One veteran is looking to set a Guinness World Record in Murray through 2,500 people simultaneously doing sit ups for one minute. 

Tung Dinh, owner of Quest Fitness, served in the Kentucky Army National Guard for 13 years and has taught martial arts in Murray since the 1980s. With his combined experience in the military and martial arts training, discipline has become a highly prioritized aspect in his everyday life. 

“The three key things you need is to focus the mind, discipline and respect,” he said. “It works very well with children (because they absorb so much at a young age). It’s a great combination from both my military experience and martial arts experience.”

Dinh began his personal record breaking journey in 2000. It wasn’t about fitness, it was about honor and how disciplined he could be. The 25th anniversary of the Fall of Vietnam came around and he decided to run for 25 hours. Dinh said this started it all. 

“Back then, I was running a lot,” he said. “I ran four miles every hour. I ran 100 miles in 25 hours. I started at 8 o’clock in the morning and ended at 9 o’clock the next morning.”

Every five years he has committed to a “Freedom Challenge” to honor his family’s escape from Vietnam during its fall to the Communist party. His previous Freedom Challenges have revolved around endurance based exercises. His workout of choice for this year’s Freedom Challenge is sit ups but with a twist. 

“I didn’t realize I was planning (a way to commemorate) my family’s coming to America,” Dinh said. “(To me), it’s about friendship and uniting together. My (challenge this year) happens to be on (national) fitness day and we want to break the record for the most sit ups done (together by a group of people).” 

The current Guinness World Record for this event is 2,005 people simultaneously doing sit ups in Australia. Dinh said he hopes to break that record with 2,500 people or more doing one or more sit ups for one minute. 

According to a flyer provided by Quest Fitness, this challenge is not just a commemoration of the nation’s spirit but honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom. 

“Together, we honor the legacy of those who valiantly fought for our freedom and remind ourselves that we are stronger when we stand united,” the statement said. “Let us rekindle our patriotic fervor and commit to fostering a community that embodies the principles of courage, resilience and health. This is a unique opportunity to come together, celebrate our shared values and promote a healthier future for everyone.” 

The Freedom Challenge is open to the public and will begin at 9 a.m. on May 3 at the football field of Roy Stewart Stadium. The only requirement is that participants complete at least one sit up for the Guinness World Record but participants are welcome to complete more than the required number. If participants want to reserve a spot, go to https://tinyurl.com/FreedomChallenge0503.