Another successful free solo feat
Alex Honnold successfully free solo climbed the Taipei 101 tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world at 1,667′! Free solo climbing is climbing without ropes, safety nets or assistance. January 24, 2026, he climbed the tower in what seems like his standard climbing clothing – a red t-shirt and black jeans!
His climbing chalk bag is attached to his jeans. Climbing chalk enhances a climber’s grip. This powdery white substance, made from magnesium carbonate, boasts remarkable moisture-absorbing properties that keep your hands dry during your ascent. Sweaty hands are dangerous!
Conditions were ideal sunny skies and a slight breeze.
Attention to detail minimizes risk
Before Alex’s amazing first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, my son Luke and I attended Alex’s speech before a packed crowd at the Berkeley Ironworks climbing gym, Berkeley, California. Berkeley Ironworks was where Alex trained his climbing skills while attending the University of California, before he left school to focus on climbing full time.
At that relatively early stage of being a public person, Honnold seemed a bit awkward speaking to a crowd. A bit of geek, actually. See Alex Honnold El Capitan Free Solo Climb
Two in the audience pressed Honnold whether he was giving the climbing sport a bad name for taking on extreme challenges. To no surprise to me or to most in the audience Honnold simply stated “I don’t feel that I am taking any risks.” “I am fully prepared.”
Honnold, in his mind, eliminates all risks by:
✅Memorizing each possible hand and feet placement options for the full route. Plan A. Plan B. Plan C.
✅Of course, the sport and specific mountain training.
✅Focus. Attention to detail. Keeping life simple.
✅Maintaining optimal weight and conditioning.
✅Optimal sleep and rest.
Here is an image of Honnold’s free solo climb up Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
Here is an image of Honnold’s free solo climb up El Capitan, Yosemte National Park
And an image from the Taipei 101 tower solo climb.
More about Alex Honnold. Alex Honnold Wiki
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