1 00:00:05,223 --> 00:00:07,040 - [dan] what you are about to see is not just unbelievable, 2 00:00:07,042 --> 00:00:08,942 It's also dangerous. 3 00:00:08,944 --> 00:00:11,553 Do not try this at home. 4 00:00:12,872 --> 00:00:15,724 (upbeat music) 5 00:00:20,272 --> 00:00:22,939 Imagine a suburban mom with super strength, 6 00:00:22,941 --> 00:00:25,859 More formidable than the world's strongest man. 7 00:00:27,528 --> 00:00:31,389 - She starts lifting the car. 8 00:00:31,391 --> 00:00:32,832 (mom screaming) 9 00:00:32,834 --> 00:00:35,243 - It's something you see in a comic book, it's superhuman. 10 00:00:35,245 --> 00:00:39,339 - Or a man who is immune to lightning. 11 00:00:39,341 --> 00:00:40,581 (lightning strikes) 12 00:00:40,583 --> 00:00:42,742 - It burns through his shoe, 13 00:00:42,744 --> 00:00:46,262 But twice is apparently not enough. 14 00:00:46,264 --> 00:00:47,780 Roy struck again. 15 00:00:47,782 --> 00:00:49,824 - How about a mere mortal who's faster 16 00:00:49,826 --> 00:00:51,067 Than a speeding bullet? 17 00:00:51,069 --> 00:00:54,988 - It's too small and too fast for the naked eye to see. 18 00:00:54,990 --> 00:00:56,098 (gunshot) 19 00:00:57,308 --> 00:00:58,424 (clang) 20 00:00:58,426 --> 00:00:59,684 - These are the humans so surprising. 21 00:00:59,686 --> 00:01:01,978 They are truly unbelievable. 22 00:01:04,449 --> 00:01:07,192 (spooky music) 23 00:01:14,801 --> 00:01:19,462 It's April, 1942 in shenandoah national park, virginia 24 00:01:19,464 --> 00:01:22,891 And a violent thunderstorm has park ranger roy sullivan 25 00:01:22,893 --> 00:01:26,803 Taking refuge in a fire tower when suddenly 26 00:01:26,805 --> 00:01:28,672 The tower is struck by lightning. 27 00:01:28,674 --> 00:01:30,966 (lightning and thunder crash) 28 00:01:33,061 --> 00:01:35,645 - After eight lightning strikes on that tower, 29 00:01:35,647 --> 00:01:39,099 It's now ablaze and roy has to escape. 30 00:01:40,535 --> 00:01:45,379 Well, on his way down the tower he's struck. 31 00:01:45,381 --> 00:01:49,559 It burns through his shoe, yanks off his toenail, 32 00:01:49,561 --> 00:01:51,319 But he lives through it. 33 00:01:52,163 --> 00:01:53,479 - When you are struck by lightning, 34 00:01:53,481 --> 00:01:58,009 An extremely large amount of electrical current flows 35 00:01:58,503 --> 00:02:01,705 Through your body to the ground. 36 00:02:01,907 --> 00:02:04,583 This is potentially lethal, for most people. 37 00:02:05,593 --> 00:02:07,352 - [dan] the odds of being struck by lightning 38 00:02:07,354 --> 00:02:10,188 Are just one in 15,300, pretty low. 39 00:02:10,190 --> 00:02:15,385 But ranger roy is about to defy those odds again. 40 00:02:17,088 --> 00:02:21,182 - He is driving his pickup truck during an electrical storm 41 00:02:21,184 --> 00:02:25,395 And a tree adjoining his truck is struck. 42 00:02:25,397 --> 00:02:26,705 (lightning and thunder strike) 43 00:02:26,707 --> 00:02:30,358 The lightning rebounds into the cab of his truck, 44 00:02:31,302 --> 00:02:33,111 Setting his eyebrows and hair afire. 45 00:02:35,415 --> 00:02:38,224 - But twice is apparently not enough for roy. 46 00:02:38,226 --> 00:02:41,127 The third time lightning bounces off of a transformer 47 00:02:41,129 --> 00:02:44,664 And strikes him, but this time it leaves its mark. 48 00:02:45,650 --> 00:02:48,618 It's a lichtenberg figure, so called, across his back, 49 00:02:48,620 --> 00:02:51,028 In the shape of a lightning bolt. 50 00:02:51,030 --> 00:02:54,090 - [dan] roy is now tied with a man named walter summerford 51 00:02:54,092 --> 00:02:57,034 As the only known people who have been struck 52 00:02:57,036 --> 00:02:58,119 By lightning three times, 53 00:02:58,121 --> 00:03:01,473 For at least two years that is until- 54 00:03:01,900 --> 00:03:03,800 - Roy struck again. 55 00:03:03,802 --> 00:03:06,986 Fourth time, this time it sets his hair on fire 56 00:03:06,988 --> 00:03:09,272 And he's got to put that out. 57 00:03:10,075 --> 00:03:13,759 He takes a wet cloth, pats it on his head, 58 00:03:13,761 --> 00:03:14,986 Puts his hair out. 59 00:03:16,147 --> 00:03:21,618 - So now roy, the most struck by lightning man on earth, 60 00:03:22,754 --> 00:03:24,954 Travels everywhere with a can of water at the ready, 61 00:03:24,956 --> 00:03:28,341 Just in case he's struck and set upon fire again. 62 00:03:28,343 --> 00:03:30,910 - [dan] unfortunately, that can of water 63 00:03:30,912 --> 00:03:32,462 Is going to come in handy. 64 00:03:33,757 --> 00:03:35,673 - He's driving down a mountain road. 65 00:03:35,675 --> 00:03:39,678 He sees evidence of a lightning storm on the horizon. 66 00:03:40,639 --> 00:03:42,739 He flees in the other direction. 67 00:03:43,492 --> 00:03:45,308 - He starts driving away as quickly as possible, 68 00:03:45,310 --> 00:03:46,659 A can of water at the ready, 69 00:03:46,661 --> 00:03:50,497 Appearing to be at a safe distance from the ominous cloud 70 00:03:50,499 --> 00:03:51,648 That he feels is following. 71 00:03:51,650 --> 00:03:55,935 He emerges from his pickup truck only to be struck again. 72 00:03:55,937 --> 00:03:59,697 Hair on fire, eyebrows on fire, can of water over the head. 73 00:03:59,699 --> 00:04:01,508 Roy was prepared this time. 74 00:04:01,510 --> 00:04:05,044 - It's the same show all over and over again. 75 00:04:05,046 --> 00:04:08,131 - [dan] incredibly, roy has struck two more times, 76 00:04:08,133 --> 00:04:12,343 The last after he leaves what already was for him, 77 00:04:12,345 --> 00:04:13,520 A dangerous job. 78 00:04:13,522 --> 00:04:16,840 - When roy finally retires from the park service, 79 00:04:16,842 --> 00:04:20,710 His seventh and final time happens while he is at leisure. 80 00:04:20,712 --> 00:04:21,978 (lightning and thunder crash) 81 00:04:21,980 --> 00:04:24,363 He gets struck while fishing. 82 00:04:24,365 --> 00:04:27,475 - Roy, in short, is a miracle man. 83 00:04:27,477 --> 00:04:29,402 The chance of being struck by lightning 84 00:04:29,404 --> 00:04:33,648 Seven different times is one out of 10 to the 28th power. 85 00:04:35,902 --> 00:04:39,237 The chances of being struck and surviving seven times 86 00:04:39,530 --> 00:04:40,822 Put the odds even 87 00:04:40,824 --> 00:04:42,832 Further off the margins 88 00:04:43,284 --> 00:04:45,485 And it would be considered impossible, 89 00:04:45,487 --> 00:04:50,073 But for the fact that it happens to roy sullivan. 90 00:04:50,925 --> 00:04:53,076 - So of course people want to investigate. 91 00:04:53,078 --> 00:04:56,004 They want to understand if there's something special 92 00:04:56,006 --> 00:04:58,081 About roy's body or study the effects 93 00:04:58,083 --> 00:04:59,740 Of all these lightning strikes. 94 00:04:59,742 --> 00:05:01,751 But when a doctor goes to examine him, 95 00:05:01,753 --> 00:05:03,570 Lightning strikes happen nearby 96 00:05:03,572 --> 00:05:06,422 And the doctor is no longer interested. 97 00:05:06,424 --> 00:05:09,075 - [dan] even his own wife isn't safe around him. 98 00:05:09,077 --> 00:05:12,353 - It's no surprise that his wife would be dismayed 99 00:05:12,355 --> 00:05:14,839 Because when she's hanging clothes one day 100 00:05:14,841 --> 00:05:16,766 When he's a hundred some feet away, 101 00:05:16,768 --> 00:05:18,509 (thunder rumbling) 102 00:05:18,511 --> 00:05:20,786 She herself gets struck by lightning. 103 00:05:20,788 --> 00:05:22,046 (thunder and lightning crash) 104 00:05:22,048 --> 00:05:25,474 - [dan] surprisingly, she doesn't file for divorce. 