U.S. rock climber Alex Honnold reaches top of Taipei skyscraper without ropes : NPR

Rock climber Alex Honnold, of the U.S., performs a free solo climb of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, Jan. 25. 2026.

Chiang Ying-ying/AP

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Chiang Ying-ying/AP

TAIPEI, Taiwan — American rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the Taipei 101 skyscraper on Sunday without any ropes or protective equipment.

Cheers erupted from a street-level crowd as he reached the top of the spire of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower about 90 minutes after he started. Wearing a red short-sleeve shirt, Honnold waved his arms back and forth over his head.

“It was like what a view, it’s incredible, what a beautiful day,” he said afterward. “It was very windy, so I was like, don’t fall off the spire. I was trying to balance nicely. But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei.”

Rock climber Alex Honnold, of the U.S., raises his fist as he climbs on top of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.

Chiang Ying-ying/AP

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Chiang Ying-ying/AP

Honnold, known for his ropeless ascent up Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, climbed up one corner of Taipei 101 using small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds. Periodically, he had to maneuver around and clamber up the sides of large ornamental structures that jut out from the tower, pulling himself up with his bare hands.

The building has 101 floors, with the hardest part being the 64 floors of the middle section — the “bamboo boxes” that give the building its signature look. Divided into eight, each segment has eight floors of steep, overhanging climbing followed by balconies, where he took short rests as he made his way upward.

Honnold’s free solo climb of the iconic building in Taiwan’s capital city was broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay. The ascent, originally scheduled for Saturday, was delayed for 24 hours due to rain.

Having a cheering crowd was unusual and a bit unnerving at first for Honnold, whose climbs are usually in remote areas.

“When I was leaving the ground, you’re like oh it’s kind of intense, there’s so many people watching,” he said. “But then honestly, they’re all wishing me well. I mean basically it just makes the whole experience feel almost more festive, all these nice people are out supporting me and having a good time.”

The climb drew both excitement and concern over the ethical implications of attempting such a high-risk endeavor on live broadcast.

Honnold isn’t the first climber to ascend Taipei 101, but he is the first to do so without a rope. French rock climber Alain Robert scaled the building on Christmas Day in 2004 as part of the grand opening of what was then the world’s tallest building.

how did alex Honnold prepare for his free solo ascent of Taipei 101?

Alex Honnold’s Historic Taipei 101 Free solo: A New Peak in Human Endurance

Alex Honnold, the renowned American rock climber celebrated for his unprecedented free solo ascents, has once again pushed the boundaries of human capability. On January 25, 2026, Honnold successfully completed a free solo climb of Taipei 101, one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, without the use of ropes or safety gear. This feat, streamed live on Netflix as part of “Skyscraper Live,” marks a new chapter in the world of extreme sports and free solo climbing.

Understanding Free Solo Climbing

Free solo climbing is arguably the most hazardous form of climbing. It involves ascending a rock face or structure without any ropes, harnesses, or other protective equipment.A single mistake can be fatal. It demands not only remarkable physical strength and technical skill but also an unwavering mental fortitude and precise route planning. Honnold’s dedication to meticulous preparation is a cornerstone of his success, minimizing risk through exhaustive practise and visualization.

The Taipei 101 Ascent: Details and Challenges

Taipei 101, formerly the world’s tallest building, presents a unique set of challenges for a free solo climber.

* Height and Exposure: Standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall, the building’s sheer height and exposure to the elements amplify the inherent risks of free soloing.

* Architectural Complexity: The building’s design, featuring curved glass and varying surface textures, requires a climber to adapt to constantly changing holds and conditions.

* Weather Conditions: Taipei’s subtropical climate introduces unpredictable weather patterns,including wind and humidity,which can significantly impact grip and stability.

* Live Broadcast Pressure: Performing under the intense scrutiny of a live global broadcast adds another layer of psychological pressure.

Honnold’s ascent was reportedly smooth and controlled, showcasing his mastery of movement and his ability to remain calm under extreme pressure. Sanni McCandless honnold was present in Taipei,Taiwan,offering support.

Honnold’s Previous Achievements: A Legacy of Risk and Reward

This Taipei 101 climb builds upon Honnold’s already notable resume of daring ascents. He is most famous for his 2017 free solo of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park – a climb widely considered one of the greatest athletic achievements in history.

Here’s a brief overview of some of his notable climbs:

1. El Capitan (2017): free soloed the freerider route on El Capitan, Yosemite.
2. Half Dome (2018): Completed a free solo ascent of Half Dome’s Northwest face,Yosemite.
3. Numerous other challenging rock climbs across North America and internationally.

These accomplishments have cemented Honnold’s status as a pioneer in the world of free solo climbing, inspiring awe and debate in equal measure.

The Psychological Aspect of Free Soloing

Beyond the physical demands, free solo climbing is profoundly psychological. Climbers like Honnold employ techniques such as:

* Visualization: Mentally rehearsing the climb repeatedly to anticipate challenges and refine movements.

* Mindfulness: Maintaining a state of present-moment awareness to focus on the task at hand and suppress fear.

* Risk Assessment: Thoroughly evaluating potential hazards and developing strategies to mitigate them.

Honnold has openly discussed his approach to managing fear, emphasizing the importance of accepting risk as an inherent part of the activity. He doesn’t aim to eliminate fear, but rather to control it and channel it into focused performance.

the Future of Skyscraper Climbing and Extreme Sports

Honnold’s prosperous Taipei 101 climb is highly likely to spark further interest in skyscraper climbing and other forms of extreme sports. While the risks are undeniable, the allure of pushing human limits and achieving seemingly impossible feats remains strong. It also raises questions about safety regulations and the ethical considerations surrounding such endeavors. The Netflix live event format may also influence how extreme sports are consumed and presented to a wider audience.

Safety Considerations & Responsible Climbing

it is indeed crucial to emphasize that free solo climbing is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted by untrained individuals. This article is intended to inform and inspire, not to encourage reckless behavior.

* Proper Training: Years of dedicated training and experience are essential before attempting any challenging climb.

* Safety Gear: Always use appropriate safety gear, including ropes, harnesses, and helmets, when climbing.

* Professional Guidance: Seek guidance from experienced climbers and instructors.

* Respect the Environment: Practice Leave No Trace principles and minimize your impact on the natural environment.