In an awe-inspiring demonstration of skill and bravery, German slackline athletes Friedi Kuehne and Lukas Irmler have set a new world record by walking across a slackline suspended between two hot air balloons at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet). Captured in a viral video, the duo maintained perfect balance as they walked above the clouds, captivating extreme sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Kuehne and Irmler’s latest achievement surpasses their previous record of 1,900 meters, set in Brazil in 2021. According to the International Slackline Association, this new record takes slacklining to an extraordinary level. The athletes had to contend with challenges like high winds, extreme altitude, and the precariousness of their balance on the line suspended between the two balloons, which offered stunning views and considerable risks.
Both seasoned slackliners, Kuehne and Irmler have a history of record-breaking accomplishments. “This is the craziest slackline world record Lukas and I have done together so far,” Kuehne said, emphasizing the magnitude of their success.
The two athletes are no strangers to pushing limits. In 2019, Irmler set a record for the longest distance walked on a slackline — 2 kilometers. Kuehne, recognized for his feats without safety devices, made headlines in 2017 for walking a 110-meter-long slackline at 250 meters above the ground.
RECORD ⬇️Los funambulistas alemanes Lukas Irmler y Friedi Kuehne establecen un nuevo récord mundial atravesando una cuerda floja tendida a 2.500 metros de altura entre dos globos aerostáticos. 👍 pic.twitter.com/exOvLsBJog
— José Alvarez (@IngJoseAlvarez) November 14, 2024
Kuehne shared the challenges of obtaining the necessary permissions for such dangerous stunts, particularly the strict regulations in Germany. He also mentioned his dream of skydiving off the slackline, though that goal remains unfulfilled.
Slacklining is a sport that involves walking or balancing on a flat webbing line suspended between two points. Similar to tightrope walking, slacklining demands exceptional balance, strength, and focus. It has several variations, including highlining (walking at great heights), waterline (over bodies of water), tricklining (performing tricks), and yoga line (combining yoga and slacklining).
