April 7, 1962

AKA: Spiderman, the Human Fly

Trespasser

For a professional climber, Alain Robert has a long police record. He has made a habit of climbing the world’s tallest buildings without support lines—and the police have made a habit of arresting him when he reaches the top.

Born to climb

Born in southern France on April 7, 1962, Robert was fascinated with climbing at an early age. He admired famous climbers who used their skills to scale the peaks of the world’s tallest mountains. Raised in Valence, France, he was surrounded by the sort of terrain that attracts hard-core climbers. Although his parents did not approve of his desire to follow in the steps of the mountaineers, Robert practiced maneuvers while in scout camp. He learned how to handle ropes and perform climbing moves using hand grips, body position, and leg power.

At...