Alex Honnold’s Live Taipei 101 Climb on Netflix Delayed 24 Hours by Weather
American rock climber Alex Honnold, renowned for his daring feats, is set to attempt a historic climb of Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings globally, on Saturday. This unique endeavor will be streamed live on Netflix. Initially scheduled for Friday, the event was postponed for 24 hours due to unfavorable weather conditions. Honnold’s climb promises to break new ground as no one has ever free soloed the Taipei 101 before.
About Taipei 101 and the Climb
Taipei 101, standing at 1,667 feet with 101 floors, presents daunting challenges. The most difficult segment comprises 64 middle floors, designed to resemble bamboo boxes. Each box is about eight stories high and tapers outward, creating challenging overhangs.
- Climbers’ Insight: Honnold mentioned, “The boxes overhang about 10 or 15 degrees, making them quite demanding.”
- Technical Difficulty: The glass and steel structure of buildings like Taipei 101 adds another layer of difficulty. The surfaces can be slippery, requiring absolute trust in his climbing shoes.
Safety Measures and Preparations
Despite the lack of ropes or harnesses, safety measures are in place. A team will communicate with Honnold throughout the ascent, ensuring his well-being and providing support if necessary. Additionally, high-angle camera operators will be suspended on ropes to capture the climb from various angles while keeping an eye on him.
Why Climb Taipei 101?
For Honnold, this climb is more than an athletic challenge. He describes it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: “Getting permission to climb a building like this is rare.” He’s also motivated by curiosity and the sheer joy of climbing. Honnold hopes the event rekindles a sense of wonder in viewers, reminiscent of childhood dreams of scaling heights.
The Financial Aspect
While he insists he would partake in the climb without financial compensation, reports indicate that he will receive a mid-six-figure payment for his performance.
Personal Life and Family Concerns
Honnold’s climb raises concerns from his wife, Sanni McCandless, who worries about his safety and the public attention surrounding the event. Honnold, however, maintains a focus on preparation and training, aiming to mitigate risks involved in free soloing.
Viewing Information
To witness this historic climb, tune in to Netflix on Saturday, January 24, at 8 p.m. ET for a two-hour live event titled “Skyscraper Live.” As Honnold embarks on this audacious venture, audiences will hold their breath, anticipating a remarkable spectacle in the world of climbing.
