American rock climber Alex Honnold thrilled spectators on Sunday by scaling the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or protective equipment, in a feat that has both captivated and concerned viewers worldwide.

The 37-year-old climber reached the summit of the 508-metre (1,667-foot) tower approximately 90 minutes after beginning his ascent, waving triumphantly to the crowd below. Known for his audacious ropeless climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, Honnold tackled one corner of Taipei 101 using small L-shaped footholds and clambered over ornamental structures using only his bare hands.

The climb’s most formidable section came midway through the tower, where the 64 “bamboo box” floors feature steep overhangs that tested Honnold’s balance and stamina. He paused briefly on balconies between sections to catch his breath, maintaining a steady focus throughout the daring endeavour.

The event was broadcast live on Netflix, albeit with a 10-second delay, drawing a mix of excitement and apprehension as audiences witnessed the extreme risk involved. The climb, originally scheduled for Saturday, had been postponed due to rain.

Honnold is not the first climber to scale Taipei 101, but he is the first to do so free solo. French climber Alain Robert previously ascended the skyscraper on Christmas Day 2004, but with ropes.

The stunt underscores both Honnold’s extraordinary skill and the growing fascination with extreme urban climbing, particularly as it is shared in real time across media platforms. As urban landscapes continue to become stages for audacious feats, Honnold’s ascent of Taipei 101 stands as a testament to human daring — and the thin line between thrill and peril.

Source: Agencies