1 00:00:05,438 --> 00:00:08,008 - The quest begins again. 2 00:00:08,041 --> 00:00:10,043 For 15 years, they've put in the work 3 00:00:10,076 --> 00:00:11,911 and pushed through the pain 4 00:00:11,945 --> 00:00:14,347 striving to win $1 million 5 00:00:14,381 --> 00:00:15,648 and the elusive title 6 00:00:15,682 --> 00:00:18,885 of "American Ninja Warrior" champion. 7 00:00:18,918 --> 00:00:20,653 Tonight they once again place 8 00:00:20,687 --> 00:00:23,023 their hopes and dreams on the line. 9 00:00:23,056 --> 00:00:24,624 - This is actually happening. 10 00:00:24,657 --> 00:00:26,226 Like, it's not a dream. 11 00:00:26,259 --> 00:00:27,861 It's actually real. 12 00:00:27,894 --> 00:00:31,364 - But this season they'll face a new challenge-- 13 00:00:31,398 --> 00:00:32,799 each other. 14 00:00:32,832 --> 00:00:33,833 [upbeat music] 15 00:00:33,867 --> 00:00:35,702 - This year is gonna be crazy. 16 00:00:35,735 --> 00:00:37,937 - For the first time in the show's history... 17 00:00:37,971 --> 00:00:39,172 - Get excited! 18 00:00:39,205 --> 00:00:41,174 - Ninjas will compete head-to-head 19 00:00:41,207 --> 00:00:43,443 and race side by side. 20 00:00:43,476 --> 00:00:45,311 - * Three, two, one * 21 00:00:45,345 --> 00:00:46,880 * Better get ready to run * 22 00:00:46,913 --> 00:00:48,915 * I wanna go faster * 23 00:00:48,948 --> 00:00:51,618 * Can't slow me down * 24 00:00:51,651 --> 00:00:53,253 * I wanna go faster * 25 00:00:53,286 --> 00:00:55,388 - This is like Ninja but turbo-charged. 26 00:00:55,422 --> 00:00:58,425 - This back and forth is driving me crazy! 27 00:00:58,458 --> 00:01:00,160 - Racing is really fun. 28 00:01:00,193 --> 00:01:02,896 - Are you not entertained? - [screams] 29 00:01:02,929 --> 00:01:05,732 - Side by side races are gonna be nuts. 30 00:01:05,765 --> 00:01:07,634 Speed kills. 31 00:01:07,667 --> 00:01:08,868 both: Oh! 32 00:01:08,902 --> 00:01:10,470 Oh! 33 00:01:10,503 --> 00:01:13,973 - Emotional qualifying... - Aw, and she's crying. 34 00:01:14,074 --> 00:01:16,076 - Life-changing moments... [buzzer blares] 35 00:01:16,109 --> 00:01:17,344 - You gon' make me cry. 36 00:01:17,377 --> 00:01:20,180 - High-stakes races... - No! 37 00:01:20,213 --> 00:01:23,116 - "American Ninja Warrior" is back. 38 00:01:23,149 --> 00:01:25,251 - * I wanna go faster * 39 00:01:25,285 --> 00:01:27,721 - Kick into overdrive! Let's go! 40 00:01:27,754 --> 00:01:29,122 - You're not even ready. 41 00:01:30,757 --> 00:01:32,158 You're not even ready. 42 00:01:32,192 --> 00:01:35,161 [dramatic music] 43 00:01:35,195 --> 00:01:36,796 * * 44 00:01:36,830 --> 00:01:39,332 - Welcome to Universal Studios Hollywood 45 00:01:39,366 --> 00:01:41,468 as we kick off another season 46 00:01:41,501 --> 00:01:44,104 of "American Ninja Warrior." 47 00:01:44,137 --> 00:01:45,372 Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 48 00:01:45,405 --> 00:01:48,208 I'm Matt Iseman. - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 49 00:01:48,241 --> 00:01:50,110 Matt, I am so excited. 50 00:01:50,110 --> 00:01:52,979 My heart is racing, because we're going racing. 51 00:01:53,013 --> 00:01:55,982 It's gonna be ninja versus ninja all season. 52 00:01:56,016 --> 00:01:58,451 - And we'll see our first races tonight, 53 00:01:58,485 --> 00:02:02,689 plus not one but two brand-new qualifying courses. 54 00:02:02,722 --> 00:02:05,125 For a look at the first one our ninjas will face, 55 00:02:05,158 --> 00:02:06,526 let's go down to Zuri Hall. 56 00:02:06,559 --> 00:02:08,361 - Here we go, guys. 57 00:02:08,395 --> 00:02:10,363 It is gonna be a wild new season. 58 00:02:10,397 --> 00:02:11,931 And our ninjas are gonna see 59 00:02:11,965 --> 00:02:14,300 some big changes right from the start. 60 00:02:14,334 --> 00:02:17,070 On our new first obstacle, Pole Vault, 61 00:02:17,070 --> 00:02:19,239 ninjas will have to climb the falling pole 62 00:02:19,272 --> 00:02:21,174 and avoid the water. 63 00:02:21,207 --> 00:02:23,610 Then it's fan favorites Rollercoaster 64 00:02:23,643 --> 00:02:25,712 and Domino Effect 65 00:02:25,745 --> 00:02:28,882 followed by another new one, The Getaway, 66 00:02:28,915 --> 00:02:31,084 where ninjas have to crack the safe... 67 00:02:31,117 --> 00:02:32,886 grab the diamond ring, 68 00:02:32,919 --> 00:02:34,521 and escape with the cash. [cash register dings] 69 00:02:34,554 --> 00:02:35,822 - Get that money. 70 00:02:35,855 --> 00:02:37,557 - That's followed by another obstacle 71 00:02:37,590 --> 00:02:40,093 making its debut, Lasso Launch. 72 00:02:40,093 --> 00:02:42,095 - Whoo! Giddyap. 73 00:02:42,095 --> 00:02:43,697 - And if they climb the Warped Wall 74 00:02:43,730 --> 00:02:46,766 and hit a buzzer in under 1:20, 75 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:48,568 they'll earn a shot at the Mega Wall, 76 00:02:48,601 --> 00:02:50,537 which is now 6 inches taller, 77 00:02:50,570 --> 00:02:53,540 a jaw-dropping 18 1/2 feet. 78 00:02:53,573 --> 00:02:55,775 Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card 79 00:02:55,809 --> 00:02:57,544 will pay $10,000 80 00:02:57,577 --> 00:02:59,212 to an unlimited number of ninjas 81 00:02:59,245 --> 00:03:01,047 who can scale the Mega Wall this season. 82 00:03:01,081 --> 00:03:02,682 Guys. - Thanks, Zuri. 83 00:03:02,716 --> 00:03:04,918 Only the top 12 men and top 4 women 84 00:03:04,951 --> 00:03:07,053 from each group tonight will move on. 85 00:03:07,053 --> 00:03:08,688 The final spots will be determined 86 00:03:08,722 --> 00:03:09,923 by the Runoffs, 87 00:03:09,956 --> 00:03:12,492 our first ever head-to-head races. 88 00:03:12,525 --> 00:03:13,927 We'll see those in a bit. 89 00:03:13,960 --> 00:03:16,062 - So let's get it started. 90 00:03:16,062 --> 00:03:17,630 - And we're gonna kick things off 91 00:03:17,664 --> 00:03:20,333 with one of the many teenagers we're gonna see this season. 92 00:03:20,367 --> 00:03:23,269 This is 16-year-old Emily Gardiner. 93 00:03:23,303 --> 00:03:25,238 But one thing sets her apart. 94 00:03:25,271 --> 00:03:27,741 She's competing this year along with her dad. 95 00:03:27,774 --> 00:03:30,777 - Whoo! Let's go! 96 00:03:30,810 --> 00:03:31,845 - One. - When does a joke 97 00:03:31,878 --> 00:03:33,613 become a dad joke? 98 00:03:33,646 --> 00:03:36,316 - Um, I don't know. - When it becomes a parent. 99 00:03:36,349 --> 00:03:37,384 Down. - What? 100 00:03:37,417 --> 00:03:38,585 That was so bad. - [chuckles] 101 00:03:38,618 --> 00:03:40,253 - My dad had been doing Ninja 102 00:03:40,286 --> 00:03:42,222 for a few years before I started. 103 00:03:42,255 --> 00:03:44,424 - Emily was doin' gymnastics at the time. 104 00:03:44,457 --> 00:03:46,126 And I introduced her to Ninja. 105 00:03:46,159 --> 00:03:48,094 And once she got into the Ninja gym, 106 00:03:48,094 --> 00:03:50,330 it was full-steam ahead. 107 00:03:50,363 --> 00:03:52,532 - When we first started doing Ninja, 108 00:03:52,565 --> 00:03:53,967 he was the one kind of giving me 109 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:55,368 some tips and pointers. 110 00:03:55,402 --> 00:03:56,636 - Come on, Em. 111 00:03:56,670 --> 00:03:58,171 - But now, as the years have passed, 112 00:03:58,204 --> 00:04:00,040 the student has surpassed the teacher. 113 00:04:00,040 --> 00:04:02,375 - True. [laughter] 114 00:04:02,409 --> 00:04:04,044 - Just like that. - You make it look so easy. 115 00:04:04,077 --> 00:04:06,246 - * Me and you, side by side * 116 00:04:06,279 --> 00:04:10,083 * Life moves fast, let's take it slow * 117 00:04:10,116 --> 00:04:11,117 - My dad likes to say 118 00:04:11,151 --> 00:04:13,520 that I'm "tough love" coach, 119 00:04:13,553 --> 00:04:14,587 but I don't know. 120 00:04:14,621 --> 00:04:15,955 I think I'm pretty nice to him. 121 00:04:16,056 --> 00:04:17,524 Okay, that was so close. - [chuckles] 122 00:04:17,557 --> 00:04:19,059 - Try to extend a little bit more 123 00:04:19,092 --> 00:04:20,060 before you hit the end. 124 00:04:20,093 --> 00:04:21,461 - When we work out together, 125 00:04:21,494 --> 00:04:23,396 it takes me, like, two days to recover. 126 00:04:23,430 --> 00:04:25,865 - 'Cause you're old. - Ooh. Good burn. 127 00:04:25,899 --> 00:04:28,068 - Too slow, too slow. 128 00:04:28,068 --> 00:04:29,836 - Ninja's just a precious way 129 00:04:29,869 --> 00:04:31,204 of me spending time with my daughter. 130 00:04:31,237 --> 00:04:32,205 - Yeah! Let's go! 131 00:04:32,238 --> 00:04:33,440 - Whoo! - Good job. 132 00:04:33,473 --> 00:04:35,842 - To be able to have this experience together, 133 00:04:35,875 --> 00:04:37,911 is just-- I mean, it's priceless. 