Defying Gravity: Honnold's Live Ascent Faces Weather Challenge
Unexpected Delay: Weather Forces Rescheduling of Skyscraper Live
Just thirty minutes prior to its scheduled start on Friday, Netflix issued a statement announcing the delay of Alex Honnold's "Skyscraper Live." This highly anticipated event intended to feature Honnold in a live, real-time climb of a colossal skyscraper in Taiwan, capturing the global audience's attention. The postponement was attributed to inclement weather in Taiwan at the time of the announcement.
Netflix's Bold Venture: Pioneering Live Sports Streaming
This special marks Netflix's most audacious and pioneering venture into live sporting events to date. The program was set to showcase Alex Honnold, the celebrated professional climber and subject of the Oscar-winning 2018 documentary Free Solo, as he tackled the Taipei 101, the world's eleventh tallest building.
The Towering Challenge: Taipei 101's Scale and Structure
The Taipei 101 skyscraper stands at an impressive height of over 1,600 feet, comprising 101 stories. Staying true to his distinctive style, Honnold intends to execute this climb as a free solo, meaning he will ascend without the aid of ropes, harnesses, or any safety equipment.
Building vs. Rock Face: Honnold's Unique Perspective on Safety
In a conversation with CNN, Honnold elaborated on the distinctions between his customary rock climbs, such as those in Greenland's Ingmikortilaq, Nevada's Red Rock Canyon, or Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, and scaling a structure like the Taipei 101. He noted, "If something were to happen, I would perish, though in the context of this specific building, that isn't entirely accurate because there are balconies on numerous floors. The architectural design of the building allows for falls in many areas without necessarily leading to a fatality, making it, in certain aspects, safer than many rock-climbing endeavors."
Navigating the "Bamboo Boxes": The Toughest Section of the Climb
Honnold further revealed to Tudum that the most demanding segment of the climb will be the "bamboo boxes." These consist of eight overhanging sections located in the middle of the building, each spanning eight floors. He described them as "quite steep," noting that they represent 64 floors and are uniformly designed. Honnold anticipates these sections to be the most physically taxing part of the ascent.
Psychological Hurdles: Honnold's Pre-Climb Nerves
Despite his extensive experience, Honnold confessed to experiencing some apprehension leading up to the event. "The most unpredictable element for me is my psychological state — how will it feel? I have never climbed a skyscraper before," he shared with Tudum. He elaborated that he expects to feel a degree of nervousness at the base of the structure due to its novelty. Having spent three decades climbing natural rock formations, this will be his inaugural major ascent of a man-made edifice, which he anticipates will present a unique sensation.