This 23-Year-Old Cheats Death One Roof At A Time

This British daredevil and former gymnast shows no fear as he performs a death-defying stunt on the roof of a 70-storey-high building.

In an extraordinary video, freerunner David Thomas Nelmes, from Leeds, can be seen standing precariously on the edge of a skyscraper in the Dubai Marina, before fearlessly leaping across huge gaps in the roof of a building.

The 23-year-old doesn't even appear to hesitate as he risks his life, making his way across the 70-storey building.

David first got into freerunning after watching videos on YouTube and has been honing his skills from the tender age of 17.

I was naturally good and a fast learner, my gymnast background may have also helped. When you’ve practised jumps 10,000 times at ground level, the height is only in your mind.

David Thomas Nelmes, Freerunner

The 23-year-old feels that once you come to terms with the adventure, you can get over your fear.

Once you become confident and calm, it’s easy and safe. In the video I was just excited, there wasn’t that much adrenaline once I had done it a few times, so it was easier to push it and do the bigger gaps with each time of trying.

David Thomas Nelmes, Freerunner

However, Nelmes has not found himself on the better side of luck often. His dangerous stunts have caused injuries, but Nelmes remains steady, and maintains that it is a safe sport despite the look of it.

I’ve had injuries but nothing very serious. The worst I’ve suffered is a broken shoulder and a few minor fractures. It’s actually one of the safest sports, and isn’t adrenaline-fuelled as common perception suggests.

However, he suggests that people should not try this without adequate experience and training.

It’s often safer than ground level because when you attempt something at a height, you are 100 percent sure of yourself and mentally prepared to avoid any accidents. Whereas on the ground you are more likely to risk a jump or move because you know it’s unlikely to end in death. I’ve had six years of training Parkour at ground level and in safer environments which allows me to perform these stunts comfortably.

(With inputs from AP)

Video Editor: Vivek Gupta