134 00:04:37,944 --> 00:04:39,813 - And we're gonna go out there and we're gonna crush it. 135 00:04:39,846 --> 00:04:40,814 - Yeah. 136 00:04:40,847 --> 00:04:42,949 - * It's just me and you * 137 00:04:45,652 --> 00:04:47,087 - Whoo! - Dad will run 138 00:04:47,087 --> 00:04:48,621 in just a few minutes. He's on the sidelines 139 00:04:48,655 --> 00:04:51,691 with Mom and Emily's sister and boyfriend, 140 00:04:51,725 --> 00:04:52,892 Kevin Rodriguez, 141 00:04:52,926 --> 00:04:54,294 who's also competing tonight. 142 00:04:54,327 --> 00:04:57,097 - Oh, yeah. It's a family affair. 143 00:04:57,130 --> 00:04:59,099 [countdown clock beeping] 144 00:04:59,132 --> 00:05:00,400 She's gonna give us our first look 145 00:05:00,433 --> 00:05:03,203 at this new obstacle, Pole Vault. 146 00:05:03,236 --> 00:05:04,437 Needs to quickly climb the pole 147 00:05:04,471 --> 00:05:06,272 and stay out of the water. 148 00:05:06,306 --> 00:05:08,041 And she does it. 149 00:05:08,041 --> 00:05:09,476 - Let's go! - Come on! 150 00:05:09,509 --> 00:05:10,610 - Whoo! 151 00:05:10,643 --> 00:05:12,145 - On now to the Rollercoaster. 152 00:05:12,178 --> 00:05:14,381 Go for a ride. Watch that transfer. 153 00:05:14,414 --> 00:05:17,317 Make sure you get the distance out, not just up. 154 00:05:19,619 --> 00:05:21,388 - Nice. Uh-oh, uh-oh. - A little hooked up. 155 00:05:21,421 --> 00:05:22,756 - Get back on track. 156 00:05:22,789 --> 00:05:24,557 Nice toss. - Good control. 157 00:05:29,062 --> 00:05:30,830 Nice. - Whoo! 158 00:05:30,864 --> 00:05:32,298 Let's go! Oh, yeah! 159 00:05:32,332 --> 00:05:34,534 - Well, Matt, if this is where she gets excited, 160 00:05:34,567 --> 00:05:37,070 she has no fear of balance obstacles. 161 00:05:37,070 --> 00:05:39,339 - She says she loves to train what Ninjas call 162 00:05:39,372 --> 00:05:42,342 "sketchy balance" all the time. 163 00:05:42,375 --> 00:05:44,210 - Domino Effect can be sketchy, 164 00:05:44,244 --> 00:05:45,445 but not for Emily! 165 00:05:45,478 --> 00:05:47,614 - [screaming] 166 00:05:47,647 --> 00:05:48,948 - Whoo! 167 00:05:48,982 --> 00:05:50,717 - Her dad got her into Ninja, and look, 168 00:05:50,750 --> 00:05:53,820 he's feelin' pretty good right now. 169 00:05:53,853 --> 00:05:56,089 And the fourth obstacle is brand-new. 170 00:05:56,122 --> 00:05:58,191 This is The Getaway. 171 00:05:58,224 --> 00:06:00,293 - Whoo! It's like robbin' a bank! 172 00:06:00,326 --> 00:06:02,762 - She's gotta turn the handles on the safe. 173 00:06:02,796 --> 00:06:03,830 It drops. 174 00:06:06,032 --> 00:06:07,667 Now has to turn it back the other way 175 00:06:07,701 --> 00:06:10,637 to release the diamond ring. 176 00:06:13,039 --> 00:06:14,274 And there it is. [pneumatic hiss] 177 00:06:14,307 --> 00:06:16,710 Now has to reach over to grab that ring. 178 00:06:18,845 --> 00:06:20,380 Oh, she got it! 179 00:06:20,413 --> 00:06:22,482 You better get out of there with that jewelry, Emily. 180 00:06:22,515 --> 00:06:24,918 - She is not messin' around. All right. 181 00:06:24,951 --> 00:06:26,653 - Has to make this 5-foot leap 182 00:06:26,686 --> 00:06:28,922 with the ring in her hands. 183 00:06:28,955 --> 00:06:31,391 - Got the ring. - Get that bag. 184 00:06:31,424 --> 00:06:34,294 - Just needs to grab the cash and then dismount. 185 00:06:34,327 --> 00:06:35,495 - Hold on. 186 00:06:35,528 --> 00:06:37,931 Hug it, love it. Hug it and love it! 187 00:06:37,964 --> 00:06:39,866 Nice! 188 00:06:39,899 --> 00:06:42,168 - And she's through four obstacles 189 00:06:42,202 --> 00:06:44,704 on her first run. 190 00:06:44,738 --> 00:06:47,440 Her cheering section is coming out of the stands 191 00:06:47,474 --> 00:06:50,076 so excited about this rookie. 192 00:06:50,110 --> 00:06:53,780 16 years old, Emily Gardiner in the driver's seat. 193 00:06:53,813 --> 00:06:55,715 - You got this! - Come on! 194 00:06:55,749 --> 00:06:57,751 - Okay, nice and loud. 195 00:06:57,784 --> 00:06:59,486 - Well, trying a new obstacle here. 196 00:06:59,519 --> 00:07:01,287 This is Lasso Launch. 197 00:07:01,321 --> 00:07:03,123 You got that rope handle. 198 00:07:03,156 --> 00:07:05,792 - You have to hook it on to the three cows. 199 00:07:05,825 --> 00:07:07,727 Oh, yeah, we see you, Emily. - I see you. 200 00:07:07,761 --> 00:07:08,728 I see you, Emily. - Come on! 201 00:07:08,762 --> 00:07:10,430 I love the confidence. 202 00:07:10,463 --> 00:07:12,098 She's havin' fun out here. 203 00:07:12,132 --> 00:07:14,134 - Yes, she is. Okay, high clip here 204 00:07:14,167 --> 00:07:15,735 gives you better control-- - Oh! 205 00:07:15,769 --> 00:07:18,138 - She barely got it off that first tongue. 206 00:07:18,171 --> 00:07:20,173 Now she's gotta twist it around... 207 00:07:20,206 --> 00:07:21,641 all right, twist and shout here. 208 00:07:21,675 --> 00:07:24,044 But, Matt, you see her hands have slipped down 209 00:07:24,077 --> 00:07:25,712 right down to the bottom of the rope. 210 00:07:25,745 --> 00:07:28,081 - And she's gotta jump backwards here. 211 00:07:28,114 --> 00:07:29,783 both: Whoa! 212 00:07:29,816 --> 00:07:31,351 - Did you see that maneuver? 213 00:07:31,384 --> 00:07:34,187 Unreal, generated the first-- couldn't hold on, 214 00:07:34,220 --> 00:07:37,057 but Gardiner, a beautiful run. 215 00:07:37,057 --> 00:07:39,659 - Matt, Emily Gardiner is dope. 216 00:07:39,693 --> 00:07:41,528 [cheers and applause] 217 00:07:41,561 --> 00:07:43,697 - What a great start to the season. 218 00:07:43,730 --> 00:07:47,100 Emily Gardiner's enthusiasm was infectious. 219 00:07:47,133 --> 00:07:49,536 And she made it to the fifth obstacle. 220 00:07:49,569 --> 00:07:50,870 We'll have to wait and see 221 00:07:50,904 --> 00:07:53,840 if that can get her into the semifinals. 222 00:07:53,873 --> 00:07:55,842 Let's go to Zuri, who's with the Gardiners. 223 00:07:55,875 --> 00:07:57,310 - Hey, congratulations! 224 00:07:57,344 --> 00:07:58,411 Let me just shimmy on in here. 225 00:07:58,445 --> 00:07:59,612 Yes, yes, yes! - Whoo! 226 00:07:59,646 --> 00:08:01,014 - Emily, oh, my God. 227 00:08:01,047 --> 00:08:02,615 Your first time on the course, but you were out there 228 00:08:02,649 --> 00:08:04,584 lookin' like a vet, girl. How'd you feel? 229 00:08:04,617 --> 00:08:06,252 - Thank you so much. I felt amazing. 230 00:08:06,286 --> 00:08:08,455 It's so nice seeing all my friends and family here. 231 00:08:08,488 --> 00:08:11,024 - Let's go, Emily. - And how special is it 232 00:08:11,024 --> 00:08:12,926 to be able to share this with Dad? 233 00:08:13,026 --> 00:08:14,894 - It is so special. We--this--this-- 234 00:08:14,928 --> 00:08:17,130 Ninja just makes our bond so much stronger. 235 00:08:17,163 --> 00:08:18,898 - Aw. - I love him so much. 236 00:08:18,932 --> 00:08:21,167 He's my biggest hero. - I'm so proud of you, honey. 237 00:08:21,201 --> 00:08:22,502 - Thank you. - Great, great job. 238 00:08:22,535 --> 00:08:23,503 - Thank you. - Oh, my goodness. 239 00:08:23,536 --> 00:08:24,671 You have so much to be proud of. 240 00:08:24,704 --> 00:08:26,039 Congratulations on an incredible run. 241 00:08:26,039 --> 00:08:27,707 We'll know soon if you went far enough, fast enough. 242 00:08:27,741 --> 00:08:29,042 - Thank you so much. 243 00:08:29,075 --> 00:08:30,643 - Absolutely. Matt, Akbar, take it away. 244 00:08:30,677 --> 00:08:34,280 [cheers and applause] 245 00:08:34,314 --> 00:08:36,349 - Well, up next, an energetic teacher 246 00:08:36,383 --> 00:08:38,351 known as the Newark Ninja. 247 00:08:38,385 --> 00:08:40,520 This is Desmond Odom. 248 00:08:40,553 --> 00:08:41,855 And looking at his muscles, 249 00:08:41,888 --> 00:08:45,425 you'd never know he lost 139 pounds 250 00:08:45,458 --> 00:08:47,427 and turned his life around. 251 00:08:47,460 --> 00:08:49,596 [funky music] 252 00:08:49,629 --> 00:08:52,065 - At my heaviest, I was 324 pounds. 253 00:08:52,098 --> 00:08:55,702 At one point, I was homeless. I was sleeping in my car. 254 00:08:55,735 --> 00:08:58,071 I was really trying to change my whole life around. 255 00:08:58,071 --> 00:09:00,340 - * Three, two, one, everybody now * 256 00:09:00,373 --> 00:09:02,509 - I was a fan of "Ninja Warrior" since 1997. 257 00:09:02,542 --> 00:09:04,010 And I used to always talk a lot of crap like, 258 00:09:04,010 --> 00:09:05,211 "Oh, how did they fall on those obstacles? 259 00:09:05,245 --> 00:09:06,880 "If I was skinny, if I was fit, 260 00:09:06,913 --> 00:09:07,914 "I would run through all of that. 261 00:09:08,014 --> 00:09:09,416 I would never lose." 262 00:09:09,449 --> 00:09:11,217 - Desmond, a remarkable story. 263 00:09:11,251 --> 00:09:12,619 - See the way he's--oh! - And he's-- 264 00:09:12,652 --> 00:09:14,020 - Oh! 265 00:09:14,020 --> 00:09:17,657 - My foot got loose. But that thing was amazing! 