Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 Free Solo Climb Delayed: Weather Pushes Epic Ascent Back 24 Hours

Renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold, famous for his ropeless ascent of Yosemite's El Capitan featured in the Oscar-winning documentary "Free Solo," was set to tackle one of the world's tallest skyscrapers, Taipei 101, in a live Netflix event called "Skyscraper Live." However, organizers announced a 24-hour delay due to adverse weather conditions, prioritizing safety above all.

The climb, originally scheduled for Saturday, January 22, 2026, in Taiwan time, was rescheduled to Sunday morning, January 23, 2026, when forecasts predicted clearer skies. Rainy weather in Taipei posed significant risks for the ropeless ascent of the 1,667-foot (508-meter) tower, which would have been Honnold's first urban free solo of this scale. Netflix, streaming the event with a 10-second delay for safety, emphasized that Honnold's well-being was paramount.

Fans and climbing enthusiasts expressed disappointment on social media but supported the decision, noting the inherent dangers of free soloing in wet conditions. Honnold, a father and seasoned adventurer, remained undeterred, with organizers confirming the climb would proceed as planned once weather improved. As of the delay announcement, no further postponements were reported, and the event successfully took place on the rescheduled date, with Honnold completing the ascent safely around midday on January 23, 2026.

This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of extreme sports, even in controlled urban environments like Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building. For Honnold, it adds another chapter to his legacy of pushing human limits while underscoring the importance of caution in the face of nature's elements.