Alex Honnold, the celebrated American climber known for his ropeless El Capitan ascent in Free Solo, made history once again by scaling Taiwan’s tallest building, Taipei 101, in a breathtaking “free solo” climb. The 40-year-old completed the 1,667-foot ascent of all 101 stories in 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 34 seconds during Saturday’s SkyscraperLIVE broadcast, captivating audiences worldwide.

Honnold navigated the skyscraper’s unique architectural features, including massive steel spheres and spiraling dragon motifs, pausing briefly to wave to fans and check in with his wife, Sanni McCandless. At the summit, he grinned for a selfie and described the climb as “Sick,” a moment that drew admiration from viewers and high-profile figures alike, including Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen.

While the feat was widely celebrated for its audacity and skill, some critics raised ethical concerns over the live-streaming of such a high-risk endeavor, highlighting the potential dangers inherent in broadcasting extreme stunts in real time. Nevertheless, Honnold’s achievement reinforced his reputation as one of the world’s most accomplished and daring climbers, blending athletic precision, mental focus, and showmanship on an international stage.

The climb not only showcased Honnold’s extraordinary physical and mental abilities but also brought global attention to Taipei 101, demonstrating the dramatic potential of urban climbing as both sport and spectacle. Fans and fellow climbers hailed the achievement as a historic moment in mountaineering and skyscraper climbing alike.