266 00:09:17,691 --> 00:09:19,459 And now I work at Thrive Academy 267 00:09:19,492 --> 00:09:20,660 in Newark, New Jersey. 268 00:09:20,694 --> 00:09:22,295 I am a special education teacher. 269 00:09:22,328 --> 00:09:24,130 Are we ready to grow our brains? 270 00:09:24,164 --> 00:09:25,331 all: Yes! 271 00:09:25,365 --> 00:09:27,500 - The kids that I work with are amazing. 272 00:09:27,534 --> 00:09:29,903 A lot of people hear the word "disability" 273 00:09:29,936 --> 00:09:31,871 and they don't give them their fair shot. 274 00:09:31,905 --> 00:09:34,507 But these kids have so much potential and talent. 275 00:09:34,541 --> 00:09:35,809 Four--all the way down, all the way down. 276 00:09:35,842 --> 00:09:37,210 That's good, Amar. - Ah! 277 00:09:37,243 --> 00:09:39,612 - And to watch them grow and conquer obstacles 278 00:09:39,646 --> 00:09:41,681 like I'm going to conquer these obstacles tonight, 279 00:09:41,715 --> 00:09:43,516 that means everything to me. 280 00:09:46,453 --> 00:09:47,654 [cheers and applause] 281 00:09:47,687 --> 00:09:49,422 - Gotta love that energy right there. 282 00:09:49,456 --> 00:09:50,657 - Yay! 283 00:09:50,690 --> 00:09:51,691 - And there's some of his students 284 00:09:51,725 --> 00:09:53,293 watching back in Newark, 285 00:09:53,326 --> 00:09:55,395 as are some family members. - Yay! 286 00:09:55,428 --> 00:09:57,564 - Ahh! 287 00:09:57,597 --> 00:09:59,599 [countdown clock beeping] 288 00:09:59,632 --> 00:10:01,034 - He's lost a lot of weight 289 00:10:01,067 --> 00:10:04,938 but still a pretty big guy at 6'1" and 185 pounds. 290 00:10:04,971 --> 00:10:06,573 All right, keep climbing. 291 00:10:06,606 --> 00:10:08,174 There it is. There you go. 292 00:10:08,208 --> 00:10:11,311 - Well, climbs up just enough to stay out of the water. 293 00:10:11,344 --> 00:10:13,013 He survives. 294 00:10:13,046 --> 00:10:14,180 And he's excited. 295 00:10:14,214 --> 00:10:16,616 [cheers and applause] 296 00:10:16,649 --> 00:10:18,651 He's competed on "Ninja Warrior" before, 297 00:10:18,685 --> 00:10:21,788 but the last two times he fell on the second obstacle. 298 00:10:21,821 --> 00:10:23,923 So it would be a real confidence boost 299 00:10:23,957 --> 00:10:25,992 if he can get past Rollercoaster. 300 00:10:26,026 --> 00:10:27,527 - Let's go. Rollercoaster. 301 00:10:27,560 --> 00:10:29,996 - Love to see him get this. 302 00:10:30,030 --> 00:10:31,965 - Hiyah! - Hiyah! 303 00:10:31,998 --> 00:10:33,600 That's the way you celebrate. 304 00:10:33,633 --> 00:10:35,001 Hiyah! Bi-ya-ka! 305 00:10:35,035 --> 00:10:37,370 - Desmond Odom has done it! 306 00:10:37,404 --> 00:10:40,006 And he's pumped up. - He knows it. 307 00:10:40,040 --> 00:10:41,808 - Man! - It's been a long time 308 00:10:41,841 --> 00:10:43,743 since he's seen the third obstacle. 309 00:10:43,777 --> 00:10:46,279 [cheers and applause] 310 00:10:46,312 --> 00:10:49,015 - I mean, this dude is jacked now. 311 00:10:49,049 --> 00:10:51,217 What a fitness journey he's been on. 312 00:10:51,251 --> 00:10:52,952 What an inspiration. - You got it! 313 00:10:52,986 --> 00:10:56,256 - Come on, Des! 314 00:10:56,289 --> 00:10:57,757 both: Ooh! [air horn blares] 315 00:10:57,791 --> 00:11:00,060 - He got past the second obstacle 316 00:11:00,060 --> 00:11:02,529 only to be tripped up on the third. 317 00:11:02,562 --> 00:11:05,799 But an energetic run by Desmond Odom. 318 00:11:05,832 --> 00:11:07,067 Let me tell you, 319 00:11:07,067 --> 00:11:09,135 Desmond does not like dominoes. 320 00:11:09,169 --> 00:11:12,505 Way back in season five, he fell on Domino Hill. 321 00:11:12,539 --> 00:11:14,507 And tonight, it was Domino Effect 322 00:11:14,541 --> 00:11:16,276 that got him. 323 00:11:16,309 --> 00:11:19,779 But he's gonna enjoy himself no matter what. 324 00:11:19,813 --> 00:11:20,780 - * Can't miss this, can't miss this * 325 00:11:20,814 --> 00:11:23,149 - It's opening night, 326 00:11:23,183 --> 00:11:25,385 and it's a "Ninja" double feature. 327 00:11:25,418 --> 00:11:26,386 - * No, you can't miss * 328 00:11:26,419 --> 00:11:27,787 - Two different courses 329 00:11:27,821 --> 00:11:30,557 for two groups of "Ninja" favorites. 330 00:11:30,590 --> 00:11:32,525 We've even got twins-- 331 00:11:32,559 --> 00:11:35,729 TikTok superstars the Wright Brothers. 332 00:11:35,762 --> 00:11:38,832 Plus, we'll end each hour with the Runoffs, 333 00:11:38,865 --> 00:11:40,133 head-to-head matches 334 00:11:40,166 --> 00:11:42,535 for the final spots in the semifinals. 335 00:11:42,569 --> 00:11:44,104 Oh! - Oh! 336 00:11:44,104 --> 00:11:46,373 - It's gonna be a crowd-pleasing, 337 00:11:46,406 --> 00:11:50,577 hula-hoopin' season premiere... 338 00:11:50,610 --> 00:11:51,711 - Let's go! 339 00:11:51,745 --> 00:11:56,683 - Of "American Ninja Warrior." 340 00:12:00,320 --> 00:12:02,222 - Welcome back to our season premiere. 341 00:12:02,255 --> 00:12:03,490 While we were away, 342 00:12:03,523 --> 00:12:05,392 Rich Gardiner came to the start line 343 00:12:05,425 --> 00:12:07,560 hoping to match his daughter Emily, 344 00:12:07,594 --> 00:12:10,096 who crushed the course minutes ago. 345 00:12:10,130 --> 00:12:12,632 Gardiner is the night's oldest competitor. 346 00:12:12,665 --> 00:12:14,834 And while his handstand looked good... 347 00:12:14,868 --> 00:12:16,770 - Matt, I can't do that at 43. 348 00:12:16,803 --> 00:12:18,505 This man's doin' that at 57. 349 00:12:18,538 --> 00:12:20,674 - He barely survived Pole Vault... 350 00:12:20,707 --> 00:12:22,108 - Get up there. Get up there! Come on! 351 00:12:22,142 --> 00:12:23,510 Nice! 352 00:12:23,543 --> 00:12:25,645 - And then went for a ride on Rollercoaster. 353 00:12:25,679 --> 00:12:28,415 - Welcome to Universal Studios. 354 00:12:28,448 --> 00:12:30,583 Whoa! [air horn blares] 355 00:12:32,085 --> 00:12:33,420 - Lucio Battista looked 356 00:12:33,453 --> 00:12:35,488 like an old-school wrestler. [bell dinging] 357 00:12:35,522 --> 00:12:39,225 But he's actually the world Freestyle Moustache champion. 358 00:12:39,259 --> 00:12:40,627 - Ooh, that's the 'stache right there. 359 00:12:40,660 --> 00:12:42,529 That's a serious 'stache. 360 00:12:42,562 --> 00:12:44,631 - And he had the whole crowd roaring. 361 00:12:44,664 --> 00:12:47,233 all: Lucio! Lucio! Lucio! 362 00:12:47,267 --> 00:12:49,936 - His run was definitely hair-raising. 363 00:12:49,969 --> 00:12:52,238 - Oh! You got a handlebar for a moustache. 364 00:12:52,272 --> 00:12:53,540 Hold on! 365 00:12:53,573 --> 00:12:55,508 - But after surviving a close shave 366 00:12:55,542 --> 00:12:57,243 on the second obstacle, 367 00:12:57,277 --> 00:12:59,112 he was cut down on the third. 368 00:12:59,112 --> 00:13:01,114 - Oh, no! 369 00:13:01,147 --> 00:13:02,615 - Ohh. 370 00:13:02,649 --> 00:13:05,618 - Well, at least his 'stache still looks good. 371 00:13:05,652 --> 00:13:08,054 24-year-old Casey Rothschild 372 00:13:08,088 --> 00:13:10,490 hit a buzzer in qualifying last season. 373 00:13:10,523 --> 00:13:12,859 - [squeals] - She's the real deal, Matt. 374 00:13:12,892 --> 00:13:15,428 - She came out strong again tonight. 375 00:13:15,462 --> 00:13:16,663 - Nice! 376 00:13:16,696 --> 00:13:17,931 - She rolled through the early part 377 00:13:17,964 --> 00:13:19,165 of the course. 378 00:13:19,199 --> 00:13:21,768 - Oh! Hold on! 379 00:13:21,801 --> 00:13:23,269 - And like Emily Gardiner, 380 00:13:23,303 --> 00:13:25,071 she made it to the fifth obstacle, 381 00:13:25,071 --> 00:13:26,439 Lasso Launch. 382 00:13:26,473 --> 00:13:27,874 - Oh! 383 00:13:27,907 --> 00:13:30,176 - But another deep run by the women, 384 00:13:30,210 --> 00:13:32,078 the best of the night so far. 385 00:13:32,078 --> 00:13:33,446 - I'm really happy with my run, 386 00:13:33,480 --> 00:13:37,550 so excited to-- to get back to obstacle five. 387 00:13:37,584 --> 00:13:39,953 - Our next competitor is a living miracle. 388 00:13:39,986 --> 00:13:43,490 This is New Jersey teenager Mazeiah Andrade. 389 00:13:43,523 --> 00:13:45,325 Hard to believe now, but when he was born, 390 00:13:45,358 --> 00:13:48,094 he weighed just 1 pound. 391 00:13:48,094 --> 00:13:49,295 And that was just the start 392 00:13:49,329 --> 00:13:51,998 of the obstacles he's had to overcome. 393 00:13:52,098 --> 00:13:56,102 - Oh, my gosh. - You were so tiny. 394 00:13:56,102 --> 00:13:57,303 [gentle piano music] 395 00:13:57,337 --> 00:13:58,338 And then here I put, like, 396 00:13:58,371 --> 00:14:00,373 my hand next to you to see. 397 00:14:00,407 --> 00:14:01,875 I was terrified. 398 00:14:01,908 --> 00:14:03,143 I could not believe when they said, 399 00:14:03,176 --> 00:14:04,577 "You're going to have your baby tonight." 