It has been more than a century since someone last attempted to cross the Niagara Falls on a tightrope and it was only after a renegotiation and reversed decision that permission was again granted. Later this year we’ll finally see a man attempt the awe-inspiring stunt.

Nik Wallenda, a seventh-generation member of the famous family of circus acrobats and daredevil stunt performers, the Flying Wallendas, will attempt what was last accomplished in 1896 by James Hardy. The latter was the youngest ever to accomplish the feat and completed 16 crossings at the tender age of 21.

Initially Wallenda, 33, was not granted permission by The Niagara Parks Commission, however he managed to convince them to reverse their decision after telling them about the significant economic returns the stunt would generate.

“This decision was approved in part in recognition of the role that stunting has played in the history and promotion of Niagara Falls,” Niagara Parks Commission chair Janice Thomson said in a statement.

She also elaborated that this was a unique circumstance and that the Park would only consider such stunts once every 20 years.

When the date arrives, which is expected to be during the US summer, Wallenda will attempt to make his crossing on a 5 centimetre wide, 450 metre long wire stretching across the Falls anchored on both the Canadian and US sides. The stunt could take up to 45 minutes to complete and rescue helicopters and dive teams will be on standby throughout.

[Source: Sky News, Niagara Frontier]