105 00:05:25,476 --> 00:05:28,794 - The way roy chooses to deal with this attraction 106 00:05:28,796 --> 00:05:32,465 That he has for things that kill anybody else 107 00:05:32,467 --> 00:05:34,350 Is he decides to own it. 108 00:05:34,352 --> 00:05:37,879 He becomes the guinness world's record holder 109 00:05:38,773 --> 00:05:40,440 For the number of lightning strikes 110 00:05:40,442 --> 00:05:41,707 That someone can live through. 111 00:05:42,552 --> 00:05:44,777 He gives lectures, he has the artifacts 112 00:05:44,779 --> 00:05:46,613 From when he's been struck. 113 00:05:46,615 --> 00:05:52,042 He essentially becomes the human lightning rod, for real. 114 00:05:52,787 --> 00:05:54,879 - His superhuman ability is that he shows us 115 00:05:54,881 --> 00:05:58,491 That the word impossible should be used 116 00:05:58,493 --> 00:06:00,476 Very sparingly, if at all 117 00:06:01,404 --> 00:06:04,180 - Maybe roy's most superhuman feat after all 118 00:06:04,182 --> 00:06:07,250 Is that he was able to stay married. 119 00:06:07,252 --> 00:06:09,402 Must be his electric personality. 120 00:06:10,062 --> 00:06:12,371 But perhaps that phrase should belong 121 00:06:12,373 --> 00:06:14,749 To a guy in india known as current mohan. 122 00:06:17,253 --> 00:06:18,828 Kollam, india. 123 00:06:18,830 --> 00:06:22,089 A 7-year-old boy named rajmohan niar 124 00:06:22,091 --> 00:06:24,092 Is reeling from a terrible tragedy. 125 00:06:24,094 --> 00:06:26,744 - His mother dies when he's a child 126 00:06:26,746 --> 00:06:29,188 And he simply can't bear it. 127 00:06:29,190 --> 00:06:30,998 So he attempts to kill himself. 128 00:06:31,685 --> 00:06:35,645 He climbs a utility pole and grabs a transformer. 129 00:06:35,647 --> 00:06:37,847 - [dan] but something surprising happens, 130 00:06:37,849 --> 00:06:39,773 Or should I say doesn't happen. 131 00:06:39,775 --> 00:06:42,152 - He's not electrocuted, he's not killed. 132 00:06:42,154 --> 00:06:44,453 (pulsing synthesizer music) 133 00:06:44,455 --> 00:06:45,705 - [dan] even more unbelievable, 134 00:06:45,707 --> 00:06:48,474 Mohan's survival isn't just good luck. 135 00:06:48,476 --> 00:06:52,829 He seems able to absorb any amount of electricity. 136 00:06:52,831 --> 00:06:55,181 (electrical current pulsing) 137 00:06:55,775 --> 00:06:59,035 - He can take electrical wire that's plugged into a wall, 138 00:06:59,037 --> 00:07:01,278 Grab the open end of the wire 139 00:07:01,280 --> 00:07:03,064 And he serves sort of as a 140 00:07:03,066 --> 00:07:04,824 Conduit for the electricity 141 00:07:04,826 --> 00:07:08,803 To run through his body and to power an appliance. 142 00:07:10,431 --> 00:07:14,066 - Blenders, toasters, lighting light bulbs. 143 00:07:14,068 --> 00:07:16,769 He runs all of those things by driving power 144 00:07:16,771 --> 00:07:18,087 Through his body. 145 00:07:18,089 --> 00:07:20,398 - Raj becomes a local celebrity 146 00:07:21,300 --> 00:07:23,443 And he basically spends his life displaying 147 00:07:23,445 --> 00:07:27,071 These electrical shocks and running appliances. 148 00:07:29,734 --> 00:07:31,701 - [dan] but how is this possible? 149 00:07:32,937 --> 00:07:35,680 - Some tests have been run on him, including hooking him up 150 00:07:35,682 --> 00:07:36,572 To a multimeter, 151 00:07:36,574 --> 00:07:38,415 Which is going to measure the amount 152 00:07:38,417 --> 00:07:39,942 Of current going through him 153 00:07:39,944 --> 00:07:41,585 And the amount of electricity 154 00:07:41,587 --> 00:07:44,421 That he can handle is on average 10 times 155 00:07:44,423 --> 00:07:46,515 What a normal human being could handle. 156 00:07:46,517 --> 00:07:48,568 - Raj is sort of a mystery. 157 00:07:48,570 --> 00:07:51,887 No one knows if his organs are wired differently. 158 00:07:51,889 --> 00:07:56,059 If for some reason biologically he just is resistant 159 00:07:56,061 --> 00:08:00,270 To electricity, we really cannot ever actually know. 160 00:08:00,272 --> 00:08:02,815 - [dan] or can mohan's gift be traced back 161 00:08:03,768 --> 00:08:04,584 To that fateful childhood day as just another 162 00:08:05,194 --> 00:08:05,593 To that fateful childhood day as just another 163 00:08:06,287 --> 00:08:07,487 Superhero's origin story. 164 00:08:10,692 --> 00:08:12,708 - In 2020, icelandic strongman, 165 00:08:12,710 --> 00:08:14,952 Hafthor julius bjornsson sets the world record 166 00:08:14,954 --> 00:08:18,598 For a deadlift when he hoists 1,105 pounds 167 00:08:18,600 --> 00:08:20,166 Clear off the ground. 168 00:08:24,622 --> 00:08:26,506 (scream of triumph) 169 00:08:27,458 --> 00:08:28,699 Impressive, yes, 170 00:08:28,701 --> 00:08:31,970 Until a suburban mom does something unbelievable. 171 00:08:33,782 --> 00:08:38,351 April 11th, 1982 starts off like any other spring day 172 00:08:38,353 --> 00:08:43,139 For angela cavallo inside her suburban georgia home. 173 00:08:43,141 --> 00:08:45,382 - Angela is in her kitchen 174 00:08:45,384 --> 00:08:46,459 Doing mom stuff 175 00:08:46,569 --> 00:08:48,961 And her son, who's a teenager, 176 00:08:48,963 --> 00:08:52,073 Is out in the garage working on his chevy impala, 177 00:08:53,242 --> 00:08:54,575 And she hears a crash. 178 00:08:54,577 --> 00:08:56,619 (heavy impact of metal) 179 00:08:58,323 --> 00:09:00,038 - Angela rushes into the garage, 180 00:09:00,040 --> 00:09:03,501 She sees the impala on top of her son. 181 00:09:06,164 --> 00:09:07,647 He is lying there, 182 00:09:07,757 --> 00:09:10,424 Pinned under the car, immobile. 183 00:09:10,426 --> 00:09:14,411 Like any mother, she's terrified and she starts to scream 184 00:09:14,413 --> 00:09:15,604 For help. 185 00:09:15,606 --> 00:09:18,016 - [dan] that's when 11-year-old johnny edwards, 186 00:09:18,018 --> 00:09:21,510 Shows up, not exactly the muscle she was looking for. 187 00:09:21,512 --> 00:09:22,678 - Bless this kid's heart. 188 00:09:22,680 --> 00:09:25,364 He recognizes he's probably not gonna be much help. 189 00:09:25,366 --> 00:09:27,317 He starts running the neighborhood, knocking on doors, 190 00:09:27,319 --> 00:09:30,653 Trying to get another adult or two to help, 191 00:09:30,655 --> 00:09:33,156 And then she tries to move the car. 192 00:09:33,158 --> 00:09:34,857 This is a 3000 pound vehicle. 193 00:09:34,859 --> 00:09:38,119 This is not something you can easily lift up. 194 00:09:38,997 --> 00:09:41,331 - [dan] is it possible that tiny angela, 195 00:09:41,666 --> 00:09:43,958 Can really best a strong man 196 00:09:43,960 --> 00:09:46,377 And lift a 3,300 pound car? 197 00:09:50,342 --> 00:09:53,009 (car creaks) 198 00:09:57,815 --> 00:10:01,550 - She starts lifting the car. 199 00:10:01,552 --> 00:10:04,562 (angela screams) 200 00:10:05,206 --> 00:10:08,858 (dramatic music builds) 201 00:10:10,545 --> 00:10:14,364 - Angela is there alone holding up this car. 202 00:10:14,366 --> 00:10:18,016 If she lets it go, her son could be killed. 203 00:10:18,018 --> 00:10:21,328 - [dan] she holds on for an agonizing five minutes 204 00:10:21,330 --> 00:10:22,163 And then- 205 00:10:23,123 --> 00:10:25,324 - The kid shows back up with two adults. 206 00:10:26,152 --> 00:10:28,211 Angela has been holding the car this whole time. 207 00:10:30,156 --> 00:10:33,299 (suspenseful music) 208 00:10:38,664 --> 00:10:41,407 They managed to get tony out from under the car. 209 00:10:41,409 --> 00:10:42,558 He is taken to the hospital. 210 00:10:42,560 --> 00:10:46,095 He's released a week later on easter Sunday. 211 00:10:46,097 --> 00:10:49,782 - Powerlifters in gyms who train for competition, 212 00:10:49,784 --> 00:10:53,010 Who put themselves through arduous routines 213 00:10:53,012 --> 00:10:56,272 Are able to lift maybe a thousand pounds. 