David Blaine sets underwater record

David Blaine has broken the world record for holding his breath underwater.

The magician was submerged in a water-filled sphere for 17 minutes and four seconds live on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Blaine, who inhaled pure oxygen before attempting the stunt to flush carbon dioxide from his system, said he achieved the record by remaining in a meditative state.

After being pulled out of the water, Blaine said: "I feel great. I actually started to doubt I was going to make it because I'd never done it with such a high heart rate"

Blaine had hoped to reach the 23 minute mark but decided to end the stunt when he realised his heart was beating irregularly.

The 35-year-old's other feats of endurance include being buried, spending nearly 64 hours encased in ice, standing on top of a 105ft pillar for 35 hours and fasting in a glass box for 44 days.