Jaan Roose, a 32-year-old Estonian slackline athlete, made history by becoming the first person to walk across Italy’s Strait of Messina. Using a slackline stretched over 3,646 meters, Roose managed to complete the treacherous journey in just under three hours, narrowly missing out on setting a new Guinness World Record due to a fall in the final 80 meters. Despite this setback, Roose expressed great satisfaction with his achievement, describing the experience as ‘Jaantastic.’ The challenging journey required extraordinary balance, concentration, strength, and stamina, with Roose facing winds of up to 38 km/h and temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius.
Roose’s notable accomplishments as an athlete include being a three-time slackline world champion and the only person to complete a double backflip on a slackline. He spent over six months preparing for the Messina Crossing and worked closely with an eight-person team to set up the record-breaking slackline. The process involved using a helicopter to guide the slackline into place and tensioning it with a custom-built winch system. Despite having tackled various impressive feats in the past, the Messina Crossing presented Roose with a unique and demanding challenge that pushed the limits of his skills.
The Messina Strait, which separates Italy’s Calabria region from Sicily, has long been a point of interest due to its historical and cultural significance. The idea of building a bridge across the strait dates back thousands of years, with various attempts being made by different civilizations. The latest plan for a bridge was approved by the Italian government in 2024, with an estimated cost of €11.6 billion. Once completed, the bridge will be the longest suspension bridge in the world, capable of withstanding earthquake and strong wind conditions. However, the project is not scheduled for completion until at least 2032.
Roose’s trek across the strait offered a symbolic challenge to the longstanding desire for a physical bridge between Sicily and mainland Italy. The ancient Romans and subsequent civilizations had sought to connect the two regions to eliminate the need for ferries. The historical significance and natural beauty of the strait, combined with its challenging conditions, made it a fitting location for Roose to showcase his extraordinary skills as a slackline athlete. Despite falling short of breaking a world record, Roose’s walk across the Messina Strait marked a significant moment in sports history and demonstrated the potential for human achievement in overcoming physical barriers.
The 3,646-meter slackline used by Roose for the Messina Crossing was the longest ever constructed, offering a breathtaking sight as he traversed the narrow channel. With the lowest point of the slackline positioned 100 meters above the water, Roose faced a daunting challenge that tested his physical and mental strength. While the final fall prevented him from setting a new world record, Roose’s accomplishment was hailed as a remarkable feat of endurance and skill. As he reflected on the journey, Roose expressed gratitude for the experience and emphasized the importance of pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities in the world of extreme sports.
