Alex Honnold Climbs Taipei 101 with a Modest Paycheck

American rock climber Alex Honnold recently described the compensation he received for free climbing one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world as “embarrassing.” This daring feat took place at Taiwan’s Taipei 101, towering at 1,667 feet, during the Netflix event, Skyscraper Live. He completed the ascent in just over 90 minutes, yet he remarked that his earnings pale in comparison to those of other athletes.

“I won’t mention the exact amount; it’s just, well, embarrassing,” Honnold shared about his pay for the climb. He pointed out that, in the world of professional sports, his compensation seemed exceedingly low when considering massive contracts, like those in Major League Baseball, which can reach around $170 million.

He quipped about how the sum felt akin to something insignificant, suggesting it might be like paying someone anonymous and uncelebrated. While Honnold did not disclose his exact earnings, he did mention they were “mid-six figures.”

Regardless of the paycheck, Honnold expressed that he would have tackled the dangerous climb even without any financial incentive, as long as he had permission from the building’s management. “If the building says yes, I would do it,” he stated.

The accomplished climber, known for his record-breaking ascents, like the famous rope-free climb of El Capitan in Yosemite, felt confident about his abilities. Recently, he and mountaineer Hazel Findlay made history by scaling a sheer 3,750-foot cliff in Greenland.

During his Taipei 101 ascent, he relied on a small L-shaped outcrop for footholds, meticulously maneuvering around the building’s massive decorative elements and pulling himself up with just his hands.

Broadcast live on Netflix with a brief 10-second delay, the climb showcased the complexities of the skyscraper, including its distinctive “bamboo box” at the 64th floor, which presented one of the toughest challenges. The skyscraper consists of eight segments, where each segment featured steep, challenging climbs followed by brief rest periods on balconies.

Originally set for Saturday, the climb was postponed by a day due to inclement weather. Upon reaching the summit, Honnold celebrated, arms waving, and later reflected on the breathtaking views. “I can’t believe how beautiful it was,” he said. “The wind made it tricky to maintain my balance, but the view of Taipei—it was just incredible.”