The oldest Gymnast: Johanna Quaas (Germany) – 86 years old

Guinness World Records-Johanna Quaas, 86, from Leipzig only began to train at gymnastics in her 50s and is now recognised as the world's Oldest Gymnast. In the last 30 years Johanna has won 11 major championships. To keep in shape for competition, Joanna has a strict exercise regime that involves a combination of gym workouts, running, and yoga. Johanna says that it's 'a great feeling to be in the Guinness World Records book. I hope the record inspires others to realise it's never too late to try something new.

Heaviest Sportswoman: Sharran Alexander (UK) – 203.21 kg (32 stone)

Guinness World Records-Sharran Alexander, 46, stands 6ft tall, weighs 32 stone is Britain's only female sumo wrestler and is now the world's Heaviest Sportswoman. Sharran consumes 5,000 calories a day, and to build strength and stamina she swims and walks. Sharran said: 'I used to be ashamed of my size. But after taking up sumo I learned to love my body. The Guinness World Records recognition tops it off.

Tallest Donkey: Oklahoma Sam (USA) - 155.45 cm (5ft 1 in)

Guinness World Records- mule named 'Oklahoma Sam' is today celebrating being crowned the 'Tallest Living Donkey' on the planet. Measuring 15.3 hands (155.45 cm; 5ft 1in) tall, she dwarfs the common donkey (8 hands high) and her own larger 'Mammoth Jackstock' breed (12 hands high). Sam's overall care is handled by 54-year-old Linda Davis, a keen gardener and animal lover. Linda, who calls Sam her 'soul mate', says: 'It actually doesn't cost anymore to have a donkey of this size. He doesn't eat more. In fact, if I give him more bale he'll just use it to make his bedding more comfortable. He loves his sleep.

Tallest Dog: Zeus (USA) – 111.8 cm (44in)

Guinness World Records-Just look at the size of this dog. Zeus is a 3-year-old Great Dane from Michigan and measures an incredible 111.8 cm (44 in) from foot to withers: the same size as a donkey. Standing on hind legs, Zeus stretches to 7 ft 4 in and towers over his owner Denise Doorlag. Denise said: 'Zeus is an awesome dog,' says owner Denise. 'The only downside is that everything costs more; the food, medicines, transport. We had to get a van to be able to transport him, and if he steps on your foot- he leaves bruises.

Shortest Bull: Archie (Northern Ireland) – 76.2 cm (30 in)

Guinness World Records-Archie, a 29-month-old Dexter from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is today recognised as the Shortest Bull in the world. He measures just 76.2 cm (30 in) from the hoof to the withers, 15 inches shorter than other bulls of his breed (typically 45 in). His height means that he's dwarfed by the other animals at his farm, including even the dogs and goats.