Climbing with no safety gear: U.S. rock climber scales Taipei 101

[Financial News] An American rock climber has successfully reached the summit of Taipei 101 in Taiwan, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, using only his bare hands and no safety gear.
According to Cable News Network (CNN) and other U.S. outlets on the 25th (local time), Alex Honnold, 40, completed his ascent of the 508-meter-tall Taipei 101 that morning as thousands of spectators looked on.
Wearing a short-sleeved shirt and long pants, Honnold began his climb from the ground with only a small chalk bag tied around his waist to prevent slipping. He reached the top in 91 minutes.
Crowds packed the area around the building to watch Honnold’s attempt, and people inside the tower pressed up against the windows to take photos of him as he climbed.
After reaching the top of Taipei 101, Honnold even took a moment to snap a selfie on his phone. Speaking into a microphone, he said, "The wind is really strong up here, and I’m a little tired."
After completing the challenge, he commented, "Personally, the hardest part was staying calm," adding, "All the people around made the tension much higher."
He went on, "At one point I thought, 'Wow, this is actually really fun. This is why I do this,'" and described the climb as "the most beautiful way to see Taipei."
Honnold’s wife, Sanni McCandless, watched his attempt from a designated area inside the building. After reuniting with her husband following his success, McCandless admitted, "Honestly, I was basically having a panic attack the whole time."
Honnold began building a reputation as a skilled climber in his 20s. In 2017, he drew global attention by becoming the first person to complete a free solo climb—ascending alone without safety equipment—of El Capitan, a sheer rock face in Yosemite National Park in the United States.
The Taipei 101 tower he climbed this time has 101 floors above ground and 5 below, with a height of 508 meters, and is a landmark symbol of Taiwan. When it was completed in 2004, it was the tallest building in the world. Its smooth glass and steel exterior demand a completely different level of grip strength and endurance compared with natural rock walls.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te praised the feat on Facebook, writing that it was "truly moving" and "made viewers’ hearts race."
Honnold’s climb was broadcast live on Netflix.
However, some have voiced concern and criticism over staging such a dangerous attempt as a live broadcast.
newssu@fnnews.com Kim Soo-yeon Reporter