214 00:10:56,274 --> 00:11:01,661 What allows a everyday woman to not only lift 215 00:11:02,780 --> 00:11:08,275 But to hold a 3000 pound automobile for five minutes? 216 00:11:09,028 --> 00:11:11,521 - [dan] angela has just experienced a phenomenon 217 00:11:11,523 --> 00:11:13,881 Called hysterical strength. 218 00:11:13,883 --> 00:11:17,301 Could this superhuman trait lie dormant within us all? 219 00:11:18,829 --> 00:11:21,054 - Everybody has the experience 220 00:11:21,056 --> 00:11:22,706 Of a trigger of adrenaline 221 00:11:22,708 --> 00:11:24,633 And we know that it rushes 222 00:11:24,635 --> 00:11:27,052 Oxygen and blood to the muscles 223 00:11:27,372 --> 00:11:29,355 And it can improve physical performance. 224 00:11:29,357 --> 00:11:33,109 But at moments of life-threatening crisis, 225 00:11:33,111 --> 00:11:36,328 These biochemicals may actually give us 226 00:11:36,330 --> 00:11:39,073 A spurt of superhuman strength. 227 00:11:40,952 --> 00:11:43,636 - To lift up a vehicle is something way more superhuman 228 00:11:43,638 --> 00:11:46,822 Than just your regular adrenaline dump. 229 00:11:46,824 --> 00:11:49,792 That's motherly love mixed into that. 230 00:11:49,794 --> 00:11:51,668 - Lifting a nearly two-ton car 231 00:11:51,670 --> 00:11:54,463 And holding it for five minutes, incredible. 232 00:11:54,465 --> 00:11:57,182 It's also a feat so far beyond the normal limits 233 00:11:57,184 --> 00:12:01,511 Of human strength that a few doubt angela's story is true. 234 00:12:01,513 --> 00:12:05,224 Luckily, this next strange event was captured on film. 235 00:12:08,788 --> 00:12:12,123 - It is 1988 and the television show magnum, p.I. 236 00:12:12,125 --> 00:12:14,667 Is immensely popular and one of the icons 237 00:12:14,669 --> 00:12:18,262 Of magnum, p.I. Alongside magnum's ferrari 238 00:12:18,264 --> 00:12:23,743 Is the mcdonnell douglas little ball helicopter. 239 00:12:24,687 --> 00:12:26,537 - When the helicopter isn't featured on the show, 240 00:12:26,539 --> 00:12:30,182 It is sometimes used for commercial tourist flights. 241 00:12:30,184 --> 00:12:34,253 Other times it's used to help out the local utilities. 242 00:12:35,197 --> 00:12:38,524 So on this day of Friday the 13th, 243 00:12:38,526 --> 00:12:42,728 The helicopter is flying, hauling some equipment. 244 00:12:42,730 --> 00:12:46,382 There is an electrical problem with the flight system 245 00:12:46,384 --> 00:12:49,519 And the helicopter begins to lilt to one side 246 00:12:49,521 --> 00:12:53,146 And the pilot immediately decides to land. 247 00:12:53,148 --> 00:12:56,859 - [dan] but just before touching down disaster strikes. 248 00:12:58,429 --> 00:13:01,405 (helicopter thrumming wildly) 249 00:13:02,408 --> 00:13:04,908 (dark pulsing music) 250 00:13:04,910 --> 00:13:08,762 - The pilot after the crash landing is trapped under 251 00:13:08,764 --> 00:13:12,683 This 3000 plus pound copter, 252 00:13:12,685 --> 00:13:15,603 - His leg is stuck, his leg is stuck. 253 00:13:15,605 --> 00:13:19,549 Which is now taking on water from the drainage ditch 254 00:13:19,551 --> 00:13:23,653 And is leaking highly flammable fuel. 255 00:13:23,655 --> 00:13:27,723 - And as it slowly, slowly starts falling to its side, 256 00:13:27,725 --> 00:13:29,333 The water starts rising. 257 00:13:29,335 --> 00:13:32,436 It's getting pretty dire as the water fills the cabin. 258 00:13:32,438 --> 00:13:35,731 - The situation might be fatal were it not 259 00:13:35,733 --> 00:13:37,583 For the appearance on the scene 260 00:13:37,585 --> 00:13:42,195 Of a local vietnam vet named warren amaral, 261 00:13:42,197 --> 00:13:43,906 Or as he's better known 262 00:13:43,908 --> 00:13:45,825 By his nickname, tiny. 263 00:13:46,685 --> 00:13:48,352 The trapped pilot is a friend of tiny's, 264 00:13:48,354 --> 00:13:50,212 A fellow vietnam veteran. 265 00:13:50,214 --> 00:13:52,123 Tiny runs up to help. 266 00:13:52,125 --> 00:13:56,084 He witnesses a scene that is out of a nightmare. 267 00:13:56,086 --> 00:13:59,605 - Initially, tiny goes to pull the helicopter pilot 268 00:13:59,607 --> 00:14:03,092 From underneath the wreckage and his leg is stuck. 269 00:14:03,094 --> 00:14:04,643 - Get help. Get help. 270 00:14:04,645 --> 00:14:06,946 - So, he decides to take another course of action, 271 00:14:06,948 --> 00:14:09,706 Which is lift up this 3000 pound helicopter 272 00:14:09,708 --> 00:14:12,101 And save the pilot, steve. 273 00:14:12,103 --> 00:14:13,560 - Come on. 274 00:14:13,562 --> 00:14:15,379 Come on, steve! 275 00:14:15,440 --> 00:14:17,456 Come on, steve! 276 00:14:17,658 --> 00:14:19,191 Come on, come on. 277 00:14:21,011 --> 00:14:24,496 Help me get his leg out of underneath the chopper. 278 00:14:24,498 --> 00:14:26,032 Okay, watch your hand. 279 00:14:27,576 --> 00:14:29,576 Get his leg out. 280 00:14:29,578 --> 00:14:30,870 Okay, two legs. 281 00:14:32,206 --> 00:14:33,247 Okay 282 00:14:34,792 --> 00:14:36,249 - They're both vietnam buddies. 283 00:14:36,251 --> 00:14:37,793 They've both been to combat together. 284 00:14:37,795 --> 00:14:39,837 They share a bond that your average 285 00:14:39,839 --> 00:14:41,881 Civilian couldn't fathom. 286 00:14:42,667 --> 00:14:44,850 - Alright, it's okay, my man. 287 00:14:44,852 --> 00:14:46,344 Just relax, chill. 288 00:14:47,655 --> 00:14:49,655 - But to be able to lift up that 3000 pound helicopter 289 00:14:49,657 --> 00:14:54,793 To save steve, it's absolutely superhuman. 290 00:14:54,795 --> 00:14:56,895 - [dan] while scientists understand the concept 291 00:14:56,897 --> 00:15:00,941 Of hysterical strength, they still don't know exactly how 292 00:15:00,943 --> 00:15:01,591 It's triggered. 293 00:15:01,593 --> 00:15:03,444 - It would be very difficult 294 00:15:04,188 --> 00:15:05,321 To recreate the situation in a lab 295 00:15:05,323 --> 00:15:08,324 Or to find drugs that induce that situation 296 00:15:08,326 --> 00:15:11,160 That don't have catastrophic side effects. 297 00:15:11,162 --> 00:15:13,437 So far we haven't found a trigger 298 00:15:13,439 --> 00:15:16,207 Other than life threatening crisis. 299 00:15:17,168 --> 00:15:19,276 - Sounds like something out of incredible hulk, 300 00:15:19,628 --> 00:15:20,836 Capable of lifting thousands of pounds. 301 00:15:20,838 --> 00:15:21,795 Capable of lifting thousands of pounds. 302 00:15:22,206 --> 00:15:24,090 It is something seriously straight out of a comic book. 303 00:15:29,297 --> 00:15:31,681 - Tales of great warriors defeating countless enemies 304 00:15:31,683 --> 00:15:33,632 With their razor-sharp swords are often thought 305 00:15:33,634 --> 00:15:35,768 To be exactly that, just stories. 306 00:15:35,770 --> 00:15:39,479 But what if there were a modern samurai so skilled 307 00:15:39,481 --> 00:15:42,274 He'd give those legends a run for their money. 308 00:15:43,060 --> 00:15:44,402 (sword rings and clinks) 309 00:15:44,404 --> 00:15:47,697 - Machii is not only deadly with a sword, 310 00:15:47,806 --> 00:15:53,351 But he demonstrates super human speed with a sword. 311 00:15:54,088 --> 00:15:55,829 - [dan] among his most impressive feats, 312 00:15:55,831 --> 00:15:57,814 Slicing a baseball flying towards him 313 00:15:57,816 --> 00:16:01,018 At a hundred miles an hour with ease. 314 00:16:01,370 --> 00:16:02,420 (sword slices) 315 00:16:03,339 --> 00:16:04,462 - Now if you ask anybody 316 00:16:04,464 --> 00:16:05,080 Who covers sports, 317 00:16:05,082 --> 00:16:06,265 Hitting a baseball 318 00:16:06,267 --> 00:16:07,233 Is the single most 319 00:16:07,235 --> 00:16:08,533 Difficult thing to do in sports. 