Daredevil set for Chicago skyscraper crossings

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CHICAGO ?  The tightrope is waiting for Nik Wallenda in Chicago.

The 35-year-old high-wire artist -- great-grandson of Karl Wallenda of the famous Flying Wallendas circus family -- plans to perform two nail-biting walks that will be televised Sunday to millions of viewers around the world.

The Discovery Channel will use a 10-second delay for the broadcast, allowing producers to cut away if Wallenda falls. He plans to perform the walks without a net or harness.

The daredevil's challenge starts just after sunset when the skyscrapers up and down the Chicago River will be lit up and sparkling. First, he will walk uphill at a 15-degree angle from the Marina City west tower to the top of a skyscraper on the other side of the river. Next, he'll walk blindfolded between the two Marina City towers.

Months of preparations have meant helicopters lifting cable to the rooftops, road closures and clearances from the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Coast Guard. Residents of Marina City have been asked not to use laser pointers, camera flashes or drones that could interfere. Even grilling has been prohibited.

 

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