Alex Honnold Free Solo Attempts on Taipei 101 Skyscraper – Live Coverage

Alex Honnold, the renowned American rock climber, recently achieved a remarkable feat by free soloing Taipei 101. This skyscraper, standing at 508 meters, was the tallest building in the world from 2004 until 2010. Located in Taipei’s Xinyi District, it features a unique design resembling a bamboo stalk.

Historic Free Solo Ascent

On the live coverage of this extraordinary climb, which was streamed by Netflix and followed internationally, Honnold commenced his ascent after a weather delay. After postponing due to rain, he began climbing at 7:40 PM ET. The atmosphere was charged as the crowd cheered him on.

Climbing the Taipei 101

Honnold initiated his climb on a corner of the building, reaching the first section known as the “dragons.” By 8:28 PM ET, he successfully navigated this challenging feature, composed of steel, which posed significant risks. Over the course of his climb, he encountered ten such dragon features, with the “bamboo boxes” being particularly strenuous.

• Climb Duration: Alex completed the ascent in approximately 80 minutes.
• Key Features: He tackled the 101st floor and dealt with difficult conditions including high winds.
• Physical Exertion: Honnold compared the effort to completing two classic crack climbs back-to-back in Yosemite.

Safety Considerations

Throughout the climb, safety was a primary concern. While Honnold climbed without ropes, he relied on the architecture of Taipei 101 for potential safety points. The building’s balconies provided natural resting spots, improving his options in case of a slip.

His team kept a close eye on his physical condition, especially as fatigue set in during the ascent’s latter stages. Despite reaching heights where a fall could be fatal, his strategic planning and endurance allowed him to proceed confidently.

Comparative Difficulty

Honnold’s notable climb differs significantly from previous attempts made by climbers like Alain Robert, who used ropes for his 2004 ascent. Robert rated the climb as a 5.5 or 6 on his difficulty scale, while Honnold’s typical free solo climbs have been rated as high as 5.13a/b.

Endurance Challenge

The mental strength required for this climb cannot be overstated. Honnold faced not just the physical demands but also the psychological pressure of climbing at such heights without safety gear. His concentration and determination were key factors in his historic achievement.

Conclusion

Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of Taipei 101 has left an indelible mark on climbing history. His successful ascent emphasized the blend of physical skill, meticulous preparation, and mental resilience required for such extreme challenges. This event, streamed live, showcased not only Honnold’s incredible capabilities but also the heights to which climbers can aspire.