Alain Robert
{{Short description|French rock and urban climber}}{{About||the British broadcaster|Alan Roberts (disambiguation){{!}}Alan Roberts|the mathematician|Alain M. Robert{{!}}Alain M. Robert}}
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{{Cleanup rewrite|date=February 2025}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Alain Robert
| image = Alain Robert (cropped).jpg
| image_size = 250
| alt = close-up of Alain Robert surrounded by microphones, appearing to speak
| caption = Robert in 2008
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1962|8|7}}
| birth_place = Digoin, France
| death_date =
| death_place =
| birth_name = Robert Alain Philippe
| known_for = Scaling skyscrapers
| occupation = Climber
| other_names = French Spider-Man
| website = {{URL|alainrobert.com}}
}}
File:Alain Robert ascend of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong - 34.jpg in 2008]]
Alain Robert ({{IPA|fr|alɛ̃ ʁɔbɛʁ}}; born Robert Alain Philippe; 7 August 1962) is a French rock climber and urban climber. Nicknamed "the French Spider-Man" or "the Human Spider", Robert carries out free solo climbs of skyscrapers using no climbing equipment except for a small bag of chalk and a pair of climbing shoes.
Authorities do not normally give him permission to climb many of the buildings he has climbed, but Robert has evaded security to access structures surreptitiously. As a consequence, he has been arrested many times in various countries, by law enforcement officials waiting for him at the end of his climb. However, he has also done some climbs with permission and sponsorship.
Strategy
Robert's rock-climbing physical training and technique allow him to climb using the small protrusions of building walls and windows (such as window ledges and frames). Many of his climbs provide him no opportunity to rest and can last several hours. He sometimes has a small bag of climbing chalk powder fastened around his waist.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0wmLzS3dt4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/g0wmLzS3dt4 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=The Awesome Alain Robert |date=10 August 2006 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=9 October 2015}}{{cbignore}}
Career
{{Prose|section|date=February 2025}}
File:Image Spiderman 04.jpg in March 2007]]
File:Alain Robert NYT-Building 2008-06-05.jpg on 5 June 2008.]]
File:Alain Robert ascend of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong - 40.jpg, 2008]]
File:Alain Robert ascend of New York Times Building - 01 - Alain Robert hangs banner.jpg
Robert has climbed landmarks including the Burj Khalifa, Eiffel Tower,Ed Douglas, "Vertigo? No problem for Spiderman", Manchester Guardian Weekly, 11 May 1997, p. 30 the Sydney Opera House and the Montparnasse Tower, as well as other of the world's tallest skyscrapers, most of them performed free solo.
= 1990s =
On 20 March 1997, he climbed the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia but was arrested at the 60th floor, 28 floors below the top.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}
On 16 April 1998, he climbed the {{convert|23|m|0|adj=on}} high Luxor Obelisk in Paris.{{Cite web|title=France: Paris: 'Spiderman' Alain Robert Strikes Again|url=http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/b60c233d748245106c28c4829013bce2|access-date=2 October 2021|website=www.aparchive.com}}
In June 1999, Robert climbed the {{convert|170|m|0|adj=on}} Marriott Hotel in Warsaw.{{Cite web |title=Alain Robert |url=https://www.nmplive.co.uk/alain-robert |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=www.nmplive.co.uk |language=en}}
On 20 August 1999, he climbed the Sears Tower, the second man to do so after Dan Goodwin.{{Cite web|last=Writer|first=Charlie Meyerson, Tribune Staff|title=Frenchman Arrested After Climbing Sears Tower|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-08-20-9908250026-story.html|access-date=2 October 2021|website=chicagotribune.com|date=20 August 1999 |language=en-US}} However, Robert performed the climb with no equipment other than a chalk bag and shoes, while Goodwin used suction cups and sky hooks, wearing a homemade Spider-Man suit.{{cite web|title=Willis Tower|url=http://www.justonebadcentury.com/chicago_cubs_history_47.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320062017/http://www.justonebadcentury.com/chicago_cubs_history_47.asp|archive-date=20 March 2012|access-date=4 July 2011}}
= 2000s =
On 21 February 2003, he legally climbed the {{convert|200|m|0|adj=on}} National Bank of Abu Dhabi, UAE, watched by about 100,000 spectators. It became more frequent for Robert to be paid to scale buildings as part of publicity efforts.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}
On 12 May 2003, he was paid approximately $18,000 to climb the {{convert|95|m|0|adj=on}} Lloyd's building to promote the premiere of the movie Spider-Man on the British television channel Sky Movies.{{Cite news |last=Moss |first=Stephen |date=14 May 2003 |title=I'm Spider-Man |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/may/14/features.stephenmoss |access-date=13 June 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}
