This article reports on a historic feat by world-renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold, who successfully climbed Taipei 101 without any ropes or safety equipment.
The key points from the report are:
The Event: On the morning of January 25, 2026 (Taiwan time), Alex Honnold climbed to the top of Taipei 101. The climb was broadcast globally by Netflix in a two-hour live special titled SKYSCRAPER LIVE.
Comparison to Past Climbs: While French climber Alain Robert climbed the tower in 2004, he used safety equipment due to poor weather conditions. Honnold’s 2026 climb is distinguished by being a "Free Solo" (no safety gear).
Background on Alex Honnold: The article details Honnold’s background, noting he was born in Sacramento in 1985 and dropped out of UC Berkeley to pursue climbing. He is most famous for his 2017 free solo of El Capitan in Yosemite, which was the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo.
Psychology of the Climb: The report mentions that Honnold views free soloing not as "risking his life," but as a result of thousands of hours of practice to minimize risk. It also references scientific studies of his brain (specifically the amygdala) which show he has a significantly higher threshold for fear than the average person.
The climb is described as an unprecedented feat that brought significant global attention to Taipei.
