Nik Wallenda becomes first person to complete Grand Canyon high-wire walk

Daredevil Nik Wallenda has completed a historic high-wire walk over a section of the Grand Canyon without a safety tether.

The 34-year-old was greeted with cheers after he finished his journey across the Little Colorado River on a 2-inch (5-cm) steel cable.

Speaking at the finishing line, Wallenda said it was "way more windy" than expected, "it took every bit of me to focus that entire time", he said.

The acrobat from Sarasota Florida walked 1,400 feet (426.7 metres) across part of the Grand Canyon, something he has been dreaming about since he was a teenager.

Speaking before the walk he said:

The self-described "King of the High Wire" took 22 minutes and 54 seconds to complete the challenge which was broadcast live around the world.

Thanking God he said, "thank you Lord, wow, it's a long way down", less than a minute before he finished his record attempt.

Running the last few steps across the finish line, he greeted his emotional family, his wife Erendira said: "I'm so relieved, I can finally breathe again!"

Speaking about Wallenda's challenges, she said, "my husband's risking his life".

The high wire artist, who comes from a family of acrobats, made history last year by becoming the only person to walk a high wire over the brink of Niagara Falls.