TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Sunday congratulated Alex Honnold on his free solo of Taipei 101. 

Honnold started his unprecedented climb of Taipei 101 without ropes at 9 a.m., and by 10 a.m., he had already passed the 60th floor, per CNA. He stepped atop the spire of the 508-meter-tall tower at 10:43 a.m., waving to the crowd and cameras, before taking a selfie. 

Tsai was the first to congratulate Honnold and said that during the live-broadcast of his climb, whether watching on screens globally or cheering him on in Taiwan, “everyone held their breath, climbing alongside him through every crucial moment.” Tsai said that this challenge fulfilled Honnold's dream and "showcased Taiwan's safety, order, and prosperity to the world."

She thanked the Taiwanese for their enthusiastic support, the live broadcast team, Taipei 101 Chair Chia Yung-chieh (賈永婕), and the Taipei City Government for making this moment a reality. “Alex's perseverance and step-by-step ascent exemplify Taiwan's courage in stepping onto the world stage,” said Tsai. 

She closed by thanking Honnold for coming to Taiwan and “showing the world that, with courage and a dream, anything is possible.”

Lai quickly followed by saying, “Congratulations to the brave and fearless Alex on completing the challenge!” He described the climb as “truly nerve-racking, making everyone's heart race.”

He thanked every unsung hero behind the scenes who made the challenge possible and brought Taiwan to the international stage. “Through Netflix's live stream, the world not only saw Taipei 101, but also the passionate people of Taiwan, and the beautiful mountains and scenery of this land,” he added.