American rock climber Alex Honnold made headlines on October 29, 2023, by completing a daring ascent of the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper without the use of ropes or protective gear. Honnold reached the top of the spire of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) building approximately 90 minutes after starting, drawing cheers from a crowd gathered below.
Dressed in a red short-sleeve shirt, Honnold celebrated his achievement by waving his arms in the air. After the climb, he expressed his exhilaration, stating, “It was like what a view, it’s incredible, what a beautiful day.” The challenging conditions included strong winds, which prompted him to focus on maintaining his balance as he navigated the spire. “I was trying to balance nicely,” he added. “But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei.”
Honnold, renowned for his ropeless ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, utilized small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds during his climb. He had to maneuver around large ornamental structures that extend from the tower, relying solely on his strength and skill. The building’s unique architecture features 101 floors, with the most challenging segment being the 64 floors of the central section known as the “bamboo boxes,” which define its distinctive silhouette.
The climb was broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay and had been initially scheduled for October 28 but was postponed by a day due to rain. Honnold noted that the presence of a cheering crowd was an unusual experience for him, as his climbs typically occur in more isolated locations. He remarked on the initial intensity of being watched by many people, but he quickly appreciated their support. “Honestly, they’re all wishing me well. It just makes the whole experience feel almost more festive,” he said.
While the ascent was celebrated by many, it also sparked discussions regarding the ethical implications of undertaking such a high-risk endeavor in front of a live audience. Honnold is not the first climber to scale Taipei 101; Alain Robert, a French rock climber, previously ascended the building on Christmas Day in 2004 during its grand opening.
This latest achievement by Honnold emphasizes not only his exceptional climbing ability but also raises questions about the boundaries of adventure sports and their presentation in the media. As the world continues to witness feats of human skill and determination, Honnold’s climb stands as a reminder of the thrill and risks associated with free solo climbing.