320 00:16:08,535 --> 00:16:12,370 - Isao machii was able to hit it with a samurai sword, 321 00:16:12,372 --> 00:16:14,940 Not a baseball bat with a big fat barrel, 322 00:16:14,942 --> 00:16:18,260 A piece of steel that is millimeters thick. 323 00:16:18,262 --> 00:16:20,788 - So how does machii become the ultimate 324 00:16:20,790 --> 00:16:22,815 21st century samurai? 325 00:16:27,946 --> 00:16:30,530 - Isao machii grows up in kawanishi, 326 00:16:30,532 --> 00:16:34,093 A part of japan that has a long, rich history 327 00:16:34,095 --> 00:16:37,362 Of swords fighting, dating back to the 10th century. 328 00:16:38,307 --> 00:16:42,150 - The samurai tradition no longer continues in japan, 329 00:16:42,152 --> 00:16:45,537 But there is a tradition called kendo, 330 00:16:45,539 --> 00:16:47,423 (sounds of combat) 331 00:16:47,425 --> 00:16:52,553 Which is basically the inheritor of the samurai tradition. 332 00:16:52,555 --> 00:16:54,263 - [dan] kendo is the art of fighting 333 00:16:54,265 --> 00:16:57,132 With bamboo swords developed as a non-lethal 334 00:16:57,134 --> 00:16:58,483 Form of training. 335 00:16:58,485 --> 00:17:02,587 - And this is the practice in which he trains 336 00:17:02,589 --> 00:17:05,382 And excels starting at the age of six. 337 00:17:05,384 --> 00:17:06,650 (sword slices) 338 00:17:06,652 --> 00:17:10,229 - Then he gives the ancient practice of tsujigiri a whirl. 339 00:17:11,248 --> 00:17:13,649 - So tsujigiri basically the idea is you take a tatami mat 340 00:17:13,651 --> 00:17:17,836 And you place it vertically and you slice through it. 341 00:17:17,838 --> 00:17:18,987 (quick slices wth sword) 342 00:17:18,989 --> 00:17:21,006 And the reason you take the tatami mat 343 00:17:21,008 --> 00:17:23,325 Is because it mimics the texture and the hardness 344 00:17:23,327 --> 00:17:25,811 And the resistance of a human limb. 345 00:17:25,813 --> 00:17:27,897 (quick slices wth sword) 346 00:17:27,899 --> 00:17:29,264 - You can imagine these 347 00:17:29,266 --> 00:17:30,407 Tatami mats rolled up 348 00:17:30,409 --> 00:17:32,468 And as soon as you slice it, 349 00:17:32,470 --> 00:17:34,094 You impart a force on it 350 00:17:34,096 --> 00:17:36,864 That's going to destabilize the tatami mat 351 00:17:36,866 --> 00:17:38,265 And make it fall over. 352 00:17:39,251 --> 00:17:42,102 The quickness and the precision and the accuracy 353 00:17:42,104 --> 00:17:46,315 Required to do that is mind blowing. 354 00:17:49,854 --> 00:17:53,439 - So machii sets his first world record by slicing cleanly 355 00:17:53,441 --> 00:17:57,092 Through the tatami mat seven times before a tips over. 356 00:17:57,094 --> 00:18:01,246 - [dan] then in 2007, machii adds another record. 357 00:18:01,248 --> 00:18:04,850 1000 mat cuts in just over 36 minutes, 358 00:18:04,852 --> 00:18:08,028 Slicing a full hour off his previous record 359 00:18:08,030 --> 00:18:09,755 Like a human cuisinart. 360 00:18:10,757 --> 00:18:14,201 - Imagine this master swordsman makes 1000 cuts, 361 00:18:14,203 --> 00:18:19,740 Effectively severing 1000 limbs in 36 minutes. 362 00:18:20,351 --> 00:18:22,626 It's the stuff of legend and it's playing out 363 00:18:22,628 --> 00:18:24,145 In the 21st century. 364 00:18:25,790 --> 00:18:27,523 - [dan] over the next decade, 365 00:18:28,258 --> 00:18:29,900 He goes on to break six more records, 366 00:18:31,379 --> 00:18:35,364 But they're nothing compared to what he does in 2013. 367 00:18:35,366 --> 00:18:39,593 - He's going to slice a pea-sized, a six millimeter 368 00:18:39,595 --> 00:18:41,937 Size pellet in two. 369 00:18:41,939 --> 00:18:45,173 He's going to stand 70 feet away from a bb gun 370 00:18:45,175 --> 00:18:47,776 And slice this tiny little thing, not just hit it, 371 00:18:47,778 --> 00:18:49,545 But slice completely through it 372 00:18:49,547 --> 00:18:52,840 As it's coming at him at 200 miles per hour. 373 00:18:54,509 --> 00:18:55,584 - [dan] at that speed, a normal human 374 00:18:55,586 --> 00:18:57,753 Wouldn't even be able to see the pellet 375 00:18:57,755 --> 00:18:59,847 Much less slice it in two. 376 00:19:02,443 --> 00:19:04,176 (gunshot) (sword slices) 377 00:19:04,178 --> 00:19:06,745 - I watched this about five times 378 00:19:06,747 --> 00:19:08,080 'cause I could not believe it. 379 00:19:08,082 --> 00:19:11,958 - It's too small and too fast for the naked eye to see, 380 00:19:11,960 --> 00:19:13,752 (gunshot) (sword slices) 381 00:19:13,754 --> 00:19:16,688 But when you slow down the footage you see that he does it. 382 00:19:16,690 --> 00:19:18,198 - [dan] how is this possible? 383 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:21,410 Well, according to math and all logic, it's not. 384 00:19:21,412 --> 00:19:24,596 - The normal human reaction time 385 00:19:24,598 --> 00:19:26,415 Is around a quarter of a second, 386 00:19:26,417 --> 00:19:28,976 Which means if you receive a visual stimuli, 387 00:19:28,978 --> 00:19:31,378 It takes you about a quarter of a second 388 00:19:32,447 --> 00:19:34,473 Before you're able to physically respond to it. 389 00:19:34,475 --> 00:19:38,143 In less time than that, the pellet travels from the gun 390 00:19:38,145 --> 00:19:42,647 To him and it's not just speed, it's also precision 391 00:19:42,649 --> 00:19:48,044 - Crazier still, he closes his eyes at the moment, 392 00:19:48,647 --> 00:19:50,439 He cuts the bb out of the air. 393 00:19:50,441 --> 00:19:52,399 That man is not of this earth. 394 00:19:54,419 --> 00:19:58,313 - In machii, we're seeing a being who surpasses 395 00:19:58,315 --> 00:20:03,485 What we as human beings are understood to be capable of. 396 00:20:03,487 --> 00:20:06,822 He possesses superpowers, in fact. 397 00:20:07,733 --> 00:20:11,076 - [dan] isao machii might be faster than a speeding bullet, 398 00:20:11,078 --> 00:20:13,778 But there's another superhuman whose superpowers 399 00:20:13,780 --> 00:20:16,231 Might be even more impressive. 400 00:20:16,233 --> 00:20:19,218 No wonder they call him the batman. 401 00:20:20,838 --> 00:20:22,887 - Daniel kish may very well be one 402 00:20:22,889 --> 00:20:24,689 Of the most remarkable human beings 403 00:20:24,691 --> 00:20:27,359 I've ever come across in my life. 404 00:20:27,361 --> 00:20:31,530 - Every superhero or every superhuman has an origin story. 405 00:20:31,532 --> 00:20:36,151 At 13 months old, daniel is diagnosed with cancer 406 00:20:36,153 --> 00:20:40,856 Of the retina in both eyes and daniel's eyes 407 00:20:40,858 --> 00:20:42,700 Have to be removed. 408 00:20:43,619 --> 00:20:47,162 - With blind infants, very often they will clap 409 00:20:47,164 --> 00:20:49,290 Or stomp their feet or make a noise 410 00:20:49,292 --> 00:20:53,285 And it will elicit a response from the world around them. 411 00:20:53,287 --> 00:20:57,464 - Very quickly, daniel develops a very specific sound, 412 00:20:57,466 --> 00:20:59,758 A click that you can make by pulling your tongue 413 00:20:59,760 --> 00:21:01,209 Off the roof of your mouth. 414 00:21:01,211 --> 00:21:02,452 (tongue clicking) 415 00:21:02,454 --> 00:21:03,462 Just like that. 416 00:21:04,581 --> 00:21:06,698 Thankfully his parents encourage him to keep doing this 417 00:21:06,700 --> 00:21:10,702 Because they can see that he's using it as a tool. 418 00:21:10,704 --> 00:21:12,871 - [dan] it's more than just a tool. 419 00:21:12,873 --> 00:21:16,466 Daniel is cultivating what will become his superpower. 