Who Is Sanni McCandless? Alex Honnold's Wife and Her 5-Word Reaction to His 101-Floor Climb

Alex Honnold is widely known for redefining human limits through free solo climbing. However, his most recent achievement has also drawn attention to his wife, Sanni McCandless, who has become an essential part of his public and private life. As Honnold scaled Taipei 101 without ropes during Netflix's Skyscraper Live, McCandless was watching from inside the building, processing the risk in real time.

According to People, Sanni McCandless has been by Honnold's side for more than a decade, supporting him through career-defining climbs while building a life rooted in purpose and balance.

Her Early Life and Connection to the Outdoors

McCandless was born in Washington state and spent much of her childhood hiking and backpacking with her family. After relocating to North Carolina as a teenager, she later returned west following university, where her relationship with the outdoors deepened. That journey eventually led her to rock climbing, a passion that would later shape her partnership with Honnold.

Her sister introduced her to the sport, and climbing became both a personal outlet and a shared language with the man she would later marry.

From Tech Career to Life Coaching

Before entering the climbing world, McCandless worked at an energy-focused tech startup in Seattle. She eventually left corporate life to train as a life coach, launching her own practice centred on mindset, communication and value alignment. That background has proven vital in supporting a partner whose career involves constant exposure to danger.

Her work focuses on helping people navigate uncertainty, a theme that closely mirrors life alongside one of the world's most risk-driven athletes.

Marriage, Children and Life in Las Vegas

McCandless met Honnold at a book signing in Seattle in 2015, and the pair married in 2020. They now share two daughters and live in Las Vegas, chosen for its proximity to elite outdoor climbing rather than city glamour.

Despite public concern over Honnold continuing to free solo as a father, McCandless has repeatedly explained that climbing is central to who he is. She has emphasised that becoming a parent has not erased his identity but has instead brought greater intention to his choices.

Her Five-Word Reaction to the Taipei 101 Climb

Honnold's latest feat involved climbing the 101 floors of Taipei 101 without safety equipment, an ascent broadcast live by Netflix. While viewers around the world watched in disbelief, McCandless observed from inside the tower.

Speaking afterward, she summed up her feelings with a remark that quickly resonated: 'Thank God I'm not him'. As reported by TODAY, Sanni McCandless' reaction to the Taipei 101 climb reflected relief rather than fear.

She later explained that once the climb began, her anxiety softened. At that point, she trusted Honnold's preparation and allowed herself to feel joy instead of dread.

A Partner With Her Own Purpose

Beyond her role as Honnold's wife, McCandless is also a co-founder of Outwild, an outdoor retreat series designed to help participants step away from routine and reconnect with purpose through nature. She is also writing a children's book aimed at encouraging curiosity and resilience in the outdoors.

As Alex Honnold continues to chase historic climbs, Sanni McCandless remains a steady presence behind the scenes. Her perspective offers rare insight into the emotional reality of loving someone who lives at the edge, grounding extraordinary achievement in trust, partnership and quiet strength.