Climber Alex Honnold Conquers Taiwan’s Tallest Skyscraper
Alex Honnold, an acclaimed American climber known for his extreme ascents, made headlines after scaling Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper. This remarkable feat took place on a Sunday morning and drew significant attention from the public, as hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the event.
Honnold’s Historic Ascent
The 40-year-old climber completed his ascent of the 508-meter tall Taipei 101 in just 90 minutes. Upon reaching the summit, he raised his arms in triumph, an image captured by numerous journalists present. His climb was broadcast live on Netflix, adding to the spectacle and reach of the event.
Details of the Climb
- Date: Recent Sunday morning
- Height: 508 meters
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Height of Taipei 101: 101 floors
The climb initially scheduled for Saturday was postponed due to inclement weather. Honnold described this accomplishment as “the biggest free solo urban climb ever seen,” showcasing his unparalleled skills in free solo climbing—an activity that often involves considerable risk without safety gear.
Inspiration and Preparation
In a promotional video for Netflix, Honnold expressed his lifelong dream of climbing skyscrapers without equipment, stating, “No ropes, no gear, just me and the building.” Clad in a red t-shirt and custom yellow climbing shoes, he navigated the structure with impressive finesse. During his climb, he even interacted with onlookers from the observation deck on the 89th floor.
Public Reaction
The event attracted not just local fans but also spectators traveling from Singapore, Hong Kong, and southern Taiwan. Janet Chia, president of Taipei 101, acknowledged the audience’s dedication and apologized for the initial delay, assuring them that the experience was well worth the wait.
Attendees shared their thoughts on Honnold’s daring venture. Richard Bode, 34, arrived early for what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Another spectator, 24-year-old Benson, described Honnold as “incredibly brave.” In contrast, Lin Chia-jou, 54, found the challenge “terrifying” but praised Honnold’s efforts.
Previous Climbs and Legacy
While Honnold is the first person to free solo climb Taipei 101, he is not the first to conquer the structure. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert, known as the “French Spider-Man,” also reached the top but utilized safety ropes due to poor weather conditions.
Honnold’s fearless climb adds yet another chapter to his intriguing climbing history, which prominently features his Oscar-winning documentary, “Free Solo,” showcasing his memorable ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in 2017.
As more enthusiasts look up to pioneers like Honnold, his achievement at Taipei 101 marks a defining moment in the annals of urban climbing.
