Global traveler and endurance athlete.
Born: July 23, 1939 — Died: July 25, 2014
Nationality: Georgian
Early Life & Career
Jumber Lezhava was born in Tbilisi, Georgia and graduated from Tbilisi Polytechnic Institute in 1966 as an electrical engineer. Although he began his professional career in engineering, his life would later be defined by feats of endurance and global adventure.
Health Crisis and Unbelievable Recovery
In 1986, Lezhava suffered a near-death medical condition — acute intestinal gangrene — which led to multiple surgeries and doctors doubting his survival. Rather than surrender to this fate, Jumber began a rigorous recovery program. Over the next several years, he defied all expectations and trained himself into peak physical condition.
World Records in Push-Ups
His incredible recovery led him to set multiple Guinness World Records for push-ups:
- 157 push-ups in 1 minute
- 5,011 push-ups in 1 hour
- 19,376 push-ups in 6 hours
- 34,955 push-ups in 12 hours
- 44,141 push-ups in 24 hours
- 1,720,000 push-ups in 100 days
- 4,800,000 push-ups in 1 year
Journey Around the World by Bicycle
At the age of 54, in 1993, Lezhava began a solo cycling trip around the world that would span over a decade.
- Traveled for: 3,333 days
- Distance: 264,000 km by bicycle (over 500,000 km total)
- Countries visited: 234
- Continents: All, including 2 expeditions to Antarctica
Along the way, he documented his experiences with:
- Over 50,000 photographs
- More than 200 hours of video footage
- A 7,000-page travel diary
Author of "Traveller's Notes"
Many of his stories, lessons, and encounters into a book titled "Traveller’s Notes" — a powerful and personal account of his life on the road, across all corners of the globe. The book captures his philosophy, survival instincts, humor, and deeply human observations from over 10 years of travel.
Documentary: "To the Moon by Bicycle"
Lezhava’s story was immortalized in the inspiring documentary film "To the Moon by Bicycle". The film highlights his journey, perseverance, and life philosophy. It features rare footage from his travels, interviews, and a look into the soul of a man who believed anything is possible with discipline, optimism, and purpose.
The title symbolizes the magnitude of his journey — as if pedaling to the moon would be his next frontier.
Honors and Awards
Lezhava was celebrated both in Georgia and internationally for his achievements:
- UNESCO "Athlete of the World" (1999)
- "Traveler-Diplomat" title by the Georgian government (1993)
- Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali I Degree (2003)
- Person of the Year in Georgia (2002)
Legacy
Jumber Lezhava passed away on July 25, 2014 at the age of 75. His legacy lives on through the stories, records, and memories he left behind. He remains a symbol of resilience, purpose, and unstoppable human potential.
In Georgia, he is honored as "The King of Travelers" — a title earned through sheer determination and unmatched courage.
