Obama family climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

Former United States President Barack Obama, on a visit to NSW, has climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with his wife Michelle.

The visit, hosted by Transport for NSW rather than BridgeClimb Sydney, saw the Presidential family undertake the experience without the usual protocols that apply to guests.

With a huge security entourage in place for the Obamas' recent visit to Sydney, the Obamas approach was seemingly different to those of other world figures to have previously climbed the Sydney icon including Prince Harry and Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Oprah Winfrey is also among a number of celebrities to have climbed the bridge with all wearing either a harness over clothing or both the jumpsuit and the safety apparatus.

Daily Mail Australia reports that the Obamas' 'dangerous' Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is now under investigation - quoting 'safety experts' as questioning how a former US President was exempt from the numerous standard safety rules.

The 44th president of the USA was in Australia for the first time in five years and was in Sydney as part of a speaking tour with ‘An Evening with President Barack Obama’ held at Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney on Tuesday 28th March 2023.

On Wednesday the Obamas were spotted climbing the walkway of the Sydney Harbour Bridge high above the busy peak hour traffic below. However, critics quoted by Daily Mail Australia pointed out they did so without the typical jumpsuits and safety harnesses worn by BridgeClimb personnel who work on the span.

Other members of their entourage, including security personnel, were spotted carrying their iPhones while on the climb, which carries the risk of dropping them onto traffic below, and restricting them to grip the guardrail with just one hand.

According to the Daily Mail Australia, a spokesperson for Transport for NSW confirmed the Obamas were cleared to make the climb without the usual safety gear, citing "special permission."

The agency said that the climb was in line with "standard safety protocols that are in place for visiting dignitaries, and are regularly implemented."

BridgeClimb Sydney advise that "the safety of our guests is our top priority. We go above and beyond on the safety of our guests to ensure BridgeClimb can best look after the millions of people who have now climbed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge with us. We pride ourselves on every guest having a safe and memorable experience at BridgeClimb."

BridgeClimb added "we were unaware of the Obama family's plans to climb the Bridge, but we would be delighted to welcome them back at any time to experience the full BridgeClimb journey."

According to the Daily Mail, Transport for NSW is now investigating how Michelle Obama participated in the climb without anyone noticing her jumper or taking action.

It is understood the NSW Government applies different rules to those enforced by independent company BridgeClimb Sydney, which has exclusive commercial use of the landmark.

Images: BridgeClimb Sydney (top) and former United States President Barack Obama (below, credit Aware Super Theatre).