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Sword Swallowers Unite For Sharp Stunt
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 19:35 GMT
HARTSELLE, Ala. (Wireless Flash - FlashNews) – A group of sword swallowers are determined to drive home the point about their profession.This Saturday (Feb. 27) is World Sword Swallower’s Day, and 25 pros will be simultaneously sliding steel down their throats at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! locations worldwide.
Sword Swallowing Association International president Dan Meyer will partake in the stunt from Texas by downing multiple swords and having a Frank Sinatra impersonator pull them out afterwards.
Meyer – who hypnotizes himself prior to swallowing swords in order to curb his gag reflex – hopes to prove that the dangerous feat is, in fact, real.
He’s been doing it since 1997 and almost died once during an attempt when he severely punctured his stomach.
Though techniques vary, Meyer says many swallowers lick the swords beforehand so they go down smoother while others drink olive oil.
Still, accidents happen, so Saturday’s stunt will also raise money for the Injured Sword Swallower’s Relief Fund.