400 00:14:04,611 --> 00:14:06,079 I'm like, "I'm only five months pregnant. 401 00:14:06,112 --> 00:14:07,313 There's no way." 402 00:14:07,347 --> 00:14:09,049 There were times where I wasn't sure 403 00:14:09,049 --> 00:14:10,617 if he was going to make it. 404 00:14:10,650 --> 00:14:13,586 He had brain surgery, eye surgery, 405 00:14:13,620 --> 00:14:15,555 and many different procedures 406 00:14:15,588 --> 00:14:18,558 with IVs, blood transfusions. 407 00:14:18,591 --> 00:14:21,127 It was a lot. 408 00:14:21,161 --> 00:14:23,430 - Growing up, it wasn't easy. 409 00:14:23,463 --> 00:14:25,799 I had difficulties with my motor skills, 410 00:14:25,832 --> 00:14:27,067 with my speech... 411 00:14:27,100 --> 00:14:30,603 "Changes happen in the garden." 412 00:14:30,637 --> 00:14:31,838 - Good job. 413 00:14:31,871 --> 00:14:34,574 - And doing physical activities-- 414 00:14:34,607 --> 00:14:36,943 my mom put me into a bunch of different sports 415 00:14:36,976 --> 00:14:39,379 and none of them worked out. 416 00:14:39,412 --> 00:14:42,182 And then for some reason, I guess Ninja was just it. 417 00:14:42,215 --> 00:14:44,117 [uplifting music] 418 00:14:44,150 --> 00:14:46,119 - Wow. 419 00:14:46,152 --> 00:14:47,821 That was smooth. 420 00:14:47,854 --> 00:14:49,289 - When I first got my hands on obstacles, 421 00:14:49,322 --> 00:14:51,191 it was something really different, 422 00:14:51,224 --> 00:14:52,959 because I'm able to swing on things 423 00:14:52,992 --> 00:14:53,960 and move around in ways 424 00:14:53,993 --> 00:14:55,862 that I didn't even know I could. 425 00:14:55,895 --> 00:14:58,098 It's more than just doing obstacles. 426 00:14:58,098 --> 00:14:59,232 It's the community. 427 00:14:59,265 --> 00:15:00,567 [applause] - Nice! 428 00:15:00,600 --> 00:15:01,668 - Being taught lessons 429 00:15:01,701 --> 00:15:03,303 or just constantly going 430 00:15:03,336 --> 00:15:04,504 through little slumps, 431 00:15:04,537 --> 00:15:06,039 I'm able to translate it to my life. 432 00:15:06,039 --> 00:15:09,676 And it's helped me in ways I can't explain. 433 00:15:09,709 --> 00:15:11,711 It hasn't been easy, but it's a journey. 434 00:15:11,745 --> 00:15:14,214 - This is too nice, Masi. - Yeah. 435 00:15:14,247 --> 00:15:16,616 - To see the little, tiny pound 436 00:15:16,649 --> 00:15:18,151 that he was till now, 437 00:15:18,184 --> 00:15:19,819 he makes me so proud. 438 00:15:19,853 --> 00:15:23,857 * * 439 00:15:23,890 --> 00:15:25,792 [cheers and applause] 440 00:15:25,825 --> 00:15:27,560 - And Mazeiah's rock through it all 441 00:15:27,594 --> 00:15:30,563 has been his mom, Anna, who's on the sideline 442 00:15:30,597 --> 00:15:32,732 with his stepdad. - Let's go, Masi! 443 00:15:32,766 --> 00:15:34,100 - He's got lots of family watching 444 00:15:34,134 --> 00:15:35,435 back in New Jersey as well. 445 00:15:35,468 --> 00:15:38,705 [all shouting] 446 00:15:38,738 --> 00:15:40,940 [countdown clock beeping] 447 00:15:40,974 --> 00:15:42,742 - Well, we watched his submission video. 448 00:15:42,776 --> 00:15:44,344 And just the dedication 449 00:15:44,377 --> 00:15:46,279 with which he approaches "Ninja Warrior," 450 00:15:46,312 --> 00:15:48,348 the hard work he's put in. - Yeah, that's right. 451 00:15:48,381 --> 00:15:52,352 He trained for Ninja five days a week. 452 00:15:52,385 --> 00:15:54,721 - He had problems with his gross motor skills. 453 00:15:54,754 --> 00:15:56,556 - It's so hard to reconcile that 454 00:15:56,589 --> 00:15:58,892 with the athlete we see out here on the course. 455 00:15:58,925 --> 00:16:01,127 What a testament to how hard he's worked. 456 00:16:01,161 --> 00:16:04,197 [cheers and applause] 457 00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:06,266 - Tested here. 458 00:16:06,299 --> 00:16:07,801 Oh. Oh, no! - Oh, oh, oh! 459 00:16:07,834 --> 00:16:09,035 - Oh, no! - Great save! 460 00:16:09,069 --> 00:16:12,105 - Yes! - Okay, I see you, Mazeiah! 461 00:16:12,138 --> 00:16:13,740 [cheers and applause] 462 00:16:13,773 --> 00:16:15,308 - Just wasn't gonna quit. 463 00:16:15,342 --> 00:16:17,177 - [chuckles] 464 00:16:17,210 --> 00:16:18,878 - He fought his way out of that one. 465 00:16:18,912 --> 00:16:21,381 - Yeah! 466 00:16:21,414 --> 00:16:23,283 That was remarkable! 467 00:16:23,316 --> 00:16:26,152 Andrade flat-out 468 00:16:26,186 --> 00:16:30,457 athleticizing his way through the course. 469 00:16:30,490 --> 00:16:31,958 And I don't believe that's a word 470 00:16:32,058 --> 00:16:33,460 until tonight. - I--no, no, no. 471 00:16:33,493 --> 00:16:34,794 You made that one. - He is athleticized. 472 00:16:34,828 --> 00:16:36,062 Verbed it. - I--I liked it. 473 00:16:36,062 --> 00:16:37,197 I liked it. 474 00:16:37,230 --> 00:16:39,265 [chuckles] - Watch the bling here. 475 00:16:39,299 --> 00:16:41,234 Gotta get it hooked. 476 00:16:41,267 --> 00:16:44,971 - Nice. Oh, boy. - Rung up there. 477 00:16:45,071 --> 00:16:46,840 - Here we go. Get that bag. 478 00:16:46,873 --> 00:16:48,074 Nice. 479 00:16:48,074 --> 00:16:50,343 - New last year, Mazeiah Andrade... 480 00:16:50,377 --> 00:16:54,447 [cheers and applause] 481 00:16:54,481 --> 00:16:56,783 - Making the most of that tremendous save 482 00:16:56,816 --> 00:16:58,785 on Domino Effect. 483 00:17:00,153 --> 00:17:01,521 - All right. Watch out, now. 484 00:17:01,554 --> 00:17:03,857 - And you see him start to slide here, Matt. 485 00:17:03,890 --> 00:17:05,425 He's gotta keep them Ls 486 00:17:05,458 --> 00:17:08,128 to have better control of that lasso. 487 00:17:08,161 --> 00:17:10,630 - No one's landed this backwards move yet. 488 00:17:10,663 --> 00:17:12,766 - Oh, he's startin' to get straight arms. 489 00:17:12,799 --> 00:17:14,200 - Nice! - Wow. 490 00:17:14,234 --> 00:17:16,036 Locked in and now fully extended. 491 00:17:16,069 --> 00:17:18,304 And he has to go up 6 inches. 492 00:17:18,338 --> 00:17:19,673 This is gonna be tough 493 00:17:19,706 --> 00:17:21,841 to get that rope up and hook it. 494 00:17:21,875 --> 00:17:23,710 - Oh, boy. This a big 6 inches 495 00:17:23,743 --> 00:17:25,345 that he's gotta get up. 496 00:17:25,378 --> 00:17:28,915 Oh, and missed it. 497 00:17:28,948 --> 00:17:30,517 - You could just see the rope drop 498 00:17:30,550 --> 00:17:32,419 as soon as it came up. 499 00:17:32,452 --> 00:17:36,122 Still an amazing rookie run for Andrade. 500 00:17:36,156 --> 00:17:37,824 - Matt, he's a fighter. 501 00:17:37,857 --> 00:17:40,326 Look at this save again on Domino Effect. 502 00:17:40,360 --> 00:17:42,362 And you gotta love that smile. 503 00:17:42,395 --> 00:17:44,664 He came up short on Lasso Launch, 504 00:17:44,698 --> 00:17:48,201 but a great debut for Andrade. 505 00:17:48,234 --> 00:17:50,070 - Getting hugs from the family. 506 00:17:50,103 --> 00:17:51,871 And with his speed to that point, 507 00:17:51,905 --> 00:17:53,640 he's got a good chance of advancing 508 00:17:53,673 --> 00:17:55,875 to the semifinals. 509 00:17:55,909 --> 00:17:58,545 - Guys, these "Ninja" fans know who's comin' up. 510 00:17:58,578 --> 00:18:01,381 Our next competitor was seconds away 511 00:18:01,414 --> 00:18:02,849 from winning the million dollars 512 00:18:02,882 --> 00:18:04,584 on stage four last year. 513 00:18:04,617 --> 00:18:07,654 And Jay "Lache" Lewis is one of the favorites 514 00:18:07,687 --> 00:18:09,356 to get back there this season. 515 00:18:09,389 --> 00:18:11,624 In fact, the 18-year-old, 516 00:18:11,658 --> 00:18:13,693 who goes to Syracuse University, 517 00:18:13,727 --> 00:18:15,762 is taking the semester off from college 518 00:18:15,795 --> 00:18:17,897 so he can focus on winning it all 519 00:18:17,931 --> 00:18:19,366 at the national finals. 520 00:18:19,399 --> 00:18:21,167 That's how committed he is. - Hi, Mom. 521 00:18:21,201 --> 00:18:24,671 - His mom's watching from back in Connecticut... 522 00:18:24,704 --> 00:18:26,306 - Let's go, Jay! 523 00:18:26,339 --> 00:18:27,874 - While his dad's on the sideline 524 00:18:27,907 --> 00:18:29,642 with some of the ninjas he trains with, 525 00:18:29,676 --> 00:18:31,544 including Ninja great Joe Moravsky. 526 00:18:31,578 --> 00:18:33,313 - You got it, Jay! - Let's job, Jay! 527 00:18:33,346 --> 00:18:35,682 [countdown clock beeping] 528 00:18:35,715 --> 00:18:38,351 - Well, what a remarkable run of consistency 529 00:18:38,385 --> 00:18:40,286 Jay Lache has had. - Well, Matt, to your point, 530 00:18:40,320 --> 00:18:42,155 he's only fallen in the water once 531 00:18:42,188 --> 00:18:44,057 in his entire Ninja career. 532 00:18:44,057 --> 00:18:46,426 - Timed out on the rope climb last season. 