Oregon Army National Guard Physician Assistant Major Tommy Vu demolished the world record for most chest-to-ground push-ups in one hour Sept. 20, completing an astounding 1,721 repetitions at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem.

Vu's performance shattered the previous record of 1,530 repetitions set earlier this year by a New York-based athlete who had previously taken the record from the Oregon Guard member. The achievement marks Vu's sixth world record, adding to his growing collection of fitness accomplishments that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I've got a really strong will, and I just don't know how to quit," Vu said, reflecting on his approach to record-breaking challenges.

"My goal was around 1,600, but I like to give myself a bit of headspace," Vu said before the attempt. "As the crowd gets into it, you know, the first half I do great. The second half, I feed off of the energy in the crowd and then all the cheering and motivation."

The 38-year-old soldier's record-breaking journey began in 2020 during the pandemic, when gyms closed and he turned to outdoor training. "When the gyms closed down, I had to be outside, lifting, running, doing all the bodyweight exercises," Vu explained. "Turns out, I've got a really strong will."

Using a metronome set to 2.1 seconds per repetition, Vu maintained a steady pace throughout the grueling hour-long challenge. His family plays a crucial role in his training regimen, with his wife Linda and son Adonis present to support him, along with fellow Oregon National Guard members who cheered him on throughout the attempt.

This record attempt held special significance for Vu, who dedicated the achievement to Leonardo Bearstein Luu, a 12-year-old chow chow who belonged to his in-laws and passed away in April. Following his tradition of donating $1 per repetition to charity, Vu will present a check for $1,721 to the Oregon Humane Society.

"We lost our chow chow, who was 12 years old. He lived a great life, but it was still a really cool dog," Vu explained. "So I thought, hey, let's dedicate something in memory for Leonardo. Whenever I do these, I always find a charitable cause."

Katie Hamlin, representing the Oregon Humane Society, attended the event with Odin, a dog adopted through the organization's Second Chance program that works with partner shelters across the country to help animals from overcrowded facilities.

"We are a nonprofit organization. We're the largest animal welfare organization in the state," Hamlin said. "We help all across Oregon, and we have a lot of different programs, including foster programs, adoptions, and a humane law team with trained officers that help protect animals from cruelty and neglect."

The record attempt comes after Vu faced previous setbacks, including developing rhabdomyolysis during a recent burpee pull-up record attempt and illness that forced the postponement of an earlier world record attempt.

Looking ahead, Vu already has his sights set on reclaiming another record. His original chest-to-ground burpee record of 1,027 repetitions, which he reclaimed in October 2024, was recently broken by a competitor who achieved 1,107 repetitions.

"Now with this training, my arms are going to be so much stronger, so I'm hoping to reclaim that record," Vu said, noting that his enhanced upper body strength from push-up training should help with the burpee challenge.

True to his character, Vu shows no signs of slowing down. "If you have a one-hour world record for burpees or a burpee variation," he has said, "I'm coming for it!"

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the adjutant general of Oregon, said Vu's achievements reflect why the Oregon National Guard is the military service of choice for Oregonians.

"Major Vu demonstrates the type of individual who chooses to serve with the Oregon National Guard - someone who excels professionally while pursuing personal challenges that benefit others," Gronewold said. "His record-breaking performances, combined with his charitable mission, showcase the leadership and community spirit that define our citizen-soldiers."

When asked about future plans, Vu remains committed to his mission of breaking records while supporting charitable causes.

"People always ask when I'm going to stop or when enough is enough," Vu said. "There's always going to be charity out there, people to help, and records to break. I encourage anybody to break these records because I'll keep coming back for them and I'll keep helping more people along the way."

The record is pending official verification by Guinness World Records.

Source: Oregon Military Department