Honnold readies for Taipei 101 free solo climb on Saturday

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — American rock climber Alex Honnold will attempt a free solo climb of Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings, on Saturday (Jan. 24), the Taipei Film Commission announced. The 40-year-old, who won an Academy Award for the 2018 documentary "Free Solo," secured approval 13 years after his initial application was denied. Janet Chia (賈永婕), chairwoman of Taipei 101, granted permission after receiving a heartfelt letter from Honnold citing his twin daughters and commitment to safety.

Jennifer Jao (饒紫娟), director of the Taipei Film Commission (台北市文化局影委會), said safety concerns and preparation time led to the previous denial of Honnold's application. The climb exceeds the usual height for film projects, requiring extensive preparations around the building, Jao explained. Chia revealed that Honnold's letter, which mentioned his twin daughters and his commitment to safety, played a pivotal role in her decision to approve the attempt.

The Taipei Film Commission spent six months preparing for the event, coordinating over 26 agencies and 200 personnel to ensure a smooth operation. Chia, dubbed "the wildest chairwoman," climbed to the top of Taipei 101 herself, touching the lightning rod and forming a heart gesture with her hands. Honnold aims to reach the top of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper in 90 minutes, a moment he has awaited for 13 years.

Honnold began rock climbing at age 5 and gained fame for his 2017 free solo ascent of El Capitan in the United States. In September 2025, onlookers captured footage of him climbing Taipei 101, where children inside the building waved to him, and he waved back. The American climber's documentary "Free Solo" won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2018, bringing global attention to the sport.

Honnold's wife acknowledged the potential for fatality if he falls, noting that people question his decision to undertake such challenges as a father. She said, "This is Alex's style," accepting the risks inherent in his profession as a free solo climber. Organizers have placed cement blocks and several ropes on the ground as safety precautions, with a white rope near the glass windows.

Honnold will not use safety ropes during the official climb, significantly increasing the risk of the attempt. Traffic control around the Taipei 101 area will be crucial during the climb, with authorities coordinating logistics for the event. The free solo attempt represents a moment Honnold has awaited for 13 years since his initial application was denied. ◼