A South African obstacle course racing champion with strong ties to the Vaal has taken an extraordinary feat of strength and endurance to new heights after completing a record-breaking monkey bar challenge 216 metres above the Bloukrans River.
Thomas Van Tonder conquered 600 monkey bars along a 280-metre course suspended beneath the Bloukrans Bridge in the Eastern Cape, completing the challenge in an impressive 47 minutes and 37 seconds. The achievement has attracted attention from supporters, including his aunt, Karin Visagie, who lives in the Vaal and was eager to celebrate her nephew’s latest accomplishment.
The demanding course followed the arch of the 451-metre-long bridge, requiring Van Tonder to navigate a challenging 45-degree ascent before reaching the highest point and making his way down. Despite months of preparation, the challenge pushed the athlete to his physical and mental limits.
Van Tonder admitted that the initial climb was particularly difficult, as he struggled to establish his rhythm and maintain the hand movements needed to progress across the bars. He described the first ascent as the toughest mental test of the attempt, adding that even keeping his hands firmly closed became increasingly difficult.
Despite the obstacles, he remained determined to complete what he had set out to achieve.“I finished what I started. I set myself a big and crazy goal, and we really achieved it,” he said.
Behind the record-breaking performance was six months of intensive preparation. Van Tonder constructed a specialised training rig at his home, featuring almost 50 metres of monkey bars, to prepare his grip strength and endurance for the demanding attempt. The challenge was scheduled for October 26, with October 27 kept as an alternative date in case weather conditions affected the attempt.
Safety was also a major consideration, with organisers installing two independent protection systems. The structure was developed by Cape Town-based Vertical Safety Systems without drilling or bolting into the bridge.
The attempt was broadcast live on Red Bull TV and YouTube, allowing audiences to follow the remarkable achievement. Van Tonder has previously demonstrated his ability to take on extraordinary physical challenges. In 2020, he set a Guinness World Record for a rope climb between the Soweto Towers in Johannesburg.
His latest accomplishment adds another remarkable milestone to his sporting journey, showcasing the determination, preparation and courage required to push beyond physical limits.
