Alex Honnold, an acclaimed rock climber, is set to attempt a historic ascent of the Taipei 101 skyscraper. This event is scheduled for January 23, 2024, and will be broadcast live on Netflix. Honnold aims to scale the 1,667-foot-tall structure without any safety equipment, marking what many consider his most daring feat to date.
About Taipei 101
Located in Taiwan, Taipei 101 was the tallest building globally until 2009 when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It currently holds the title of the 11th tallest building in the world. Known for its unique tiered design, the building presents a significant challenge for climbers.
Who is Alex Honnold?
Honnold, 40, has made a name for himself through free solo climbing, where he ascends without any safety gear. He is renowned for his record-breaking climbs and received an Oscar for the documentary “Free Solo,” which detailed his historic ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
His Climbing Journey
- Started climbing at age 10.
- First free solo ascent of El Capitan in 2017.
- Set a speed record on El Capitan in 2012 and beat it three more times in 2018.
The Climb and Its Challenges
Honnold has been preparing for this climb intensely since November 2023. He practiced the route with ropes to familiarize himself with its intricacies. His approach includes psychological preparation to manage fear and maintain focus during the climb.
Safety Considerations
Honnold will climb without any safety nets, making this endeavor extremely risky. He has rated the difficulty of Taipei 101 at 5.5 out of 6 on his personal scale for buildings, asserting that many of his past climbs were more complex due to the unpredictability of natural rock structures.
How to Watch the Climb
The live broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. local time on January 23, 2024 (1 a.m. GMT on January 24). Although Netflix has not confirmed specific details about delays during the livestream, industry reports suggest there may be a 10-second delay in case of emergency situations.
Conclusion
As a father of two, Honnold’s daring ascent of Taipei 101 will attract a global audience. This climb is a testament to his commitment to pushing boundaries in the world of climbing. With millions watching, the event promises to be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
