Nik Wallenda successfully completes Chicago high-wire stunt
CHICAGO (WLS) -- There were moments that took people's breath away during Nik Wallenda's two skyscraper tightrope walks in Chicago Sunday night.
Chicagoans held their collective breath as Wallenda stepped off of Marina City's West Tower tonight, determined to complete the two-block high-wire walk across the Chicago River. But there was no need to worry. Wallenda hardly wavered.
PHOTOS: Nik Wallenda's Chicago high-wire stunt
"I was ready to take a selfie, I had every intention, I'm so bummed that I didn't," he said. "But there was some strong wind hitting me in the face."
Only three-quarters of an inch wide, the wire, painted white, was set at a 19-degree upward angle, higher than the 15-degrees that were originally planned, a consequence of Friday's crazy weather.
"If you stand on top of Marina City West and look up that cable, it's doggone intimidating," he said. "That cable looked like it was going straight up."
VIDEO: Crowds brave cold to witness Chicago tightrope walks
Completed much faster than anticipated, in just over seven minutes, Wallenda then crossed the street to begin part two of his Chicago adventure. This time he did it blindfolded, the first such walk ever attempted.
Wallenda expertly handled the 94-foot distance between Marina City's two towers in just about 75 seconds.
"I knew the incline was going to be a huge strain and a difficult challenge but that blindfold walk, there's something about it that just messes with your mind and my wife was freaking out about that," he said.
And while he has previously walked over Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, both astounding feats, Wallenda says having the energy of the crowd below in a city setting made this walk even more special.
"To know you have that much support in a city where you're about to fulfill your dream, and so many people believe in what I do, it's just an awesome feeling," he said.
Wallenda broke two Guinness World Records, one for the inclined walk and the other for the blindfold portion, and of course, he is already looking forward to his next challenge, which apparently involves doing a headstand on the wire.
