Alex Honnold Completes Daring Free Solo Climb of Taipei 101 Skyscraper
American climber Alex Honnold has achieved a remarkable feat by scaling the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan without the use of ropes or any protective equipment. The free solo ascent, which took just over 90 minutes, was completed on Sunday 25 January 2026, after a one-day delay due to adverse weather conditions.
A Historic Ascent Without Safety Gear
The 40-year-old climber, renowned for his daring free solo techniques, tackled the 508-metre (1,667-foot) tower, which was once the tallest building in the world. Cheers erupted from the crowd gathered on the streets below as Honnold reached the summit, marking a significant moment in extreme sports history.
Honnold described the experience as "incredible" and "a beautiful way to see Taipei", though he noted the challenge of strong winds during the climb. "It was very windy, so I was like, don't fall off the spire. I was trying to balance nicely," he said after completing the ascent.
Technical Challenges of the Taipei 101 Climb
The Taipei 101 skyscraper, with its 101 floors, presented unique obstacles. The most difficult section was the middle 64 floors, known as the "bamboo boxes" that give the building its distinctive appearance. The structure is divided into eight segments, each featuring:
- Eight floors of steep, overhanging climbing
- Balconies where Honnold took brief rests
Honnold navigated one corner of the building using small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds and had to manoeuvre around large ornamental structures protruding from the tower.
From Remote Climbs to a Global Audience
This event was somewhat unusual for Honnold, whose climbs typically occur in remote locations without spectators. The ascent was broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay, drawing a festive crowd of supporters. "When I was leaving the ground, you're like, oh it's kind of intense, there's so many people watching," Honnold remarked. "But then honestly, they're all wishing me well. It just makes the whole experience feel almost more festive."
Honnold rose to global prominence in 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, a feat documented in the Oscar-winning 2018 film Free Solo. While French climber Alain Robert previously scaled Taipei 101 in 2004, Honnold is the first to do so without a rope, cementing his status as a pioneer in the climbing world.
