TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Alex Honnold, the legendary American free climber, mesmerized spectators Wednesday (Sept. 10) as he ascended Taipei 101 (台北101), Taiwan's iconic skyscraper and former world's tallest building. Using specialized climbing gear including clips and ropes, Honnold executed a spectacular free climb of the 508-meter tower, showcasing his extraordinary technical prowess and fearless approach. The daring ascent transformed downtown Taipei into an impromptu amphitheater as crowds gathered to witness this unprecedented climbing feat.
Honnold gained international fame through his 2017 free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a death-defying climb documented in the acclaimed film "Free Solo." The documentary earned the People's Choice Award for Best Documentary at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival and grossed US$19 million (around NT$575 million) domestically. The film captured multiple prestigious honors, including an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, cementing Honnold's status as climbing's most recognizable figure.
Taipei 101 management implemented rigorous safety protocols for the climb, with all procedures meticulously designed by professional teams and properly reported to relevant authorities. Honnold charmed building occupants during his ascent by spontaneously interacting with surprised onlookers through office windows, creating memorable moments throughout the tower. His remarkable ability to maintain friendly engagement while executing such an physically demanding and dangerous feat added an unexpectedly delightful dimension to this extraordinary climbing spectacle. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.247)