In a daring feat that captured global attention, American climber Alex Honnold scaled the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital on Sunday, forgoing any ropes or safety gear during his ascent.
A vibrant crowd erupted in applause as he successfully reached the pinnacle of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower in approximately 90 minutes. Clad in a bright red short-sleeve shirt, Honnold triumphantly waved to the spectators gathered below.
Renowned for his rope-free climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan, Honnold tackled Taipei 101 by utilizing small L-shaped protrusions as footholds. At times, he had to navigate around and ascend the large decorative structures that protrude from the tower, relying solely on his hands for support.
The skyscraper, which boasts 101 floors, proved most challenging in its midsection, known as the “bamboo boxes.” These sections, characterized by steep, overhanging climbs, are divided into eight segments, each featuring eight floors followed by a balcony where Honnold paused briefly during his upward journey.
This breathtaking free solo ascent was broadcast live on Netflix with a slight 10-second lag. Initially set for Saturday, the climb had to be postponed by a day due to inclement weather.
While the climb was thrilling for many, it also sparked discussions about the ethics of showcasing such hazardous pursuits on live television.
Honnold isn’t the first climber to ascend the skyscraper, but he is the first to do so without a rope. French rock climber Alain Robert scaled the building on Christmas Day in 2004 as part of the grand opening of what was then the world’s tallest building
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