French 'Spiderman' sets new climbing record in Doha

Doha, Apr 13 (ANI): French free-climber Alain Robert, who is better known as "Spiderman", set a new Guinness World Record by climbing the 300 metre high Aspire Tower in the fastest time, unassisted.

Robert completed the impressive feat in 1 hour, 33 minutes and 47 seconds, and was awarded with a certificate by Andrea Banfi from the Guinness team for achieving what is his third record.

"He is setting the record and it is very exciting for us," the Gulf Times quoted her as saying before the climb.

"I am very happy," Robert said upon completing the task.

He said that despite difficult wind conditions, he felt spurred on to finish the task in hand by the huge level of support shown to him by fans in Qatar.

Robert explained that the climb had been organized as a result of his friendship with a US-based Al Jazeera journalist, adding that he had wanted to climb the tower since the first time he saw the structure.

"I wasn't scared but there were a lot of factors that made it extremely difficult for me to reach the top of the Torch, including the wind and the structure of the building.

"I wasn't able to turn around but I could hear the crowd below cheering for me.

"I hope to come back soon to Aspire Zone in Doha," he added.

The general manager of the Torch Doha Hotel, Gerhard Foltin, said that he was very proud to watch the event taking place at the hotel, and was impressed with the turnout from the public.

"This was a long time in the planning, and Alain has visited a number of times expressing his wish to climb the hotel," Foltin said.

He added that "the wind was strong but everything went very well and it was very well organised."

"We are really grateful that Spiderman is here at the Torch - it was a great event, seeing him climb such an iconic building, and he has great character," he said, noting "we hope to see him again."

Foltin explained that the organisers were expecting between 2,000 and 3,000 attendees, but said that the actual figure was more like 7,000. (ANI)