For Bob O’Brien, breaking records isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way of life. The 57-year-old retired coach achieved an incredible feat on Tuesday, completing 790 neutral grip pullups in one hour. While the accomplishment is still awaiting official verification from Guinness World Records, O’Brien’s determination and grit have already earned him admiration across his hometown.
“I always need a goal,” O’Brien said after the attempt. “I’m retired now, and I see things like, ‘What am I supposed to be able to do at this age?’ Then I try to go way beyond that. I want to leave my mark here, so even when I’m gone, my name still carries on.”
O’Brien is no stranger to the world of record-breaking. The Owensboro native holds — or has held — multiple world records, ranging from individual to group accomplishments and all in the world of fitness. Each of the challenges reflects his philosophy of pushing boundaries.
O’Brien’s journey began decades ago during his 28-year coaching career at Owensboro High School, where he led athletes in cross country, basketball, and track. Known for his unwavering encouragement, O’Brien’s advice to his athletes resonates in his own pursuits.
“Don’t be afraid of anything,” he said. “Work as hard as you can. Even if you don’t come out on top, you’ll know you gave your best effort.”
After retiring from coaching, O’Brien channeled his competitive spirit into personal challenges. His first record attempt was in 2004. Although unsuccessful, it lit a fire within him. Since then, he has attempted and achieved numerous feats, viewing each setback as an opportunity to grow.
“You’ve got to keep trying,” he said. “Never quit.”
For his latest feat, O’Brien trained relentlessly for 8 months. His regimen included hundreds of pullups weekly, designed to build the endurance needed for a grueling hour-long attempt.
“I wanted 800, but I’ll settle for 790,” he admitted with a smile. “You always want a little bit more.”
The attempt wasn’t without its struggles. O’Brien described hitting a wall around the 20-minute mark, with his body beginning to fatigue. By the final 10 minutes, his hands and forearms were stiff, and his back ached.
“Mentally, I was still there,” he said. “But physically, my body didn’t want to cooperate. That’s the most frustrating part — when your mind says go, but your body says no.”
During breaks, O’Brien would bend over, hands on his knees, taking deep breaths. But even in those moments, his focus remained unwavering.
“I kept telling myself, ‘Don’t quit. Keep going. Deal with the pain,’” he said. “You have to tune your mind into being a machine. You will, you must, you can.”
With 790 pullup in an hour under his belt, Bob O’Brien is proving that age is no barrier to extraordinary achievement. While waiting for Guinness to confirm his record, O’Brien is already eyeing his next challenge. He’s considering the most neutral grip pull-ups in a minute.
“There’s always something new to try,” he said. “I just want to keep pushing, keep testing myself.”
O’Brien also plans to train a group of women for a co-ed tractor tire flip event in the spring, continuing his tradition of inspiring others to achieve their potential.
For O’Brien, the drive to succeed stems from an innate determination and a desire to make the most of every moment.
“I don’t want to be like anyone else,” he said. “I want to be the best version of me.”
Despite the monumental achievement, O’Brien’s day continued like any other. After the attempt, he returned home to walk his dogs and tackle household chores, including laundry.
“Just because I had a world-record moment doesn’t mean I stop being me,” he said. “I’ll go home, walk the dog, do laundry, and take care of things like that.”
O’Brien credits his wife, who he said provides unwavering support, with grounding him.
“She works all day, so when she gets home, I make sure she doesn’t have to lift a finger,” he said. “I want her to relax. That’s my way of showing my appreciation.”
