Professional rock climber, Alex Honnold, is currently generating massive global buzz for completing a live free solo ascent of Taipei 101 in Taiwan. On January 25, 2026, Alex scaled the 1,667-foot (508-meter) skyscraper in approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes. The event, titled Skyscraper Live, was broadcast globally on Netflix, marking a major foray for the platform into live sports programming. While others have climbed the tower before, what makes Alex Honnold’s achievement unique is that he is the first person to do so in his signature free soloing style, i.e., completely ropeless and without any safety gear.
Upon reaching the very top of the building’s spire, Alex Honnold, 40, was heard saying, “Sick! It’s windy,” before taking photos with his phone. The broadcast of Alex’s thrilling venture drew massive global attention, with many viewers expressing both awe and anxiety given the fatal stakes. One of the most talked-about aspects of the building climb was Alex’s method of getting down from the top. It was totally different from how he climbed up, which led to mixed reactions from the viewers.
How did Alex Honnold climb down from Taipei 101?
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