Patagonia Climb Ambassador Tommy Caldwell chose to project the granite test piece Empath (5.14d) in Kirkwood, California, as part of the “Gentlemen’s Race to 9a,” a friendly competition between himself, fellow Patagonia Ambassador Sonnie Trotter and their good friend Alex Honnold to see who could repeat 9a (5.14d) first after a long hiatus from climbing at that level. But after sending Empath on May 17, 2025, Tommy’s not sure if it counts.