Following the breathtaking livestream of Alex Honnold’s free solo ascent of Taipei 101, thrill-seekers have started to imitate his daring climb, raising significant safety alarms. The 40-year-old American climber’s ascent of the iconic 508-metre skyscraper took place on Sunday, 25 January 2024, and was witnessed live by thousands.
Honnold’s Impressive Climb
Honnold scaled Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, in just 91 minutes without any ropes or safety gear. His climb came with the official backing of Taipei 101’s management and local authorities. Known for his meticulous preparation, Honnold completed numerous practice climbs leading up to this event, demonstrating the level of skill required to perform such a feat.
Public Reaction to Copycat Climbers
Despite clear warnings during the Netflix livestream against attempting such climbs, numerous videos have surfaced showing individuals attempting to replicate Honnold’s ascent. Many were seen struggling, with most failing to reach higher than the first level.
- One netizen remarked, “That’s how people are — they learn whatever they see.”
- Another cautioned, “Try using actual climbing shoes… it’s difficult to climb without a certain level of grip and arm strength.”
- Reactions on social media are mixed, with some expressing admiration and others warning of the risks involved.
Opinions on Media Responsibility
The livestream has not only captivated audiences but also drawn criticism. Experts argue that the media might bear some responsibility for the ensuing copycat attempts. According to philosopher Claudia Paganini, this normalisation of dangerous behaviour raises ethical concerns about how such stunts are reported and portrayed.
As more attempts emerge, the consensus is clear: while climbing can be an inspiring sport when done safely, it must be approached with the requisite training and respect for the dangers involved. Would-be climbers are urged to start with training and professional supervision rather than threatening their safety by imitating spectacular stunts.