Alex Honnold Resumes Thrilling Rope-Free Ascent of Taipei 101 After Weather Delay
Renowned rock climber Alex Honnold is set to attempt a thrilling rope-free ascent of Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, located in Taiwan’s capital. Initially scheduled for Friday evening in the United States, the climb was postponed by 24 hours due to weather conditions, as announced by Netflix. The live event will now be broadcast on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
Challenges Faced by Honnold
The 40-year-old climber has openly discussed the challenges he anticipates during this ascent. At a staggering height of 1,667 feet, Taipei 101 presents a uniquely demanding route compared to his usual nature-based climbs. The building’s design includes jutting balconies every eight stories, which he has expressed concerns about.
Physical and Mental Preparation
Honnold, who began climbing at age 11 and is a graduate of UC Berkeley, is known for his remarkable feats in the climbing world. His notable achievements include the solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite, which was featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary “Free Solo.” He has also completed a “triple solo” climb of Mt. Watkins, Half Dome, and El Capitan within a 24-hour period.
As he prepares for his Taipei 101 ascent, Honnold emphasizes the physical aspect of the climb. He notes, “The challenge comes from the overall physicality of it. The fatigue that sets in over the course of the building is slightly harder to anticipate.”
In His Own Words
In a statement released by Netflix, Honnold shared insights on his mental strategy. “I try to take some deep breaths, compose myself, take some time,” he said. “There’s never any time pressure, so you can spend as long as you need just hanging in one space basically trying to compose yourself.”
Previous Climbs and Global Exploration
- First climbed at age 11
- Graduated from UC Berkeley
- Soloed El Capitan in 2017
- Achievements include a “triple solo” climb of three major formations
- Experience climbing in Antarctica, South America, and Greenland
Alex Honnold’s attempt at Taipei 101 reflects not only his climbing expertise but also his determination as he faces a new and formidable challenge. Fans eagerly await the live broadcast of this daring feat on Saturday night.
