][1]So, first let me say that I couldn’t do it. I’m sure I would have fallen within the first 20 feet. That being said… Something about having a tether on makes the tight rope crossing of Niagara Falls less impressive for me.
Here’s the real kicker — he was forced to wear the safety tether.
There’s something about accomplishing something at the risk of death that makes it, well “death defying.” Conversely, accomplishing a dangerous feat while knowing that you will not die… is not death defying.
Why the tether? ABC wouldn’t broadcast him without it.
Untethered, we will not be broadcasting a live image of him. — Jeffrey Schneider, senior vice president at ABC News
So… accomplish a death defying feat seen by none or accomplish a harnessed feat seen by millions. Tough call for the performer, who opted for the later.