Blaine prepares for stunt finale

BBC News ^ | May 8, 2006

[Cecily]

Illusionist David Blaine will complete his latest endurance stunt on Monday by attempting to break the world record for holding breath underwater. The 33-year-old has spent seven days submerged in a water-filled sphere in New York, sustained by oxygen and feeding tubes.

Just before he emerges, Blaine will try to hold his breath for nine minutes and simultaneously escape heavy chains.

However doctors are concerned after the magician's hands became badly swollen.

The illusionist received medical treatment over the weekend after Blaine's spokesman, Pat Smith, said his peeling skin and overall condition was worrying doctors.

"They're worried about loss of dexterity," Mr Smith said. "There is considerable concern about both his hands and his muscle tone."

In order to receive medical attention, Blaine stuck his hand out of a hole at the top of a tank, allowing doctors to remove specially created gloves, apply lotion and put on new gloves.

[Cecily]

World's longest bath.

[Dog Gone]

The ultimate attention whore.

[mrs. a]

Imagine how that water smells...could probably knock a buzzard off a gut-wagon.

[FreedomCalls]

He didn't make the world record for breath-holding. He got to 7 minutes and 8 seconds.

[Hurricane Andrew]

Less than 80% of his goal...

[finnman69]

probably ok, they constantly filtered it. I bet it was cleaner than a bottle of bottled water.

[Rakkasan1]

caught some of this. one should not argue with Evel Knievel.

[el_chupacabra]

I've often read that Blain's "ice cube" stunt was a trick. For that reason, I've been very suspicious about his most recent stunts (pillar stand, life in a box above the thames, buried alive) also are tricks. Seems to me that it would have been very, very easy to get hypothermia in that bubble for a week. Not to mention that sensitive problem with . . . ahem . . . going #2.