On 19 October 2004, he scaled the {{convert|187|m|0|adj=on}} headquarters of the French oil company Total while wearing a Spider-Man costume.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}}
On 25 December 2004, Robert scaled Taipei 101 a few days before its grand opening as the tallest building in the world. The {{convert|508|m|0|adj=on}} climb was legal, part of the week's festivities. The skyscraper's outwardly slanting sides posed no apparent difficulty for him, but heavy rain resulted in a climb lasting four hours—double his estimate.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4124891.stm |title=Asia-Pacific {{pipe}} 'Spiderman' scales tallest tower |work=BBC News |date=25 December 2004 |access-date=9 October 2015}}
On 11 June 2005, he climbed the Cheung Kong Centre in Hong Kong, scaling {{convert|283|m|0}} to reach the top of the 62-story tower.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}
On 1 September 2006, he climbed the tallest building in Lithuania and the Baltic States – Europa Tower, {{convert|148|m|0}}, in Vilnius. Wearing a black suit and using a safety rope, which he detached several times, he reached the observation deck of the building, {{convert|114|m|0}}, in 40 minutes.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}
In 2006 he also climbed Torre Vasco da Gama in Portugal as part of an advertisement for Optimus, a national mobile operator.{{Cite web |last= |date=14 November 2006 |title=Homem-aranha subiu à Torre Vasco da Gama mas ninguém deu por nada |url=https://www.dn.pt/arquivo/2006/homem-aranha-subiu-a-torre-vasco-da-gama-mas-ninguem-deu-por-nada-648749.html |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=www.dn.pt |language=pt-PT}}
On 7 December 2006, he finished the year climbing the Santa Fe World Plaza in Mexico City.{{Cite web |date=8 December 2006 |title=Alain Robert, el "hombre araña" francés, escala un edificio de 117 metros en México |url=https://www.laverdad.es/murcia/20061208/gente/hombre-arana-frances-mexico_200612080802.html?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=La Verdad |language=es-ES}}
On 23 February 2007, he legally climbed the headquarters building of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) on the coast of Abu Dhabi.{{Cite news |title=French spiderman up for challenge of Kingdom Tower |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/french-spiderman-up-for-challenge-of-kingdom-tower-415195 |newspaper=Arabian Business|date=11 August 2011 }}
On 20 March 2007, he again climbed the Petronas Twin Towers, marking the tenth anniversary of his previous ascent of this building. Upon reaching the 60th floor, he allowed himself to be apprehended. He flew the Malaysian flag and drew applause from waiting police, fire crew and media representatives before handing himself in. He was handcuffed and escorted off the premises before being driven to a police station.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1877316.htm|title='Spiderman' nabbed climbing Malaysian twin towers|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=21 March 2007|access-date=21 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328183453/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200703/s1877316.htm|archive-date=28 March 2007|url-status=dead}}
On 31 May 2007, he scaled the 88-story Jin Mao Building in Shanghai, China's then-tallest building, once again wearing a Spider-Man costume. He was subsequently arrested and jailed for five days before being expelled from China.[http://www.chinaeconomicreview.com/quirkies/category/alain-robert "Man climbs tallest building in China"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513151357/http://www.chinaeconomicreview.com/quirkies/category/alain-robert/ |date=13 May 2008 }}, China Economic Review, 7 August 2007
On 4 September 2007, he climbed the {{convert|244|m|0|adj=on}} Federation Tower office building in Moscow, (Russia's tallest skyscraper). He was detained by police afterwards.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna20592560 |title='Spiderman' arrested after scaling Russia tower |work=NBC News |date=9 April 2007 }}
On 18 November 2007, Robert climbed the {{convert|1518|m|0|adj=on}} Tianmen mountain despite initially being banned from China for five years earlier in May, after being invited by the local government of Zhangjiajie, a scenic region in the southern province of Hunan, to boost the profile of the region and bring in tourists.[http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/china-wants-spiderman-back/2007/11/14/1194766748267.html "China wants 'Spiderman' back"], The Age, 14 November 2007
On 18 December 2007, he climbed the 29-story Portland House office building in London (Westminster's tallest building). It took him just over 40 minutes. Police taped off the area and later arrested him for criminal damage and wasting police time.[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3068969.ece Article in The Times Online (UK)]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
