A Bold Climb: Alex Honnold Conquers Taipei 101

Alex Honnold, a renowned American rock climber, achieved an extraordinary feat. He scaled the towering Taipei 101 without any ropes or safety equipment. The ascent, which took place on a Sunday, lasted approximately 90 minutes, leaving spectators on the ground in awe as he raised his arms in triumph.

The Challenge

The Taipei 101 stands at an impressive 508 meters (1,667 feet). Honnold utilized small L-shaped building features as footholds and navigated around large protrusions using only his hands. The most daunting section, known as the "bamboo boxes," presented steep climbs and narrow balconies where he could catch his breath.

A Climber of Legend

Honnold is celebrated for his ropeless climbs, including his famous ascent in Yosemite National Park. This particular climb was broadcast live on Netflix with a slight delay. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the event was postponed due to rain.

The Experience

Performing under the gaze of a global audience was a new experience for Honnold, who typically climbs in secluded, tranquil settings.

"It was intense with so many people watching, but everyone was cheering for me. It made the experience feel more fun and festive."

Public Reaction

Opinions on the climb were divided. While some were thrilled by the daring feat, others expressed concern over the inherent risks. Honnold is not the first to climb Taipei 101, but he is the first to do so without a rope. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert achieved the feat when the building first opened.