PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – An Oregon National Guardsman reclaimed a world record on Saturday for completing the most burpees in one hour, while raising awareness for a friend battling a disease.

During Saturday’s feat, 36-year-old Maj. Tommy Vu, a medical officer with the Oregon National Guard, beat his previous record of 1,003 chest-to-ground burpees set in March 2023.

While he lost that record in December after another athlete completed 1,010 burpees, Vu reclaimed the record Saturday after completing an “astounding” 1,027 burpees at Lancaster Physiq Fitness in Salem, the Oregon National Guard announced.

“I’ve got a really strong will, and I just don’t know how to quit,” Vu said after beating his old record.

Vu intensified his nutrition training regimen leading up to Saturday, opting for a vegetarian diet the week before the event, and keeping up the endurance training he picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the gyms closed down, I had to be outside, lifting, running, doing all the bodyweight exercises,” Vu explained. “Turns out, I’ve got a really strong will.”

Vu’s family and friends played a “crucial role” in his world record attempts, the Oregon National Guard said, noting with his wife, Linda, their son Adonis, and their friend’s daughter, Emma, were there to cheer him on.

“He trains every day, seven days a week, for an hour after work,” Linda said. “We make sure someone’s watching Adonis at home so he can get his workout time in.”

Vu used his record as a chance to raise awareness for charities, and said he plans to donate $1,027 — in honor of each burpee completed – to a fundraiser supporting a friend battling ALS.

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As he waits for Guinness World Records to verify his record, Vu’s already planning his next challenge: attempting eight-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour burpee records.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the adjutant general of Oregon, praised Vu, adding, “Maj. Vu exemplifies why the Oregon National Guard is the military service of choice for Oregonians. His dedication to both his military duties and personal goals showcases the work-life balance and drive for excellence we foster in our organization. It’s this spirit of striving to achieve greatness that makes our Guard members exceptional both in and out of uniform.”

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