533 00:18:46,459 --> 00:18:50,263 Just 4/10 of a second away from winning 100,000 534 00:18:50,296 --> 00:18:52,098 as Last Ninja Standing. - Yeah, Matt, 535 00:18:52,132 --> 00:18:54,334 He is the prototype ninja, isn't he? 536 00:18:54,367 --> 00:18:55,602 [cheers and applause] 537 00:18:55,635 --> 00:18:57,604 - Just 128 pounds, 538 00:18:57,637 --> 00:18:59,906 And just glides across dominoes 539 00:19:00,006 --> 00:19:01,775 and right into The Getaway. - Nice. 540 00:19:01,808 --> 00:19:03,810 - This is where it starts to get a little more challenging. 541 00:19:03,843 --> 00:19:06,613 It really starts pumping those arms. 542 00:19:06,646 --> 00:19:07,847 Just 30 seconds in, 543 00:19:07,881 --> 00:19:10,083 and he's already on the fourth obstacle. 544 00:19:10,116 --> 00:19:12,085 - Well, he could not only be our first finisher, 545 00:19:12,118 --> 00:19:14,554 he could be the first to try the Mega Wall 546 00:19:14,587 --> 00:19:16,923 but would need to finish in less than 1:20... 547 00:19:17,023 --> 00:19:18,692 - Jay Lache doin' what he does best. 548 00:19:18,725 --> 00:19:21,027 Lache-in' right through the races. 549 00:19:22,696 --> 00:19:25,498 - But no one's gotten through Lasso Launch tonight. 550 00:19:25,532 --> 00:19:28,201 And this can eat up a lot of time. 551 00:19:28,234 --> 00:19:30,704 - Get up high. 552 00:19:30,737 --> 00:19:31,805 - Really powering around. 553 00:19:31,838 --> 00:19:33,606 - It's in his nickname, "Lache." 554 00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:35,642 Now you gotta lache backwards. 555 00:19:35,675 --> 00:19:38,078 - Akbar, look at the grip. Up high and locked in. 556 00:19:38,111 --> 00:19:40,680 - Nice! - Gets the backward move 557 00:19:40,714 --> 00:19:43,650 but now has to slide around and get the last one. 558 00:19:43,683 --> 00:19:45,385 I don't know if he's gonna finish fast enough 559 00:19:45,418 --> 00:19:46,619 to get the Mega Wall, 560 00:19:46,653 --> 00:19:48,355 and that shows just how difficult it is 561 00:19:48,388 --> 00:19:50,390 to finish under 1:20. 562 00:19:50,423 --> 00:19:52,959 But he is gonna get a buzzer. 563 00:19:53,059 --> 00:19:56,296 - Continues his record of perfection. 564 00:19:56,329 --> 00:19:58,064 One of the favorites to win it all 565 00:19:58,098 --> 00:20:00,400 and he's our first finisher of the season. 566 00:20:00,433 --> 00:20:02,502 - We did it, baby! 567 00:20:02,535 --> 00:20:04,004 That's how we do it! 568 00:20:04,037 --> 00:20:07,073 [cheers and applause] 569 00:20:07,841 --> 00:20:10,477 - Yeah, buddy! Yeah! 570 00:20:10,510 --> 00:20:12,078 - Hey, why you so pumped? 571 00:20:12,112 --> 00:20:13,680 - You know, Ninja's what I love to do. 572 00:20:13,713 --> 00:20:14,948 And to do it on the biggest stage 573 00:20:14,981 --> 00:20:17,884 is a blast. - Jay, just a few seconds slow, 574 00:20:17,917 --> 00:20:19,986 so you miss out on the shot on the Mega Wall. 575 00:20:20,020 --> 00:20:21,721 But I have a feeling you have 576 00:20:21,755 --> 00:20:24,657 a bigger goal in mind this season. 577 00:20:24,691 --> 00:20:26,292 - You know, plan's to get back to stage four 578 00:20:26,326 --> 00:20:27,761 and, uh, climb the rope this time. 579 00:20:27,794 --> 00:20:29,062 So let's see if we can do that. 580 00:20:29,095 --> 00:20:30,663 - Well, you took the next step, my man. 581 00:20:30,697 --> 00:20:33,299 Go celebrate with your friends and family down there, bud. 582 00:20:33,333 --> 00:20:36,336 * * 583 00:20:36,369 --> 00:20:38,071 [cheers and applause] 584 00:20:38,104 --> 00:20:40,640 [laughter] 585 00:20:40,674 --> 00:20:42,776 Up next, we're taking you 586 00:20:42,809 --> 00:20:45,245 to the Ninja wedding of the year. 587 00:20:45,278 --> 00:20:48,848 Najee Richardson's big day is just ahead. 588 00:20:48,882 --> 00:20:50,483 Plus... - Here I come. 589 00:20:50,517 --> 00:20:52,285 - Violet Kepo'o is a wiz 590 00:20:52,318 --> 00:20:53,653 when it comes to "Harry Potter." 591 00:20:53,687 --> 00:20:55,455 - Gotcha! 592 00:20:55,488 --> 00:20:57,424 - But this 95-pound teenager 593 00:20:57,457 --> 00:20:58,958 is also a wizard on the Ninja course. 594 00:20:58,992 --> 00:21:00,160 - Yeah! 595 00:21:00,193 --> 00:21:01,461 - And she's coming up 596 00:21:01,494 --> 00:21:04,798 on "American Ninja Warrior." 597 00:21:10,537 --> 00:21:12,272 - We've got a new first obstacle this season, 598 00:21:12,305 --> 00:21:14,407 Pole Vault. And it's no pushover. 599 00:21:14,441 --> 00:21:15,442 - Get up high. 600 00:21:15,475 --> 00:21:16,910 Oh! [air horn blares] 601 00:21:16,943 --> 00:21:19,612 - Minutes ago, Washington, D.C., hospital worker 602 00:21:19,646 --> 00:21:21,114 Sean Steele-Weekes 603 00:21:21,147 --> 00:21:23,316 looked strong enough for any obstacle. 604 00:21:23,350 --> 00:21:25,485 Hey, why so jacked? 605 00:21:25,518 --> 00:21:27,187 But he couldn't make the climb. 606 00:21:27,220 --> 00:21:28,455 - Get up that. Get up, get up. 607 00:21:28,488 --> 00:21:29,989 Get up that pole! Get up that--ooh. 608 00:21:30,090 --> 00:21:31,324 [air horn blares] 609 00:21:31,358 --> 00:21:33,727 - Then it was another super-fit athlete, 610 00:21:33,760 --> 00:21:36,363 competitive paddle-boarder Erin Kundolf. 611 00:21:36,396 --> 00:21:37,630 - She's puttin' in work! 612 00:21:37,664 --> 00:21:39,899 - This Maryland mom spends hours 613 00:21:39,933 --> 00:21:41,234 training on the water, 614 00:21:41,267 --> 00:21:43,603 but she couldn't stay out of it tonight. 615 00:21:43,636 --> 00:21:44,771 - Oh, no! 616 00:21:44,804 --> 00:21:47,173 No, no, no, no, no. [air horn blares] 617 00:21:47,207 --> 00:21:49,342 - Super disappointing. 618 00:21:49,376 --> 00:21:52,112 - Ninja veteran Alan Connealy did find his way 619 00:21:52,145 --> 00:21:53,346 past Pole Vault. 620 00:21:53,380 --> 00:21:54,681 - That's how you do it. 621 00:21:54,714 --> 00:21:56,116 - Let's go. 622 00:21:56,116 --> 00:21:58,618 - The 42-year-old from Concord, California, 623 00:21:58,651 --> 00:22:00,120 is an old-school ninja. 624 00:22:00,153 --> 00:22:03,056 He first competed back in season three 625 00:22:03,056 --> 00:22:05,859 but hasn't run the course since 2017. 626 00:22:05,892 --> 00:22:09,496 Six years away from the game, and he's makin' his return. 627 00:22:09,529 --> 00:22:12,532 The chiropractor looked like he hadn't lost his step 628 00:22:12,565 --> 00:22:14,134 as he took on Domino Effect. 629 00:22:14,167 --> 00:22:15,669 - Ooh. [air horn blares] 630 00:22:15,702 --> 00:22:18,171 Boy, he's gonna need an adjustment after that one. 631 00:22:18,204 --> 00:22:20,140 [cheers and applause] 632 00:22:20,173 --> 00:22:22,442 - Up next is another ninja 633 00:22:22,475 --> 00:22:24,577 who's been around since the early days. 634 00:22:24,611 --> 00:22:26,079 It's Brian Kretsch, 635 00:22:26,079 --> 00:22:27,947 who's competed on every season 636 00:22:27,981 --> 00:22:29,616 of "American Ninja Warrior". 637 00:22:29,649 --> 00:22:31,918 But even after 15 years, 638 00:22:31,951 --> 00:22:33,620 this Ninja veteran gets nervous 639 00:22:33,653 --> 00:22:36,823 when he steps on the course. 640 00:22:36,856 --> 00:22:38,792 Kretsch has admitted he is intimidated 641 00:22:38,825 --> 00:22:40,527 by these balance obstacles. 642 00:22:40,560 --> 00:22:42,395 - My all-time least favorite obstacle 643 00:22:42,429 --> 00:22:43,863 would be anything balance. 644 00:22:43,897 --> 00:22:46,566 [cheers and applause] 645 00:22:46,599 --> 00:22:49,135 both: Oh! 646 00:22:49,169 --> 00:22:51,371 - I broke my leg on season seven. 647 00:22:53,573 --> 00:22:55,008 - Kretsch is down and he is holding. 648 00:22:55,108 --> 00:22:56,843 And that is not a good sign. 649 00:22:56,876 --> 00:22:59,145 - He is clearly in a lot of pain. 650 00:22:59,179 --> 00:23:00,847 - Last year, 651 00:23:00,880 --> 00:23:03,583 I injured myself on balance again. 652 00:23:03,616 --> 00:23:06,086 I suffered a fractured rib. 653 00:23:06,119 --> 00:23:07,087 - Oh, my goodness. 654 00:23:07,120 --> 00:23:10,190 He fell right on his appendix. 655 00:23:10,223 --> 00:23:12,559 Took the wind right out of him. 656 00:23:13,626 --> 00:23:16,096 - I'm always a little worried about balance. 657 00:23:16,129 --> 00:23:17,931 And when I start the balance obstacles, 658 00:23:17,964 --> 00:23:19,466 I black out. 659 00:23:19,499 --> 00:23:22,702 - And that's how quickly a run can end. 660 00:23:22,736 --> 00:23:26,406 - I haven't finished one cleanly yet... 661 00:23:26,439 --> 00:23:28,541 but I hope to be able to do that tonight. 662 00:23:32,679 --> 00:23:35,782 - And the balance obstacle tonight is Domino Effect. 663 00:23:35,815 --> 00:23:37,484 Gotta be on his mind. 664 00:23:37,517 --> 00:23:39,819 Kretsch's buddies, including David Campbell, 665 00:23:39,853 --> 00:23:42,555 the only other ninja who's competed every season, 666 00:23:42,589 --> 00:23:45,191 on the sideline to show their support. 