American rock climber Alex Honnold climbs Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

American rock climber Alex Honnold made headlines on Sunday as he successfully climbed the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan without any ropes or protective equipment. The 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower served as a daunting challenge for Honnold, who used only his bare hands to navigate the horizontal metal beams and pull himself up.

A crowd of spectators gathered at the base of the skyscraper, cheering on Honnold as he began his ascent. Dressed in a striking red short-sleeve shirt, he captivated the onlookers as he paused at one point during the climb to face the crowd, eliciting another round of cheers.

The daring feat was broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay, allowing viewers to witness Honnold’s free solo climb of the iconic building. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the climb was postponed for 24 hours due to inclement weather.

While Honnold’s climb was met with excitement, it also sparked concerns over the ethical implications of attempting such a high-risk endeavor on live television. Known for his ropeless ascent up Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, Honnold navigated the exterior of Taipei 101 using small outcroppings as footholds and maneuvering around large ornamental structures that protrude from the tower.

The climb presented various challenges, with the most difficult section being the 64 floors in the middle of the building known as the “bamboo boxes.” Divided into eight segments, each containing eight floors of steep, overhanging climbing followed by balconies, Honnold strategically rested at intervals as he made his way to the top.

While Honnold is not the first climber to ascend the Taipei 101 skyscraper, he is the first to do so without the use of ropes or safety equipment. French rock climber Alain Robert previously scaled the building on Christmas Day in 2004 as part of the grand opening of the then-world’s tallest building.

Honnold’s extraordinary feat showcases his unparalleled skill and determination in the world of rock climbing, solidifying his reputation as one of the most fearless and accomplished climbers of our time.