Father of Two Captivates World with Rope-Free Skyscraper Climb

Alex Honnold, the acclaimed rock climber known for his daring free solo ascents, is preparing for an extraordinary challenge. Later this week, he plans to climb Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper in Taiwan, without any safety gear. Millions will watch this breathtaking feat live on Netflix.

About Taipei 101

Once the tallest building globally, Taipei 101 held the crown until 2009, when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed it. Today, it ranks as the 11th tallest building in the world. With 101 floors, its unique tiered design presents a formidable challenge for climbers.

Who is Alex Honnold?

Honnold is a 40-year-old climber from the United States, celebrated for his ground-breaking achievements. He began climbing at the age of ten and has set numerous records throughout his career. Notably, he is the first person to free solo climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that earned him an Academy Award-winning documentary, “Free Solo.”

Personal Life

• Married to Sanni McCandless in 2020.
• Father of two daughters.
• Previously lived out of a van for many years, focusing on climbing.
• Now resides near Las Vegas with his family.

Preparing for the Climb

Honnold’s decision to climb Taipei 101 stems from its architectural marvel and the opportunity it provides. “It’s uniquely suited for climbing,” he noted. His preparations began last November, focusing on route familiarization with ropes. The mental aspect of the climb is crucial; he emphasizes psychological readiness over physical training.

The Challenge Ahead

This impending climb is fraught with danger. Honnold will have no safety net; a fall could be fatal. He rates Taipei 101 at 5.5 out of 6 on his difficulty scale for buildings. He feels that because it is manmade, the ascent will feature predictable challenges, unlike the unpredictability of climbing natural rock formations.

Live Broadcast Details

The skyscraper climb is set for the evening of January 23, 2024, at 8 PM local time (1 AM GMT, January 24). The event will be available live on Netflix, who has made arrangements for a potential ten-second delay in the coverage to manage any unforeseen incidents during the climb.

Conclusion

Alex Honnold’s rope-free climb of Taipei 101 is anticipated to captivate audiences worldwide. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of climbing is not just about the challenge; it reflects his passion for adventure and exploration.