On 15 April 2008, he climbed the 60-story Four Seasons Place in Hong Kong. The police and four fire engines were standing by and it took him almost 1 hour to reach the top. He stated that his climb was intended to increase awareness of global warming.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=80341&videoChannel=4 |title=Oddly Enough News Video |publisher=Reuters.com |access-date=9 October 2015}}
On 5 June 2008, he climbed the New York Times Building in New York City. He unfurled a banner with a slogan about global warming and was then arrested by police on the roof. The banner read "Global warming kills more people than 9/11 every week".Sewell Chan, [http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/man-scales-new-york-times-building "Man Scales Times Building and Is Arrested"], The New York Times, 5 June 2008 On the same day a second person, Renaldo Clarke, also climbed the Times Building.{{cite news|last1=Barron|first1=James|title=2 Men Scale New York Times Building Hours Apart|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/nyregion/06climber.html|access-date=8 December 2016|work=The New York Times|date=6 June 2008}}
On 17 February 2009, he once again climbed the Cheung Kong Centre in Hong Kong, taking 40 minutes to reach the top of the 62-story tower. He unfurled a banner reading "onehundredmonths.org" while climbing.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-02-17/spiderman-posts-green-message-on-hong-kong/299234 |title='Spiderman' posts Green message on Hong Kong skyscraper |work=ABC News |date=17 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208112510/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-02-17/spiderman-posts-green-message-on-hong-kong/299234 |archive-date=8 December 2013 |url-status=live }}
On 2 April 2009, during the 2009 G-20 London summit, he climbed to the 9th floor of the Lloyd's building and unfurled a 33-metre banner declaring that there were 100 months left to save the planet.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7979299.stm|work=BBC News|title='Spiderman' climbs aboard protest|date=2 April 2009|access-date=23 April 2010}}
On 2 June 2009, he climbed to the 41st floor of the RBS Tower in Sydney, Australia before returning to the ground. He was arrested as he finished his descent.[http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25574400-5001021,00.html Daily Telegraph (Australia)]: "'Spiderman' Alain Robert conquers Sydney, gets arrested"
On 1 September 2009, one day after Malaysia celebrated its 52nd Independence Day and after two arrests in 1997 and 2007, Alain Robert finally made it successfully to the top of the Petronas Twin Towers. He started at 6:00 am local time and reached the top at 7:40 am local time without attracting the attention of the public. He celebrated his climb by standing with his arms outspread on the pinnacle of one of the Twin Towers.{{cite news |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/9/1/nation/20090901142449&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904031227/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F9%2F1%2Fnation%2F20090901142449&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 September 2009 |work=The Star |title='Spiderman' arrested after climbing Twin Towers (Update) |date=1 September 2009 |access-date=12 February 2013 }} He was later fined RM2000 in default of two months jail at the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court after he pleaded guilty to criminal trespass for scaling the Petronas Twin Towers.{{cite news |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/9/2/nation/20090902112401&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903083013/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F9%2F2%2Fnation%2F20090902112401&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2009 |work=The Star |title='Spidey' fined RM2,000 for trespassing Petronas Twin Towers (Update) |date=2 September 2009 |access-date=12 February 2013 }}
= 2010s =
On 28 March 2011, Robert climbed the tallest building in the world, the 828-meter Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai, taking just over six hours to complete the climb. However, he used a harness in accordance with safety procedure.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/travel/world/spider-man-alain-robert-scales-dubais-burj-khalifa/story-e6frezk9-1226029823935 |title=Spiderman Alain Robert Scales Dubai's Burj-Khalifa |publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au |access-date=9 October 2015}}
On 4 September 2011, he legally climbed the 240-meter tall central tower of Moscow State University, during a 2-hour 4D show by David Atkins, in which the university was used as a projection screen.{{cite web |url=http://alfabank.ru/4dmoscow/ |title=Alfa-Bank invites you to see the largest video mapping projection attempted in history! |publisher=Alfabank.ru |date=4 September 2011 |access-date=9 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208012327/http://alfabank.ru/4dmoscow/ |archive-date=8 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}
On 14 October 2011, he climbed the InterContinental Bucharest in Romania.{{cite news|url=http://www.gandul.info/magazin/alain-robert-spiderman-vine-la-bucuresti-sa-escaladeze-hotelul-intercontinental-8856591|title=Alain Robert "Spiderman" vine la București să escaladeze hotelul Intercontinental|last=Mitran|first=Laura|date=October 2011|work=Gândul|language=ro|access-date=17 March 2012}}
