TBT: this deep-diving, sword-swallowing Space Cowboy ate four blades while underwater
12 years ago, an Australian sword swallower took a fateful plunge into a swimming pool in Milan, and started gulping down blades.
In front of a stunned audience – and a GWR Adjudicator, dressed in a dive suit – the repeat record holder was attempting a nerve-racking title for the most swords swallowed underwater on 11 July 2014 as part of our Italian reality TV show, Lo Show dei Record.
And after strapping four swords together into one giant point, he was more than ready to take on the challenge – submerging his body under the water, and inhaling the weapons in a single, chlorine-filled breath.
Despite the unique nature of the challenge, this task was all in a day’s work for Chayne Hultgren (aka the Space Cowboy), who has made a name for himself with his extreme variety acts.
Over the last two decades, the performer has claimed dozens of Guinness World Records titles for his nail-biting achievements, including: the most arrows caught by hand in two minutes blindfolded (seven), the most torches lit with the body in one minute using conducted electricity (16), and the highest throw and catch of a chainsaw whilst juggling (11.8 ft, or 3.6 m).
Yet arguably Chayne’s most famous accomplishments come from his sword swallowing – which has awarded him six titles during the course of his career. He has completed these challenges while riding on top of unicycles, getting shocked with electric discharges, and even while juggling or swimming underwater.
Based in Byron Bay, Chayne has been performing since the age of eight, when he would take his sister’s unicycle and ride around town collecting change from impressed passersby.
With no formal stunt training, he learned his skills through experience – tinkering with chainsaws and blades, speaking with other artists, and gathering inspiration from the world around him. His routines were often based in juggling or unicycle riding, but with a dangerous twist, such as: blindfolding himself, using 12 ft (4 m)-tall bikes, or tossing around axes or machetes.
“I guess I’m a natural show-off, so I’ve always wanted to perform,” explained Chayne in an interview with GWR in 2012. “And I love performing in front of people.”
Chayne’s first appearance in Guinness World Records came in 2008 when he took the title for the most swords swallowed simultaneously by a male with 17, a number which he later increased to 24. Sadly, his record was then broken by Franz Huber (Germany) in 2017, after he raised the total to 28.
Nevertheless, Chayne definitely has his own unique style of sword swallowing – as who else can say they’ve devoured a blade while in a shark tank?
Naturally, then Chayne says that people often ask if he’s scared while doing these stunts – but he says that when you have faith in your abilities, there’s not much to be frightened of.
“The fact is, I spend a lot of time preparing for them,” Chayne said. “And they’re educated risks. So I know there’s a risk involved, but that’s part of the job.”
Since he’s gotten older, Chayne’s performance art has moved more in the direction of visual art, but they still have a strong interactive element – drawing from his years as an entertainer.
Blurring the lines between 2D and 3D, his works often have strong colours and animal themes, and it’s not uncommon to see him utilise optical illusions or other magical tricks during his exhibition shows.
And even though he’s currently less likely to be launching around chainsaws or somersaulting underwater with swords in his belly, Chayne said that he will forever be inspired by the amazing record holders who share his spot in Guinness World Records.
“It’s nice being recognized for something that’s above-and-beyond,” he said in 2012. “That’s why I’m so proud to be a part of the Guinness World Records archives.”
So congratulations on your lifelong achievements, Chayne – you are still Officially Amazing!