Alex Honnold Achieves Historic Free Solo Climb of Taipei 101

US climber Alex Honnold made history on October 12, 2023, by becoming the first person to free solo Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest building. This remarkable achievement took place in front of hundreds of spectators gathered at the base of the iconic 101-story skyscraper, with the event broadcast live on Netflix. Dressed in a red T-shirt and custom-made yellow climbing shoes, Honnold ascended the glass and steel structure, showcasing his extraordinary skills.

As he climbed, Honnold paused on a platform to wave at enthusiastic fans and onlookers, who were captivated by his daring feat. Inside the building, many could be seen pressing against the glass to catch a glimpse of the climber as he passed the observation deck on the 89th floor. After approximately an hour and a half, he reached the spire at a height of 508 meters, before rappelling down to celebrate with his wife, Sanni McCandless Honnold.

“What a beautiful way to see Taipei,” he told reporters, reflecting on the climb that had been delayed by a day due to inclement weather. Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010, is now a major tourist attraction, known for dominating the city skyline.

The climb was conducted with the full support and permission of Taipei 101 and the Taipei City Government. Honnold expressed his long-held dream of scaling Taipei 101, stating, “I had once thought of climbing the structure without permission, but out of respect for the building and respect for all the people on the team who’d allowed me access to look at it, I decided to do it the right way.”

James Smith, an executive producer at Netflix, emphasized the significance of the event, describing Taipei 101 as “a real icon of this country.” The excitement surrounding the climb was palpable, with Taipei 101 chairwoman Janet Chia sharing a celebratory moment on Instagram as Honnold reached the summit, exclaiming, “Success.”

Politicians in Taiwan took to social media to commend Honnold for his daring achievement. President William Lai congratulated him, stating, “Through Netflix’s live broadcast, the world did not just see Taipei 101 — it also saw the warmth and passion of Taiwanese.” Former President Tsai Ing-wen also expressed her admiration for Honnold’s “historic feat,” noting that it showcased Taiwan’s “safety, order and prosperity” to a global audience.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan congratulated Honnold as well, praising his remarkable achievement by stating, “True courage knows no limits.” Meanwhile, the American Institute in Taiwan highlighted the climb’s impact, noting that Honnold not only set a new record but also introduced many viewers to this cultural landmark.

Honnold is renowned for his climbing prowess, having gained international acclaim after his 2017 ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite, a feat recognized as one of the most challenging climbs in the world. This latest accomplishment marks a significant milestone in his career and serves as a thrilling addition to his list of achievements.

Taipei 101 has been climbed before, notably by French climber Alain Robert, who ascended the building in 2004 using a safety rope due to rainy conditions, completing the climb in four hours.

Speaking after the climb, Sanni McCandless Honnold addressed those who label her husband as “crazy” or an “adrenaline junkie,” explaining that his climbing endeavors bring him immense joy. “It’s almost like a childlike joy,” she said, adding that witnessing him enjoy his passion was a beautiful aspect of the day.

The successful free solo of Taipei 101 not only highlights Honnold’s exceptional skills but also places a spotlight on Taiwan, showcasing the nation’s landscapes and culture to a broader audience through the lens of adventure and daring athleticism.