On 12 April 2012, he set a Guinness World Record for climbing the 300m-high Aspire Tower in Doha, Qatar in the fastest time (1 hour, 33 minutes and 47 seconds).{{cite news|last=Townson |first=Peter |title='Spiderman' sets world record with Doha feat |url=http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=499046&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56 |access-date=13 April 2012 |newspaper=Gulf Times |date=12 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413164424/http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=499046&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56 |archive-date=13 April 2012 }}
On 21 June 2012, he legally climbed the 110-metre high Mauritius Telecom Tower in Mauritius as part of an advertising campaign for the launching of 4G cellular technology by the telecommunications operator. He was aided by safety ropes, harnesses and suction cups.{{cite web|title=Alain Robert escalade la Telecom Tower|date=21 June 2012 |url=http://www.lexpress.mu/article/alain-robert-escalade-la-telecom-tower-%C3%A0-l%E2%80%99occasion-du-lancement-du-4g-par-orange|publisher=lexpress.mu|access-date=20 December 2013}}
In November 2012, Robert was spotted inside The Shard in London. The building's owners subsequently obtained an injunction preventing Robert from ever returning.{{cite news|author=Liam O'Brien |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/forget-the-green-goblin-shard-to-stop-french-spiderman-alain-robert--with-an-injunction-8372254.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206021816/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/forget-the-green-goblin-shard-to-stop-french-spiderman-alain-robert--with-an-injunction-8372254.html |archive-date=6 December 2012 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Forget the Green Goblin... Shard to stop French 'Spiderman' Alain Robert – with an injunction|work=The Independent |date=1 December 2012 |access-date=9 August 2013}}
On 27 March 2014, he climbed the Tour Ariane outside Paris in 45 minutes. Onlookers and police gathered to watch his climb. He was arrested by police and later released without being charged.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/french-spiderman-scales-paris-tower-n63976 |title=French 'Spiderman' Scales Paris Tower |work=NBC News |date=27 March 2014 |access-date=9 October 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://news.msn.com/offbeat/video?videoid=7b2ee21f-353c-5d46-29d5-cee5b5fdde1a |title=News |publisher=News.msn.com |date=31 July 2015 |access-date=9 October 2015 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
On 12 April 2015, he climbed the Cayan Tower in Dubai, a 307-meter tall twisted building, in 70 minutes.[http://www.thenational.ae/uae/dubai/a-new-guinness-world-record-by-the-french-spiderman-in-dubai---video/ www.thenational.ae]{{dead link|date=October 2015}}{{cite web |author=cynara |url=http://cctv-africa.com/2015/04/13/french-spiderman-climbs-cayan-tower-in-70-minutes/ |title=French Spiderman climbs Cayan tower in 70 minutes |publisher=cctv-africa.com |access-date=9 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018190813/http://cctv-africa.com/2015/04/13/french-spiderman-climbs-cayan-tower-in-70-minutes/ |archive-date=18 October 2015 }}
On 23 April 2016, he climbed the Esentai Tower in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Esentai Tower is the second highest building in Kazakhstan; it is 162 meters tall and is used as the Ritz Carlton Hotel and for offices.{{Cite web |last=INFORM.KZ |date=13 April 2016 |title=French Spiderman to climb Esentai Tower in Almaty in 40 minutes (PHOTOS) |url=https://www.inform.kz/en/french-spiderman-to-climb-esentai-tower-in-almaty-in-40-minutes-photos_a2892154 |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=Казинформ |language=en}}
On 25 November 2016, he climbed the Torre Agbar, a 38-storey skyscraper in Barcelona, Spain.{{Cite web |date=25 November 2016 |title=El 'Spiderman' francés escala de nuevo la Torre Agbar |url=https://www.elmundo.es/cataluna/2016/11/25/58385f77e5fdea7a0b8b45d7.html |access-date=12 June 2023 |website=ELMUNDO |language=es}}
On 6 June 2018, he climbed the Lotte World Tower, a 123-storey skyscraper in Seoul, South Korea.{{Cite magazine |date=7 June 2018 |title='French Spiderman' Arrested Trying to Scale Seoul Skyscraper |url=https://time.com/5303989/french-spiderman-alain-robert-seoul/ |access-date=12 June 2023 |magazine=Time |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=6 June 2018 |title='French Spiderman' arrested for illegally climbing Seoul's skyscraper |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/06/251_250214.html |access-date=12 June 2023 |website=koreatimes |language=en}}
On 25 October 2018, he climbed the Heron Tower, a 46-storey skyscraper in London.{{Cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/human-spider-alain-robert-begins-754ft-climb-in-city-of-london-11535240?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter|title = 'Human Spider' Alain Robert arrested after climbing 754ft Heron Tower in City of London}}
