American Mountaineer Climbs Skyscraper in Taiwan

A 40-year-old American mountaineer has accomplished something remarkable by free climbing a skyscraper in Taiwan, all while onlookers watched from the ground below.

Alex Honnold, known for his daring climbs, ascended the 1,667-foot-tall Taipei 101. This event was streamed live on Netflix after being postponed due to rain. It finally took place on Sunday.

The entire climb took him about an hour and a half, and thankfully, the moment he reached the top was caught on video.

After standing atop the skyscraper, Honnold exclaimed, “Sick!” as he gazed at the expansive view below.

Additional footage revealed Honnold taking a moment to rest and pull out his phone for a selfie. “This is so cool…I’m so excited, but I’m actually pretty tired,” he remarked.

According to a CBS report, Taipei 101 ranks among the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Designed by CY Lee & Partners, it was opened to the public in 2004 and features not only an observation deck but also restaurants, shopping malls, and offices, along with hosting the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

On his personal website, Honnold claims he’s the only individual to have solo climbed El Capitan, a daunting 3,000 feet high in Yosemite.

The site stated, “More people will walk on the moon than do what Alex Honnold did.” His rare skills and exceptional mental concentration have made him a standout figure in the climbing community, inspiring countless individuals globally.

A video captures a moment where Honnold began his ascent, with the crowd cheering and his loved ones smiling in pride.

Before the climb, Honnold mentioned that his main focus was to avoid errors. He admitted to feeling a bit anxious about the climb, stressing that his extensive experience climbing rock walls would not entirely prepare him for this first significant man-made structure. “My life is on the line,” he said. “I don’t really care who’s watching. All I care about is doing my job and doing it well.”