Alumni

World's Fittest Man - Joe Decker '98

medalsPlease join us as we congratulate WIU Alumnus Joe Decker '98 on the 20th anniversary of completing the most grueling physical challenge on earth in record time, earning him the title of World's Fittest Man . You continue to make your alma mater proud.

Decker was named the world's fittest man after completing 13 events in 24 hours including 100 miles cycling, 10 miles running, 10 miles hiking, five miles power walking, six miles kayaking, 10 miles on NordicTrack, 10 miles rowing, two miles swimming, 3,000 ab crunches, 1,100 jumping jacks, 1,000 leg lifts, 1,100 push-ups and weight lifted 278,540 pounds. 

With no sleep, he ran, cycled and swam further, did more exercises and lifted nearly three times the amount of weights than the previous winner of the Physical Fitness Challenge, breaking the record at hour 21 and using the final three hours to triple the weight lifting portion.

In Decker's words: "Hard to believe that 20 years ago this very day, Dec.1 at 8 p.m. on Bullis High School’s track, a snot nosed 30-year old kid set out on what was to become a truly life changing journey. It wasn’t for fortune, ego or fame but to personally find out just what the human body and mind was capable of achieving through hard work, persistence and dedication. When the dust settled on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m., the World Record would be his, which opened countless doors to help inspire, motivate and hopefully empower many others around that world to find their own greatness. “Why settle for the good when you can go for the great.” – Steve Prefontaine. 

Decker started today by celebrating with a Gut Check Fitness workout and we invite you to give it a try. (Click on the photo below to watch the video). Congratulations Joe! #gutcheckfitness #embracethesuck #WIUgoforthegreat

Click on the photo below to watch the video.

joe

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