Debate Erupts Over Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 Ascent

On January 24, 2026, rock climber Alex Honnold achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first person to free solo climb Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper in Taiwan, without using ropes or safety equipment. This climb was broadcast live on Netflix as part of the special "Skyscraper Live." Honnold's ascent has sparked debate within the climbing community regarding the legitimacy of his claim to the title of the world's biggest urban free solo, particularly in light of criticisms from fellow climber Dan Goodwin.

Rock Climber Alex Honnold Climbs Taiwan Tower22 Years Before Alex Honnold, Another Climber Scaled The Taipei 101Free Climber Alex Honnold Successfully Scales 1,667-Foot Tower in Taipei Without Safety GearSee Alex Honnold’s Selfie From the Skyscraper He Free-SoloedTahoe-based climber met 20-year-old Alex Honnold. Decades later, he helped scout Taipei 101People Keep Trying to Climb Taipei 101 Like Alex Honnold (Video)What’s It Like to Climb a Skyscraper?

Dan Goodwin, known for his 1986 record-breaking free solo ascent of the CN Tower, has publicly challenged Honnold's claim. Goodwin argues that Honnold's use of cables during his ascent of Taipei 101 disqualifies him from holding the title of the highest urban free solo. In a statement, Goodwin emphasized that he instructed Guinness World Records to stop measuring height at the top of the glass elevator shaft during his own climb, considering any ascent beyond that point as aid climbing. He stated, “The moment my fingers wrapped around the cable to ascend the blank concrete, the ‘free solo’ ended.” Goodwin has formally invited Honnold to debate the rules and ethics governing free solo climbing.

Following Taipei 101 ascent, CN Tower free-soloist wants to debate Alex Honnold22 Years Before Alex Honnold, Another Climber Scaled The Taipei 101Rock Climber Alex Honnold Climbs Taiwan TowerFree Climber Alex Honnold Successfully Scales 1,667-Foot Tower in Taipei Without Safety GearTahoe-based climber met 20-year-old Alex Honnold. Decades later, he helped scout Taipei 101People Keep Trying to Climb Taipei 101 Like Alex Honnold (Video)See Alex Honnold’s Selfie From the Skyscraper He Free-Soloed

While Honnold has not publicly responded to Goodwin's challenge, his ascent has been celebrated as a remarkable achievement in the climbing community. Corey Rich, a climber and photographer who assisted Honnold in preparing for the climb, noted that Honnold prioritized safety while balancing the visual demands of the live broadcast. Rich remarked, “Alex makes the final decision... he knows his capabilities and he is willing to speak up.”

Tahoe-based climber met 20-year-old Alex Honnold. Decades later, he helped scout Taipei 101

Honnold's climb of Taipei 101 follows a legacy of urban climbing, with French climber Alain Robert being the first to scale the building in 2004 using ropes and safety equipment. Robert's ascent took nearly four hours, while Honnold completed his climb in just over an hour and a half, effectively halving Robert's time. Honnold's climb is distinct not only for its lack of safety gear but also for the unique challenges posed by the skyscraper's design, which differs significantly from natural rock faces.

22 Years Before Alex Honnold, Another Climber Scaled The Taipei 101Rock Climber Alex Honnold Climbs Taiwan TowerFree Climber Alex Honnold Successfully Scales 1,667-Foot Tower in Taipei Without Safety GearTahoe-based climber met 20-year-old Alex Honnold. Decades later, he helped scout Taipei 101See Alex Honnold’s Selfie From the Skyscraper He Free-SoloedWhat’s It Like to Climb a Skyscraper?

The debate surrounding Honnold's ascent raises important questions about the definitions and standards within the climbing community. As urban climbing gains popularity, the distinctions between free soloing and aid climbing become increasingly significant. Goodwin's challenge to Honnold highlights the ongoing discourse about what constitutes a legitimate climbing achievement, particularly in the context of televised events that may influence public perception.

Rock Climber Alex Honnold Climbs Taiwan Tower

While Honnold's ascent has been widely celebrated, the climbing community remains divided on the implications of his methods. Goodwin's assertion that Honnold's use of cables constitutes aid climbing contrasts with the broader public perception of Honnold's feat as a groundbreaking achievement. The absence of Honnold's response to Goodwin's challenge leaves a gap in the ongoing discussion about the ethics and standards of free solo climbing.

22 Years Before Alex Honnold, Another Climber Scaled The Taipei 101

• “Reflecting on it now, and watching the footage, I realize why I didn’t include the concrete cable section above the glass elevator shaft: I considered that aid. And so should Alex. Alex, please watch the video of your ascent. If this were a World Cup or the Olympics, the judges would rule that your high point is where your actual free soloing stopped—where you waved to spectators after ascending the final dragon.” — Dan Goodwin, Climber

Following Taipei 101 ascent, CN Tower free-soloist wants to debate Alex Honnold

• “At the end of the day, Alex makes the final decision,” — Corey Rich, Climber and Photographer

Tahoe-based climber met 20-year-old Alex Honnold. Decades later, he helped scout Taipei 101

• “What a beautiful way to see Taipei,” — Alex Honnold, upon reaching the summit of Taipei 101.

Rock Climber Alex Honnold Climbs Taiwan Tower