Illusionist David Blaine has begun his latest stunt, during which he will attempt to hang upside-down for 60 hours.
The 35-year-old magician is currently suspended over Central Park's Wollman ice skating rink.
Blaine is wearing a safety harness and has been attached to a crossbar on a large steel scaffold structure.
Blaine told Reuters: "I think we can really, when put in any situation, I think we can really adapt to it."
"I like to do these things because it gives me a different perspective, for a short duration. But that perspective is important to the rest of my normal existence."
The stunt will finish with Blaine taking what he calls the "Dive of Death" on Wednesday when he falls 44 feet to the ground.
He declined to reveal what would break his fall, saying: "It's a crazy ending, for sure, especially after 60 hours without sleep, plus the last 24, so it'll be 84 hours without sleep."
Blaine will not eat during the stunt but will pull himself upright to drink liquids and restore circulation.
Doctors have warned that the illusionist will face a number of risks during the challenge, including increased blood pressure and the risk of stroke or blindness.
