By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a weather delay, Alex Honnold successfully free soloed Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper, marking the tallest urban free solo climb in history. The ascent took approximately one hour and 31 minutes and 34 seconds, and was filmed for live broadcast with commentary provided by Emily Harrington. While the climb was not the most challenging in urban free solo history according to climbing standards, it drew both excitement and scrutiny, highlighting the inherent risks and Honnold’s willingness to pursue such unique opportunities. Ultimately, Honnold’s accomplishment on January 24th solidified his place in climbing history.
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Alex Honnold has successfully climbed Taipei 101, marking the biggest urban free solo climb in history. The images alone, especially those aerial shots near the summit, are simply breathtaking. The entire concept is so audacious that it’s almost unbelievable. One has to wonder about the sheer volume of paperwork, waivers, and insurance policies that must have been involved in getting this project off the ground.
It’s truly astonishing to witness someone who seems to have completely bypassed the fear of heights. This is a level of mental fortitude that’s difficult to fathom. It’s like his brain is wired differently. Considering his skill, this climb, while still an incredible feat, was likely less technically demanding compared to his El Capitan free solo or even some of his recreational soloing. However, that doesn’t diminish what he accomplished in the slightest. He is a phenomenal climber, a true outlier.
The commentary during the live stream was also a topic of discussion. While the climbing was the focal point, the dialogue from the commentators was described as exhausting and distracting. The attention should have been solely on Honnold’s movements, which were remarkable. His skill, and the speed at which he executed some very technical maneuvers, was astonishing. The fact that he seemed to be enjoying himself, pausing to wave at people below, is just incredible. He’s a generous and joyful person. The way he made it look so easy was gobsmacking. The jumps on those dragons along the way were particularly nerve-wracking.
The live stream itself was a production marvel. It was said to have been impeccably shot, with cinematic angles that created a uniquely immersive experience. Many of the perspectives were up-close and personal, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the scale and difficulty of the climb. The production value, from the video shots to the overall presentation, was praised for being phenomenal and making the entire event captivating.
This climb was a constant defiance of what seems possible. It’s one of the more monumental athletic achievements in recent history. Seeing this live will forever cement its place in history. Given the sheer craziness of the undertaking, it’s hard to imagine anyone attempting something like this on camera again anytime soon. The building itself is an enormous, towering structure.
It’s hard not to be impressed. The way he made it look so easy, is, well, it’s just amazing. The fact that he was apparently listening to Tool while doing it is just the cherry on top. This is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated.
It’s hard not to feel a sense of awe when you see someone like Alex Honnold perform. He represents the pinnacle of his generation in climbing, much like his predecessors. Hopefully, his journey continues safely. It’s a reminder of what the human body and mind are capable of. It was an incredibly intense watch. The jumps in particular made hearts stop with every attempt.
Some people felt that while the technical difficulty of the climb itself might have been less challenging than other feats, the fact that it was live-streamed significantly amplified the pressure and the stakes. It’s going to be impossible to replicate the atmosphere.
The level of skill is something that is difficult to process for most. The ability to remain composed and focused in such a high-stakes environment is mind-boggling. Some were saying that they’d be freaking out at a fraction of the height.
The logistics involved must have been mind-boggling as well. There were even discussions about whether there were any aided sections on the climb. It was also mentioned that near the top there might have been a ladder, which speaks to just how demanding some parts must have been. The waivers signed, the insurance policies, all had to be in place. It’s hard to imagine the amount of red tape involved.
Finally, while the achievement itself is undeniable, it also sparked a bit of introspection about risk and safety. While Honnold’s skill is exceptional, it’s a reminder that attempting such feats without appropriate safety gear, for most people, would be a fool’s errand.