667 00:23:45,225 --> 00:23:48,194 [countdown clock beeping] 668 00:23:48,228 --> 00:23:51,364 He's 6'3", our tallest athlete tonight, 669 00:23:51,398 --> 00:23:54,567 which should help him get past Pole Vault. 670 00:23:54,601 --> 00:23:56,936 - Easy, buddy. Nice. 671 00:23:56,970 --> 00:23:59,472 - Yeah. - Let's go. 672 00:23:59,506 --> 00:24:00,907 - I'm not gonna lie, though, 673 00:24:00,940 --> 00:24:03,076 Brian Kresch, he's sportin' that old-man swag 674 00:24:03,109 --> 00:24:05,679 with the knee brace. - Well, he's talked about it. 675 00:24:05,712 --> 00:24:07,047 He's had multiple injuries 676 00:24:07,080 --> 00:24:10,050 and at 39 is one of the older competitors. 677 00:24:10,050 --> 00:24:12,152 - Nice, nice. Throw your hip into it. 678 00:24:12,185 --> 00:24:14,287 Nice. - Got it. Smooth. 679 00:24:14,320 --> 00:24:16,690 - But now here we go. The moment of truth-- 680 00:24:16,723 --> 00:24:21,261 a dreaded balance obstacle, Domino Effect. 681 00:24:21,294 --> 00:24:23,730 - Lean forward. Lean forward. - Step forward. Step forward. 682 00:24:23,763 --> 00:24:24,931 - Come on. - Getting advice 683 00:24:24,964 --> 00:24:26,132 from the sidelines. 684 00:24:26,166 --> 00:24:28,068 But really this is all in his head. 685 00:24:30,470 --> 00:24:31,938 - Come on, Brian. - Yeah, dude. 686 00:24:31,971 --> 00:24:34,240 - Whoa, no! [air horn blares] 687 00:24:34,274 --> 00:24:36,376 [crowd groans] 688 00:24:37,077 --> 00:24:39,679 - History repeats itself. 689 00:24:39,713 --> 00:24:42,248 Brian Kretsch once again tripped up 690 00:24:42,282 --> 00:24:43,583 on a balance obstacle. 691 00:24:43,616 --> 00:24:46,186 Another heartbreaking finish for Kretsch. 692 00:24:46,219 --> 00:24:47,754 He started off okay, 693 00:24:47,787 --> 00:24:51,725 but on the third domino it all went wrong. 694 00:24:51,758 --> 00:24:54,094 Another absolutely heartbreaking fall 695 00:24:54,127 --> 00:24:57,364 for Brian Kretsch. 696 00:24:57,397 --> 00:24:58,898 - Hey, Brian. 697 00:24:58,932 --> 00:25:00,400 I know you're emotional right now. 698 00:25:00,433 --> 00:25:02,369 What are you thinking? 699 00:25:02,402 --> 00:25:04,504 - I just... 700 00:25:04,537 --> 00:25:06,106 I just put so much into this. 701 00:25:06,139 --> 00:25:08,074 - Mm-hmm. - [breathing heavily] 702 00:25:08,108 --> 00:25:10,710 15 years. 703 00:25:10,744 --> 00:25:14,414 And I can't get past my traumas 704 00:25:14,447 --> 00:25:16,683 and keep failing in the same spot 705 00:25:16,716 --> 00:25:18,551 or can't--having too many issues with it. 706 00:25:18,585 --> 00:25:21,621 And I just feel like it's kind of passing me by. 707 00:25:21,654 --> 00:25:24,791 And I don't know what to do about it. 708 00:25:26,760 --> 00:25:28,895 - Well, we have not seen you miss a season yet. 709 00:25:28,928 --> 00:25:32,065 Well we see you out here again next season? 710 00:25:32,065 --> 00:25:33,333 - I don't know. 711 00:25:33,366 --> 00:25:34,968 - I certainly hope so. 712 00:25:35,068 --> 00:25:37,337 We love you. We're with you. 713 00:25:37,370 --> 00:25:40,473 [indistinct] end the way you wanted it to, okay? 714 00:25:40,507 --> 00:25:42,208 Matt, Akbar, back to you. 715 00:25:42,242 --> 00:25:44,344 - Well, if that is it for Brian Kretsch, 716 00:25:44,377 --> 00:25:46,212 he can hold his head high. 717 00:25:46,246 --> 00:25:47,947 It has been a great career. 718 00:25:47,981 --> 00:25:51,818 It's never easy to say goodbye. 719 00:25:51,851 --> 00:25:52,986 And our next athlete 720 00:25:53,086 --> 00:25:54,187 is also talking about retirement, 721 00:25:54,220 --> 00:25:55,822 another all-time great, 722 00:25:55,855 --> 00:25:58,758 the Phoenix, Najee Richardson. 723 00:25:58,792 --> 00:26:00,927 And you can see he is taking it all in, 724 00:26:01,027 --> 00:26:03,697 because this could be his last qualifying run. 725 00:26:03,730 --> 00:26:06,199 Had so many memorable moments on the course 726 00:26:06,232 --> 00:26:08,668 but had an even bigger one off it 727 00:26:08,702 --> 00:26:09,803 a few months ago. 728 00:26:09,836 --> 00:26:12,038 [upbeat music] 729 00:26:12,038 --> 00:26:14,441 - Last time you guys saw me, I was engaged. 730 00:26:14,474 --> 00:26:15,909 Now I'm married. 731 00:26:15,942 --> 00:26:18,178 Wedding was so fun. 732 00:26:18,211 --> 00:26:19,379 We took it back to the '20s 733 00:26:19,412 --> 00:26:21,681 and just danced and partied. 734 00:26:21,715 --> 00:26:24,050 We had a ton of ninjas come out. 735 00:26:24,084 --> 00:26:25,785 Might have done a handstand contest or two. 736 00:26:25,819 --> 00:26:28,321 [chuckles] 737 00:26:28,355 --> 00:26:30,156 Coming into this year is very, very different 738 00:26:30,190 --> 00:26:31,825 compared to most years, 739 00:26:31,858 --> 00:26:34,294 especially after getting married. 740 00:26:34,327 --> 00:26:35,929 It's been the very first time in my entire career 741 00:26:35,962 --> 00:26:38,331 where I'm thinking, you know, "Maybe this... 742 00:26:38,365 --> 00:26:39,332 maybe this is it." 743 00:26:39,366 --> 00:26:41,401 [cheers and applause] 744 00:26:41,434 --> 00:26:42,736 [buzzer blares] 745 00:26:42,769 --> 00:26:45,772 Who knows how much longer I got left? 746 00:26:45,805 --> 00:26:48,174 But for the time that I am able to do it... 747 00:26:48,208 --> 00:26:51,311 [buzzer blares] [yells] 748 00:26:51,344 --> 00:26:53,079 I'm wanna have as much fun as I can. 749 00:26:53,079 --> 00:26:55,782 * * 750 00:26:55,815 --> 00:26:57,584 [cheers and applause] 751 00:26:57,617 --> 00:26:59,819 - And he's throwing kisses to McKenzie, 752 00:26:59,853 --> 00:27:02,922 who's watching at home back in Philly. 753 00:27:03,023 --> 00:27:06,026 [countdown clock beeping] 754 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:09,462 - Okay. And the Phoenix rises. 755 00:27:09,496 --> 00:27:11,264 He went right to the top of the pole. 756 00:27:11,297 --> 00:27:13,700 - Well, no surprise there. He's a former gymnast 757 00:27:13,733 --> 00:27:16,503 who's always been great at flying through the air. 758 00:27:16,536 --> 00:27:18,405 And he goes right into Rollercoaster. 759 00:27:18,438 --> 00:27:19,606 I think he's going fast 760 00:27:19,639 --> 00:27:21,841 to get a shot at the Mega Wall. 761 00:27:21,875 --> 00:27:26,479 Needs to complete the course in 1:20 to get his shot. 762 00:27:26,513 --> 00:27:28,682 - Excellent balance out of the Phoenix. 763 00:27:28,715 --> 00:27:30,183 Oh, he's goin' for it. 764 00:27:30,216 --> 00:27:31,885 Ho, ho, ho. 765 00:27:31,918 --> 00:27:33,853 - That's a married man now, Matt. 766 00:27:33,887 --> 00:27:36,356 I tell you, he's still got that same pep in his step. 767 00:27:36,389 --> 00:27:38,758 - And he's goin' for the ring. 768 00:27:38,792 --> 00:27:41,661 McKenzie likes it. - He put a ring on it. 769 00:27:41,695 --> 00:27:43,196 Now he's just gotta put a ring on this hook. 770 00:27:43,229 --> 00:27:44,664 - Hooks that big rock. - Nice. 771 00:27:44,698 --> 00:27:48,268 Go for the bag, Najee. - He--he knows what's up. 772 00:27:48,301 --> 00:27:49,936 - Grab that money bag. 773 00:27:49,969 --> 00:27:50,937 But he wants that real money bag. 774 00:27:50,970 --> 00:27:53,306 - [indistinct]. 775 00:27:53,340 --> 00:27:55,075 - Left himself plenty of time, 776 00:27:55,075 --> 00:27:58,445 but this is a challenge here, Lasso Launch. 777 00:27:58,478 --> 00:27:59,913 - Gotta get up high. 778 00:28:00,013 --> 00:28:03,083 And he's gotta stay up tight on the rope, Matt. 779 00:28:03,116 --> 00:28:04,217 - Great grip strength. 780 00:28:04,250 --> 00:28:05,652 This guy's used to flying. 781 00:28:05,685 --> 00:28:08,888 - Yes, he is. - Knows how to launch himself. 782 00:28:08,922 --> 00:28:10,090 - All right. This is where 783 00:28:10,123 --> 00:28:11,424 you gotta rise like the phoenix. 784 00:28:11,458 --> 00:28:13,026 Rise up and over. 785 00:28:13,026 --> 00:28:15,362 Oh! - Oh, no! 786 00:28:15,395 --> 00:28:17,130 - Aw. 787 00:28:17,163 --> 00:28:19,466 - So no Mega Wall for Najee. 788 00:28:19,499 --> 00:28:20,867 But his speed to that point 789 00:28:20,900 --> 00:28:23,536 means he's guaranteed a spot in the top 12. 790 00:28:23,570 --> 00:28:26,406 He and Jay Lewis are moving on to the semifinals. 791 00:28:26,439 --> 00:28:28,808 And for the women, Casey Rothschild 792 00:28:28,842 --> 00:28:31,378 and Emily Gardiner have locked up their spots 793 00:28:31,411 --> 00:28:33,380 in the next round. 794 00:28:33,413 --> 00:28:35,849 - Coming up, who's gonna be the first to take down 795 00:28:35,882 --> 00:28:38,118 the new 18 1/2-foot Mega Wall 796 00:28:38,151 --> 00:28:41,388 and earn 10K from Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card? 797 00:28:41,421 --> 00:28:44,858 Plus, the Runoff races, the first in "Ninja" history, 798 00:28:44,891 --> 00:28:46,159 are just ahead. 