Alex Honnold from the US selected a glass skyscraper in Taiwan as his newest climbing challenge.

Alex Honnold Climbs Taipei 101 Without Ropes

Daredevil mountaineer Alex Honnold completed an incredible ascent of Taiwan’s Taipei 101 on January 24th, climbing without any ropes or safety gear. He tackled the building’s most challenging feature, known as the bamboo box, as part of his extraordinary journey.

This ambitious climb was streamed live on Netflix, albeit with a brief 10-second delay, during a two-hour event that started at 8 PM ET. Honnold arrived at the site appearing composed, at least outwardly, with his wife, Sanni McCandless, at his side. He wore specially designed shoes that aided his grip on the building’s glass and steel surfaces.

McCandless expressed confidence in her husband’s abilities, remarking, “I think people see fear, but I know the work he’s put in. My role is to remind him he’s not just a climber; he’s also a father and a husband.”

Beginning from the southeast corner of the skyscraper, Honnold was seen throughout the broadcast engaging with the audience on the ground, smiling and even glancing down to see fans taking his picture.

“The views are astounding,” Honnold shared with a Netflix announcer, adding, “Honestly, it’s pretty surreal.” Eventually, he paused on a ledge, acknowledging his fatigue yet determined to maintain his pace. “I’m fine,” he said, reflecting on both his exhaustion and exhilaration.

After overcoming the tough parts of the climb, including the ring and spire, he waved as he reached the summit. “You did it. You made history,” the announcer exclaimed, to which Honnold responded with excitement, “This is so cool. I’m really thrilled but also pretty worn out.”

At 40 years old, and a father of two living in Las Vegas, Honnold had long aspired to scale Taipei 101, a striking glass and steel structure that was the tallest in the world when it opened in 2004.

Honnold reflected, “I’ve always wondered what it’s like to climb such a large building. I’ve tackled many large walls globally, but a man-made wall like this? That’s a first.”

His climb was remarkable, especially considering he gained fame in 2017 for being the first person to free solo El Capitan in Yosemite. Yet, this climb felt different to him.

Before the ascent, he identified the bamboo box as the most physically demanding section of the climb, also noting the psychological challenges that accompany such feats. Dr. Michael Gervais, a psychologist who has known Honnold for a decade, emphasized his intense focus and preparation.

Gervais described Honnold as methodical in his training and planning, consistently immersed in his efforts. Another expert highlighted that elite athletes are often focused on their peak performance and the processes needed to achieve it.

After about 90 minutes, Honnold reached the pinnacle of Taipei 101, where he was met with cheers from spectators below. He joyfully waved his arms, exclaiming, “What a view! I can’t believe it. What a stunning day!” He later mentioned the strong winds made it vital for him to maintain his balance up there.