Estonian slackliner Jaan Roose made history on September 15, 2024, by becoming the first person to walk from Asia to Europe on a tightrope stretched across Istanbul’s iconic July 15 Martyrs Bridge.
Roose, a Red Bull athlete, completed the daring feat in 47 minutes, covering a distance of 1,074 metres while suspended 165 metres above the Bosphorus.
The event, titled "Continental Pass," was supported by Turkiye’s Transport and Infrastructure Ministry and the General Directorate of Highways.
Roose's walk began on the Asian side of the bridge at 6:00pm, with the tightrope’s considerable sag and shifting tension presenting a significant challenge.
“The rope sags 35-40 meters in the middle and weighs several hundred kilos. We had to ensure it was properly tightened before I could start,” Roose explained to Hurriyet Daily News.
In a video that quickly went viral, Roose can be seen carefully manoeuvring himself across the rope, tethered to a safety line as he navigated the immense height and changing wind conditions.
The achievement not only solidified Roose’s place in the slacklining community but also highlighted the significance of crossing continents on foot at such a remarkable altitude.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Roose shared, “Every tightrope walk has its own story. This time, I became the first to cross continents on a tightrope".
"The culture and history of each country affect the nature of my sport. We sometimes walk at great heights, and other times it feels like mountain hiking. I have future plans, but they can always change.”
Roose’s remarkable walk across the Bosphorus Bridge has captured global attention, with viewers fascinated by the combination of athleticism, cultural symbolism, and extreme sportsmanship that defines his unique journey.
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