Skywalkers: A Love Story - Were there others who attempted to climb Merdeka 118 besides Ivan and Angela?

Skywalkers: A Love Story - Were there others who attempted to climb Merdeka 118 besides Ivan and Angela?
Skywalkers: A Love Story - Were there others who attempted to climb Merdeka 118 besides Ivan and Angela? (Image Via Ivan Beerkus Instagram)

Skywalkers: A Love Story is a gripping Netflix documentary that delves into the daring exploits of Russian rooftopper couple Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau. Renowned for their breathtaking yet risky climbs, the couple has captivated audiences worldwide with their audacious adventures.

One of the film's focal points is their perilous ascent of Malaysia’s Merdeka 118 skyscraper, a feat that has left many wondering if others have attempted such a daring climb.

Skywalkers: A Love Story not only showcases stunning drone footage of their expeditions but also explores the deeper motivations and personal connections that drive Ivan and Angela. While their climb of Merdeka 118 stands out as one of their most dangerous ventures, questions linger about whether any other climbers have braved the same heights.

According to Ivan, there are stories of others who have tried, but these claims remain unverified, which means Ivan and Angela are the only two people to climb the Merdeka 118.


Who else climbed the Merdeka 118 other than Ivan and Angela from Skywalkers: A Love Story?

While Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau's climb of the Merdeka 118 skyscraper is well-documented in Skywalkers: A Love Story, the question remains whether others have attempted this daring feat. According to Ivan, there are unverified stories of other climbers who tried to scale the towering structure, with some purportedly ending up in prison.

These accounts, though, lack official confirmation and remain part of the speculative lore surrounding the building. The dangers and legal repercussions associated with such an endeavor make it plausible that attempts might be kept under wraps, either due to the climbers' failure or their apprehension by authorities.

Despite the allure of these tales, Ivan and Angela's documented success and the footage they provided have cemented their status as the only verified roof toppers to conquer Merdeka 118, adding a layer of exclusivity and mystique to their already impressive accomplishments.


How Ivan and Angel from Skywalkers: A Love Story climb Merdeka 118?

The ascent of Merdeka 118, featured prominently in Skywalkers: A Love Story, was a meticulously planned operation. Standing at 2,200 feet, Merdeka 118 is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, and any misstep during the climb could have been fatal.

The couple chose to attempt the climb during the night of the FIFA World Cup, hoping that the event would distract security personnel. They used drones to scout their route and planned every detail meticulously.

On the night of the climb, Ivan and Angela began their ascent, navigating through the structure under the cover of darkness. However, halfway through, they decided to pause until sunrise, a decision that nearly derailed their entire plan.

As dawn broke, they found themselves on a floor occupied by a construction crew, forcing them to hide and remain undetected for 30 hours in sweltering heat and dust-filled conditions.

Despite these challenges, their determination pushed them forward. They eventually reached the 188th floor, where warning posters about the arrests of previous climbers only fueled their resolve to complete the climb.

To ensure their footage was preserved, Ivan used drones to send the videos back to the ground, safeguarding their documentation even if they were caught. This careful planning and execution underscore the high stakes and intense risks involved in their climb.


Who Are Ivan and Angela from Skywalkers: A Love Story?

Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau are a Moscow-born couple known for their rooftopping exploits.

Their backgrounds uniquely prepared them for their high-altitude adventures; Angela, with her experience as a circus acrobat, brings a blend of agility and fearlessness, while Ivan’s early climbs in Moscow garnered significant attention and helped him establish a following.

Their paths crossed online in 2014 when Angela, then an emerging rooftopper herself, began following Ivan's Instagram account, where he shared his daring climbs of Stalin-era buildings.

Their collaboration began professionally, but it soon blossomed into a romantic relationship. In 2016, Ivan invited Angela to join him on a climb in Hong Kong, initially as part of a sponsorship deal. During their time in Hong Kong, amidst the backdrop of a typhoon, Angela realized her feelings for Ivan.

Their relationship solidified as they continued to share dangerous climbs and unique experiences together.

Despite the illegal nature of their activities, which often puts their safety and freedom at risk, Ivan and Angela have become icons in the rooftopping community. Their climbs are not just about the adrenaline rush but also a form of artistic expression and a way to celebrate their love for life and each other.


Skywalkers: A Love Story is available to stream on Netflix.

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Edited by Bhargav
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