14 DAY TRIAL // Frenchman Alain Robert also goes by the name of “Spiderman” and a simple Google search will show that it has nothing to do with wearing a red and blue mask / costume. Known for his love of climbing some of the world’s tallest buildings, Robert has done it again.
Since he’s always going for the biggest challenges, this time, he aimed for the biggest there is: the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, standing proud (and tall) at 2,717ft (828m).
Emirates 24/7 News reports that the climb almost didn’t happen, since weather conditions worsened right before the scheduled start.
Eventually, the wind died down and Robert set on his task only one hour later than planned. Six hours later, he was virtually standing on the top of the world.
Though he had to submit to safety regulations and agree to be secured with a rope, Robert used only his hands and feet for the climb, as photos and footage of the climb confirm.
For six hours, he kept at his work, while crowds gathered to see whether he’ll succeed in his mission. An ambulance and doctors were also nearby, just in case.
As night fell, a spotlight was shined on him, helping him keep on climbing and, at the same time, offering viewers on the ground a better view.
He says the ascension was no small feat and that there were times when he literally thought he was done, that he couldn’t go any farther.
“It was a bit too windy and cold and the climb was not easy. As I was nearing the topmost floors the effect of the wind could be clearly felt. It felt as if the building was wavering,” he says, as per the aforementioned publication.
“The more I went up, the tougher it got. The last bit was especially tough. It was all spiral and smooth and a lot of concrete. I had to use a safety harness and an auto-locker. But finally I did it. I just wanted to reach the top,” Robert adds.
The daredevil says his feat is meant to “encourage this spirit among people when they dare to attempt what they want to do.” As of now, he doesn’t know what he’ll climb next, but he reckons he’ll have a “target” by May.