Strongman Muscles His Way Into Record Books

Guinness has published its 57th book of records, and among them are the world's oldest gymnast and the shortest bull.

The human-achievements section reveals the oldest gymnast to be 86-year-old Johanna Quaas, a retired German PE teacher.

Moustafa Ismail has the world's largest biceps and triceps - a total circumference of 25.5in (64.8cm). Mr Ismail, who lives in Franklin, Massachusetts, has arms with a circumference greater than the average human head.

The 24-year-old, originally from Alexandria, Egypt, hopes his record-breaking status will help him in his quest to become a professional bodybuilder.

Professional sumo wrestler Sharran Alexander, from London, is named the world's heaviest sportswoman, weighing in at 32st (203.21kg).

The animal section includes Archie, a 29-month-old Dexter bull who measures just 76.2cm (30in) from hoof to withers.

Farmer's son Ryan Lavery, 15, bought Archie at five months old and admits the bull's fate would have been different if he had been of a normal stature.

Ryan said: "When we bought Archie, he was destined for beef.

"However, by Christmas time, he still hadn't grown and because we had become so fond of him we decided to keep him.

"His size saved his life and now he's going to live out the rest of his life as a pet. It's brilliant and amazing to have Archie in the new Guinness Worlds book."

Another entry sure to raise eyebrows is that of Zeus, a Great Dane measuring 111.7cm (44in) from foot to withers who is named as the world's tallest dog.

The Guinness Book of Records is published in 22 languages and in more than 100 countries around the world. Publishers expect the latest edition will sell around 2.7 million copies.