On 29 January 2019, he climbed the G.T. International Tower, a 181-meter tall skyscraper in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. He was arrested upon finishing his descent.{{Cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/french-spiderman-alain-robert-climbs-makati-skyscraper|title='French Spiderman' Alain Robert climbs Makati skyscraper|work=ABS-CBN News |date=29 January 2019}}
On 16 August 2019, he once again climbed the Cheung Kong Centre in Hong Kong. He hung a banner with the Hong Kong and China flags above a handshake near the top of the building.{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/extreme-sports/article/3023031/french-spider-man-joins-hong-kong-protest-scaling-li|title=French Spider-Man Alain Robert hangs handshake banner from Hong Kong skyscraper owned by Li Ka-shing|last=Agnew|first=Mark|date=16 August 2019|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=16 August 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-16/man-climbs-li-ka-shing-s-hong-kong-skyscraper-hangs-peace-flag|title=man-climbs-li-ka-shing-s-hong-kong-skyscraper-hangs-peace-flag|date=16 August 2019|work=Bloomberg|access-date=16 August 2019}}
On 28 September 2019, he climbed the Skyper building, a 153-meter tall skyscraper in Frankfurt. He was arrested upon finishing his descent.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/28/german-police-detain-french-spiderman-alain-robert-after-frankfurt-feat|title=German police detain 'French Spiderman' after Frankfurt feat|date=28 September 2019|access-date=28 September 2019|work=The Guardian}}
= 2020s =
On 1 October 2020, he climbed the 166m tall Silberturm (Silver Tower) in Frankfurt.[https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4021365 French 'Spiderman' climbs Frankfurt skyscraper, faces fine] taiwannews.com, 1 October 2020[https://www.fnp.de/frankfurt/frankfurt-alain-robert-klettert-ungesichert-auf-deutsche-bahn-tower-db-90058266.html Promi-Kletterer Alain Robert besteigt DB-Tower in Frankfurt – ohne Sicherung] fnp.de, source in German,2 October 2020
On 23 November 2021, he once again climbed the Skyper building in Frankfurt, before being arrested by German authorities.{{Cite web|last=Germany|first=hessenschau de, Frankfurt|date=23 November 2021|title=Französischer Spiderman erklimmt Frankfurter Wolkenkratzer|url=https://www.hessenschau.de/panorama/franzoesischer-spiderman-erklimmt-frankfurter-wolkenkratzer,frankfurt-hochhaus-kletterer-spiderman-alain-robert-100.html|access-date=24 November 2021|website=hessenschau.de|language=de}}
On 17 September 2022, he once again climbed the Tour Total in Paris, to celebrate his 60th birthday. He wanted to prove that "being 60 is nothing. You can still do sport, be active, do fabulous things."{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/17/french-spiderman-climbs-48-storey-skyscraper-in-paris-aged-60|title=French Spiderman climbs 48-storey skyscraper in Paris aged 60|last=Moloney|first=Charlie|date=17 September 2022|website=TheGuardian.com|access-date=24 December 2022}}
On 5 March 2024, he again climbed the G.T. International Tower in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, to support the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. He was then again arrested by the Makati City Police upon finishing his descent. Despite claiming he was mistreated by the Police, the authorities denied being harsh on him, and clarified that they're not allowed to give him any special treatment even if he's familiar. However, Philippine netizens' comments on social media were overwhelmingly positive and were actually in awe of his stunt, with the majority even being thankful for performing his act with a geopolitically relevant motivation.{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/5/french-spider-man-climbs-makati-tower-anew|last=Garcia|first=Patrick|title='French Spider-Man' climbs Makati tower anew, cops wait for him anew|newspaper=Manila Bulletin|date=5 March 2024|access-date=6 March 2024}}
Notable climbs
The table below contains the notable structures climbed by Alain Robert.{{cite news|url=http://www.alainrobert.com/en/urbain.htm |title=Alain Robert solo urban climbing world tour |publisher=Alain Robert |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331040715/http://www.alainrobert.com/en/urbain.htm |archive-date=31 March 2007 }}
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| |Location
!|Building !|Date !|Height !class="unsortable"|Notes |
|---|
| Sydney, Australia
|{{Hs|1997-01-01}}1997 |{{Hs|0319}}{{Convert|319|m}} | |
| Sydney, Australia
|{{Hs|1997-01-01}}1997 |{{Hs|0065}}{{Convert|65|m}} | |
| Sydney, Australia
|{{Hs|1997-01-01}}1997 |{{Hs|0135}}{{Convert|135|m}} | |
| Sydney, Australia
|RBS Tower |{{Hs|2009-06-02}}2 June 2009 |{{Hs|0218}}{{Convert|218|m}} |Descended to ground. Arrested and fined A$750 |
| Sydney, Australia
|Lumiere building |{{Hs|2010-08-30}}30 August 2010 |{{Hs|0151}}{{Convert|151|m}} |Arrested at the top. Took about 20 minutes to climb the 57-story building |
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
|Hotel Vermont |{{Hs|1996-01-01}}1996 |{{Hs|0000}} | |
| Montreal, Canada
|Crown Plaza Hotel |{{Hs|1999-01-01}}1999 |{{Hs|0120}}{{Convert|120|m}} | |
| Montreal, Canada
