"Fail forward": Inspirational book chronicling a stilt walker's triumphant journey from childhood to Guinness World Record holder

 Doug Hunt's 2002 GWR took place at the opening of the Brantford Tourism Centre and his latest world record in 2023 took place at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre and can be found in the 2025 Guinness Book on page 110.  You can also google Guinness World Records website and do a search for Tallest Stilts.

Chris Whelan

Editor

Get ready to be inspired! Long-time Brantford resident and semi-professional entertainer, Doug Hunt, is set to launch his highly anticipated book, Fail Forward, on Thursday, December 11th at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre at 6:30 PM. This event marks a major milestone in Hunt’s decades-long commitment to raising awareness and funds for Participation Support Services (PSS). The book, co-authored by local writer and educator Larry Brown and featuring vibrant illustrations by artist Bernadine Van Renne, tells the remarkable true story of Hunt’s journey from a devastating knee injury to achieving the Guinness World Record (GWR) for walking on the tallest stilts.

Doug Hunt’s stilt-walking career was thriving, performing locally and internationally on custom-made, advanced stilts. However, a severe knee injury in 1996, sustained during a fun "Dad's Dance," threatened to end his days on stilts. The pivotal moment that ignited his pursuit of a World Record occurred when he returned to work at PSS on crutches. Two residents—David and Paul, both living with Cerebral Palsy and requiring daily support—expressed deep concern and sympathy for his injury.

"It was at this point I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself," Hunt recalls. "Not only to get back on stilts but to go after a Guinness World Record for tallest Stilts. Really, this was a ‘Challenger that became an Opportunity to help others who live a Challenge everyday.’"

In 2002, Hunt and his dedicated team, including manager Dave Levac, successfully set the GWR by taking 29 unassisted forward steps on stilts measuring an astonishing 50 feet, 9 inches. 

Team Manager Dave Levac proposed the idea for the book, recognizing that their story was a powerful read and a crucial next step for fundraising. Hunt enlisted the help of friend and former Rolling Thunder Theatre Company director, Larry Brown, to bring the vision to life. Brown, who was already familiar with Hunt and PSS, was captivated by the human element of the tale. "As I stumbled along, I became interested in the characters that shared Doug's life," Brown shared. "So the book became the journey of Doug from a boy to now." The result is a unique book, part traditional narrative and part graphic novel, made perfect by Bernadine Van Renne's illustrative style. The launch will be held directly under the spectacular display of the actual 55-foot stilts (the height intended for their current GWR attempt) located in front of the Sports Hall at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.

Join Doug Hunt, Larry Brown, and Bernadine Van Renne for the official launch of their inspirational book, Fail Forward, on Monday, December 11th at 5:30 PM! The event takes place directly under the impressive 55-foot stilt display at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. Hosted by Team Manager Dave Levac, the evening will feature remarks from Mayor Kevin and the PSS Executive Director, a book proclamation by David McKee, and an exclusive reading by author Larry Brown. Attendees can meet and get books signed by Doug, Larry, and Bernadine, and enjoy complimentary pizza from Domino's. Books will be available for purchase for $25, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting Participation Support Services (PSS).

Hunt’s personal mantra, "Fail Forward," is the core message of the book. It encapsulates the lessons learned from both success and setbacks, echoing the wisdom of innovators like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. The book details how the team handled challenges and the crucial importance of learning from individuals who face adversity daily.

In addition to purchasing the book, community members are encouraged to make direct donations to PSS via the QR code on the back of the book or to have Doug Hunt as a motivational speaker for their next event, with his talk aptly titled, "Fail Forward."