Frenchman’s matchstick Eiffel Tower Guinness World Record attempt goes up in smoke
Richard Plaud’s 7,19m matchstick Eiffel Tower was disqualified on a technicality.
Richard Plaud spent eight years building this matchstick Eiffel Tower. Photo: Facebook/Patrick Launay
Thabo Shole-Mashao catches up on the latest world news with Adam Gilchrist.
Listen below. (Skip to 3:02)
It was utter disappointment for a French model enthusiast who was looking to beat the world record for the tallest matchstick Eiffel Towner.
After spending eight years building a 7,19m tower, Richard Plaud was told by the Guinness World Records that his build did not qualify.
The builder contacted the matchstick manufacturer for a supply of matches without sulphur (the red bit at the end) to make it easier to build the tower.
According to the Guinness World Record, this meant that he used the wrong kind of matches.
The rules stipulate that only “commercially available” matches qualify for the record.
"It's part of my dream that's vanished," Plaud told reporters.
“So, if you’re going to set out on any record, look at rule number one – use actual match sticks.”
Adam Gilchrist, foreign correspondent
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