Oregon Guardsman Sets New Push-Up World Record
An extraordinary display of stamina and strength was witnessed on September 20th in West Salem, Oregon, where a National Guardsman demonstrated his prowess by setting a new benchmark in push-up performance. Major Tommy Vu, a 38-year-old physician assistant with the Oregon Army National Guard, recorded an impressive 1,721 chest-to-ground push-ups within one hour at Coast Strength gym.
Reflecting on his achievement, Vu shared, “My goal was around 1,600, but I like to give myself a bit of headspace.” The event saw Vu surpass his own expectations and maintain a rigorous pace, completing one push-up every 2.1 seconds, aided by the support of his family and fellow National Guard members. The crowd’s energy played a crucial role in Vu’s performance, as he remarked, “The second half, I feed off of the energy in the crowd and then all the cheering and motivation.”
The new record is currently awaiting confirmation from Guinness World Records. Previously, the record stood at 1,530 push-ups, set by Alexander Capogna in early 2025. Capogna’s record had overtaken an earlier one set by Vu himself, showcasing a rivalry of sorts in the world of extreme fitness.
Vu’s journey to setting this record has not been without challenges. He previously suffered from rhabdomyolysis during a burpee pull-up attempt and faced other health setbacks. Despite these hurdles, Vu’s determination remains unwavering. “Turns out, I’ve got a really strong will,” he said.
In addition to his personal goals, Vu dedicated his push-up attempt to a late family pet, Leonardo Bearstein Luu, and pledged to donate $1 for every push-up completed, totaling $1,721, to the Oregon Humane Society.
Vu’s previous accomplishments include setting a world record for 1,027 ground-to-chest burpees, though that record was later broken by another athlete. Vu is optimistic about regaining the burpee record, citing his enhanced arm strength from push-up training as a key advantage. “Now with this training, my arms are going to be so much stronger, so I’m hoping to reclaim that record,” Vu stated.
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon’s adjutant general, praised Vu, highlighting his dual dedication to professional excellence and personal challenges that benefit the community. “Major Vu demonstrates the type of individual who chooses to serve with the Oregon National Guard,” Gronewold commented.
For more details, explore the Oregon National Guard’s report and the Guinness World Records.
