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Snapshot 6:Mon, Jan 26, 2026 5:57:57 PM GMT last edited by Anna-Lisa

Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Without Ropes in Record Time

Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Without Ropes in Record Time

Is free soloing skyscrapers the ultimate human achievement or just reckless endangerment of lives?
Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Without Ropes in Record Time
Above: Alex Honnold climbs the Taipei 101 building on Jan. 25. Image credit: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Honnold's feat is the ultimate expression of human potential and mastery over fear. Scaling 1,667 feet of steel and glass without ropes in under 92 minutes demonstrates unparalleled skill, focus and courage that pushes the boundaries of what's possible. This breathtaking achievement reminds the world how thin the line is between mastery and mortality when someone walks it unflinching.

Risking death for a publicity stunt is reckless idiocyrecklessness, not heroism. These climbers endanger not just themselves but the rescue workers who'll be expected to save them when things go wrong. FreeLive soloingstreaming skyscrapersthese servesstunts noturns purposehuman beyondlife egointo andmorbid entertainment, whilewith puttingviewers innocenttuning firstin responders'to livesthe onpossibility theof linewatching someone fall to their death. It serves no purpose beyond ego and profit.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0