420 00:21:16,468 --> 00:21:19,695 - Daniel developed, on his own, a technique 421 00:21:19,697 --> 00:21:24,366 Known as echolocation, where you emit a sound 422 00:21:25,286 --> 00:21:28,753 And the sound wave bounces off of all the objects 423 00:21:28,755 --> 00:21:31,348 In the room and comes back to your ears. 424 00:21:31,350 --> 00:21:34,000 And different objects in different rooms 425 00:21:34,002 --> 00:21:36,578 Will have different sound characteristics 426 00:21:36,580 --> 00:21:38,047 That you can learn. 427 00:21:38,049 --> 00:21:41,091 - [dan] it's a technique not often seen in humans. 428 00:21:41,886 --> 00:21:44,769 - So bats use echolocation. 429 00:21:44,771 --> 00:21:47,330 They constantly emit sound waves 430 00:21:47,332 --> 00:21:50,500 And allow those sound waves to bounce off of trees 431 00:21:50,502 --> 00:21:53,687 And insects, and then they listen for those reflections 432 00:21:53,689 --> 00:21:56,665 And they use that to navigate in the night. 433 00:21:56,667 --> 00:21:59,935 Daniel is doing the exact same thing. 434 00:21:59,937 --> 00:22:02,854 - [dan] but how exactly does a human develop this gift? 435 00:22:02,856 --> 00:22:05,866 (daniel clicking with tongue) 436 00:22:05,868 --> 00:22:08,893 - The visual cortex is a big part of our brains. 437 00:22:08,895 --> 00:22:12,681 Without having visual input that cortex 438 00:22:12,683 --> 00:22:14,299 Is looking for a job. 439 00:22:14,301 --> 00:22:17,961 So in essence, that visual cortex 440 00:22:17,963 --> 00:22:23,291 Is now gonna be rewired and his ears become his eyes. 441 00:22:24,144 --> 00:22:27,145 - He is able to not only tell spatial distance, 442 00:22:27,147 --> 00:22:30,315 He's able to tell what material something is made of. 443 00:22:30,317 --> 00:22:31,499 If it's concrete, if it's wood. 444 00:22:31,501 --> 00:22:34,819 He can tell if someone is clothed or not. 445 00:22:34,821 --> 00:22:36,921 - [dan] the batman channels his gift 446 00:22:37,641 --> 00:22:39,458 To accomplish something even more unbelievable. 447 00:22:39,460 --> 00:22:43,995 - He takes his bike and goes against a brick wall 448 00:22:43,997 --> 00:22:47,591 And first trains himself to ride in a straight line. 449 00:22:47,593 --> 00:22:49,501 - And then he bikes to his friend's house 450 00:22:49,503 --> 00:22:50,743 And then a little bit further. 451 00:22:50,745 --> 00:22:55,815 And now he's able to confidently ride his bike 452 00:22:56,502 --> 00:22:58,961 Through busy streets and unknown intersections. 453 00:22:58,963 --> 00:23:02,255 - I have two working eyes and I don't want to ride 454 00:23:02,257 --> 00:23:03,882 A bike around traffic. 455 00:23:05,260 --> 00:23:06,668 He is the modern batman and he is amazing, inspirational, 456 00:23:06,670 --> 00:23:10,263 He is the modern batman and he is amazing, inspirational, 457 00:23:10,265 --> 00:23:12,808 And, without question, superhuman. 458 00:23:17,414 --> 00:23:20,265 When people turn 30, they often take stock 459 00:23:20,267 --> 00:23:22,784 And try to make significant life changes. 460 00:23:22,786 --> 00:23:25,854 But how far do most of us actually go? 461 00:23:25,856 --> 00:23:28,623 In the case of this next superhuman, 462 00:23:28,625 --> 00:23:30,951 A lot further than you'd believe, 463 00:23:34,715 --> 00:23:36,715 - Dean karnazes is out celebrating his 464 00:23:36,717 --> 00:23:38,700 30th birthday with some friends. 465 00:23:39,444 --> 00:23:42,904 Now he's a little bit bummed about turning 30, 466 00:23:42,906 --> 00:23:46,425 So he gets out of the bar and he starts running. 467 00:23:47,311 --> 00:23:48,676 I don't know about you, but when I've done 468 00:23:48,678 --> 00:23:50,787 A ton of tequila shots, my first instinct 469 00:23:50,789 --> 00:23:54,733 Isn't to start running, but 10 miles later 470 00:23:54,735 --> 00:23:57,385 The tequila wears off and he's sober again. 471 00:23:57,387 --> 00:24:01,064 Most of us would've stopped by now, but he keeps going. 472 00:24:03,986 --> 00:24:08,980 - He ends up running over 30 miles in one night. 473 00:24:08,982 --> 00:24:13,452 30 miles is longer than a full marathon. 474 00:24:14,238 --> 00:24:16,588 - And the remarkable thing here is 475 00:24:16,590 --> 00:24:18,907 That dean karnazes was not a trained marathon runner. 476 00:24:18,909 --> 00:24:20,392 He was not a trained distance runner. 477 00:24:20,394 --> 00:24:24,505 He had run in high school but hadn't run in 15 years. 478 00:24:25,791 --> 00:24:26,732 - And he begins to wonder, 479 00:24:26,841 --> 00:24:27,490 What do I have here 480 00:24:27,492 --> 00:24:28,750 That I've been neglecting? 481 00:24:29,136 --> 00:24:31,427 - [dan] then this real life energizer bunny 482 00:24:31,429 --> 00:24:33,513 Takes an incredible leap of faith. 483 00:24:33,515 --> 00:24:37,275 - He decides to quit his job in corporate marketing 484 00:24:37,277 --> 00:24:40,520 And become a distance runner, to make this his life. 485 00:24:40,522 --> 00:24:41,980 - [dan] within three years, 486 00:24:42,766 --> 00:24:44,608 Dean isn't just running marathons, 487 00:24:44,610 --> 00:24:47,869 He's running a hundred mile ultra marathons 488 00:24:47,871 --> 00:24:49,271 And winning. 489 00:24:49,273 --> 00:24:50,739 (crowd cheering) 490 00:24:50,741 --> 00:24:53,759 - We can't overstate how difficult on the body 491 00:24:53,761 --> 00:24:56,928 Ultra distance running is and the idea that he's able 492 00:24:56,930 --> 00:25:00,289 To withstand these beatings only having been training 493 00:25:00,291 --> 00:25:03,085 For a few years is really quite remarkable. 494 00:25:05,789 --> 00:25:09,407 - [dan] in 2005, dean tests the limits of human stamina 495 00:25:09,409 --> 00:25:13,795 And endurance, running distances that sound impossible. 496 00:25:13,797 --> 00:25:19,142 - He runs 350 miles in 81 hours. 497 00:25:21,397 --> 00:25:24,790 - 81 hours straight without sleep. 498 00:25:24,792 --> 00:25:26,441 That's more than three days. 499 00:25:26,443 --> 00:25:28,126 - The thing is he didn't stop running 500 00:25:28,128 --> 00:25:30,445 Because he couldn't keep running physically. 501 00:25:30,447 --> 00:25:33,322 He stopped running because he couldn't stay awake 502 00:25:33,324 --> 00:25:34,407 For more than three days. 503 00:25:34,409 --> 00:25:36,017 He got sleepy. 504 00:25:36,019 --> 00:25:38,503 - [dan] and dean's record setting runs 505 00:25:38,505 --> 00:25:39,921 Are just getting started. 506 00:25:39,923 --> 00:25:41,823 - In 2006 dean runs 507 00:25:41,825 --> 00:25:43,750 50 marathons 508 00:25:43,752 --> 00:25:45,827 In 50 different states 509 00:25:45,829 --> 00:25:47,195 In 50 days, 510 00:25:47,197 --> 00:25:47,938 Culminating in 511 00:25:47,940 --> 00:25:49,798 The new york city marathon. 512 00:25:51,576 --> 00:25:54,636 - He ends up finishing in three and a half hours, 513 00:25:54,638 --> 00:25:58,140 Which is about an hour faster than the average finish time. 514 00:25:58,142 --> 00:26:01,176 - 50 marathons, 50 days, 50 states right here. 515 00:26:01,178 --> 00:26:03,145 - Well, one, I wanted to see if it could be done. 516 00:26:03,147 --> 00:26:05,505 Two. I wanted to see is this bad for the body, 517 00:26:05,507 --> 00:26:07,649 Good for the body, neutral for the body. 518 00:26:07,651 --> 00:26:09,351 - [dan] so how does dean keep on 519 00:26:09,353 --> 00:26:11,369 Going and going and going? 520 00:26:12,005 --> 00:26:15,532 - Lactic acid is a byproduct of our normal 521 00:26:16,452 --> 00:26:17,618 Metabolic functions. 