David Blaine: How I held my breath for 17 min

http://www.ted.com In this highly personal talk from TEDMED, magician and stuntman David Blaine describes what it took to hold his breath underwater for 17 minutes -- a world record (only two minutes shorter than this entire talk!) -- and what his often death-defying work means to him. Warning: do NOT try this at home.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate.

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• Category

  Science & Technology

[PhothreeniX]

I have a lot of respect for David. He is really into what he does. Whether it is traditional magic, illusions or something else, he puts 200% effort into it and it shows.

And no you fucking idiots he doesn't have brain damage, its painfully obvious that he has a cold (flu).

[Xiao Sun]

Last 3 sentences give the point. No matter what you want achieve, there are no easy way but work harder and smarter. I respect him for his dedication.

[Roger Robie]

that's how he always sounds...

[xxAlicexxhnp]

You really fucked up man

[Jeff Rumans]

Fine line between bravery and stupidity, this man is not stupid.

[lildoodie2004]

Get a sense of humor, you fucking morons

[SuperCtSk]

He had the flu, not brain damage lol

[DJ Mori]

he has the flu/cold dude

[Fifita2012]

he succeed on holding his breath he is amazing doing that! but my only concern is he might get side effects later on when he age if he do not follow doctors to keep him healthier with breathing extra oxygen than what we do rest of his life wow!

[Nick Schillaci]

Its pretty much a medical fact - that long without oxygen WILL cause brain damage.

A few cases exempted of course.

[Aaron Maxwell]

a big inspiration in my life, and a heroe if I ever had one, showing what humans are truly capable of and pushing the boundaries of humanity