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Spider Dan Challenges Honnold's Free Solo Taipei 101 Claim

1/31/2026

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Summary

Goodwin Challenges Honnold

Spider Dan Goodwin challenges Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 claim, arguing Honnold's use of cables disqualifies his climb as a true free solo, with Taipei 101 standing 508 meters.
Goodwin notes his 1986 CN Tower free solo record counted only up to the glass elevator shaft, not the full height of 553.3 meters.
He invites Honnold to debate the rules of free soloing.
Honnold has not yet responded to the challenge.

Summary

Honnold Climbs Taipei 101

Alex Honnold, American climber, free solo climbed Taipei 101 (1,667 feet) on January 24, 2026, without ropes, in 1 hour 32 minutes.
The climb was broadcast live on Netflix.
Honnold is believed to be the first to free solo the skyscraper, influenced by French climber Alain Robert's 2004 rope ascent.
He says the feat underlines urban climbing’s unique challenges and hopes it inspires others.

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Goodwin Challenges Honnold

Spider Dan Goodwin challenges Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 claim, arguing Honnold's use of cables disqualifies his climb as a true free solo, with Taipei 101 standing 508 meters.
Goodwin notes his 1986 CN Tower free solo record counted only up to the glass elevator shaft, not the full height of 553.3 meters.
He invites Honnold to debate the rules of free soloing.
Honnold has not yet responded to the challenge.

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