Blaine breaks record for holding breath — 17 minutes 4 seconds

DAVID BLAINE set a new world record Wednesday for breath-holding — 17 minutes and 4 seconds — fulfilling what he said was “a lifelong dream.”

The feat was broadcast live during “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and the studio audience cheered as divers pulled the 35-year-old magician from a water-filled sphere 2.5 metres in diameter. Less than two years ago, Blaine went into convulsions during a similar attempt.

“A lifelong dream,” a relaxed-looking Blaine told Winfrey immediately after setting the record. “I can’t believe that I did that.”