Free Solo Climber Alex Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Skyscraper Without Ropes

Alex Honnold's Ascent of Taipei 101

According to Главком: American rock climber Alex Honnold has successfully scaled the exterior of the 508-meter-tall Taipei 101 skyscraper without using any ropes or safety equipment. The ascent, which took just over an hour and a half, was performed on the building's corner using small protrusions as hand and footholds. This feat highlights Honnold's exceptional skill and mental fortitude in the high-risk discipline of free solo climbing. The climb was originally scheduled for January 24, 2026, but was postponed due to rain. For context, Honnold is globally renowned for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

This achievement stands in contrast to a 2004 climb of the same building by French climber Alain Robert, who used safety gear. The comparison underscores the extraordinary risk and unique skill level involved in Honnold's rope-free attempt.

Ukrainian National Football Team's Success

In other sports news, the Ukrainian national football team secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Iceland in a World Cup 2026 qualifying match held in Warsaw. With both teams level on points before the game, Ukraine needed a win to advance. Vitaliy Mykolenko scored in the 83rd minute, followed by a goal from Oleksandr Zubkov in the third minute of stoppage time. The team must now win two more matches to qualify for the next World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

• The playoff semi-final on March 26, 2026, will see Ukraine face Sweden.
• If successful, their next opponent will be the winner of the Poland versus Albania match.

Honnold's climb serves as another testament to his elite abilities and reignites discussions about safety and risk in extreme sports. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian football team's victory demonstrates its growing competitiveness on the international stage as it continues its challenging path to World Cup qualification.