522 00:26:18,362 --> 00:26:19,878 If you exert yourself too much, 523 00:26:19,880 --> 00:26:21,129 The lactic acid can build up in your muscles 524 00:26:21,131 --> 00:26:22,848 And this is what makes them feel sore 525 00:26:22,850 --> 00:26:25,283 After a serious workout. 526 00:26:25,285 --> 00:26:26,835 But dean doesn't feel sore. 527 00:26:26,837 --> 00:26:30,355 - His ability to essentially metabolize 528 00:26:30,357 --> 00:26:32,799 Lactic acid is better than most. 529 00:26:32,801 --> 00:26:36,319 - Dean estimates that he's run more than 100,000 miles 530 00:26:36,321 --> 00:26:38,513 Enough to circle the earth four times, 531 00:26:38,515 --> 00:26:41,450 Almost enough to get him halfway to the moon. 532 00:26:41,452 --> 00:26:44,402 But while he might be the ultra marathon man, 533 00:26:44,404 --> 00:26:49,132 Even dean would probably admit that he's not quite as cool 534 00:26:49,134 --> 00:26:50,609 As the iceman. 535 00:26:52,921 --> 00:26:57,223 - Wim hof is a dutch madman. 536 00:26:57,868 --> 00:27:01,494 He can hold himself submerged in an ice bath 537 00:27:01,496 --> 00:27:03,238 For hours upon hours. 538 00:27:03,240 --> 00:27:06,074 - Wim hof can hold his breath for 10 minutes. 539 00:27:06,076 --> 00:27:08,743 For reference, the average navy seal 540 00:27:08,745 --> 00:27:11,254 Can hold their breath for three minutes. 541 00:27:12,966 --> 00:27:15,100 - He had the guinness worlds record 542 00:27:15,102 --> 00:27:18,586 For swimming 188 feet under ice. 543 00:27:18,588 --> 00:27:20,121 (onlookers cheer) 544 00:27:20,824 --> 00:27:22,741 - [dan] he even holds the guinness world record 545 00:27:22,743 --> 00:27:27,170 For running the fastest half marathon in ice or snow, 546 00:27:27,172 --> 00:27:28,580 While barefoot. 547 00:27:28,582 --> 00:27:31,900 His time, two hours and 16 minutes, 548 00:27:31,902 --> 00:27:35,070 Fast enough to make dean karnazes jealous. 549 00:27:35,072 --> 00:27:36,755 - Taking it to the other extreme, 550 00:27:36,757 --> 00:27:40,608 He runs a marathon in namibia in the desert 551 00:27:40,610 --> 00:27:42,536 Without drinking any water. 552 00:27:44,064 --> 00:27:47,999 - [dan] so is the iceman truly superhuman? 553 00:27:49,527 --> 00:27:52,920 - Wim hof credits all of this to trauma suffered at birth. 554 00:27:52,922 --> 00:27:55,490 He was the second of identical twins 555 00:27:55,492 --> 00:27:57,675 And after his sibling came out, 556 00:27:57,677 --> 00:27:58,927 They found that he was still in there. 557 00:27:58,929 --> 00:28:01,613 He almost suffocated to death. 558 00:28:01,615 --> 00:28:04,707 By the time he was actually born, he was purple. 559 00:28:04,709 --> 00:28:06,952 - [dan] his near death experience 560 00:28:06,954 --> 00:28:08,603 Puts him on a strange path. 561 00:28:09,623 --> 00:28:11,890 - Later on as a young man, he sees ice on the river 562 00:28:11,892 --> 00:28:15,343 And he decides I should jump in 563 00:28:15,345 --> 00:28:16,986 And instead of freezing to death 564 00:28:16,988 --> 00:28:21,408 Or even feeling cold, what he claims is that he feels power. 565 00:28:22,469 --> 00:28:24,444 - [dan] but how is wim tapping into this superpower 566 00:28:24,446 --> 00:28:28,397 At will in ways that defy logic and science? 567 00:28:28,399 --> 00:28:31,926 - Our brains like to keep us comfortable, 568 00:28:31,928 --> 00:28:35,630 And so anytime we have exposure to an unpleasant 569 00:28:35,632 --> 00:28:39,408 Or a very painful stimulus, our brain will release 570 00:28:39,410 --> 00:28:41,577 Its own pleasure giving chemicals. 571 00:28:41,579 --> 00:28:44,672 Some of these compounds are known as endocannabinoids, 572 00:28:44,674 --> 00:28:48,643 Which basically make you feel high and euphoric. 573 00:28:48,645 --> 00:28:50,345 - [dan] his incredible ability to unlock 574 00:28:50,347 --> 00:28:54,065 These chemicals allows him to barely even feel the cold. 575 00:28:55,201 --> 00:28:58,503 - Experts find that his extremities have more heat 576 00:28:58,505 --> 00:28:59,820 Than they naturally should. 577 00:28:59,822 --> 00:29:04,159 So is he willing his regulatory system to create heat 578 00:29:04,161 --> 00:29:08,530 Where there isn't or is he just built differently? 579 00:29:08,532 --> 00:29:09,697 We can't tell. 580 00:29:09,699 --> 00:29:11,032 - The ultimate irony may be that wim hof 581 00:29:11,034 --> 00:29:13,868 Actually doesn't enjoy what made him famous. 582 00:29:13,870 --> 00:29:15,444 In a 2022 interview, he said quote, 583 00:29:15,446 --> 00:29:16,445 In a 2022 interview, he said quote, 584 00:29:16,723 --> 00:29:19,841 "please don't tell anyone, but I hate the cold." 585 00:29:23,037 --> 00:29:24,763 - If I asked you how many windows your house has, 586 00:29:24,765 --> 00:29:26,047 Could you tell me? 587 00:29:26,049 --> 00:29:27,015 Maybe. 588 00:29:27,801 --> 00:29:29,484 How about the house across the street? 589 00:29:29,486 --> 00:29:30,568 Probably not. 590 00:29:30,570 --> 00:29:33,104 What about that office building on the way to work? 591 00:29:33,106 --> 00:29:36,983 Not a chance, but what if I told you there's a man 592 00:29:36,985 --> 00:29:39,878 Who can tell you every single intricate detail 593 00:29:39,880 --> 00:29:43,298 Of a skyscraper he has seen only once? 594 00:29:43,300 --> 00:29:45,909 They call him the living camera. 595 00:29:47,578 --> 00:29:51,330 - One day artist steven wilshire boards a helicopter 596 00:29:51,332 --> 00:29:56,545 And flies around the city of new york for about 20 minutes. 597 00:29:57,731 --> 00:29:59,005 - After his 20 minute flyover, 598 00:29:59,007 --> 00:30:00,106 He goes into a studio 599 00:30:00,108 --> 00:30:01,749 In brooklyn for five days with nothing 600 00:30:01,751 --> 00:30:04,510 But a pack of pencils, an 18-foot-long canvas, 601 00:30:04,512 --> 00:30:07,055 And his memory of the vision of the city. 602 00:30:07,783 --> 00:30:09,432 - [dan] when steven emerges, 603 00:30:10,243 --> 00:30:11,434 He's achieved something that friends 604 00:30:12,262 --> 00:30:13,695 And acquaintances just can't explain. 605 00:30:13,697 --> 00:30:17,314 He's drawn an exact replica of the most complicated skyline 606 00:30:17,316 --> 00:30:20,268 On the planet from memory. 607 00:30:20,270 --> 00:30:22,486 - It's not like he draws just shapes. 608 00:30:22,488 --> 00:30:24,405 It is exactly what he saw from the air 609 00:30:24,407 --> 00:30:27,358 Down to the number of cables on the manhattan bridge. 610 00:30:27,360 --> 00:30:30,945 - It is as if he has taken a photograph, 611 00:30:30,947 --> 00:30:33,874 But it is all lodged in his memory. 612 00:30:34,585 --> 00:30:36,334 - [dan] but how does he do it? 613 00:30:37,503 --> 00:30:40,505 His story begins in london, in the late 1970s. 614 00:30:41,458 --> 00:30:43,374 - Steven wiltshire was mute as a kid 615 00:30:43,376 --> 00:30:45,260 And when he was three years old, 616 00:30:45,879 --> 00:30:46,978 He was diagnosed with autism. 617 00:30:46,980 --> 00:30:47,962 One of the first ways he was able 618 00:30:47,964 --> 00:30:50,465 To express himself was through drawing. 619 00:30:50,467 --> 00:30:53,059 - Steven's parents sent him to a special school 620 00:30:53,061 --> 00:30:55,787 That is designed for the learning experience 621 00:30:55,789 --> 00:30:58,289 Of children with autism. 622 00:30:58,291 --> 00:30:59,674 - And this is a place where 623 00:30:59,676 --> 00:31:01,275 His proclivity for drawing 624 00:31:01,277 --> 00:31:02,810 Just flourishes. 625 00:31:02,812 --> 00:31:05,154 - And more and more he's able to recreate things 626 00:31:05,156 --> 00:31:07,264 That he's only seen once on a field trip 627 00:31:07,266 --> 00:31:08,532 Or on tv or in a magazine. 