Sarasota, Florida-born daredevil Nik Wallenda made history in Orlando Wednesday, when he successfully walked around the rim of the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel, the city’s newest attraction.
Wallenda, 36, started his walk shortly after 8: 00 a.m., along the spinning Orlando Eye, set to open to the public early next month.
Without any safety apparatus or balancing pole, Wallenda rode to the top of the wheel, climbed ladders and navigated around sections of the structure before starting his walk.
“The biggest challenges were the wet conditions and 90 percent humidity,” Wallenda said, after successfully completing the walk. “But the important thing is to stay calm and focused… if I am not that’s when it becomes dangerous.”
Asked how The Orlando Eye compared with other feats the world-renowned high-wire artist had undertaken, such as Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon gorge, Wallenda said, “I don’t compare them, if I fall I lose my life.”
Added Wallenda: “Doing this stunt in Orlando means a lot…it’s the vacation capital of the world… this is my passion and this is what I love to do.”
And what’s next for Wallenda? The daredevil said he’s looking at several feats around the world, including the twin towers in Malaysia and high-wires walks in New York City and London, as well as an active volcano.
“My family has done this for over 200 years and we will never give up; follow your dreams,” Wallenda said.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs were among those gathered to watch Wallenda.
“We are the eye of the world,” Scott said before the walk. “Everyone wants to watch what we do in Florida.”
Noting that the area already attracts 62 million visitors, a national record, Jacobs said, I-Drive 360 would only add to the visitation.
“I-Drive 360 and its major attractions bring so much to the local community and it’s very affordable,” said Jacobs. “I could see so many Orange County citizens wanting to come to visit and I think it’s a great enhancement for us as well as our visitors.”
Jacobs said that plans are underway to turn undeveloped lands near to I-Drive 360 into an entertainment district for young people, taking on board the international flair already occurring locally.
I-Drive 360 attractions – The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussaud’s and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – open to the public on May 4.
