If you were around during the 60’s, 70’ and early 80’s one pop culture icon that made it’s way to the American psych and throughout the world was daredevil Evel Knievel. Evel Knievel was one of the most gifted daredevils to walk the earth and his stunts were legendary. For those that are impressed with daredevils that risk their life and limb to entertain a crowd, Evel Knievel raised the bar to a new level. He not only proved his courage dozens of times, but had true charisma that made him interesting to millions.
The Legend Begins at Caesar’s Palace
Evel Knievel drew some large crowds, but his popularity when into hyperdrive after his infamous daredevil stunt to jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace. On two wheels of fury during 1968, Evel Knievel barreled down a short track and lifted off a steep ramp flying high above the fountains of Caesar’s Palace. In fact, clearing the fountains were not the problem- he accomplished this handily, the problem was landing. Unfortunately missing the landing ramp by about a tire, his bike careened into the ramp and started to roll, throwing Evel off the bike and careening towards the ground. His failure completely spectacular- caught be TV cameras would be shown around the world. Evel Knievel though surviving the fall, would be in a coma with plenty of broken bones for the month to come. However, when daredevil Evel Knievel would finally come out of his coma, he would be world famous and his jump legendary.
The Many Jumps of Daredevil Evel Knievel
Being a master showman, daredevil Evel Knievel became more popular due to his many failures than his actual successes, but even with plenty of broken bones (in which he holds the Guinness Book of World Record for- 433), he didn’t stop taking chances and his stunts didn’t get easier, but grander. Some of the stunts and failures that Evel was known for was his attempt to jump Snake Canyon, jumping over a pool of sharks, jumping over dozens of busses and much more. Just him and his Harley Davidson motorcycle were the only thing separating Evel from applause and death.
Read More About Daredevil Evel Knievel at Smithsonian Magazine
Interested in reading more about the life and stunts of daredevil Evel Knievel, the Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent article on the subject. To read it, please visit our main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/
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