628 00:31:08,534 --> 00:31:12,137 He clearly has this incredible ability to recall things 629 00:31:12,139 --> 00:31:15,064 That he's seen and put it on paper perfectly. 630 00:31:15,066 --> 00:31:17,000 - So I've got lots of detail drawings 631 00:31:17,002 --> 00:31:20,136 On the st. Paul's cathedral there. 632 00:31:20,138 --> 00:31:21,095 - And that was all just from memory? 633 00:31:21,097 --> 00:31:22,096 - Yeah. 634 00:31:22,799 --> 00:31:25,650 - [dan] you've probably heard of photographic memory, 635 00:31:25,652 --> 00:31:28,336 But what steven has is far more rare. 636 00:31:29,222 --> 00:31:32,640 - One of the consequences of autism is that areas 637 00:31:32,642 --> 00:31:35,677 Of the brain don't develop properly. 638 00:31:35,679 --> 00:31:37,670 Yet these are very sophisticated 639 00:31:37,672 --> 00:31:40,348 And computationally intense parts of the brain. 640 00:31:40,350 --> 00:31:42,651 As a result, certain people with autism 641 00:31:42,653 --> 00:31:45,987 Develop a type of neuroplasticity 642 00:31:45,989 --> 00:31:47,371 Where these areas 643 00:31:47,373 --> 00:31:51,600 Of the brain are used in other and more unique ways. 644 00:31:51,602 --> 00:31:54,679 - And again, it presents us with the prospect 645 00:31:54,681 --> 00:31:57,123 Of life's power of compensation. 646 00:31:57,125 --> 00:32:01,686 Our neuro systems will compensate for a difficulty 647 00:32:01,688 --> 00:32:05,890 Or a challenge in one area by creating exceptional 648 00:32:05,892 --> 00:32:08,318 Ability and capacity in another. 649 00:32:08,320 --> 00:32:10,803 - The new york taxis are from the memory 650 00:32:10,805 --> 00:32:11,896 Just had in my head. 651 00:32:11,898 --> 00:32:14,582 - On any given day, I can't find my keys 652 00:32:14,584 --> 00:32:17,793 And steven is able to recreate an entire city. 653 00:32:18,438 --> 00:32:21,106 - [dan] while steven was born with this gift 654 00:32:21,108 --> 00:32:23,507 For 39-year-old derek amato, 655 00:32:23,509 --> 00:32:26,152 All it took was a good whack to the head. 656 00:32:30,308 --> 00:32:32,325 - It's a normal summer day. 657 00:32:33,586 --> 00:32:36,420 Derek and some friends are playing football 658 00:32:36,422 --> 00:32:37,831 Around the pool. 659 00:32:40,002 --> 00:32:42,460 Derek dives for a pass. 660 00:32:44,030 --> 00:32:47,465 He lands in the shallow end of the pool. 661 00:32:48,719 --> 00:32:51,335 His head strikes the bottom. 662 00:32:51,938 --> 00:32:54,389 He suffers a severe concussion. 663 00:32:54,391 --> 00:32:57,642 (dramatic music builds) 664 00:33:00,647 --> 00:33:02,938 - He's floating in and out of consciousness 665 00:33:02,940 --> 00:33:05,783 For the next four days in a semi-coma. 666 00:33:06,694 --> 00:33:09,087 When he comes out of it, he's lost a significant amount 667 00:33:09,089 --> 00:33:12,240 Of his hair, a significant amount of his memories. 668 00:33:13,076 --> 00:33:18,121 But while derek's recovering, he's at a friend's house 669 00:33:19,023 --> 00:33:22,333 And he's suddenly, inexorably drawn to a piano. 670 00:33:23,027 --> 00:33:26,504 (gentle piano music) 671 00:33:28,199 --> 00:33:30,866 - Now derek has played a little guitar, 672 00:33:30,868 --> 00:33:32,927 But he's never trained on the piano. 673 00:33:33,621 --> 00:33:35,037 - And out of nowhere 674 00:33:35,039 --> 00:33:36,598 He just starts playing 675 00:33:36,600 --> 00:33:38,800 And it's not bad. 676 00:33:39,269 --> 00:33:40,769 In fact, it's quite good. 677 00:33:43,339 --> 00:33:46,941 - He describes actually seeing black and white bars 678 00:33:46,943 --> 00:33:51,445 In his head, announcing to him the notes to play. 679 00:33:51,447 --> 00:33:55,407 - [dan] soon derek surrenders 680 00:33:55,409 --> 00:33:57,485 To this strange new gift. 681 00:33:57,487 --> 00:33:59,270 - If he starts humming a tune, 682 00:33:59,272 --> 00:34:02,506 Derek immediately sees the sheet music in his head, 683 00:34:02,508 --> 00:34:03,792 Not just for the main instrument, 684 00:34:03,794 --> 00:34:06,402 But for a whole orchestra, for percussion and horns 685 00:34:06,404 --> 00:34:08,797 And everything else to fill out that melody 686 00:34:08,799 --> 00:34:12,175 And overnight becomes a fully fledged composer. 687 00:34:13,169 --> 00:34:15,486 - [dan] but what exactly happened 688 00:34:15,488 --> 00:34:16,996 That fateful day to turn derek 689 00:34:16,998 --> 00:34:18,698 Into an overnight beethoven? 690 00:34:18,700 --> 00:34:21,226 (gentle piano music) 691 00:34:23,004 --> 00:34:25,521 - So one of the hypotheses 692 00:34:25,523 --> 00:34:27,439 Is where the head injury 693 00:34:27,441 --> 00:34:30,001 Inhibits the left hand side of the brain, 694 00:34:30,003 --> 00:34:31,820 Which is the logical side of the brain, 695 00:34:31,822 --> 00:34:34,322 Thereby allowing the right hand side of the brain, 696 00:34:34,324 --> 00:34:38,843 Which is the more creative side to take over 697 00:34:38,845 --> 00:34:41,913 And to function without any limitations. 698 00:34:41,915 --> 00:34:44,048 - There's another theory that says the injury 699 00:34:44,050 --> 00:34:46,367 Can release new neurotransmitters 700 00:34:46,369 --> 00:34:48,186 That create completely new pathways in the brain 701 00:34:48,188 --> 00:34:50,796 That allow you to develop these new skills. 702 00:34:50,798 --> 00:34:56,202 - It's also possible that he has an extremely rare condition 703 00:34:56,804 --> 00:34:59,222 Called acquired savant syndrome. 704 00:35:00,291 --> 00:35:04,960 There are no more than 30 cases reported in the world. 705 00:35:04,962 --> 00:35:06,904 - In most instances, the new 706 00:35:06,906 --> 00:35:08,806 Ability is something numeric. 707 00:35:08,808 --> 00:35:09,682 Some people have a 708 00:35:09,684 --> 00:35:10,382 Sudden ability to say 709 00:35:10,384 --> 00:35:12,560 What day of the week it 710 00:35:12,562 --> 00:35:14,245 Was on July 15th, 1972. 711 00:35:14,247 --> 00:35:17,282 Other people become really, really good at math. 712 00:35:18,626 --> 00:35:19,884 - [dan] whatever happened in that instant 713 00:35:19,886 --> 00:35:23,913 One thing is certain derek's life changed forever. 714 00:35:24,991 --> 00:35:27,408 - To this day, he is traveling the world performing music 715 00:35:27,410 --> 00:35:29,727 For audiences on a global scale. 716 00:35:29,729 --> 00:35:32,480 I don't know if there's a superhero called savant, 717 00:35:32,482 --> 00:35:34,823 But if there was, it'd be this guy. 718 00:35:34,825 --> 00:35:37,826 - It's the biggest mystery we could ever imagine. 719 00:35:37,828 --> 00:35:39,904 I cannot wait to see what the science 720 00:35:39,906 --> 00:35:43,741 On this learns in the coming 10, 20, 50 years. 721 00:35:43,743 --> 00:35:46,335 I hope I am around when we figure the whole puzzle out. 722 00:35:46,337 --> 00:35:47,061 I hope I am around when we figure the whole puzzle out. 723 00:35:47,355 --> 00:35:49,522 Stral music) I hope I am around when we figure the whole puzzle out. 724 00:35:53,519 --> 00:35:55,594 - We have seen humans with superior reflexes, 725 00:35:55,596 --> 00:35:58,072 Extreme mental fortitude, unparalleled strength, 726 00:35:58,074 --> 00:36:02,443 Incredible memory, and just plain, unbelievable talent. 727 00:36:02,445 --> 00:36:07,207 What happens if you combine all these gifts into one person, 728 00:36:07,934 --> 00:36:09,951 Meet the birdman. 729 00:36:09,953 --> 00:36:13,087 (pulsing electronic music) 730 00:36:15,675 --> 00:36:18,343 - Wingsuit flying is about mimicking flight, 731 00:36:19,145 --> 00:36:21,053 But also pushing it to the edge. 732 00:36:21,055 --> 00:36:23,680 - People call it wingsuit flying, 733 00:36:23,682 --> 00:36:25,291 But let's just be honest. 