TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) expressed dissatisfaction with Premier Cho Jung-tai's (卓榮泰), head of Taiwan's cabinet, reference to Taipei 101 as "Taiwan 101" on Tuesday (Jan. 27), sarcastically questioning if that made him "the mayor of Taiwan City." The comment came after renowned American climber Alex Honnold successfully scaled Taipei 101, Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, on Sunday, sparking a wave of awe and imitation attempts.
The Taipei Department of Sports (台北市體育局) reported nine serious climbing-related complaints over the past three years, eight of which resulted in fractures. These cases highlight the dangers of untrained climbers attempting similar feats. Officials warned the public against imitating Honnold's climb without proper training, noting that most injuries occurred at indoor bouldering gyms equipped with soft mats, where inexperienced climbers are particularly at risk.
The department noted that the most severe cases involved spinal compression fractures, and in 2020, a climbing accident resulted in a fatality. These incidents underscore the risks associated with climbing without proper training and caution. Taipei City Councilor Yu Shu-hui (游淑慧) emphasized that Honnold is an exception due to his rigorous professional training and urged the public not to imitate his climb, stressing that climbing should be approached gradually.
Yu emphasized the importance of learning proper falling techniques over climbing skills. Meanwhile, Chia Yeong-chieh (賈永婕), the chairwoman of Taipei 101, revealed that when weather considerations delayed Honnold's climb, she contacted Mayor Chiang for assistance. Chiang pledged full support and helped coordinate resources, ensuring the event's successful execution. Following the event, some suggested that Chia should run for Taipei mayor.