Alex Honnold Free-Solos Taipei 101 in a Live Netflix Climb

Intermediate | January 27, 2026

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A Skyscraper Climb That Stopped People in Their Tracks

On January 25, 2026, American climber Alex Honnold completed a rope-free “free solo” climb of Taipei 101 in Taiwan—508 meters (1,667 feet) straight up, with no harness and no safety line. (Reuters) It took about 91 minutes, and the whole thing was streamed as a live Netflix event. (Reuters)

Alex Honnold Taipei 101 climb: A Legal “Yes” Before a Risky “Go”

Here’s a detail that matters: this wasn’t a secret stunt. Reports said Honnold climbed with permission from Taipei 101 management and city officials, and he waited for official approval out of respect. (Reuters) From a business perspective, that’s the difference between a headline and a lawsuit.

Weather Delays and a Real-World Plan B

Even a world-class climber can’t negotiate with the weather. The climb was postponed by about 24 hours due to rain, and Netflix still went forward with the broadcast once conditions improved. (ABC News Australia) It’s a good reminder: the best professionals don’t just make plans—they build backup plans.

A Crowd, a Camera, and a Global Spotlight

Thousands gathered to watch from the ground, and fans inside the building cheered as he climbed past the observatory levels. (Focus Taiwan / CNA) Politicians also reacted publicly, thanking Honnold and Netflix for giving Taiwan international attention for something other than the usual “tech and geopolitics” storylines. (Reuters)

Why This Matters Beyond Sports

Whether you love it or hate it, the Alex Honnold Taipei 101 climb shows how modern achievements get packaged: performance + platform + audience. Netflix gets a live-event moment, Taipei 101 gets global visibility, and Honnold gets the biggest “urban free solo” headline imaginable. But it also raises a serious question: when the risk is this high, where do we draw the line between inspiration and irresponsibility? (The Guardian)

Vocabulary

Free solo (noun) – climbing without ropes or protective equipment.
Example: Free solo is thrilling to watch, but the risks are extreme.
Harness (noun) – safety gear worn to prevent falling.
Example: He climbed without a harness or safety line.
Permission (noun) – official approval to do something.
Example: He waited for permission before the climb.
Postpone (verb) – to delay something until later.
Example: The event was postponed because of rain.
Broadcast (noun/verb) – a live or recorded program shown to the public.
Example: The broadcast attracted global attention.
Spectator (noun) – a person who watches an event.
Example: Spectators cheered when he neared the top.
Protocol (noun) – official rules or procedures.
Example: Officials reviewed safety protocols after the event.
Spotlight (noun) – major public attention.
Example: The climb put Taiwan in the international spotlight.
Ethical (adjective) – relating to what is right or wrong.
Example: People debated the ethical side of filming the climb live.
Contingency plan (noun) – a backup plan for unexpected problems.
Example: A contingency plan helped the event continue after the weather delay.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What made this climb different from most climbing events?
Why does “permission” matter in a public stunt like this?
How did the weather change the plan, and what did organizers do?
Why do you think Netflix chose to broadcast it live?
What is the biggest risk of turning dangerous acts into entertainment?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why do people admire extreme risk-takers?
Should platforms be allowed to broadcast dangerous events live? Why or why not?
What responsibilities do organizers have when safety is uncertain?
Can high-risk events inspire people without encouraging copycats?
In your opinion, is extreme risk “worth it” for fame or achievement?

Related Idiom

“Push the envelope” – to go beyond normal limits and try something more extreme.

Example: Honnold pushed the envelope by climbing a skyscraper without safety gear.

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This article was inspired by: Reuters | Focus Taiwan (CNA) | ABC News (Australia) | The Guardian