Rock climber Alex Honnold is gearing up to make a bold ascent of the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, once the tallest building in the world, with a live broadcast on Netflix. The 40-year-old climber, renowned for his impressive feats in rock climbing, expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “It should be within my comfort zone,” during a recent podcast appearance.
Honnold plans to tackle the facade of the 508-meter high building “free solo,” meaning he will climb alone and without safety equipment. His live climb is scheduled to take place on January 24, local time, weather permitting. Netflix, which boasts over 300 million subscribers, aims to capture the thrill of the event, highlighting the substantial risks involved in such a daring stunt. In a trailer for the broadcast, Honnold openly addresses the inherent dangers of climbing, acknowledging that “no matter how much you prepare, occasionally things just happen.”
However, the climb has drawn criticism, particularly from philosopher Claudia Paganini, who raises concerns about the ethical implications of broadcasting such a high-risk event. Paganini argues that showcasing Honnold’s ascent transforms the climb into a spectacle rather than a mere documentation of an athletic achievement. She warns that the live broadcast could potentially normalize risky behavior among viewers, possibly encouraging imitation among young, impressionable audiences.
Throughout his distinguished climbing career, Honnold has navigated the fine line between risk and reward. He made headlines in 2017 as the first climber to ascend the sheer granite face of El Capitan in Yosemite without ropes, a feat celebrated in the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo.” Unlike the upcoming live climb, viewers of “Free Solo” were aware of the successful outcome, which adds a layer of complexity to Honnold’s current venture.
The climbing community’s reaction to the Taipei 101 climb is mixed. Veteran climber Alexander Huber remarked that the stunt offers little in terms of new insights into climbing, but acknowledged that it could capture the attention of a wide audience. Honnold, who dedicates a portion of his climbing earnings to the Honnold Foundation, which supports solar energy initiatives globally, is expected to attract significant viewership to the event despite the ongoing discussions about its ethical implications.
Taipei 101, characterized by its unique pagoda-like structure, was completed in 2004 and has previously been climbed by others, including the French climber Alain Robert, who ascended it under government sanction. Robert noted that the key to tackling the building is concentration, and he expressed confidence in Honnold’s ability to complete the climb successfully.
As the excitement builds around the live broadcast, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to this daring display of athleticism. Honnold’s passion for climbing remains steadfast, reflecting that his motivations extend beyond mere fame or financial gain. He is eager to inspire and entertain, hoping to leave a legacy beyond the climbing world.