Alex Honnold, the legendary American free solo climber, boldly scaled Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, in a breathtaking live broadcast titled "Skyscraper Live" on Netflix, demonstrating extraordinary skill and nerve.
The historic ascent took about 90 minutes as Honnold captivated audiences worldwide, climbing without safety gear and becoming the first person to achieve this daring feat.
The event faced a 24-hour delay due to poor weather, emphasizing the risks at play and the careful planning involved in such a high-stakes endeavor.
Despite his monumental achievement, Honnold disclosed that he received what he called an “embarrassing” payment for the climb, sparking conversations about the ethics of compensating athletes in extreme sports.
As he ascended, the enthusiastic crowd in Taipei cheered him on, while his heartfelt moment of checking in with his wife midway added a layer of personal connection to the exhilarating spectacle.
Honnold's climb not only solidified his reputation as an iconic figure in the climbing community but also raised important discussions about the commercialization and ethics of broadcasting high-risk adventures.