Sonnie Trotter Wins 9a Bet Against Honnold and Caldwell

A few days ago, Sonnie Trotter achieved a significant milestone by completing the 9a route Spirit Quest in Squamish. This accomplishment not only highlights his exceptional skills but also marks his victory in the “Gentlemen’s Race” against climbing legends Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell.

 

The Gentlemen’s Race: A Friendly Challenge

Sonnie Trotter, Tommy Caldwell, and Alex Honnold are renowned climbers who have greatly influenced the sport. To motivate each other as they age and balance family life, they initiated the “Gentlemen’s Race to 9a.” This friendly competition aimed to see who could be the first to complete a 9a sport climbing route. Trotter joined the race last August and has now emerged victorious.

 

Dedication and Persistence Pay Off

For Trotter, the journey to completing Spirit Quest was a lengthy one, involving 30 days of effort over 20 months. Reflecting on his achievement, he expressed gratitude for the friendly competition, stating, “Without the pressure, encouragement, and recognition from my friends Tommy and Alex, I probably wouldn’t have managed it so quickly.”

 

Trotter’s success on Spirit Quest, 20 years after his first 9a route, underscores his enduring talent and determination in the world of climbing.

 

Source: https://www.lacrux.com/en/klettern/sonnie-trotter-wins-9a-bet-against-honnold-and-caldwell/

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