Why Risk Death? Because it is There! By Brian Simpson

The recent free solo ascent of Taipei 101 by American rock climber Alex Honnold is one of those jaw-dropping human achievement stories that reminds us what raw determination, years of preparation, and an almost superhuman calm under pressure can accomplish.

On a clear Sunday in late January 2026, the 40-year-old legend — best known for his historic rope-free climb of Yosemite's 3,000-foot El Capitan in 2017 (immortalized in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo) — took on Taipei 101, Taiwan's iconic 101-floor skyscraper. At 1,667 feet (508 metres) tall, it's one of the world's tallest completed buildings, a sleek glass-and-steel giant that tapers dramatically skyward with its famous tuned mass damper ball inside.

Honnold, now a husband and father of two, approached this urban free solo with the same laser focus he's brought to rock faces for over three decades. No ropes. No harness. No chalk bag dangling from his waist (though he likely used some grip enhancers). Just his hands, feet, chalk, and an ironclad mental game. The climb was livestreamed globally on Netflix as part of a special event titled Skyscraper Live, turning what could have been a quiet dare into a worldwide spectacle.

He started at the base after a rain delay pushed things back, gripping the building's exterior features — ledges, window frames, structural seams, and whatever holds the architects unintentionally provided. The route wasn't a straight vertical shot; it zigzagged to follow the most climbable paths on the facade. Spectators far below watched in hushed awe (and probably some terror), cheering every time Honnold paused, turned, and flashed a confident smile down at the crowd.

The ascent took roughly one hour and 30 minutes — about 90 minutes of pure, sustained concentration at heights where a single slip means game over. Video clips show key moments: early sections where he methodically tests holds, mid-climb smiles to the cheering onlookers, and the triumphant top-out where he reaches the summit, exhales "Sick!", catches his breath, pulls out his phone for a quick selfie, and says, "This is so cool… I'm so psyched and you know what, pretty tired, actually."

In pre-climb interviews, Honnold emphasised the mental side: "The goal is just to avoid mistakes." He noted how different this felt from natural rock — "a handmade structure" with less predictable features — but his preparation (studying the building, training on similar urban simulations, and decades of free solo experience) carried him through. Post-summit, the vibe was pure elation mixed with exhaustion. No major incidents, no dramatic near-misses shown in the clips — just steady, masterful progress.

This isn't just thrill-seeking; it's the pinnacle (so far) of urban free soloing, a niche where climbers like the late Alain Robert ("the French Spider-Man") have scaled dozens of skyscrapers, but usually with some sponsorship flair or partial protection. Honnold's version stands out for its sheer scale, the live broadcast, and his unmatched free solo résumé. It's inspired millions, sparked endless debates about risk vs. reward, and probably left a lot of viewers wondering if they'd even make it past the first few floors.

As of 2026, the world's tallest completed building remains the Burj Khalifa in Dubai at 2,722 feet (829.8 metres) — over 1,000 feet taller than Taipei 101. (The long-delayed Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, planned to exceed 3,280 feet / 1 km, is still under construction and not yet topped out, so it doesn't count as "completed.")

A climber with Honnold-level skill could attempt a free solo of the Burj Khalifa, but practically, it's exponentially harder and riskier:

Height & exposure — More than double the air time if something goes wrong. Fatigue compounds massively over thousands of extra feet.

Design differences — The Burj's tapering spire, Y-shaped base, and smoother, more uniform glass facade offer fewer natural holds than Taipei 101's varied architecture. Upper sections become nearly featureless.

Environmental factors — Stronger winds at extreme heights, temperature drops, potential for sudden weather changes.

Logistics — Security, permits, and sheer scale make it near-impossible to attempt undetected or sanctioned. Taipei 101's climb was a planned, broadcast event; a climb would face massive legal barriers.

Mental load — Honnold himself has said longer free solos push the limits of human focus. Adding 1,000+ feet could break even his concentration.

Honnold has never publicly said he'd try it, and most experts consider the Burj (or any 800m+ tower) effectively unclimbable in true free solo style without heroic luck or hidden aids. Urban free soloing peaks around 500–600 metres for now — Taipei 101 just set a new high-water mark.

In the end, Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 ascent isn't just about the building; it's about pushing the boundary of what's possible when mind, body, and preparation align perfectly. Whether you're a climber or just someone who gets chills watching, it's the kind of story that makes you stare upward and think: "Wow… humans can do that?"

https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/01/25/watch-american-climber-summits-1667-foot-skyscraper-with-no-ropes/