Taipei: American rock climber Alex Honnold stunned the world on Sunday by climbing the 508-metre (1,667-foot) high Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or safety gear.
While he is not the first person to climb the skyscraper, there is no known record of anyone doing it without ropes or safety equipment, as reported by The Indian Express.
The viral of the climb that has now gone viral, shows a crowd gathered below cheering as Honnold began his climb, gripping horizontal metal beams and ascending with only his hands and feet. He also paused midway through the ascent and turned to face the crowd.
The climb was streamed live on Netflix with a 10-second delay. It was to take place on Saturday, but had to be set back by a day due to rain.
“It was like what a view, it’s incredible, what a beautiful day,” The Guardian quoted the 40-year-old saying after reaching the top, “It was very windy, so I was like, ‘d
on’t fall off the spire’. I was trying to balance nicely. But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei.”
“I think that people often find the inspiration that they need to pursue their own challenges or their own goals. It’s often the kick they need to do whatever it is that they want to do in their life,” Honnold said.
He climbed one corner of Taipei 101, using small L-shaped protrusions as footholds. At several points, he had to navigate around and over large decorative structures that extend outward from the building, it was reported by The Guardian.
Netizens reacted, calling the climb an incredible feat.
“Wow, Alex Honnold is absolutely incredible!!! That climb up Taipei 101 is just mind-blowing, especially at 1,667 feet – seriously, my palms are sweating just thinking about it! I’m so impressed by his skill and determination, what an amazing feat!!” one of them wrote.
“I just watched this whole thing live. Truly insane historical moment! Humans are incredible,” another one said.
“So glad he made it. He is one of the last well-known free soloists who is still alive,” a third user reacted.
French climber Alain Robert scaled Taipei 101 on Christmas Day in 2004 during its grand opening, when it held the title of the world’s tallest building, but he had ropes.