David Blaine, in his latest endurance challenge, is hanging upside down over the Wollmann ice rink in New York’s Central Park area. The illusionist plans to stay that way for 60 hours – nearly three days.
He started his stunt, five stories off the ground, on Monday morning and will continue to dangle by his ankles until late Wednesday night. Blaine does not plan to eat or sleep for the duration of the ‘hangathon’. He is taking liquid through a straw and eliminates fluid through a catheter.
His physician cautioned against this particular stunt because it will reportedly put a major stress on his internal organs and adversely affect his blood circulation. That didn’t deter the thrill seeker who has managed to free one leg and use it as leverage to raise his head – which he says feels like it is about to explode.
Blaine considers this his most difficult endeavor so far. He gets his inspiration from famed escape artist Harry Houdini, who dazzled audiences in the early 1900’s.
All of the NYC networks have been reporting on Blaine’s progress and some have even gotten into the act, including Kelly Ripa, who has been known to do just about anything for a laugh. We’ve got some photos of the gorgeous actress hanging upside down with Blaine at the start of his stunt yesterday.
The David Blaine Dive of Death two hour ABC special will air on Wednesday night 9:00 a.m. eastern.
Check out our photo gallery below.
Photos: WENN