An American climber just proved that audacious individual achievement still matters, scaling Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper without a single rope in a death-defying feat that left millions watching in awe.
Story Highlights
- Alex Honnold became the first person to free solo climb Taipei 101’s 508 meters without ropes or safety gear
- The 40-year-old American completed the ascent in 1.5 hours while Netflix live-streamed the event to global audiences
- Hundreds of spectators traveled from across Asia to witness the historic climb of the 101-story skyscraper
- The feat surpasses a 2004 roped climb by French climber Alain Robert, establishing a new benchmark in urban free soloing
Historic Ropeless Ascent Captivates Global Audience
Alex Honnold achieved what many deemed impossible Sunday, becoming the first climber to free solo Taipei 101 without ropes, harness, or safety equipment. The 40-year-old American conquered the 1,667-foot structure in approximately 90 minutes, scaling the southeast face of Taiwan’s tallest building as hundreds gathered below. Wearing custom yellow shoes and a red T-shirt, Honnold paused midway on a platform to wave at spectators before continuing past the 89th-floor observation deck to the summit, where he raised his arms in triumph. This represents individual excellence at its finest—one man, one building, no safety net.
From El Capitan Fame to Skyscraper Glory
Honnold rose to international prominence in 2017 after his ropeless climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan was documented in the Oscar-winning film “Free Solo.” That 3,000-foot granite face climb established him as the world’s preeminent free solo climber. The Taipei 101 ascent fulfilled what Honnold described as a “lifelong dream” to complete the “biggest urban free-solo climb.” In promotional material released Tuesday before the climb, he declared: “No ropes, no gear, just me and the building.” This self-reliance and personal accountability embodies the American spirit—achieving greatness through individual determination rather than government assistance or collective safety measures.
Weather Delay Tests Climber and International Fans
The climb was originally scheduled for Saturday at 0100 GMT as part of Netflix’s “Skyscraper Live” broadcast but was postponed due to inclement weather. Taipei 101 Chairwoman Janet Chia apologized for the delay on social media platform Threads, acknowledging fans who had traveled from Singapore, Hong Kong, and southern Taiwan specifically for the event. Clear skies Sunday morning provided ideal conditions for the glass-steel structure’s ascent. The completed climb drew praise from Chia, who called it an “epic event worth the wait.” This patience and adaptability demonstrates the value of waiting for proper conditions rather than rushing forward recklessly—a lesson applicable beyond climbing.
Spectators Experience Terror and Inspiration
Eyewitnesses described the climb with a mixture of fear and admiration. Richard Bode, 34, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, while 24-year-old Benson deemed Honnold “incredibly brave.” Lin Chia-jou, 54, found the spectacle “terrifying” yet admirable. The climb distinguishes itself from a 2004 ascent by French climber Alain Robert, known as the “French Spiderman,” who scaled Taipei 101 using safety ropes during rainy conditions. Honnold’s achievement without any protective equipment sets a new standard in urban free soloing. The completed 2004 structure features an observation deck on the 89th floor and stands as Taiwan’s tallest building, providing both technical challenge and symbolic significance for this American achievement on the world stage.
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American daredevil free-climbs Taiwan’s tallest building
