FEATURE 1 One of the most accomplished competitive climbers on the planet, Lightner is taking time off to go to college-but still crushing it at the gym. The Climber and the Catalyst Every wunderkind needs a mentor, and Kai Lightner found one in Shane Messer, who helped the young climber reach new heights. By Julie Ellison 20 / SUMMER MARKET 2019 Photographs by Andrew Kornylak