Alex Honnold Makes History with Ropeless Ascent of Taipei 101

US climber Alex Honnold achieved a remarkable feat on March 10, 2024, by becoming the first person to free solo climb Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest building. Honnold, known for his daring climbing exploits, scaled the 508-meter skyscraper without the use of ropes, harnesses, or safety nets. Crowds gathered at the base of the iconic structure to witness this extraordinary event, which was broadcast live on Netflix.

Dressed in a vibrant red T-shirt and yellow custom climbing shoes, Honnold began his ascent on the southeast face of the glass and steel tower. At one point during the climb, he paused on a platform to wave to the enthusiastic spectators below. Viewers inside the building watched in awe as he passed the enclosed observation deck on the 89th floor, tapping on glass to capture the moment. After an intense hour and a half, he reached the spire, triumphantly rappelling down to reunite with his wife, Sanni McCandless Honnold.

“What a beautiful way to see Taipei,” Honnold expressed to reporters following his climb, which had been delayed a day due to inclement weather. Taipei 101, a significant landmark and tourist attraction, held the title of the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010, until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The climb was executed with the full support and permission of Taipei 101 and the Taipei City Government. Honnold had long dreamed of scaling the skyscraper and initially considered climbing it without authorization. He ultimately decided to pursue the climb respectfully, stating,

“I was like, well obviously I’m not going to poach this, I’m going to respect the people and just see if it ever comes together.”

The climb not only captured the attention of local spectators but also drew praise from officials. James Smith, an executive producer at Netflix, commented that it is rare for a building to allow such an event, calling Taipei 101 “a real icon of this country.”

Taiwanese politicians took to social media to express their gratitude. President William Lai congratulated Honnold for putting Taiwan in the international spotlight, 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 celebrated the historic achievement, noting that it showcased Taiwan’s “safety, order, and prosperity” to the world.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also extended congratulations, highlighting Honnold’s achievement as a testament to courage. The American Institute in Taiwan recognized Honnold’s successful free solo, noting that he not only set a new record but also introduced Taiwan’s iconic landmark to a global audience.

Honnold is renowned for his climbing prowess, having gained international fame in 2017 after his ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, regarded as one of the most technically challenging climbs. This latest achievement is not the first time Taipei 101 has been scaled; in 2004, French climber Alain Robert, known as “Spiderman,” climbed the building using a safety rope due to rainy conditions, completing the ascent in four hours.

In a post-climb interview, Sanni McCandless Honnold addressed those who label her husband as “crazy” or an “adrenaline junkie,” emphasizing his joy in climbing.

“It’s almost like a childlike joy,”

she remarked. “I think that was a really cool part of today, that we all got to just watch him have a lot of fun.”

Honnold’s successful free solo of Taipei 101 not only marks a significant personal achievement but also serves as an inspiring moment for climbers and adventurers around the world.