Utah boy breaks record for snails stuck to his face

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

An 11-year-old Utah boy named Fin Keleher has apparently broken one of the world’s grossest records.

Keleher, during his 11th birthday party last weekend, set out to keep more snails stuck to his face for a 10-second period than the previous record-holder (who managed a grand total of 37).

Friends and family gathered at Keleher’s Sandy, Utah, home to help him break the record, according to KSL-5 Salt Lake City. They had one minute to pile as many snails as possible onto his face as he reclined. When the minute had elapsed, Keleher sat up, causing some snails to fall off. After ten seconds, the remaining snails were tallied.

It took three tries to break the record (the first two netted a total of 30 snails and 35 snails, respectively). On the third try, 38 snails remained. Not yet satisfied (or perhaps just a glutton for punishment), Keleher gave it one more go. After his fourth and final attempt, 43 snails were counted -- apparently a new record. (The Keleher family will submit their home video and witness statements to the Guinness company for verification.)

Asked about his snail-sticking technique, Keleher said, ‘I closed my eyes and covered up my mouth with … well, I sucked my lips in so that they could crawl on that.’

--Lindsay Barnett

Video: KSL.com