Alex Honnold, renowned for his unprecedented free solo climbs, recently took on the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan, ascending the 1,667-foot structure without the use of ropes or safety equipment. The event, broadcast by Netflix, showcased Honnold's exceptional skill as he completed the climb in a mere 90 minutes. His feat on Sunday was not only a display of physical prowess but also brought to light the financial aspects of extreme sports.
Following the televised spectacle, Honnold spoke with the New York Times about his earnings for the climb, which he described as "embarrassing." The Sacramento native highlighted the significant discrepancy between his compensation and that of mainstream professional athletes, citing Major League Baseball contracts that often reach $170 million. Honnold's payment for the climb, though undisclosed, was said to be in the mid-six-figure range.
Despite his comments on the financial side of his undertaking, Honnold shared a remarkable perspective on his motivations. He admitted that his desire to scale the Taipei 101 would have remained even absent a financial incentive, provided he had permission from the building's owners. His passion for climbing and achieving the incredible appears to outweigh monetary gain.
Honnold's climbing career is decorated with extraordinary milestones. His rope-less ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is perhaps his most celebrated achievement. More recently, in 2022, Honnold became the first to climb a 3,750-foot sheer cliff in Greenland, alongside climber Hazel Findlay, as reported by the New York Post.
The architectural uniqueness of Taipei 101 posed distinct challenges for Honnold. He tackled a corner of the building using small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds and hoisted himself using only his hands. The climb's most arduous section, known as the "bamboo boxes," comprises 64 floors and is a defining characteristic of the skyscraper.
Public reactions to Honnold's climb ranged from awe to anxiety, with many expressing concern for his safety and others marveling at his neural makeup. Functional MRI studies have shown that Honnold's amygdala, a part of the brain associated with fear response, exhibits remarkably low activation, even under frightening stimuli.
Upon completion, Honnold's summit celebration was broadcast with a 10-second delay, a precaution taken due to the inherent risks of live coverage. The event was originally scheduled for the previous day but was postponed due to inclement weather in Taipei.
The climber's latest achievement not only adds to his impressive portfolio but also reignites the conversation on compensation within the realm of extreme sports. It raises questions about the value placed on such perilous yet awe-inspiring endeavors, especially when compared to more traditional, high-earning sports.
