American rock climber Alex Honnold successfully completed a ropeless ascent of Taipei 101, a 508-meter skyscraper in Taiwan's capital. The climb, which took approximately 90 minutes, was met with cheers from a crowd gathered below as Honnold reached the top of the tower's spire. Dressed in a red short-sleeve shirt, Honnold expressed his enjoyment of the view, noting the windy conditions and the need for careful balance during his ascent.
Honnold, who gained fame for his free solo climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, navigated Taipei 101 by using small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds. The ascent involved maneuvering around decorative features of the building, requiring physical strength and skill to pull himself up the structure. The most challenging segment of the climb comprised the middle section, known for its steep and overhanging design.
The event was broadcast live on Netflix, with a 10-second delay, and had originally been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to rain. Honnold commented on the unusual experience of climbing in front of a large audience, stating that the crowd's support created a festive atmosphere.
While the climb drew significant public interest, it also raised ethical questions regarding the safety and implications of live broadcasting high-risk activities. Honnold is not the first to climb Taipei 101, as French climber Alain Robert previously ascended the building in 2004, but he is the first to do so without ropes. The event highlights both the capabilities of extreme athletes and the public's fascination with such daring feats.