Prepare for a breathtaking moment! Renowned climber Alex Honnold is set to tackle the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, attempting this audacious feat without the aid of ropes or a safety net. This live event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and CNN will provide real-time updates, featuring insights from famed climber Alain Robert, affectionately known as the "French Spiderman".
Honnold, an American rock climber with a global reputation, plans to ascend the towering 101-story structure in Taiwan, which stands at an impressive height of 1,667 feet. He explained to CNN that climbing a skyscraper presents unique challenges compared to scaling natural rock formations and expressed his ambition to conquer a building like this has been a dream of his for nearly ten years.
In 2017, Honnold gained international fame for his daring ascent of El Capitan, a staggering 3,000-foot rock face, completed entirely without safety gear. His upcoming climb at Taipei 101 is not just another challenge; it’s a testament to his fearless spirit and exceptional skills as a climber.
However, in an unexpected twist, the much-anticipated Netflix live special showcasing Honnold's attempt was delayed by inclement weather conditions. Originally scheduled to take place yesterday at 8 p.m. ET, the climb has now been pushed back to the same time today. The weather in Taipei was damp and dreary, with rain predicted and heavy clouds looming overhead, prompting many eager spectators and media personnel gathered outside Taipei 101 to carry umbrellas in anticipation of the event.
Get ready for action! The countdown continues for Honnold’s live climb, where he is expected to begin his ascent at 9 a.m. local time (which is 8 p.m. ET). We’ll keep you updated on every step of his journey, along with expert commentary from Alain Robert, who himself successfully scaled the Taipei 101 back in 2004.
Stay tuned for all the latest developments and insights on this extraordinary climbing endeavor!
