Anita Schwarz The German woman who failed to break the world record for carrying beer mugs Country: Germany

Anita Schwarz: A German Waitress and Guinness World Record Attempt

Anita Schwarz, a German waitress, gained attention for her failed attempt to break a unique professional record - carrying 21 beer mugs for a distance of 40 meters. In 2008, at the age of 48, Anita lived in Germany and worked as a waitress. She aimed to set a professional record at an official Guinness World Records event. The art of carrying beer mugs is highly valued in countries with a beer culture, and among waitstaff, it signifies professional reputation and pride.

Germany, known for the famous Oktoberfest festival, naturally couldn't stay away from beer records. Professionals know that in order to carry multiple mugs of beer at once, they need to be carefully prepared. One method involves arranging two clusters of mugs in a specific order. After ensuring that both hands firmly hold the "base" mugs, additional mugs are placed in between, depending on the waiter's skill. By firmly pressing the mugs against the body and squeezing the hands together, the waiter must hold the mugs that essentially hang in the air. Another method involves adding a new row on top of the base mugs.

Anita, dressed in a traditional national costume, prepared for the record attempt with the help of two assistants. Holding 21 beer mugs (the exact number required for the record), she embarked on a specially made 40-meter track towards the opposite counter. The audience enthusiastically greeted her, and for a while, Anita appeared confident, steadily overcoming each meter. It is worth noting that the previous record of 20 beer mugs was set by restaurant manager Reinhard Wurtz from Sydney, Australia, and it was his record that Anita attempted to break.

Unfortunately, it seems that luck was not on Anita's side that day. When she was just a few steps away from the finish line, one of the mugs unexpectedly flew out of her grip and crashed onto the floor. Despite showing no emotion at the moment of its fall and completing the run, Anita later let her feelings show. Sadly, she was unable to break the world record, and Reinhard Wurtz from Sydney retained his place in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is interesting to note that Anita herself had previously held the record for carrying 16 beer mugs.

However, such records are short-lived, as this category in the Guinness Book of World Records is highly popular. Every day, ambitious waitstaff around the world train with beer mugs in empty and crowded pubs, bars, and restaurants, hoping to achieve their own moment of glory.