French athlete breaks world record by climbing rope up Eiffel Tower

On April 11, French athlete Anouk Garnier (34 years old) broke the world record after climbing a 100m rope to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in just 18 minutes.

Speaking to the media, an emotional Garnier said: "It's a dream come true. It's amazing."

Equipped with a safety harness, the two-time world champion in the obstacle course conquered one of Paris' most iconic landmarks in front of thousands of fans.

Anouk Garnier set a goal of climbing 100m in 20 minutes but in reality it only took her 18 minutes to complete the journey.

"I never gave up, despite the many ups and downs on the way to achieving this record," she said. "The weather wasn't always my ally, and I had to convince sponsors to join this epic project. But I never stopped believing. It's a year of preparation, not just an 18-minute climb. There's a lot of pressure when you're aiming for something this big. But when you reach your goal, the feeling is insane."

The previous world record was held by South African Thomas Van Tonder, who climbed 90 metres up the middle rope of the Soweto Towers in Johannesburg in 2020.

Danish athlete Ida Mathilde Steensgaard holds the women's record after climbing a 26m rope at the Copenhagen Opera House in 2022.

Garnier said she was inspired by Steensgaard's success and wanted to take on the challenge to raise money for the Cancer League, after doctors diagnosed her mother with the disease.

Garnier now plans to return to obstacle racing and will take part in the 2024 Olympic torch relay in Marseille on May 9 before becoming an ambassador for the Paris Olympics volunteer program this summer.