American rock climber Alex Honnold made headlines on Sunday by successfully climbing the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper without any ropes or protective gear. Honnold reached the top of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower approximately 90 minutes after he began his ascent, drawing cheers from a crowd gathered below.
Dressed in a red short-sleeve shirt, Honnold celebrated his achievement by waving his arms above his head upon reaching the spire. “It was like what a view, it’s incredible, what a beautiful day,” he remarked after the climb. He added, “It was very windy, so I was like, don’t fall off the spire. I was trying to balance nicely. But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei.”
A Challenging Ascent
Honnold, renowned for his ropeless ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, climbed one corner of the Taipei 101 building, utilizing small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds. The climb was particularly challenging due to the structure’s design, with the most difficult segment being the 64 floors of the central section, known as the “bamboo boxes.” This distinctive feature contributes to the building’s signature aesthetic and provided numerous steep overhangs for Honnold to navigate.
The ascent included maneuvering around large ornamental structures that protrude from the tower, requiring Honnold to pull himself up using only his hands. During his climb, Honnold took brief rests on balconies situated along the way, allowing him to regain his composure before continuing upward.
The climb was broadcast live on Netflix with a ten-second delay, generating significant interest from viewers worldwide. Initially scheduled for Saturday, the event was postponed for 24 hours due to adverse weather conditions.
Public Reaction and Ethical Considerations
The presence of a cheering crowd marked a departure from Honnold’s typical climbs, which often take place in remote areas. “When I was leaving the ground, you’re like, oh it’s kind of intense, there’s so many people watching,” he shared. “But then honestly, they’re all wishing me well. I mean basically it just makes the whole experience feel almost more festive, all these nice people are out supporting me and having a good time.”
The event sparked a mix of excitement and concern regarding the ethical implications of broadcasting such a high-risk endeavor. While Honnold is not the first climber to ascend Taipei 101, he is the first to do so without a rope. French climber Alain Robert previously scaled the building on December 25, 2004, during its grand opening when it was the tallest building in the world.
Honnold’s latest achievement adds another remarkable chapter to his climbing career, affirming his status as one of the most daring and skilled climbers in the world. As the thrill of the climb settled in, spectators and fans alike celebrated this extraordinary display of human ability and courage.
