A world record is the best global performance ever officially verified in a specific skill, sport, or activity, with Guinness World Records being the most famous organization that collates and publishes these achievements. Interestingly, the terminology has evolved—while "World's Record" was once more common in the United States, the phrase "The World's Best" was briefly used before falling out of general favor. Today, "World's Best" survives in athletics to describe exceptional performances that don't meet strict official criteria, such as the 150-meter run or the Great North Run half-marathon, which has an excessive downhill gradient. The term is also crucial in the world of video game speedrunning, where it denotes the fastest time achieved in a specific game or category. Official records in sports are ultimately recognized by their respective governing bodies, like World Athletics, which sets the rigorous standards for track and field events.