90-Year-Old Grandma Breaks Guinness World Record for Dead Hang

Ann Crile Esselstyn of Ohio held her body weight for nearly 3 minutes, surpassing the previous record holder by over 50 seconds.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 90-year-old grandmother from Ohio, Ann Crile Esselstyn, has broken the Guinness World Record for the oldest woman to hold a dead hang. Esselstyn held her body weight for 2 minutes and 52 seconds, beating the previous record holder by over 50 seconds.

Why it matters

Esselstyn's impressive feat at the age of 90 demonstrates the incredible physical capabilities that can be achieved through dedication and training, even in one's later years. Her story is an inspiration for older adults to stay active and pursue fitness goals.

The details

Esselstyn, a lifelong athlete who played and coached 10 different sports, began a daily fitness regime last year that included riding her Peloton, doing yoga, running, and lifting weights. Her son, Rip, challenged her to try and break the dead hang record after reading about the previous record holder, 81-year-old Annie Judis of California. Esselstyn trained for the record attempt with Rip as her virtual coach, and on March 6, a group of timers, photographers, witnesses, and her family members gathered at her home to watch her attempt the feat. After a first attempt of 2 minutes and 41 seconds, the group asked her to redo it, and on her second try, she held the dead hang for 2 minutes and 52 seconds, breaking the previous record.

  • Esselstyn began her daily fitness regime last year.
  • On March 6, 2026, Esselstyn attempted to break the Guinness World Record.
  • Esselstyn's first attempt on March 6 was 2 minutes and 41 seconds.
  • Esselstyn's second attempt on March 6 was 2 minutes and 52 seconds, breaking the previous record.

The players

Ann Crile Esselstyn

A 90-year-old grandmother from Pepper Pike, Ohio, who broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest woman to hold a dead hang.

Annie Judis

The previous Guinness World Record holder for the oldest woman to hold a dead hang, at 81 years old.

Rip Esselstyn

Ann Crile Esselstyn's son, who challenged her to attempt the dead hang world record after reading about the previous record holder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I never ever in 90 years imagined that I would be fortunate enough to have the focused training, support, and desire to actually get a Guinness World Records title – [especially] at the age of 90!”

— Ann Crile Esselstyn

“Because I was able to hang for one minute and 15 seconds without much training, it didn't sound impossible.”

— Ann Crile Esselstyn

“Believe it or not, as the month went on, I could feel my hands starting to get stronger. The blisters that hurt so much at first turned to calluses; my back was feeling a little better.”

— Ann Crile Esselstyn

What’s next

Esselstyn is already thinking about attempting to beat her own record, saying, "Maybe if I had known I was so close, I might have held on just a little longer. Another day!"

The takeaway

Esselstyn's remarkable achievement at the age of 90 demonstrates that with dedication, training, and a positive mindset, people of all ages can push the boundaries of what's possible and achieve impressive physical feats. Her story is an inspiration for older adults to prioritize their health and fitness.