TAIPEI, Jan 25 - U.S. climber Alex Honnold completed a ropeless ascent of Taipei 101 on Sunday, drawing thousands of spectators who cheered and waved as he climbed one of the world’s tallest buildings.
Honnold reached the top spire after a 91-minute "free solo" ascent and, upon arrival, said simply: "Sick," reflecting the personal intensity of the climb. The event was organised and broadcast live by Netflix. After completing the climb, he told reporters: "What a beautiful way to see Taipei," noting that the climb had been postponed by a day because of wet weather.
The tower he climbed, Taipei 101, stands 508 metres (1,667 feet) and dominates the city skyline. It is a major tourist draw and held the title of the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010. That title is currently held by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Organisers said the ropeless ascent was conducted with the full support and permission of Taipei 101 and the city government. Honnold acknowledged that he had at one time considered attempting the structure without official permission, but said he ultimately decided against that approach. He told reporters:
"But then 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 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."
Executive Producer James Smith commented on the rarity of the arrangement, saying it was unusual for a building to entrust a climber with such an undertaking and calling Taipei 101 "a real icon of this country".
Taiwanese political leaders used social media to thank Honnold and Netflix for the attention the event brought to the island. President Lai Ching-te posted his congratulations, writing:
He added that through Netflix’s live broadcast the world did not only see the tower but also the character of the island:"Congratulations to the brave, fearless Alex for completing the challenge,"
"Through Netflix’s live broadcast cameras, the world didn’t just see Taipei 101 - it also saw the warmth and passion of the Taiwanese people, and the beautiful hills and scenery of this land,"
This was not the first time Taipei 101 has been climbed. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert, known for ropeless ascents of major skyscrapers, climbed the building in a four-hour effort, but he used a safety rope during that ascent.
Context and implications
The live-streamed, permission-based nature of the climb combined a high-profile athlete with a major streaming platform and a landmark tourist asset. The event highlighted Taipei 101 as both an urban landmark and a focal point for organized public spectacles. Weather conditions played a direct operational role, forcing a one-day postponement. Safety choices were central to the story, with Honnold’s decision to climb without ropes distinguishing this ascent from previous, roped attempts.
Crowd and public response
Thousands of people watched from the ground as Honnold ascended. The presence of an enthusiastic live audience and the decision to stream the event live suggest coordinated operational planning between the climber, the building management and city officials.
Sources of uncertainty
- Weather: Wet conditions delayed the climb by a day, underscoring how weather can affect public events and tourism-related activities.
- Safety profile: The ascent was carried out without ropes or safety netting, highlighting the inherent physical risks of free solo climbing.
- Permission and access: The climb occurred with formal approval from Taipei 101 and city authorities; prior consideration of an unpermitted attempt illustrates the importance of official authorization for such events.