{
  "id": 16484828,
  "title": "Thomas van Tonder faces ultimate monkey-bars challenge at Bloukrans Bridge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/thomas-van-tonder-faces-ultimate-monkey-bars-challenge-at-bloukrans",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T14:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/2026-10-25-thomas-van-tonder-faces-ultimate-monkey-bars-challenge-at-bloukrans-bridge/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South African obstacle course racing (OCR) world champion Thomas van Tonder is preparing to take on his most challenging feat yet: traversing over 600 monkey bars across the 216-meter high Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa's Tsitsikamma. The bridge, standing 280 meters across, is Africa's highest, offering an ideal setting for the Red Bull athlete's ambitious endeavor. Despite months of rigorous preparation, van Tonder admits the challenge is the toughest he has ever undertaken, testing not just his physical strength but also his mental resilience. The attempt is scheduled for Monday, weather permitting, with a reserve day on Tuesday in case obstacles arise. Van Tonder expresses gratitude for the project's progress and his physical condition, acknowledging that while nerves are present, they are not overwhelming. He emphasizes that the mental aspect of the challenge, including the unpredictability of the bridge's microclimate and the exposure, could be the most critical factor in his success.",
  "summary": "More than 600 monkey bars, a 216-metre drop and unpredictable weather: Thomas van Tonder prepares for an extraordinary challenge at the Bloukrans Bridge.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}