Alex Honnold, the fearless American rock climber, captivated millions worldwide as he scaled the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper—1,667 feet high—without any ropes or protective gear during the live Netflix event titled "Skyscraper Live."
Completing the ascent in about 90 minutes, Honnold received thunderous applause from a crowd below, marking an extraordinary moment in extreme sports that underscored his status as a pioneer in free solo climbing.
Despite the breathtaking nature of the climb, Honnold revealed he was paid an "embarrassing" fee for his daring feat, expressing that he would have tackled the challenge for free, driven by his passion for climbing.
The live broadcast raised significant ethical questions around the thrill of extreme entertainment, prompting discussions about the responsibility of both viewers and producers when showcasing high-risk activities.
As he reached the summit, Honnold paused to check in with his wife, Sanni, who watched anxiously from a nearby window, adding an intimate layer to the awe-inspiring spectacle.
The event achieved remarkable viewership, with over 6.2 million tuning in, reflecting its impact as a historic moment in sports and the allure of witnessing extraordinary human feats in real-time.