Alex Honnold completes rope-free climb of Taipei 101 during Netflix’s Skyscraper Live
Alex Honnold, the world-renowned free solo climber, successfully completed his rope-free ascent of Taipei 101 in Taiwan, achieving a record as the tallest urban free solo climb in history. At the top, Honnold stood on the building’s small sphere, waving to fans, taking selfies, and soaking in the view before descending using a neon green harness. He later reunited with his wife, Sanni McCandless, sharing a celebratory embrace and acknowledging their two children.
The climb, part of Netflix’s Skyscraper Live, had been delayed by a day due to weather, with the live broadcast finally airing Saturday evening Pacific Time. Hosting duties were shared among Elle Duncan, WWE star Seth Rollins, mountaineer Emily Harrington, and NASA alum Mark Rober, who monitored the climb for potential seismic or weather-related hazards. Thousands of spectators gathered outside a three-acre exclusion zone to watch as Honnold began his ascent, chalking his hands and waving to the crowd along the way.
The climb featured three main stages: the Slabs at the base, the Bamboo Boxes with eight balconies, and the Tower, which included rings, spires, and a small sphere at the summit. Honnold navigated architectural obstacles such as ruyi talismans and dragon-shaped protrusions while remaining calm, joking with commentators, and acknowledging fans within the building. Despite gusty winds, he paced himself carefully and used techniques like “campusing” and leg hooks to rest mid-ascent.
Filming incorporated drones, rig-mounted cameras, and pre-recorded segments explaining technical aspects of the climb. A minor broadcast delay was included for safety. Local residents decorated nearby buildings with “Go Alex!” messages and offered traditional protections in support of his climb. Netflix reminded viewers that attempting similar climbs is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Honnold, who began climbing at age 11 and gained fame as the first free soloist to ascend Yosemite’s El Capitan, emphasized the importance of preparation and training to mitigate risk, noting the climb’s inherent dangers remain despite precautions. His ascent of Taipei 101 cements his reputation as one of the most accomplished and daring climbers in history.
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