SHOALHAVEN based daredevil Robbie Maddison is all set to strut his stuff on the world stage again with another hair raising New Year’s Eve stunt in Las Vegas.
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Maddison, who shot into the world record books last year with a monster Guinness World Record leap of 98.33 metres (322 feet 71/2 inches) across a football field, is now set for a new challenge to become the person to jump the highest.
Of course he bettered that distance record in Melbourne during March this year with a leap of 351 feet.
But now the 27-year-old has again been headhunted by American television giant ESPN to produce the electrifying stunt.
While his long distance jump last year provided extraordinary television footage, shown across the globe, Maddison is set to top that.
During his record jump last year he was about 60 feet off the ground, this latest record attempt will see him almost double that.
His next party trick is more dangerous – he will attempt a steep 70-degree jump of 37 metres (or 96 feet) onto the roof of the replica Arc de Triomphe in front of the Paris Las Vegas casino before a 15-metre freefall onto a landing ramp.
And while his long distance jump was risky he knows this latest record attempt also has the potential to be fatal if things go wrong.
“Knowing the risks are the hardest part of the entire gig,” he said.
“I put it in the back of my mind all year and tried to not think about it. But as we’ve drawn closer I’ve been hit with the realisation that I have to do this.”
Maddison has revealed the extent of his battle with the mental demons conjured up by attempting a motorcycle jump that could kill him.
When the vomiting stopped and the knees straightened, he began training every fibre.
“I train my body, mind and soul,” he said. “I do extensive core balance and motor skill work. I train my nervous system and every day I work on my mindset. And the soul, I like to keep balanced.
“I try to live being fair and respectful to others in hope I have good karma. I stockpile it for events like this. Vegas is a killer backdrop and it’s the place to gamble. I just happen to be playing at the table with the highest stakes.”
Maddison is brave, fatalistic and driven.
“I do this because I loved Evel Knievel and the energy around his name. I grew up knowing that I wanted to be famous for doing things that others would never do. I do this because it is what makes me get up early and train hard to be the best. I accept the risks involved, I understand them and try every day to avoid them.”
Past crashes have left Maddison with brain haemorrhages, temporary paralysis, fractured vertebrae, punctured lungs, smashed teeth, seizures and a bottom lip ripped clean off his face. There have been broken legs, toes, ankles, forearms, collarbones and 28 fractured fingers.
His next chapter will be another tempting of fate. And must-see TV.
Source: The Sun-Herald
