Steeper wire walk caused by concrete anchors being moved

Exhausted from setting records and making history, Wallenda’s last day in Chicago spent talking to local media and receiving proclamation from the mayor

(Above) During his first of two high-wire walks on Sunday, Nik Wallenda approaches Leo Burnett Building, where the wire closest to it drooped at a 19-degree angle. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

3-Nov-14 – Relocating two concrete anchors caused the only miscalculation for Nik Wallenda during his wire walk over the Chicago River on Sunday.

The anchors on Wacker Drive held vertical wires that helped keep his main wire from swaying. When they were moved closer to Leo Burnett Building, Wallenda explained on Monday, the angle of the main wire increased and turned Wallenda’s walk from the 15-degree incline he had trained for into a 19-degree walk in strong winds.

(Left) Sway guy wires like these were anchored to concrete blocks on Wacker Drive.

The cables that helped stabilize the high wire were moved to make the high wire tighter. But this also pulled down on the wire, making it more curved. Where the wire connected to Leo Burnett Building, the incline was measured at 19 degrees.

When he started his six-minute-51-second walk at 7:35 p.m., he seemed to be running late. But the daredevil says the timing had nothing to do with him and that Discovery Channel told him when to start.

Wallenda reports no other issues throughout the weeklong preparations except for some of his crewmembers being stuck in an elevator at Marina City for an hour and a half.

While in Chicago for five days, Wallenda and his family visited Shedd Aquarium, went out for pizza, and spent time at Dana Hotel & Spa in River North. From his corner suite, Wallenda could see AMA Plaza and one of the camera cables.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel was on Marina City’s east tower observation deck early Monday for a television appearance with Wallenda. Later at City Hall, Emanuel proclaimed November 3 Nik Wallenda Day in Chicago, in recognition of the daredevil’s “fearlessness, ingenuity, and resolve.”

Emanuel says Wallenda will “forever serve as inspiration to residents in Chicago and beyond.”

(Above) Mayor Emanuel (left) and Nik Wallenda chat in the mayor’s office at City Hall on Monday. Photo by Laurie Goldberg.

Wallenda had another message for residents of Marina City, telling them again that he appreciates their support.

“I understand that not each and every one had to sign off, that there is a [condo] board and I appreciate everybody jumping on board and believing in it. I apologize for the few days that we were in the way and thanks for their understanding. I feel for them because their elevators, we were filling them up every day for five, six, seven days. I appreciate all of their support and hope that I did them proud.”

Now in New York for two days of media appearances, Wallenda returns to his native Sarasota, Florida, on Thursday.

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