© ABSTRACT INK / BARCROFT USA
A Californian man turned himself into a human pincushion after he was pierced 1,093 times in a bid to break a Guinness World Record.
For full story and pictures:
Aryan Hopkins, 23, was stabbed 1,093 times by professional piercer Pauly Dunkleberger, 31, at Abstract Ink body modification parlour in Roseville, California on Saturday evening (June 26).
Aryan and Pauly now hold the world record for most body piercings done in one go with an 18-gauge (thick) needle.
The daredevil pair had also hoped to smash the record for the most piercings done in one session but after the 1,093rd puncture Aryan’s body went into shock and the event was called to a dramatic halt by the emergency team.
© ABSTRACT INK / BARCROFT USA
Aryan, who is recovering at home, said: “My arms and legs started to go numb and I was shaking radically. I started feeling a bit light-headed too so I decided to call it off. My body had spoken and it said: ‘that’s enough.’
With an ambulance on standby it took Pauly two hours to complete the eye-watering attack on Aryan’s legs, arms and back. Rules limited him to only a 5-minute break every hour.
Aryan said: “It was the most intense adrenaline rush I have ever felt.”
© ABSTRACT INK / BARCROFT USA
Once the last needle went in, Pauly quickly began removing them, which took a further three and a half hours.
“Aryan’s blood sugar was low and his body went into shock but once we stopped he was OK,” said Ashleigh Hopkins, 22, who is Aryan’s partner and also runs the tattoo, piercing and body modification studio.
“I was holding the needles and passing them to Pauly and we were both keeping a close eye to make sure it was safe,” she added.
© ABSTRACT INK / BARCROFT USA
Pauly started tattooing people at the age of 19 and moved onto piercing about six years ago.
Because of the potential presence of blood-borne pathogens, the shop did not tattoo or pierce other customers during the event.
“It was a massive group effort and we’re so happy we did it,” said Ashleigh.
Aryan (left) with piercer Pauly © ABSTRACT INK / BARCROFT USA
“Although we did not break both records we are very proud that we broke one.”
The previous record for was 1,200 piercings completed in two hours and 53 minutes, set in August 2009. The previous record for most body piercings done with an 18-gauge needle was 900.
“We smashed that record by almost 200,” said Aryan.
“So we feel pretty pleased right now and my wounds are not as bad as I thought they would be. I might even consider going for the record again one day.”
The event was held in the aid of the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Words by Isa Harvey
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