French ‘Spider-Man’ scales skyscraper aged 60

_126756605_tv078843798

(BBC)

A climber known as France’s “Spider-Man” has marked his 60th birthday by scaling a 48-storey skyscraper in Paris without any safety gear.

Alain Robert climbed the Tour TotalEnergies in the Défense business district using no ropes or harness.

“I want to send people the message that being 60 years old is nothing. You can still do sport, be active, do fabulous things,” he told Reuters news agency.

After reaching the top of the tower he was reportedly arrested.

Mr Robert has climbed the Tour TotalEnergies numerous times before. This time, it took him just 60 minutes to reach the top, news site Defense 92 reports.

“I promised myself several years ago that when I would reach 60, I would climb that tower again because 60 symbolises retirement age in France and I thought that was a nice touch,” he said after the climb.

He added that the aim of the climb was also to raise awareness of global warming, according to Reuters.

Mr Robert is known for climbing tall buildings worldwide. His daring feats include reaching the top of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building.

He usually does his stunts without prior notice or permission and has been arrested a number of times.

Read also: Haiti riots: Calls for calm after days of anti-government violence and looting
Breaking news & top stories

Stay connected with The Sun Newspaper

Get breaking news, exclusive stories, and live updates delivered straight to your phone. Join thousands of readers already following us on Whatsapp Channel and Telegram.

Breaking news & top stories

Follow The Sun Newspaper

Get live updates & exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.

Breaking news & top stories

Stay connected with The Sun Newspaper

Get breaking news, exclusive stories, and live updates delivered straight to your phone. Join thousands of readers already following us on Whatsapp Channel and Telegram.