Climbing Gold James Bond Principles: Taipei 101
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Jan 21, 2026 Discover why Alex is so excited about free soloing Taipei 101 for a live Netflix event. He shares his childhood fascination with climbing buildings and recounts daring adventures, including a rooftop climb in Jersey City. The conversation dives into the building's unique design, the technical challenges of the climb, and his physical training regimen. Alex also reflects on dealing with nerves and pacing himself during the ascent. Plus, he reveals his 'say yes' mindset inspired by James Bond, turning risks into thrilling experiences.
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Lifelong Passion For Climbing Anything
- Alex has climbed on playgrounds and buildings since childhood and loved summiting anything accessible.
- He emphasizes that getting permission is the main barrier to climbing buildings, and in this case they got permission.
Scouting Skyscrapers And A Night Ascent
- In 2013 friends proposed climbing a skyscraper for TV and they scouted major buildings worldwide.
- Alex recalls a night ascent of a Jersey City tower where he bivvied outside and watched storms over Manhattan.
Live Broadcast Doesn’t Change The Climb
- Alex says doing the Taipei 101 climb as a live Netflix event didn't change his personal experience of the climb.
- He prefers the live format because once it's done he is completely finished with the project.