David Blaine Failed to beat World Record

Blaine was trying to free himself from chains and handcuffs while bidding to break the world record for holding one's breath under water of 8 minutes, 58 seconds. The stunt, following a weeklong endurance challenge under water, was televised live by ABC.

With Blaine's face contorted in pain and bubbles coming up to the surface, divers went in to release him from the chains and pull him out. Blaine held his breath for 7:08.

"He is pushing his body insanely to the limits," said Dr. Murat Gunel, who heads Blaine's medical team and is associate professor of neurosurgery at Yale University School of Medicine, before the attempt.

Gunel and other medical experts had been monitoring Blaine's condition 24 hours a day from an adjacent tent filled with medical equipment and machines.

Large crowds gathered all day Monday for a closer look at the man submerged in the 8-foot snow globe-like tank on the plaza of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Gunel said the challenge had taken a toll on the magician's body, including liver damage, pins and needles in his feet and hands, some loss of sensation and rashes all over his body, which glistened pale white.

On Sunday, Blaine, 33, wearing a diver's helmet with a two-way communication system, told AP Television News he would "give it my best shot" to complete the feat despite peeling skin, sharp pains in his joints and a severe earache.

The stunt artist planned to put on chains and handcuffs, remove his oxygen tube and then escape while holding his breath longer than anyone else has.

Kirk Krack, the magician's trainer and diving expert, said if there were any release of bubbles during the feat — a clear sign Blaine was going unconscious — divers would immediately jump into the tank. While one diver pinched Blaine's nose and closed his mouth to prevent him from swallowing water, which could be fatal, another diver freed him from the chains and brought him to the surface.   Read More








Even though David failed to break the record, he is still the best out there!