Estonian slackliner Jaan Roose has etched his name into the history books by becoming the first person to cross the Strait of Messina on foot, balancing on a highline suspended above the water between Sicily and mainland Italy.
The 3.6km (2.4 mile) journey took Roose nearly three hours, as he navigated the dizzying path of webbed fabric just 1.9cm (0.75in) wide — equivalent to the width of a thumb — and elevated from a staggering 265m (870ft) high tower.
The feat stretched over a distance longer than 30 football fields, surpassing the previous world record for the longest slackline walk, which stood at 2,710m (8,943ft).
However, Roose’s fall just 80m (262ft) before the finish meant his attempt could not be officially recognized as a Guinness World Record, as the rules require the entire distance to be completed without a fall.
Despite this, Roose’s crossing remains a landmark moment in the sport, demonstrating unparalleled balance, endurance, and courage.
“It was one of the most intense and incredible experiences of my life,” Roose said. “Even without the record, I’m proud of what we accomplished.”