734 00:36:25,293 --> 00:36:28,895 It's a controlled drop, that's what it is. 735 00:36:30,406 --> 00:36:32,390 - It's not like a thing where, like, 736 00:36:32,392 --> 00:36:34,008 Oh, on the weekend I'm gonna go 737 00:36:34,010 --> 00:36:35,142 Wingsuit flying or something like that. 738 00:36:35,144 --> 00:36:36,978 It's like, no, you either do this 739 00:36:36,980 --> 00:36:38,479 To absolute perfection 740 00:36:38,481 --> 00:36:39,480 Or you die. 741 00:36:39,482 --> 00:36:40,848 - [dan] in fact, roughly 742 00:36:40,850 --> 00:36:42,525 One in 500 wingsuit jumps 743 00:36:42,527 --> 00:36:44,077 Ends in death. 744 00:36:45,171 --> 00:36:47,246 - Wingsuit flying is no joke. 745 00:36:47,248 --> 00:36:48,489 It is a dangerous sport. 746 00:36:48,491 --> 00:36:53,294 There's been some years where dozens of people have died. 747 00:36:54,505 --> 00:36:57,674 - Jokke sommer, aka, the birdman is perhaps 748 00:36:57,676 --> 00:37:00,518 The most talented wingsuit pilot alive 749 00:37:00,520 --> 00:37:04,430 And the fact that he is still alive is superhuman in itself. 750 00:37:04,432 --> 00:37:07,516 - Jokke is an adrenaline junkie from birth. 751 00:37:07,518 --> 00:37:12,038 As a child, jokke loved snowboarding and launching off 752 00:37:12,040 --> 00:37:16,733 Of big cliffs and jumps just to get that feeling of air 753 00:37:16,735 --> 00:37:17,852 And that sensation. 754 00:37:17,854 --> 00:37:18,987 - Snowboarding isn't enough for him. 755 00:37:18,989 --> 00:37:21,155 So now he takes up motocross. 756 00:37:21,157 --> 00:37:23,691 And he's taking off into the air. 757 00:37:23,693 --> 00:37:25,075 Still not enough. 758 00:37:25,077 --> 00:37:28,696 So now he graduates from motocross into skydiving. 759 00:37:28,698 --> 00:37:30,498 He's an obsessed skydiver. 760 00:37:30,500 --> 00:37:35,837 - Jokke does 250 skydives in his first two months. 761 00:37:36,797 --> 00:37:38,673 Two months? It's crazy. 762 00:37:38,675 --> 00:37:40,666 - [dan] but again, not enough. 763 00:37:40,668 --> 00:37:43,694 Apparently jumping out of a plane is too tame. 764 00:37:43,696 --> 00:37:47,539 - It is not long before he is attempting wingsuit flying 765 00:37:47,541 --> 00:37:51,794 And a very specific genre of that which is proximity flying. 766 00:37:51,796 --> 00:37:53,737 It's an incredibly dangerous activity 767 00:37:53,739 --> 00:37:55,156 Where you're actually testing yourself, 768 00:37:55,158 --> 00:37:57,216 How close can I get to these surfaces? 769 00:37:57,218 --> 00:38:00,427 - Just jumping and jumping safely is kind 770 00:38:00,429 --> 00:38:01,812 Of considered being a bit of a wussy. 771 00:38:01,814 --> 00:38:06,025 You have to fly as close as you can to the rocks, 772 00:38:06,027 --> 00:38:09,162 The cliffs and the trees of the terrain. 773 00:38:10,932 --> 00:38:14,083 I like watching it from the safe distance of my couch. 774 00:38:15,178 --> 00:38:16,252 - In 2010, he has his 775 00:38:16,254 --> 00:38:17,845 Closest brush with death 776 00:38:17,847 --> 00:38:20,347 When a wind gust sends him too close 777 00:38:20,349 --> 00:38:22,216 To the surface he's flying near 778 00:38:23,111 --> 00:38:25,511 And he just barely adjusts his trajectory 779 00:38:25,513 --> 00:38:28,589 To escape crashing into these jagged rocks. 780 00:38:28,591 --> 00:38:31,208 - [dan] at speeds of more than 120 miles an hour, 781 00:38:31,210 --> 00:38:33,360 Jokke has just milliseconds to make 782 00:38:33,362 --> 00:38:34,929 Life and death decisions. 783 00:38:34,931 --> 00:38:38,857 - There is a high fatality rate in this sport. 784 00:38:38,859 --> 00:38:43,154 Jokke has thousands and thousands of proximity flights 785 00:38:43,156 --> 00:38:44,188 Without incident. 786 00:38:44,190 --> 00:38:47,700 It's as if he's a bird. He is superhuman. 787 00:38:49,979 --> 00:38:51,270 - [dan] and when we thought humans 788 00:38:51,272 --> 00:38:55,583 Couldn't get any more daring, someone ups the birdman. 789 00:38:56,802 --> 00:38:59,486 - Despite the fact that jokke sommer is our closest thing 790 00:38:59,488 --> 00:39:01,789 To superman that we have, somebody is gunning 791 00:39:01,791 --> 00:39:03,591 For his extreme sport throne. 792 00:39:03,593 --> 00:39:06,177 And that guy is luke aikins. 793 00:39:07,888 --> 00:39:09,346 - Luke aikins is nuts. 794 00:39:09,348 --> 00:39:11,282 I mean, what he pulls off in 2016 795 00:39:11,284 --> 00:39:14,051 Is the ultimate skydiving commitment. 796 00:39:14,354 --> 00:39:16,211 - [dan] on July 30th, 2016, 797 00:39:16,213 --> 00:39:18,046 Luke prepares to jump out 798 00:39:18,141 --> 00:39:22,276 Of a plane flying 25,000 feet above simi valley, california 799 00:39:22,278 --> 00:39:27,055 And land in a net, all without a parachute. 800 00:39:27,741 --> 00:39:29,558 - My whole life's been dedicated to skydiving 801 00:39:29,560 --> 00:39:30,785 And pushing the boundaries. 802 00:39:30,787 --> 00:39:33,955 - It's a square net that stands 200 feet off the ground. 803 00:39:33,957 --> 00:39:36,398 It's a hundred foot by a hundred feet. 804 00:39:36,400 --> 00:39:38,976 - From five miles above the earth, 805 00:39:38,978 --> 00:39:41,504 You can't see a 100-by-100 net. 806 00:39:41,506 --> 00:39:44,740 So you literally are taking a leap of faith. 807 00:39:44,742 --> 00:39:46,917 This is a one and done. 808 00:39:46,919 --> 00:39:51,413 - [dan] at 5:45 pm luke jumps, beginning his descent 809 00:39:51,415 --> 00:39:54,917 Towards superhuman glory or a tragic death. 810 00:39:54,919 --> 00:40:00,097 - There is zero room for error in a stunt like this. 811 00:40:01,017 --> 00:40:03,675 - By straightening his body or moving his arm slightly, 812 00:40:03,677 --> 00:40:07,104 He can adjust his trajectory, but he is hurtling 813 00:40:07,106 --> 00:40:11,159 Through space, which means that the smallest correction 814 00:40:11,769 --> 00:40:14,036 Can send him miles off course. 815 00:40:15,364 --> 00:40:17,381 - The two companions that are diving with him 816 00:40:17,383 --> 00:40:21,878 Pull their rip cords, and now it's just him. 817 00:40:24,022 --> 00:40:26,674 - [dan] as he nears his target at 120 miles an hour, 818 00:40:26,676 --> 00:40:29,969 There's one final thing that he must pull off. 819 00:40:29,971 --> 00:40:32,730 - Just before he hits the net he has to flip himself over 820 00:40:32,732 --> 00:40:36,233 In order to land properly so that his back 821 00:40:36,235 --> 00:40:37,901 Doesn't bend the wrong way. 822 00:40:37,903 --> 00:40:39,686 - If he comes straight into it, 823 00:40:39,688 --> 00:40:42,023 The impact will snap his spine in half. 824 00:40:43,392 --> 00:40:47,628 - For me, it was terrifying and I still have trouble 825 00:40:47,630 --> 00:40:48,529 Watching it. 826 00:40:57,390 --> 00:41:00,482 (cheering and pulsing music) 827 00:41:00,484 --> 00:41:02,743 That's the new bar. You can never go back. 828 00:41:02,745 --> 00:41:04,462 - This is a superhuman achievement 829 00:41:04,464 --> 00:41:07,548 Accomplished by a normal human being. 830 00:41:07,550 --> 00:41:10,492 And yet you could almost tear this from a comic book. 831 00:41:10,494 --> 00:41:13,020 It's that incredible. 832 00:41:13,022 --> 00:41:15,831 - Some amongst us push the limits of what's possible, 833 00:41:15,833 --> 00:41:19,585 Whether it's through strength, power of the mind, 834 00:41:19,587 --> 00:41:22,605 Pure talent or unshakeable courage, 835 00:41:23,625 --> 00:41:26,817 All of these super humans are truly unbelievable.