American rock climber Alex Honnold made headlines on Sunday when he successfully ascended the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper without any ropes or protective gear. The daring feat took him approximately 90 minutes, culminating in a triumphant wave to the street-level crowd that cheered him on during his climb of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower.
Dressed in a red short-sleeve shirt, Honnold reached the summit of the spire and expressed his exhilaration, stating, “It was like what a view, it’s incredible, what a beautiful day.” He continued, reflecting on the challenges of his ascent, “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.”
Honnold, renowned for his ropeless ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, utilized small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds during his climb. The route presented significant challenges, particularly in the middle section, where the structure’s distinctive “bamboo boxes” create steep overhangs. Honnold navigated these obstacles, pulling himself up the ornamental features of the tower with just his hands.
The climb was initially scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2024, but was postponed for 24 hours due to inclement weather. Honnold’s ascent was broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay, allowing viewers worldwide to witness the high-stakes adventure.
Excitement and Ethical Concerns Surround the Ascent
Honnold’s climb attracted a large crowd, a stark contrast to his usual solitary climbs in remote locations. He admitted that the presence of spectators was both exhilarating and unnerving. “When I was leaving the ground, you’re like oh it’s kind of intense, there’s so many people watching,” he remarked. “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, while thrilling, also raised questions about the ethics of broadcasting such a high-risk endeavor. Honnold is not the first to scale Taipei 101, as French climber Alain Robert previously ascended the tower on Christmas Day in 2004 during its grand opening.
The duality of excitement and concern reflects the complex relationship between extreme sports and public perception. Honnold’s latest achievement further solidifies his status in the climbing community, showcasing both his remarkable skills and the allure of pushing human limits in the face of danger.
