athletes. If I had to name one, I would say Muhammad Ali because of his journey. He started from the bottom to reach a legendary level. Beyond his performance in sports, he was someone with strong convictions and intelligence. He understood that you had to believe to see it, not the other way around.
McElwain: Describe planking in one word.
Boussehaba: “Art.” (L’art of the plank.)
McElwain: You have quite a sports background. Tell me more.
Courtesy Facebook
Boussehaba: I started breakdancing relatively young, starting about 15 years ago. Later, I started running, swimming, and cycling to find discomfort in the effort, especially in long efforts. I generally enjoy all kinds of sports because I like the feeling of progress that it provides.
McElwain: I understand that you will be attempting to break another record this weekend. Can you tell our readers more about that?
Boussehaba: Yes, I am considering breaking one of my records–the one for the plank with a 200 lb pack. It’s a record I would like to improve, first, to prove that you can always do better–even at a very high level–and secondly because I collapsed under the effort on the day of my old record. I think I can go for more.
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in thirty years?
Boussehaba: In full health, with my family, and with my goals in mind … I will help people to achieve more and more ambitious goals. Well-being will always be a reference point! I also have as a priority helping my family achieve maximum happiness.
