The world's well-known exponent of extreme magic and desperate escapes, Robert Gallup, performed for a Chinese audience on the Great Wall in August.
Police bound Gallup with seven thick ropes.
He had himself hung 45 meters in the air tied up with seven ropes.
But he managed to escape from his restraints in 12 minutes, according to the Beijing-based Star Daily. "The result of my failing to escape is, of course, death," said Gallup at his press conference the next day.
So, for each performance, he has to prepare for at least six months.
"It depends on skills such as jumping in the air, being able to hold my breath under water, time-counting and good luck," he said.
"I don't do it for money - I just want to challenge myself."
He plans another performance in China again at the end of the year.
(Shanghai Star September 26, 2002)
