Did Alex Honnold Make It? Taipei 101 Skyscraper Live Results & Review | MOVIES REVIEW ULTRA
Did Alex Honnold Make It? The Heart-Stopping Reality of the World's Most Dangerous Climbs
The question echoed across living rooms globally as millions tuned in to witness the impossible: did Alex Honnold make it to the top of the Taipei 101 spire during Netflix’s Skyscraper Live? Just yesterday, on January 25, 2026, the legendary alpinist completed his most high-profile urban feat to date, scaling 1,667 feet of glass and steel without the safety of a rope. While the world held its breath, the master of the "death-defying ascent" proved once again that his nerves are as forged as the granite of El Capitan. In this comprehensive review, we explore the cinematic legacy of his Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo and his latest record-breaking skyscraper triumph.
Taipei 101: The 2026 Urban Free Solo Phenomenon
Switching from granite to glass, Honnold's latest endeavor, Skyscraper Live, was a masterclass in modern sports broadcasting. After a one-day weather delay due to rain in Taipei, Honnold began his ascent at 9:00 AM local time. Unlike the remote solitude of Yosemite, this climb was performed under the watchful eyes of high-definition Netflix cameras and a live global audience. The "Skyscraper King" navigated the complex architectural geometry of the tower—specifically the "bamboo box" sections—with the same methodical precision he applies to the Freerider route.
Technical Comparison: Natural Granite vs. Urban Steel
| Criteria | El Capitan (Free Solo) | Taipei 101 (Skyscraper Live) |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Material | Raw Granite | Glass, Aluminum, Steel |
| Vertical Height | ~3,000 Feet | 1,667 Feet |
| Time to Complete | 3 Hours 56 Minutes | 1 Hour 31 Minutes 34 Seconds |
| Risk Factor | Absolute (No rope) | Absolute (No rope/nets) |
The Legacy of Free Solo: A Cinematic Masterpiece
To understand the magnitude of Honnold's recent skyscraper success, we must revisit the 2018 documentary Free Solo. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the film didn't just document a climb; it captured a psychological profile of an athlete who operates on a different frequency than the rest of humanity. The film follows Alex as he prepares to tackle the 3,000-foot vertical granite face of El Capitan—without a rope, harness, or safety net.
Data Analysis: The Honnold Stat Sheet
| Key Statistic | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Age (as of Jan 2026) | 40 Years Old |
| World Record Set | Biggest Urban Free Solo in History |
| Live Platform | Netflix (Skyscraper Live) |
| Difficulty Level | 101 Stories / 508 Meters |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! He completed the free solo climb on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, reaching the spire in exactly 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Absolutely. While he is now a father of two, his recent Taipei climb proves he is still the undisputed king of the ropeless ascent.
Would you like me to analyze the safety protocols used by the Netflix production team for this live event?
Sources: Outside Online, CBS News