Red Bull athlete Jaan Roose has completed a breathtaking slackline walk across Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait, moving from Asia to Europe on a narrow, 1.9 cm-wide line suspended high above the water.
The 32-year-old Estonian, known for his daring feats and world records, balanced his way across one of the world’s most iconic waterways, making history in the process.
The Bosphorus Strait, a natural divide between two continents, became the ultimate stage for Roose’s latest challenge.
His tightrope walk spanned from the Asian side of Istanbul to the European side, defying both gravity and the winds that sweep through this famous channel.
Wearing his distinctive Red Bull gear, Roose stepped onto the slackline and began his cross-continental journey, showcasing not only his physical prowess but also his mental endurance.
Roose, who previously made headlines by crossing Italy’s Strait of Messina on the longest slackline ever constructed, once again demonstrated his exceptional skills in Istanbul. The Bosphorus crossing presented its own set of challenges—dynamic weather conditions, intense concentration, and precise balance were essential for success. As Roose moved slowly and steadily across the line, the crowd watched in awe, their cheers mingling with the city’s familiar sounds.
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This performance builds on Roose’s reputation as a world-class slackliner and Hollywood stuntman. His achievements include being the first person to cross Italy’s Messina Strait on foot, where he covered an incredible 3,646 meters. Despite falling short of setting a new world record due to a slip in the final 80 meters, his Messina crossing marked a significant moment in the history of slacklining. Now, his Istanbul adventure adds another impressive chapter to his career.
A slackline, a thin strip of webbing made of high-performance materials like Sk99 fibers, is anchored tightly between two points, requiring the slackliner to maintain perfect balance and coordination while walking across it. Highlining, which involves performing such feats at great heights, is considered the pinnacle of the sport. In Istanbul, Roose’s slackline walk above the Bosphorus, a bustling maritime route, highlighted both the beauty and difficulty of this extreme sport.
“Istanbul’s weather and the wind conditions were tricky, but that’s what makes it exciting,” Roose said. “Each performance brings its own set of challenges. It’s about adapting, staying focused, and trusting in your preparation and skill.”
His Bosphorus crossing drew considerable attention not only from local spectators but also from international media. Fans and followers were able to watch his incredible journey live through various Red Bull channels, including Red Bull TV and YouTube, where exclusive behind-the-scenes footage captured the preparation and tension leading up to the crossing.
With this achievement, Jaan Roose continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in slacklining, turning seemingly impossible feats into reality. As he sets his sights on future challenges, one thing is clear: Roose’s journey is far from over, and the world will be watching where he dares to walk next.
Photo credit: Mahmut Cinci / Red Bull Content Pool
