World's Fastest Clapper enjoying minutes of fame

By Heidi Bell Gease, Journal Staff Writer | Friday, September 12, 2003

Previous Page

Share

• del.icio.us
• Digg
• NewsVine
• Fark

Print

Email

RAPID CITY — Being the World's Fastest Clapper has its perks.

How else would Kent French have ever been interviewed by BBC Radio, along with the World's Fastest Crocheter and the owner of the World's Largest Raccoon?

"It was on the BBC ‘Up All Night,'" French said. "The interviewer said, ‘Oh Kent, love, how about a nice round of applause?' "

Last March, French attempted to establish a new world record for the most hand claps in one minute. The attempt at KOTA Radio was documented on tape, witnessed and submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records. "The Keeper of the Records" later contacted French to say he now holds the record, of 721 claps in 60 seconds.

The story spread, and French appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "The Bob and Tom Show," and other programs. Since the record became official, he has done about 36 live radio interviews with stations from all over the U.S., as well as programs in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

"Every morning around here the phone rings," French said. One radio host had the Surfaris' "Wipe Out" all cued up and ready to go. French, a college percussionist, clapped the drum solo over the telephone. "It turned out pretty good."

Now, his 15 minutes of fame are being extended. French and his wife, Jean, will fly to California next week to tape "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which is set to air Sept. 19.

This is the first time Jean's gotten to go along. "Usually, all I get is his dirty laundry," she said with a laugh.

In early October, French will tape a program for the WB network's "Steve Harvey's Big Time" comedy/variety show. No air date has been set.

However, that gives French time to earn a little extra spending money. He's a manager at Red Lobster, and customers — some out of state residents who heard him on the radio — routinely ask for a demonstration of his skill. "I've been tipped for clapping at the table," he said. "And also a guy asked me to autograph a dinner menu."

Unfortunately, French's record confirmation came too late to be included in the 2004 issue of the Guinness Book of World Records. By the time the 2005 edition is printed, he's hoping to have broken his own record.

"I'm kind of using some new techniques," he said. "When I'm fully warmed up and ready to go, I'm up to 750 now."

And just in case you're wondering, French says the World's Largest Raccoon weighs 74.9 pounds.

Contact Heidi Bell Gease at 394-8419 or heidi.bell@rapidcityjournal.com