|{{Hs|0000-01-01}} |{{Hs|0146}}{{Convert|146|m}} | |
| Hong Kong, China
|{{Hs|2008-01-01}}2008 |{{Hs|0130}}{{Convert|130|m}} | |
| Hong Kong, China
|The Far East Finance Centre |{{Hs|1996-01-01}}1996 |{{Hs|0200}}{{Convert|200|m}} | |
| Hong Kong, China
|{{Hs|2015-01-01}}2015 |{{Hs|0270}}{{Convert|270|m}} | |
| Hong Kong, China
|The Cheung Kong Centre |{{Hs|2005-01-01}}2005 |{{Hs|0283}}{{Convert|283|m}} | |
| Hong Kong, China
|The Cheung Kong Centre |{{Hs|2009-01-01}}2009 |{{Hs|0283}}{{Convert|283|m}} | |
| Tianmen Mountain, China
|{{Hs|2007-11-18}}2007 |{{Hs|0200}}{{Convert|200|m}} |A [//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Tian_Menshan_Mountain_7.jpg plaque] commemorates his feat |
| London, England
|One Canada Square{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/6122231/Spiderman-Alain-Robert-the-French-daredevil-climber-his-famous-climbs.html?image=5|title=Spiderman Alain Robert, the French daredevil climber: his famous climbs|publisher=Telegraph UK|access-date=14 June 2011|location=London|date=1 September 2009}} |{{Hs|2002-10-18}}18 October 2002 |{{Hs|0244}}{{Convert|244|m}} |Abandoned halfway due to rain |
| London, England
|{{Hs|1995-01-01}}1995 |{{Hs|0244}}{{Convert|244|m}} | |
| London, England
|{{Hs|2009-04-02}}2 April 2009 |{{Hs|0095}}{{Convert|95|m}} |Climbed to the 9th floor. Unfurled a 100 ft banner. |
| London, England
|{{Hs|2007-12-18}}18 December 2007 |{{Hs|0101}}{{Convert|101|m}} |Arrested. 40-minute climb. |
| Paris, France
|{{Hs|1997-01-01}}1996/97 |{{Hs|0313}}{{Convert|313|m}} | |
| Paris, France
|Grande Arche at La Défense[http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=qw936800460790B216 'Firemen rescue dizzy French Spiderman']. IOL News, 8 September 1999. Retrieved on 20 March 2013. |{{Hs|1999-01-01}}1999 |{{Hs|0105}}{{Convert|105|m}} |Failed due to heat, rescued by firemen |
| Paris, France
|The Luxor Obelisk in Place de la Concorde |{{Hs|1999-01-01}}1998 |{{Hs|0031}}{{Convert|31|m}} | |
| Paris, France
|{{Hs|1995-01-01}}1995 |{{Hs|0209}}{{Convert|209|m}} | |
| Paris, France
|Tour Crystal at Front de Seine |{{Hs|2005-01-01}}2005 |{{Hs|0100}}{{Convert|100|m}} | |
| Paris, France
|Tour Crystal at Front de Seine |{{Hs|1996-01-01}}1996 |{{Hs|0100}}{{Convert|100|m}} | |
| São Paulo, Brazil
|FIESP (Luís Eulálio de Bueno Vidigal Filho) |{{Hs|1996-01-01}}1996 |{{Hs|0092}}{{Convert|92|m}} |Arrested on top |
| Paris, France
|Mercurial Towers at Bagnolet |{{Hs|1995-01-01}}1995 |{{Hs|0125}}{{Convert|125|m}} | |
| Paris, France
|{{Hs|2004-10-19}}19 October 2004 |{{Hs|0187}}{{Convert|187|m}} |Wore a Spider-Man costume |
| Paris, France
|{{Hs|2014-03-20}}20 March 2014 |{{Hs|0187}}{{Convert|187|m}} | |
| Paris, France
|{{Hs|2009-10-08}}8 October 2009 |{{Hs|0152}}{{Convert|152|m}} |No formal charges were brought against him |
| Frankfurt, Germany
|{{Hs|1995-01-01}}1995 |{{Hs|0145}}{{Convert|145|m}} | |
| Milan, Italy
|Banca di Milano building |{{Hs|1995-01-01}}1995 |{{Hs|0112}}{{Convert|112|m}} | |
| Tokyo, Japan
|{{Hs|1998-01-01}}1998 |{{Hs|0245}}{{Convert|245|m}} | |
| Warsaw, Poland
|{{Hs|1999-01-01}}1999 |{{Hs|0140}}{{Convert|140|m}} | |
| Johannesburg, South Africa
|IBM Tower |{{Hs|1998-01-01}}1998 |{{Hs|0110}}{{Convert|110|m}} | |
| Abu Dhabi, UAE
|National Bank of Abu Dhabi |{{Hs|2003-02-01}}Feb 2003 |{{Hs|0173}}{{Convert|173|m}} |A legal climb. Watched by about 100,000 spectators. |
| Abu Dhabi, UAE
|The Etisalat building |{{Hs|2005-01-01}}2005 |{{Hs|0160}}{{Convert|160|m}} | |
| Abu Dhabi, UAE
|ADIA Headquarters Building |{{Hs|2007-01-01}}2007 |{{Hs|0185}}{{Convert|185|m}} | |
| New York City, United States
|{{Hs|2008-06-05}}5 June 2008 |{{Hs|0228}}{{Convert|228|m}} |Unfurled global warming banner. Arrested by police. |
| New York City, United States
|{{Hs|1994-01-01}}1994 |{{Hs|0381}}{{Convert|381|m}} | |
| Chicago, United States
|{{Hs|1999-01-01}}1999 |{{Hs|0443}}{{Convert|443|m}} |Arrested on top |
| San Francisco, United States
|{{Hs|1996-01-01}}1996 |{{Hs|0227}}{{Convert|227|m}} |Arrested upon completing descent |
| Philadelphia, United States
|{{Hs|1997-01-01}}1997 |{{Hs|0185}}{{Convert|185|m}} | |
| Las Vegas, United States
|{{Hs|1996-01-01}}1996 |{{Hs|0106}}{{Convert|106|m}} | |
| Tampere, Finland
|{{Hs|2003-10-28}}2003 |{{Hs|0061}}{{Convert|61|m}} | |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
|{{Hs|1997-03-20}}20 March 1997 |{{Hs|0452}}{{Convert|452|m}} |Arrested at the 60th floor |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
|Petronas Tower 2 |{{Hs|2007-03-20}}20 March 2007 |{{Hs|0452}}{{Convert|452|m}} |Arrested at the 60th floor |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
|Petronas Towers |{{Hs|2009-09-01}}1 September 2009 |{{Hs|0452}}{{Convert|452|m}} |Stood atop the highest point of the tower, fined MYR 2000 |
| Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
|{{Hs|1997-01-01}}1997 |{{Hs|0150}}{{Convert|122|m}} | |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
|Melia Hotel |{{Hs|1997-01-01}}1997 |{{Hs|0080}}{{Convert|80|m}} |For fundraising |
| Singapore
|{{Hs|2000-01-01}}2000 |{{Hs|0280}}{{Convert|280|m}} |Arrested at the 21st floor |
| Singapore
|Suntec Tower One |{{Hs|2008-01-01}}2008 |{{Hs|0176}}{{Convert|176|m}} | |
| Taipei, Taiwan
