American Rock Climber Ascends Taipei 101 Unroped
American rock climber Alex Honnold made headlines as he ascended Taipei 101 without any ropes or safety gear. This extraordinary event took place on a Sunday in Taipei, Taiwan, drawing significant attention from a large crowd.
Details of the Ascent
Honnold began his climb of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper, utilizing the building’s horizontal metal beams for grip. The crowd erupted in cheers as he ascended, particularly when he paused to address the onlookers while wearing a bright red short-sleeve shirt.
The free solo climb was broadcast live on Netflix, albeit with a 10-second delay. Originally planned for Saturday, the climb was postponed by a day due to inclement weather. The event raised discussions about the ethics of live broadcasting such a dangerous endeavor.
Challenges Faced During the Climb
Known for his record-setting ropeless ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, Honnold tackled the challenges of Taipei 101 skillfully. He climbed using L-shaped outcroppings and had to navigate around ornamental structures that protrude from the tower. The skyscraper features 101 floors, with the most challenging section being the midsection known as the “bamboo boxes.”
- Height of Taipei 101: 508 meters (1,667 feet)
- Number of floors: 101
- Most challenging section: 64 floors of bamboo boxes
The bamboo boxes consist of eight segments, each containing eight floors of steep climbing, with balconies allowing Honnold to take brief breaks as he ascended.
Historical Context
While Honnold is not the first climber to scale Taipei 101, he holds the distinction of being the first to complete the climb unroped. French climber Alain Robert previously ascended the building on Christmas Day in 2004, coinciding with its grand opening as the world’s tallest building at that time.
Honnold’s daring feat not only showcased his climbing skills but also highlighted the complexities surrounding extreme sports and public safety.