799 00:28:46,192 --> 00:28:48,828 This is "Ninja" like you've never seen before. 800 00:28:48,862 --> 00:28:50,597 So you better stick around. 801 00:28:50,630 --> 00:28:52,665 [cheers and applause] 802 00:28:56,102 --> 00:28:57,437 - Opening night rolls on 803 00:28:57,470 --> 00:28:59,906 here at Universal Studios Hollywood. 804 00:29:00,006 --> 00:29:01,207 And minutes ago, 805 00:29:01,241 --> 00:29:03,243 25-year-old Ashley Gianni 806 00:29:03,276 --> 00:29:04,811 showed off her special skills. 807 00:29:04,844 --> 00:29:06,646 - That's very difficult to do. 808 00:29:06,680 --> 00:29:08,548 [cheers and applause] 809 00:29:08,581 --> 00:29:10,183 - The grad student from Buffalo 810 00:29:10,216 --> 00:29:12,819 had a big group watching back in New York. 811 00:29:12,852 --> 00:29:14,621 And though she can handle a unicycle with ease, 812 00:29:14,654 --> 00:29:16,790 she couldn't ride the Rollercoaster. 813 00:29:16,823 --> 00:29:18,258 - Uh-oh, watch out. 814 00:29:18,291 --> 00:29:20,093 Oh! [air horn blares] 815 00:29:21,094 --> 00:29:24,097 - At 205 pounds of solid muscle, 816 00:29:24,130 --> 00:29:27,067 Verdale Benson's the heaviest competitor tonight. 817 00:29:27,100 --> 00:29:28,568 - Flex a little. 818 00:29:28,601 --> 00:29:30,770 - The physician assistant and army veteran 819 00:29:30,804 --> 00:29:33,606 was able to battle his way through the course. 820 00:29:33,640 --> 00:29:35,775 - Matt, he's the biggest ninja out here, 821 00:29:35,809 --> 00:29:37,210 and he's makin' it look easy. 822 00:29:37,243 --> 00:29:39,145 [cheers and applause] 823 00:29:39,179 --> 00:29:41,614 - He showed a light touch on Lasso Launch... 824 00:29:41,648 --> 00:29:44,551 - Go over! Over! 825 00:29:44,584 --> 00:29:46,052 - And looked like he might get 826 00:29:46,052 --> 00:29:47,787 his second career buzzer. 827 00:29:47,821 --> 00:29:49,422 - Come on. 6 inches. Oh! 828 00:29:49,456 --> 00:29:50,957 - Oh! 829 00:29:51,057 --> 00:29:52,692 - Went for a prayer, didn't work out. 830 00:29:52,726 --> 00:29:54,561 But it's okay. 831 00:29:54,594 --> 00:29:57,097 - Massachusetts teenager Addy Herman 832 00:29:57,130 --> 00:30:00,734 is coming off a breakout season last year 833 00:30:00,767 --> 00:30:04,037 when she made it further than any woman on stage one. 834 00:30:04,070 --> 00:30:05,772 - Oh, she got it. 835 00:30:05,805 --> 00:30:07,107 - And then was runner-up 836 00:30:07,140 --> 00:30:10,210 of the last week's Women's Championship. 837 00:30:10,243 --> 00:30:13,146 So tonight she came in with a lot of confidence 838 00:30:13,179 --> 00:30:15,815 and it showed. - I know a "G" when I see one, 839 00:30:15,849 --> 00:30:17,117 and she's a "G." 840 00:30:17,150 --> 00:30:18,852 - With a big group of supporters 841 00:30:18,885 --> 00:30:20,353 including her boyfriend, 842 00:30:20,387 --> 00:30:22,322 fellow ninja Noah Meunier, 843 00:30:22,355 --> 00:30:24,557 the "Hermanator" took on the fifth obstacle 844 00:30:24,591 --> 00:30:27,427 and was closing in on her first buzzer. 845 00:30:27,460 --> 00:30:29,796 - Augh! [air horn blares] 846 00:30:29,829 --> 00:30:32,265 - Despite the fall, her speed put her first 847 00:30:32,298 --> 00:30:34,367 among the women so far 848 00:30:34,401 --> 00:30:37,370 and guaranteed her a spot in the semifinals. 849 00:30:37,404 --> 00:30:40,006 Now Addy's boyfriend gets his shot. 850 00:30:40,040 --> 00:30:42,909 This is Massachusetts teenager Noah Meunier. 851 00:30:42,942 --> 00:30:44,878 He finished high school and training 852 00:30:44,911 --> 00:30:46,446 to be an electrician. 853 00:30:46,479 --> 00:30:48,114 He gets that blue-collar work ethic 854 00:30:48,148 --> 00:30:50,417 from his dad, Dennis. 855 00:30:50,450 --> 00:30:52,585 [gentle piano music] 856 00:30:52,619 --> 00:30:54,220 - 'Kay, well, remember what I told you. 857 00:30:54,254 --> 00:30:56,156 You drive for show, and you putt for dough. 858 00:30:56,189 --> 00:30:58,391 - My dad's really awesome. 859 00:30:58,425 --> 00:30:59,392 - We're gonna throw this tee 860 00:30:59,426 --> 00:31:00,827 to see who goes first, okay? 861 00:31:00,860 --> 00:31:02,595 - Even though he has his disability... 862 00:31:02,629 --> 00:31:03,863 - It's you, buddy. Good luck. 863 00:31:03,897 --> 00:31:06,733 - He actually doesn't let that stop him at all. 864 00:31:06,766 --> 00:31:08,735 - When I was 16 years old, 865 00:31:08,768 --> 00:31:10,603 I had an incident related to a hockey injury. 866 00:31:10,637 --> 00:31:11,604 - Your turn. 867 00:31:11,638 --> 00:31:12,939 - I was completely paralyzed 868 00:31:12,972 --> 00:31:14,407 from my chest down. 869 00:31:14,441 --> 00:31:16,876 So I have to outdrive you? That's gonna be tough. 870 00:31:16,910 --> 00:31:17,977 [laughter] 871 00:31:18,078 --> 00:31:19,412 Just as long as I don't fall down. 872 00:31:19,446 --> 00:31:20,613 - All right. I'll pick you up. 873 00:31:20,647 --> 00:31:21,981 Big driver. 874 00:31:22,082 --> 00:31:24,150 - You know, a lot of people have disabilities, 875 00:31:24,184 --> 00:31:25,385 and I'm just another one of them. 876 00:31:25,418 --> 00:31:26,720 Like, you get up in the morning, 877 00:31:26,753 --> 00:31:29,089 and you know that your day is filled with obstacles, 878 00:31:29,089 --> 00:31:31,358 and you get through them. 879 00:31:31,391 --> 00:31:32,459 - Hey, there we go. 880 00:31:32,492 --> 00:31:34,728 - Finally. - Bang. [chuckles] 881 00:31:34,761 --> 00:31:38,098 My dad is a medical oxygen inspector. 882 00:31:38,098 --> 00:31:40,100 He goes into hospitals and makes sure 883 00:31:40,100 --> 00:31:41,101 everything's working properly. 884 00:31:41,101 --> 00:31:42,602 The people at the hospitals 885 00:31:42,635 --> 00:31:44,137 call my dad "Scooter Man." 886 00:31:44,170 --> 00:31:46,272 - Noah started going on job sites with me 887 00:31:46,306 --> 00:31:48,208 when he was 13. He scrubs up 888 00:31:48,241 --> 00:31:50,710 and helps me do my work in the operating rooms. 889 00:31:50,744 --> 00:31:52,912 - 50.5. - Got it. 890 00:31:52,946 --> 00:31:55,115 [oxygen hisses] - All set. 891 00:31:55,148 --> 00:31:57,117 To look down and see my dad on the sideline, 892 00:31:57,117 --> 00:31:59,652 that's gonna be a really big inspiration. 893 00:31:59,686 --> 00:32:01,121 Nothing's ever stopped him, 894 00:32:01,154 --> 00:32:03,056 and so how could anything ever stop me? 895 00:32:06,126 --> 00:32:07,160 - Noah, come on. 896 00:32:07,193 --> 00:32:08,261 Let's go, Noah! - Dad's gonna be 897 00:32:08,294 --> 00:32:10,063 on the sideline on his scooter 898 00:32:10,063 --> 00:32:12,465 right next to Addy. - Noah, come on! 899 00:32:12,499 --> 00:32:14,367 You got it, Noah! 900 00:32:14,401 --> 00:32:16,703 [countdown clock beeping] 901 00:32:16,736 --> 00:32:18,138 - Looks a little like Clark Kent. 902 00:32:18,171 --> 00:32:21,141 Let's see if he can fly like Superman. 903 00:32:21,174 --> 00:32:22,809 No problem with Pole Vault. 904 00:32:22,842 --> 00:32:24,444 - Let's go, Noah. 905 00:32:24,477 --> 00:32:26,780 You got this, Noah, come on. - One of ten rookies 906 00:32:26,813 --> 00:32:28,581 running in this first group tonight, 907 00:32:28,615 --> 00:32:31,451 Meunier looking very confident. 908 00:32:31,484 --> 00:32:35,088 Great transitions. - He looks so comfortable. 909 00:32:35,088 --> 00:32:36,656 [cheers and applause] 910 00:32:36,690 --> 00:32:38,191 - You're so good. You're so good. 911 00:32:38,224 --> 00:32:40,794 - Making it appear effortless. 912 00:32:40,827 --> 00:32:43,630 - Right over Domino Effect. 913 00:32:43,663 --> 00:32:45,932 Well, Addy Herman has trained him well. 914 00:32:45,965 --> 00:32:47,867 He got to watch her run minutes ago. 915 00:32:47,901 --> 00:32:49,703 And he clearly has a plan of attack 916 00:32:49,736 --> 00:32:52,639 for this course. 917 00:32:52,672 --> 00:32:54,207 - Yeah. And I don't think he's rushing. 918 00:32:54,240 --> 00:32:55,442 He's just moving at his pace. 919 00:32:55,475 --> 00:32:57,110 But here's the good thing too, 920 00:32:57,110 --> 00:32:58,645 this dude is very efficient. 921 00:32:58,678 --> 00:33:00,046 I like what Noah's doing. 922 00:33:00,046 --> 00:33:02,048 - Well, he said at-- in training with Addy, 923 00:33:02,048 --> 00:33:04,451 he's had to learn to k-- pick up his pace. 924 00:33:04,484 --> 00:33:06,553 She is so fast. - Yeah. Addy can go, now. 925 00:33:06,586 --> 00:33:08,621 We've seen it. - Well, he's now facing 926 00:33:08,655 --> 00:33:11,257 the obstacle where she fell, Lasso Launch. 