George Willig, the Human Fly Who Climbed the World Trade Center
A 28-Year-Old Mountain Climber and Toymaker's Inventive Ascent
By Jake Rossen | June 16, 2023
In 1977, George Willig, a 28-year-old mountain climber and toymaker from Queens, New York, embarked on a daring adventure that captured the attention of the world: he climbed the entirety of the World Trade Center's North Tower without any safety equipment.
Willig's ascent was a testament to his exceptional climbing skills and the inventive tools he had designed to aid him. Using a combination of suction cups, ropes, and pulleys, Willig was able to ascend the tower's smooth, sheer surface with ease.
As Willig scaled the tower, crowds gathered below, eager to witness this extraordinary feat. His climb became a symbol of both human ingenuity and the audacity of the human spirit. Willig's accomplishment not only captured the hearts and minds of New Yorkers but also inspired a new era of urban climbing.
Today, George Willig's legacy as the "Human Fly" lives on. His daring ascent continues to be remembered as a testament to the power of human determination and the boundless possibilities of exploration.
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