|{{Hs|2004-01-01}}2004 |{{Hs|0508}}{{Convert|508|m}} |Climbed as part of opening event. Tallest building in the world at the time of ascent. |
| Caracas, Venezuela
|{{Hs|2002-01-01}}2002 |{{Hs|0224}}{{Convert|224|m}} | |
| Barcelona, Spain
|{{Hs|2007-09-12}}2007 |{{Hs|0144}}{{Convert|144|m}} | |
| Barcelona, Spain
|Torre Agbar |{{Hs|2006-01-01}}2006 |{{Hs|0144}}{{Convert|144|m}} | |
| Lisbon, Portugal
|{{Hs|2006-01-01}}2006 |{{Hs|0145}}{{Convert|145|m}} |Optimus-sponsored legal climb to promote a phone. |
| Lisbon, Portugal
|25 de Abril Bridge{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-28847020070806|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411104604/http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-28847020070806|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 April 2008|title='French "Spiderman" arrested atop Lisbon bridge|publisher=Reuters India|date=6 August 2007|access-date=6 August 2007}} |{{Hs|2007-08-06}}6 August 2007 |{{Hs|0190}}{{Convert|190|m}} |Arrested |
| Mexico City, Mexico
|Santa Fé World Plaza Corporate Tower |{{Hs|2006-01-01}}2006 |{{Hs|0127}}{{Convert|127|m}} | |
| Bratislava, Slovakia
|{{Hs|2007-04-12}}12 April 2007 |{{Hs|0080}}{{Convert|80|m}} |Took less than 20 minutes |
| Shanghai, China
|{{Hs|2007-05-31}}31 May 2007{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-climber-idUSSHA2020820070531 | work=Reuters | title=90-minute high = 15 days in Chinese jail | date=31 May 2007}} |{{Hs|0420}}{{Convert|420|m}} |Arrested, expelled from China |
| Moscow, Russia
|West Federation Tower |{{Hs|2007-09-04}}4 September 2007 |{{Hs|0244}}{{Convert|244|m}} |Detained by police. |
| São Paulo, Brazil
|Edifício Itália{{cite news|url=http://noticias.uol.com.br/ultnot/2008/02/27/ult23u1259.jhtm|title='Homem-aranha francês é preso novamente em SP após escalar Edifício Itália, prédio que ele diz ser "horrível"|publisher=UOL.com|date=27 February 2008|access-date=27 February 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080301234709/http://noticias.uol.com.br/ultnot/2008/02/27/ult23u1259.jhtm| archive-date= 1 March 2008 | url-status= live}} |{{Hs|2008-02-01}}February 2008 |{{Hs|0168}}{{Convert|168|m}} | |
| Beirut, Lebanon
|Phoenicia Hotel{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/ArticlePrint.aspx?id=50690|title='Spiderman' climbs up side of Beirut's Phoenicia Hotel|publisher=the Daily Star Lebanon|date=13 October 2008|access-date=16 March 2021}} |{{Hs|2008-10-01}}October 2008 |{{Hs|090}}{{Convert|90|m}}{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031911/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/105724/the-phoenicia-hotel-beirut-lebanon 'The Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut]}}. Emporis . Retrieved on 16 March 2021. |Legal climb with safety harness, promotion for Gillette. |
| Jakarta, Indonesia
|The City Tower |{{Hs|2008-11-12}}12 November 2008 |{{Hs|0150}}{{Convert|150|m}} | |
| Jakarta, Indonesia
|{{Hs|2012-03-26}}26 March 2012 |{{Hs|0214}}{{Convert|214|m}} | |
| Pune, India
|The Amanora Tower |{{Hs|2010-02-28}}28 February 2010 |{{Hs|0100}}{{Convert|100|m}} |Took less than 12 minutes |
| Paris, France
|GDF Suez building |{{Hs|2010-04-07}}7 April 2010 |{{Hs|0185}}{{Convert|185|m}} |Arrested at the top |
| Singapore
|{{Hs|2010-11-05}}5 November 2010 |{{Hs|0165}}{{Convert|165|m}} |First person to climb around the world's tallest observatory wheel. |
| Dubai, UAE
|{{Hs|2011-03-28}}28 March 2011 |{{Hs|0828}}{{Convert|828|m}} |Legal climb, partial use of safety harness. Tallest building in the world at the time of ascent. |
| Doha, Qatar
|{{Hs|2012-04-12}}12 April 2012 |{{Hs|0300}}{{Convert|300|m}} |Set a Guinness World Record for climbing in the fastest time (1 hour, 33 minutes and 47 seconds) |
| Paris, France
|{{Hs|2012-05-10}}10 May 2012 |{{Hs|0231}}{{Convert|231|m}} | |
| Port Louis, Mauritius
|Mauritius Telecom Tower |{{Hs|2012-06-21}}21 June 2012 |{{Hs|0110}}{{Convert|110|m}} |Legal climb, took less than 30 minutes. |
| Moscow, Russia
|Mail.ru office Tower |{{Hs|2013-08-29}}29 August 2013 |{{Hs|0109}}{{Convert|109|m}} |Legal climb, took less than 30 minutes. |
| Auckland, New Zealand
|{{Hs|2013-11-12}}12 December 2013 |{{Hs|0155}}{{Convert|155|m}} |Legal climb, promotion for Samsung Galaxy Gear. |
| Yekaterinburg, Russia
|{{Hs|2014-09-24}}24 September 2014 |{{Hs|0188}}{{Convert|188|m}} |Legal climb, promotion for Sinara Group |
| Seoul, South Korea
|{{Hs|2018-06-06}}6 June 2018 |{{Hs|0555}}{{Convert|555|m}} |Arrested. |
| Makati, Philippines
| G.T. International Tower (skyscraper) |{{Hs|2019-01-29}}29 January 2019 |{{Hs|0175}}{{Convert|217|m}} |Arrested. |
| Hong Kong, China
|{{Hs|2019-08-16}}2019 |{{Hs|0283}}{{Convert|283|m}} |
| Frankfurt, Germany
|Skyper building |{{Hs|2019-09-28}}2019/21 |{{Hs|0153}}{{Convert|153|m}} |Detained |
| Barcelona, Spain
|Torre Agbar{{cite news|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20200304/473964655202/alain-robert-spiderman-frances-torre-agbar-barcelona-temeridad-video-seo-ext.html|title=El 'spiderman' francés vuelve a escalar la torre Agbar de Barcelona'|date=4 March 2020|access-date=4 March 2020|work=La Vanguardia}} |{{Hs|2020-03-03}}2020 |{{Hs|0153}}{{Convert|144|m}} |Detained and fined |
