Climber Alex Honnold free solos Taipei 101 skyscraper - CBS News

Alex Honnold, the renowned American rock climber, successfully completed a free solo ascent of Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, located in Taipei, Taiwan. The climb, which took place on Sunday, was part of a live Netflix event titled "Skyscraper Live." Honnold 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. The event garnered significant media attention due to its daring nature and Honnold's previous achievements in free solo climbing, including his historic ascent of El Capitan. The climb was initially scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to rain. Honnold expressed that this challenge had been an ambition of his for over a decade, and he hoped to inspire others to pursue their own challenges, emphasizing that "time is finite." His ascent of Taipei 101 highlights not only his exceptional climbing skills but also the broader themes of human ambition and the quest for personal achievement. Honnold's climbs often evoke a mix of admiration and concern, reflecting the controversial nature of free soloing, which involves scaling heights without safety gear. The event has drawn excitement from fans and the media, tapping into humanity's fascination with risk and adventure. Honnold's climb serves as a reminder of the fine line between courage and recklessness, contributing to ongoing discussions about risk-taking in modern society.