Source: CCTV.com
05-12-2009 10:59
Switzerland's Alfred Nock Junior was crowned king of the highwire after winning the unique High Wire World Championships in Seoul.
 |
| Alfred Nock Junior (R) of Switzerland helps Ya Kefujiang Maimitili of China after Ya dropped his bar during the speed race of the 2009 Hangang High Wire World Championship in Seoul, in which participants cross the Han River on a 1 km (0.62 miles) wire, May 10, 2009. A total of 20 high-wire walkers from 12 countries participated in the event which is part of the annual "Hi Seoul Festival" organised by Seoul City.REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak (SOUTH KOREA SOCIETY) |
Competing on a one kilometre wire strung high above the city's Han River, twenty of the world's top wire walking artists competed in the third annual edition of the event. The speed category was the ultimate challenge, and this year, first place went to Alfred Nock Junior. The acrobat from Switzerland recorded a time of 10 minutes and 17 seconds.
He also became the only walker to cross the river without a pole. The Swiss showman added a few tricks near the end of his crossing. The Seoul Metropolitan Government initiated the event in 2007. Apart from the speed competition, the annual event also includes "Artistry" and "Challenge" categories.
