Alex Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Without Ropes in Live-Streamed Climb
American climber Alex Honnold has completed a rope-free ascent of Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest and most recognizable skyscrapers, during a live-broadcast event watched globally.
The climb marked a rare instance of “free solo” climbing applied to a dense urban structure rather than a natural rock face. Crowds gathered at the base of the tower while the ascent was streamed worldwide, turning the event into a real-time spectacle.
Supporters hailed the climb as a landmark athletic achievement that highlighted discipline, precision, and years of training. Critics, however, questioned the decision to broadcast such an extreme and high-risk act live, warning it could encourage dangerous imitation.
The event has reignited debate over where the line lies between elite performance and the commercialization of risk in modern sports entertainment.
