U.S. climber Alex Honnold scaled Taiwan’s tallest building, Taipei 101, without ropes or safety equipment on Sunday, drawing cheers from thousands of spectators below.
Honnold completed the 508-metre (1,667-foot) climb in 91 minutes, reaching the building’s spire as the ascent was broadcast live by Netflix. “Sick,” he said upon reaching the top. “What a beautiful way to see Taipei.”
The climb had been postponed by one day due to wet weather. It was carried out with the full approval and cooperation of Taipei 101 management and the city government.
Taipei 101, a major tourist landmark that dominates the city skyline, was the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010. That title is now held by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Honnold said he had previously considered climbing the building without permission but decided against it out of respect for the site and the team that granted him access.
Netflix executive producer James Smith said it was rare for a building to place such trust in a climber, calling Taipei 101 “a true national icon.”
Taiwanese leaders praised the event for showcasing the country on the global stage. President Lai Ching-te thanked Honnold and Netflix in a social media post, saying the broadcast highlighted not only the skyscraper but also the warmth of the Taiwanese people and the island’s natural beauty.
This was not the first ascent of Taipei 101. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert, known as “Spiderman,” climbed the tower using a safety rope, completing the ascent in about four hours.
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