A body-modification fan has officially become the man with the most flesh tunnels in the world - and went for the record after thinking he 'might as well'. James Goss, 27, never set out to enter the Guinness World Records book but when he learned the title was within reach, he thought he'd give it a go.
James, from Bedford, Bedfordshire, has always been a fan of flesh tunnels and started getting the giant piercings when he was only 14-years-old - and over the years he had amassed ten of them, in his ears, nose, and cheeks. He then discovered that the World Record for flesh tunnels was only 11, so he thought he'd get a few more and become a record holder.
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James said: "It's pretty cool, when the 2022 book came out my mum got a copy for everyone in the family for a Christmas present which was quite nice.
"I was aware of what the record was as I was doing it, that's why I applied but that's not why I did it. It was something I wanted to do anyway.
"It was pretty cool to be in the book, but it doesn't feel all that different to normal really.
"The previous record was 11 and I realised that I might as well go for it. I got my record verified when I was at 15 but now I've got two more, I have 17 now."
James started his body modification journey when he was just 14-years-old, and said that he now faces unique challenges due to his piercings.
He said: "I did my ears but they broke, I was about 14 at the time. They weren't painful to stretch but the healing can be awkward.
"It takes me a bit longer in the shower than most people because I have to take them out and wash them.
"Blowing my nose is a bit awkward, I have to take my septum one out, and when I eat I have to turn my mouth ones the opposite way, otherwise they might break.
"It's something you have to be aware of, but they don't really cause me any problems as such. It's worth it, definitely - I wouldn't have done it if it was too awkward.
"The two on my nose are punched at 4.2mm and the punching itself, because they use anaesthetic, wasn't painful but it was uncomfortable.
"He wanted to use anaesthetic because it was quite an awkward place to do, and if it hurt maybe I would have moved around. I would have opted for it anyway, because it hurt enough as it was."
James said that his family have been supportive of his life-style choices, but sometimes people can react badly when they see his flesh tunnels.
He continued: "Mostly people just want to know why, old people tend to look at me like I'm going to steal their handbag, but I don't get too many reactions.
"My family don't view me any differently, when I got the record my mum said she was really proud but other than that, nothing. It's always been a part of who I am, with tattoos and so on, they've known me as that person for ages.
"Mum wasn't into it herself, but it's a big part of who I am and she's a really supportive mum. I'm her son at the end of the day, it's just something about me so she accepts it.
The Guinness World Records 2023 annual, which features James Goss and a whole host of other incredible Guinness World Records title holders, is available to buy in stores and online.
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