In Video: Matthew Akpan discusses his Guinness World Records for the fastest marathon dressed as John Cena

Hello, My Name is Matthew: Breaking Guinness World Records and Defying Expectations

As I lace up my running shoes, I’m reminded of the words that have become synonymous with my journey: "Hello, my name is Matthew, and this is my home. You want to come inside?" It’s a phrase that has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who have been touched by my story.

Matthew, a 32-year-old determined individual, has broken not one, not two, but three Guinness World Records. And yet, it’s not about the records themselves, but about the journey he’s taken to get there. One of those records was set in 2021, when Matthew ran a half-marathon dressed as John Cena, a professional wrestler he idolizes. This achievement, the third of its kind, cemented his status as a world record holder. But what’s remarkable about Matthew’s story is the context in which he achieved these feats.

Breaking Barriers and Raising Awareness

Matthew’s journey is marked by resilience and determination. He’s overcome the loss of his grandmother and father, who passed away in 2021 due to kidney failure. This experience left him feeling lost and disconnected, but he found solace in his passion for running. In his words, "I wanted to sort of like do something to commemorate him and that started by me choosing the Guinness World Record as the professional wrestler John Cena."

From Struggle to Success

Matthew’s journey didn’t start without its challenges. Diagnosed with autism in 2013, he felt a sense of relief knowing that he could understand himself better and overcome the obstacles that had been holding him back. His experiences have taught him the importance of being open about his condition and sharing his story to inspire others.

"I think a lot of people on the spectrum they struggle to sort of like speak about being autistic because they see these challenges and they see the way people react and either they’re not giving the privileges that others are or they end up leaving because the pressure is too much for them to cope," he reflects.

Training for the Great North Run

As I sit down with Matthew, I’m struck by his infectious enthusiasm and passion for running. He’s gearing up for the Great North Run, where he’ll be attempting to break his current 1-hour 24-minute record, dressed as John Cena, no less. This is the park where Matthew will be training, pounding the pavement and pushing his limits.

What is it about Running that You Enjoy?

For Matthew, it’s about the sense of openness and relief, being able to be himself and tackle any challenge that comes his way. "It made me feel great, and I can tackle anything," he says, his eyes gleaming with determination.

As we conclude our conversation, I’m left with a sense of awe and admiration for Matthew’s accomplishments. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. And as he takes off into the distance, dressed as John Cena, I can’t help but wonder what new records he’ll shatter in the years to come.

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What’s your favorite part of Matthew’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!