Today, Guinness World Records Day, will see hundreds more ambitious - or perhaps odd - contestants having a stab at glory, attempting to break records such as hosting the world's biggest canine wedding or even stuffing the most rattlesnakes in their mouths.

Guinness World Records, formerly known as the Guinness Book of World Records, was born in an Irish pub in 1951. Sir Hugh Beaver, one of the book's founders, and his friend couldn't agree on the fastest game bird in Europe. Neither could find an authoritative reference to set the record straight, so Sir Hugh decided to hire experts to compile a book of superlatives.

Fact-obsessed brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter were commissioned for the job. The first book was published in 1955 and sold so many copies the publishers decided to update it every year with new and different categories.

Today, Guinness World Records receives more than 65,000 record claims a year. A small team in the company's London headquarters selects which are worthwhile, and then comes up with the criteria for deciding on a world record.

Adjudicators are sent to witness the record attempts and verify the results. For instance, to be sure of one man's claim to be the 'shortest man in the world', the adjudicator took measurements throughout the day, because a person's height varies slightly depending on whether it's morning, afternoon or night.

Most attempts, however, end in rejection. Guinness has a growing database of about 40,000 records, but only 4,000 make it into the book each year.

The chances are slim but you don't need to be a genius or a muscleman to break a world record, just have some enthusiasm for life, says Beijing-based adjudicator Angela Wu Xiaohong.

Ms Wu is one of two adjudicators in Asia, where she says more and more people are attempting to break world records. In her four years, she has measured superlatives from the world's smallest man (Mongolia) to the world's biggest hot pot party (Chongqing ). Much like the Olympics, Guinness World Records represents a universal aspiration for achievement, Ms Wu says.

'Everyone wants to set a record. It's human nature to want to achieve and aspire,' she says. 'The people who finally do are all very enthusiastic about life. I get to meet so many interesting people in this job.

'The world is so colourful. Adjudicating has really opened my mind to accepting all sorts of people.'

Young Post is giving away a copy of the book. Send your name, contact number and postal address to sara.yin@ scmp.com