In a stunning display of human endurance and courage, renowned free climber Alex Honnold ascended Taipei 101, the world’s 11th-tallest skyscraper, without any ropes this past weekend. His wife, Sanni McCandless, shared her emotional response during a press conference following his triumphant return, shedding light on the complexities of supporting a partner in such a perilous profession.
A Heart-Stopping Climb
Honnold, 40, known for his phenomenal free solo climbing feats, took on the 1,667-foot Taipei 101 as part of a project in collaboration with Netflix. Millions of viewers around the globe tuned in to witness this breathtaking ascent, which Honnold completed in just one hour, 31 minutes, and 43 seconds. The event was streamed with a 10-second delay, allowing the production team to cut the feed in case of an emergency.
Since his groundbreaking free solo of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that earned him an Oscar-winning documentary, Honnold has become a household name in the climbing community. Yet, his audacious ventures often raise concerns about the risks involved, particularly from those closest to him.
Sanni’s Mixed Emotions
As Honnold embarked on his climb, McCandless, 33, experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Contrary to what one might assume, she described feeling “joyful” during the ascent. “I was telling someone that when you really love someone, and you think that they might be stressed, you say, ‘I wish I could take their place, I wish I could take their stress away,’” she shared. However, she quickly added with a touch of humour, “Thank God I’m not him!”
She explained that once her husband left the ground, her anxiety transformed into a calmer internal experience. “I knew the second he left the ground, it would all just kind of get quieter, be more of an internal experience, and then just be joyful,” McCandless articulated. “I was really happy once it just started and that he got to do what he wanted to do.”
Navigating the Risks Together
Despite the inherent dangers of Honnold’s profession, McCandless maintains a supportive stance towards his climbing pursuits. Their partnership thrives on open communication, allowing them to discuss the risks involved in his daring escapades. “Everybody kind of speaks their mind, you say your piece, and then you kind of see what decision is made,” she noted. “You try to make decisions as a team, but you also have to respect the art behind it and the passion behind it.”
When asked about the specific climb, she admitted that while she didn’t resist Honnold’s ambitions, she also didn’t dwell on the potential dangers until shortly before the event. “This project came together in a very cool way, and once Alex made that decision, I remember not being in resistance to it,” she added, reflecting on the lead-up to the climb.
Financial Aspects of the Climb
While Honnold would have attempted the climb without financial incentive, he revealed that Netflix compensated him with “an embarrassing amount” of money for the project. Although he chose not to disclose the exact figure, sources cited by The New York Times indicated that the climber received a mid-six-figure sum for his adventurous feat.
Why it Matters
This captivating climb not only showcases the extraordinary capabilities of human ambition but also highlights the emotional dynamics within high-risk relationships. As Honnold continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in free climbing, McCandless’s insights reveal the profound complexities faced by those who support adventurers. Their story serves as a testament to the power of trust, love, and teamwork, resonating deeply with anyone who has navigated the challenges of standing by a loved one in pursuit of their passions.
