A PUPIL at Clifton College has set a Guinness World Record for the most digits of Pi recited in just one minute.
Alberto, who is in Year 6, was accompanied by two independent witnesses, including Dr Sean Dewar, a professional mathematician from the University of Bristol and a highly qualified local accountant, to verify his recital.
Also there to oversee his attempt was a team of three licensed timekeepers from the Bristol Penguin Olympic Swimming Club.
To qualify for the record, Alberto needed to recite 150 digits of Pi in under one minute. After putting on his blindfold and hearing the whistle blow, he managed to recount a staggering 280 digits!
Along with the official witnesses and timekeepers, Alberto was supported by his parents, the headmaster of the Prep School, Jim Walton, staff members and friends to cheer him on.
The feat was filmed on top of the Clifton Observatory and open to the public to come and watch. It was then submitted as evidence to the official Guinness World Records adjudicators and it has since been accepted. This establishes Alberto as a Guinness World Record holder – at just 10 years old.
Mr Walton said: “What started last year as a fun school challenge, where the pupil who could recite the most digits of Pi got to custard pie me live on stage during assembly, has snowballed into a Guinness World Record.
“Taking on such a challenge at his age, and in front of a considerable audience, demonstrates remarkable bravery and commitment. Alberto’s dedication and determination are truly inspiring to all of us at Clifton College. We couldn’t be prouder of him.”