One of the greatest stuntmen of our time is the legendary Evel Knievel. Throughout the late 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s Evel Knievel was known throughout the world for being the ultimate daredevil and stuntman. Evel Knievel came from humble beginnings to become world famous and extremely rich. While his life is full of many successes, his critics often have said that his failures have played a big part in his fame as well. For those looking to read more about this incredible man- which some say is made from steel due to so much reconstructive surgery, the Smithsonian Magazine offers an interesting article on the man, the daredevil, his stunts and his motorcycle.
Evel Knievel Becomes a Worldwide Celebrity
In late 1967, Evel Knievel was doing a promotion in Las Vegas near Caesar’s Palace and as he set his eyes on the fantastic fountains that stood, he knew he had the making of an ultimate daredevil stunt. For New Year’s Eve 1968, Evel Knievel would jump and try to sail over the fountains at the palace with his Harley Davidson motorcycle. The spectacle was so surreal, it included thousands of spectators and plenty of TV coverage. While daredevil Evel Knievel cleared the Caesar’s Palace fountains, Evel failed to land correctly on the landing ramp and tumbled off of his motorcycle violently. When his body came to a standstill, he was unconscious and in a coma. After about a month in a coma, he awoke to not only a wide range of broken bones and injuries, but being famous throughout the world.
Other Daredevil Stunts
With the Caesar’s Palace Fountains, daredevil Evel Knievel became a worldwide hit, Evel Knievel set out on even more incredible stunts. Some of his most famous stunts included an attempt to jump across the Snake River Canyon on a rocket motorcycle- which was actually a rocket with two wheels attached and his jump of 13 double-decker busses at Wembley Stadium, London in 1975. As he jumped the double-decker busses, he landed wrong and broke his pelvis, however he was able to regain composure and say some words to the audience which included him announcing his retirement. However, this announcement was a little premature, as Evel Knievel would once again continue to be a daredevil.
Read More About Evel Knievel
To read more about this daredevil the Smithsonian Magazine offers an interesting article on the subject. You can read it at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/
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