Alex Honnold free solos Taipei 101 skyscraper in live Netflix climb

US rock climber Alex Honnold successfully free solo climbed Taipei 101, one of Asia’s tallest skyscrapers, on Sunday, completing the ascent in approximately 90 minutes. He scaled the 508-meter (1,667-foot) building without the use of ropes or a harness, utilizing the skyscraper’s horizontal metal beams to pull himself up with his bare hands. This climb was part of a live-streamed event on Netflix, which drew significant attention from fans and media. The challenge had originally been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to rain. Honnold's achievement marks him as the first person to free solo climb Taipei 101, which consists of 101 floors. His previous accomplishments, including the historic free solo of El Capitan, have established him as a prominent figure in extreme sports. The climb not only showcased his physical capabilities but also highlighted the inherent risks associated with free solo climbing, a pursuit that remains controversial. Honnold's wife expressed feelings of unease while watching him undertake this daring feat, reflecting the emotional toll such high-risk activities can have on loved ones. The event resonated with broader themes of human ambition and the quest for personal achievement, as Honnold hopes to inspire others to pursue their own challenges. Cheers erupted from a street-level crowd as he reached the top of the spire, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the climb. The live broadcast allowed viewers to witness the climb in real-time, further amplifying the spectacle of this unprecedented ascent.