Gym Leader

A Gym Leader is an elite trainer selected by The Pokémon League to test Trainers and their Pokémon to ensure that they are strong and resourceful enough to challenge the Elite Four and become a member of the Pokémon League.

A Gym Leader can be any trainer who has defeated the Elite Four and become a member of the Pokémon League. League members who would rather turn their attention to Pokémon battling rather than governance pursue this path. The League states that there can only ever be eight Gym Leaders who act as gatekeepers to the Elite Four, however any member of the Pokémon League can claim themselves as a 'pretender'. Gym Leader selection happens once per year, where Pretenders and Gym Leaders can face off in a 'Battle Royale' style competition until eight Trainers remain and become (or maintain their title of) an Official Gym Leader.

Gym Leaders in Sumondia enjoy enormous fame, they are arguably the biggest celebrities in Sumondia, this fact is often what attracts people to the role. Gym Leaders enter the public eye from the start of the televised Elite Four Challenge, by the time they make it through the Challenge and through Selection the public have developed a keen interest in each and every one of them. Tabloids splash their personal business all over the news and brands seek endorsements while citizens of a Gym Leader's local city or location rally around them and are compelled to train in their gyms. Understandably this can all lead to a cult of personality.

Current Gym Leaders
The eight current Gym Leaders in Sumondia are:

Meadow of Petylverd City.

Zephyr of Neaptide Town.

Ally of Esteelia City.

Spectyre of 'Giratina's Gut'

Voltina of Shockwave City

Myra of the Village of the Flame.

Winter of Frostpeak City

Avia of Gustwood City

Notable Pretenders
Blanca claiming a Gym in Midway City.

Axe claiming a Gym in Esteelia City.