30 November 2023 – Climbing Burj Khalifa for the 2nd time, alongside Alexis Landot.
Accidents
File:Alain Robert - 001.jpg in Barcelona, 2007]]
In a 2005 interview,{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} Robert said that he has fallen seven times in his life. The worst was his fall in September 1982.
On 18 January 1982, at 19, he fell {{convert|15|m|0}} when his anchor and rope gave way during training. He fractured his wrists, heels and nose and underwent three operations.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}
On 29 September 1982, at 20, he fell {{convert|15|m|0}} when his rope came undone while abseiling. He was in a coma for five days and fractured both forearms, his elbow, pelvis and nose.{{Cite web |last=Clarke |first=Owen |date=26 May 2023 |title=Alain Robert Interview: Legendary Climber Speaks on Free Soloing |url=https://climbinghouse.com/alain-robert-interview-free-soloing/ |access-date=29 May 2023 |website=Climbing House |language=en-US}} His elbow was also dislocated and a nerve was damaged, leaving him partially paralyzed. He also suffered cerebral edema and vertigo. He underwent six operations on his hands and elbow.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}
In 1993, he fell {{convert|8|m|0}} while showing students how to rely on their legs when climbing. He kept his hands behind his back on an easy route but lost his balance and fell headfirst, shattering both wrists. He went into another coma and spent two months in the hospital.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}
In 2004, he fell 2 metres (~6 ft) when climbing a traffic light whilst posing for a photo in an interview. He landed on his elbow and needed forty stitches; just one month later he climbed the world's tallest skyscraper at the time, Taipei 101, as part of its official opening week.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}
Books and documentaries {{anchor|Books}}
Robert's autobiography, With Bare Hands, was first published in English in 2008. It features his development into a famous urban climber from his days as a child and gives a deep insight into his philosophy and how he managed to overcome his disabilities.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/page.php?id=1455 |title=UKC Articles – Alain Robert – With Bare Hands |date=25 November 2008 |publisher=Ukclimbing.com |access-date=9 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://maverickhouse.com/book.html?bid=98&title=With%20Bare%20Hands&no_cache=1 |title=With Bare Hands - Book |access-date=24 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207093534/http://maverickhouse.com/book.html?bid=98&title=With%20Bare%20Hands&no_cache=1 |archive-date=7 December 2008 }}
The book was released for the Asian market in April by Blacksmith Books in Hong Kong with the subtitle "The true story of Alain Robert, the real-life Spiderman" ({{ISBN|9789889979928}}). In September it was released by Maverick House Publishers in the UK for the English language market across Europe. This edition has the subtitle "The Story of the Human Spider" ({{ISBN|9781905379552}}).[http://www.blacksmithbooks.com/9789889979928.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830231027/http://www.blacksmithbooks.com/9789889979928.htm|date=30 August 2007}}
There is a 52-minute documentary about Robert titled The Wall Crawler by Director/Producer Julie Cohen, released in 1998.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1086219|title= The Wall Crawler: The Vertical Adventures of Alain Robert|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=9 October 2015}}
The Channel 4 series Cutting Edge covered Robert in an episode entitled The Human Spider in April 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/C/cutting_edge/human_spider/ |title=Programmes – Most Popular – All 4 |publisher=Channel4.com |access-date=9 October 2015}}
Awards
- Faust Challenger of the Year (2011), Japan{{cite web|url=http://www.faust-ag.jp/individual/faust_ag_awards_2011.php |title=Faust A.G. Awards 2011 速報|Faust A.G |publisher=Faust-ag.jp |access-date=9 August 2013}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDB name}}
- {{official website|alainrobert.com}}
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvq0T_obaqs Audio interview with Alain Robert] by podcasters Happy Trail Mix
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Robert, Alain}}
Category:People from Saône-et-Loire
Category:French environmentalists
Category:French stunt performers