David Blaine to Attempt Breaking Underwater Breath-Holding Record

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2008

Chicago, IL— After months of rigorous training and with in-studio paramedics standing by, renowned endurance artist David Blaine will attempt to break the underwater breath-holding Guinness World Record live on the Oprah Winfrey Show stage. Facing the threats of heart failure, brain damage and even death, Blaine will endeavor to hold his breath for more than 16 minutes and 14 seconds—the record currently held by Tom Sietas—while submerged in a sphere-shaped aquarium filled with more than 2,500 gallons of water.

Blaine has been frozen in a block of ice for 63 hours, fasted for 44 days in a box suspended over the Thames and was buried alive in a coffin for an entire week. In his most recent endurance act, Blaine lived continuously in water for seven and a half days, longer than any other human being. At the end of his submersion, he attempted to hold his breath for the world record, falling just short of his goal. He refers to this upcoming breath-holding challenge on Oprah as a personal rematch in achieving his childhood dream.

Tune in to see if history will be made on The Oprah Winfrey Show: David Blaine Risks His Life to Break a World Record—LIVE on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 (check local listings).

The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 21 consecutive seasons, winning every sweep since its debut in 1986.* It is produced in Chicago by Harpo Productions, Inc. and syndicated to 212 domestic markets by King World and to 135 countries by CBS Paramount International Television.

Source:
*Nielsen Cassandra Ranking Report—November '86 to July '99 and Wrap Sweeps, November '99 to July '07. Primary Telecasts Only.

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