Credit: Netflix

Alex Honnold, 40, is one the greatest climbers of the modern age. Known for climbing without rope or safety equipment in a form of climbing called ‘free soloing’, Honnold constantly defies the odds with death defying stunts.

His most famous climb, bringing him to prominence was his summit of El Capitan, Yosemite in 2017 in the documentary Free Solo. Winning multiple awards for the movie, Honnold has not stopped there.

Once the tallest building in the world Taipei 101 stands at 1,667 ft tall until the Burj Khalifa was constructed in 2010.

Honnold first set his sights on Taipei 12 years ago knowing he wanted to ascned the skyscraper without rope. However, he isn’t the first to do so.

French rock climber Alain Robert ascended the same tower 22 years ago on Christmas Day as part of the grand opening of the building. Alex just had to one up him.

Netflix streamed the Skyscraper Live on its streaming service on January 25, in the early hours of the morning for UK viewers. With Honnold reaching the summit in just 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Combating three separate stages, Honnold had to work his way through overhangs, a seven degree incline as well as climbing the spire.

Known for climbing outdoors in a more boulder like style, he took to buildering for this large event in a test of endurance and strength.

Unlike the rock surfaces, there is little to no natural friction between his hands and the wall. The steel surface meant he had to apply additional chalk and have a firmer grip to make up for the limited friction.

Not only that, but there were concerns of residue from firework displays in the new year having an impact. With grease from fixtures on the building building up on his shoes and hands. Reducing grip and increasing the chance of slipping.

While he is in his 40s now, he hasn’t reached his peak after he hit the 101’st floor, only then did he mention how tired he was getting. Just as he reached potentially the most deadly part of the climb.

The event was postponed 24 hours following poor weather conditions, with harsh wind, rain and earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 in the area over the last weak. But it was well worth the wait. The stars aligned and crowds gathered in their masses with binoculars in hand to watch a moment in history.

What is next for Alex? Who knows, maybe he can replicated Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible and attempt to climb the Burj Khalifa, turning fiction into reality. If anyone can it’s Alex.