927 00:33:11,291 --> 00:33:13,727 - Let's go, Noah! 928 00:33:13,760 --> 00:33:15,061 - I like his technique. 929 00:33:15,061 --> 00:33:16,830 He's gone higher on the grip. 930 00:33:16,863 --> 00:33:18,898 That gives him a little bit more control 931 00:33:18,932 --> 00:33:20,300 than holding it a little lower. 932 00:33:20,333 --> 00:33:22,435 Nice! 933 00:33:22,469 --> 00:33:23,837 - Well, he looks unassuming, 934 00:33:23,870 --> 00:33:26,106 but Noah Meunier is looking like he could get 935 00:33:26,139 --> 00:33:28,441 a buzzer in his very first run. 936 00:33:28,475 --> 00:33:29,909 - Good launch. 937 00:33:29,943 --> 00:33:31,177 And now he's got a chance 938 00:33:31,211 --> 00:33:34,614 to be fast enough for the Mega Wall. 939 00:33:34,647 --> 00:33:36,216 - Go right into it! - Five-- 940 00:33:36,249 --> 00:33:37,283 You got three seconds. - It's gonna be close. 941 00:33:37,317 --> 00:33:38,885 Two seconds. He's gotta reach for it! 942 00:33:38,918 --> 00:33:40,420 [buzzer blares] - And he does it! 943 00:33:40,453 --> 00:33:42,822 - Let's go! 944 00:33:42,856 --> 00:33:44,424 - Points down to his dad. 945 00:33:44,457 --> 00:33:47,427 That's his hero, his inspiration. 946 00:33:47,460 --> 00:33:49,362 Noah Meunier. 947 00:33:49,396 --> 00:33:51,765 First time on the course, and you crushed it. 948 00:33:51,798 --> 00:33:53,466 - Hey, man, I don't know what my time was, 949 00:33:53,500 --> 00:33:55,101 but you know I was trying for this? 950 00:33:55,135 --> 00:33:57,103 - Well, to have a shot at the Mega Wall 951 00:33:57,103 --> 00:33:58,638 and then 10 grand, 952 00:33:58,672 --> 00:34:01,941 you needed a time faster than 1:20. 953 00:34:02,042 --> 00:34:03,476 - Yeah, right. - Your time... 954 00:34:03,510 --> 00:34:06,146 - Let's get it. - Was 1:19.91 seconds. 955 00:34:06,179 --> 00:34:10,450 - Ooh. - By 0.91 seconds, Noah. 956 00:34:10,483 --> 00:34:12,952 Hey, Noah, go down and get your shot! 957 00:34:13,053 --> 00:34:14,487 Go get it, man. Go get it! 958 00:34:14,521 --> 00:34:18,124 Now, keep in mind, we've raised the Mega Wall 6 inches. 959 00:34:18,158 --> 00:34:20,727 It's now 18 1/2 feet tall. 960 00:34:20,760 --> 00:34:21,728 all: Mega Wall! Mega Wall! 961 00:34:21,761 --> 00:34:23,196 Mega Wall! Mega Wall! 962 00:34:23,229 --> 00:34:26,166 - He's the first ever to attempt it at this height. 963 00:34:26,199 --> 00:34:30,170 - 18 1/2 feet for $10,000. 964 00:34:30,203 --> 00:34:32,105 Here we go. All the way up! 965 00:34:32,138 --> 00:34:34,641 Whoa! 966 00:34:34,674 --> 00:34:35,875 Hey, good job, Noah! 967 00:34:35,909 --> 00:34:38,812 - Well, what a breakout run for Noah Meunier. 968 00:34:38,845 --> 00:34:40,146 Didn't get the Mega Wall 969 00:34:40,180 --> 00:34:41,715 but did everything else he could 970 00:34:41,748 --> 00:34:43,650 to show us he's ready for the big stage. 971 00:34:43,683 --> 00:34:45,085 Well, he was the first to try 972 00:34:45,085 --> 00:34:47,153 the taller version of the Mega Wall, 973 00:34:47,187 --> 00:34:51,257 but came up just a few inches short. 974 00:34:51,291 --> 00:34:52,625 Well, best of all, 975 00:34:52,659 --> 00:34:54,761 he got to share this moment with his dad. 976 00:34:54,794 --> 00:34:57,697 - Thanks, Dad. - Good job, buddy. 977 00:34:57,731 --> 00:34:59,899 - He's one of the all-time greats, 978 00:34:59,933 --> 00:35:02,035 ready to run with these teenagers. 979 00:35:02,035 --> 00:35:05,171 James "The Beast" McGrath is up next. 980 00:35:05,205 --> 00:35:07,774 And later, Utah nurse Maddie Howard 981 00:35:07,807 --> 00:35:10,310 and her son Beckham are back 982 00:35:10,343 --> 00:35:13,747 on the season premiere of "American Ninja Warrior." 983 00:35:19,552 --> 00:35:22,188 - It's opening night on "ANW," and minutes ago, 984 00:35:22,222 --> 00:35:25,058 three ninjas got this crowd fired up. 985 00:35:25,058 --> 00:35:26,693 No one's happier to be here 986 00:35:26,726 --> 00:35:28,762 than the Bionic Ninja, Geoff Snyder. 987 00:35:28,795 --> 00:35:30,430 - Let's go! 988 00:35:30,463 --> 00:35:33,566 - The 46-year-old has a serious heart condition 989 00:35:33,600 --> 00:35:36,670 and is on his fourth pacemaker... 990 00:35:36,703 --> 00:35:38,805 with another heart surgery coming soon. 991 00:35:38,838 --> 00:35:41,574 - This might be his last shot at competing. 992 00:35:41,608 --> 00:35:43,877 - Snyder made the most of it; running the course 993 00:35:43,910 --> 00:35:45,879 for the first time in six years, 994 00:35:45,912 --> 00:35:47,180 he reached Domino Effect. 995 00:35:47,213 --> 00:35:48,181 - Go, go, go! 996 00:35:48,214 --> 00:35:49,549 Oh! 997 00:35:49,582 --> 00:35:52,419 - Still a huge victory for him. 998 00:35:52,452 --> 00:35:53,853 - It's great to be back. 999 00:35:53,887 --> 00:35:56,089 Oh, man. I missed this. 1000 00:35:57,223 --> 00:36:00,627 - 4'11" Taylor Johnson may be the smallest competitor, 1001 00:36:00,660 --> 00:36:03,129 but she's got the biggest voice. 1002 00:36:03,163 --> 00:36:04,764 - Let's go! 1003 00:36:04,798 --> 00:36:07,434 - This five-time veteran better known as Teej 1004 00:36:07,467 --> 00:36:10,136 celebrated every obstacle she completed. 1005 00:36:10,170 --> 00:36:11,471 - Let's go! 1006 00:36:11,504 --> 00:36:14,040 - And she had a lot to celebrate. 1007 00:36:14,040 --> 00:36:15,709 - Let's go! 1008 00:36:15,742 --> 00:36:17,277 - She became the fourth woman 1009 00:36:17,310 --> 00:36:19,045 to reach the fifth obstacle. 1010 00:36:19,045 --> 00:36:21,781 - Oh! 1011 00:36:21,815 --> 00:36:23,049 - And that's gonna put her 1012 00:36:23,049 --> 00:36:24,718 in tonight's head-to-head Runoff race 1013 00:36:24,751 --> 00:36:26,920 for the final spot in the semifinals. 1014 00:36:26,953 --> 00:36:30,790 - Taylor Johnson was amazing. 1015 00:36:30,824 --> 00:36:32,759 - Whoo! - 16-year-old rookie 1016 00:36:32,792 --> 00:36:34,761 Kevin Rodriguez had one of the loudest 1017 00:36:34,794 --> 00:36:36,496 cheering sections of the night. 1018 00:36:36,529 --> 00:36:37,630 - Let's go! 1019 00:36:37,664 --> 00:36:39,232 - That includes his girlfriend, 1020 00:36:39,265 --> 00:36:42,202 Emily Gardiner, who ran earlier. 1021 00:36:42,235 --> 00:36:43,703 She was on the sideline with his mom 1022 00:36:43,737 --> 00:36:46,439 while his family watched from back home. 1023 00:36:46,473 --> 00:36:48,441 And the high schooler from Rhode Island 1024 00:36:48,475 --> 00:36:51,311 gave them plenty to get excited about. 1025 00:36:51,344 --> 00:36:52,912 - Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo. 1026 00:36:52,946 --> 00:36:54,280 - He got past the obstacle 1027 00:36:54,314 --> 00:36:57,283 that knocked out his girlfriend, Lasso Launch. 1028 00:36:57,317 --> 00:36:59,753 - Here we go. Wow. 1029 00:36:59,786 --> 00:37:01,721 - And he made his way to the buzzer. 1030 00:37:01,755 --> 00:37:04,157 So far, it's only been teenagers 1031 00:37:04,190 --> 00:37:05,625 to finish the course tonight. 1032 00:37:05,658 --> 00:37:07,560 - Let's go! 1033 00:37:08,528 --> 00:37:11,231 - Well, our next athlete is definitely not a teenager. 1034 00:37:11,264 --> 00:37:14,701 It's 36-year-old James "The Beast" McGrath. 1035 00:37:14,734 --> 00:37:17,203 He's been around since season two. 1036 00:37:17,237 --> 00:37:19,806 And he's got a big bunch of ninjas on his sideline. 1037 00:37:19,839 --> 00:37:21,808 He's hugely popular. 1038 00:37:21,841 --> 00:37:23,510 And despite being twice the age 1039 00:37:23,543 --> 00:37:25,278 of these young stars, 1040 00:37:25,311 --> 00:37:28,048 The Beast is not intimidated. 1041 00:37:28,048 --> 00:37:30,116 - My goal this season is what it is every season-- 1042 00:37:30,150 --> 00:37:31,851 [buzzer blares] Total victory. 1043 00:37:31,885 --> 00:37:33,319 And I wouldn't be here 1044 00:37:33,353 --> 00:37:35,355 if I didn't think I had a shot. 1045 00:37:35,388 --> 00:37:36,890 Now that I'm 36, 1046 00:37:36,923 --> 00:37:38,858 it's crazy, 'cause some of these young guys 1047 00:37:38,892 --> 00:37:40,193 I've coached, 1048 00:37:40,226 --> 00:37:41,461 and some of them I've known 1049 00:37:41,494 --> 00:37:43,196 since they were, like, ten years old, 1050 00:37:43,229 --> 00:37:45,131 and now I'm playing catch-up with them. 1051 00:37:45,165 --> 00:37:46,900 'Cause I see what they're doing, and I'm like, 1052 00:37:46,933 --> 00:37:48,535 "That's where I need to try and get to." 1053 00:37:48,568 --> 00:37:49,769 And when I get to that point, 1054 00:37:49,803 --> 00:37:51,237 they're already past that. 1055 00:37:51,271 --> 00:37:53,206 But I'm ready for these obstacles. 1056 00:37:53,239 --> 00:37:55,075 The Beast is back. 1057 00:37:55,075 --> 00:37:57,077 [creature growls] 1058 00:37:57,077 --> 00:37:59,512 - Well, James' number one fan is his fiancée, 1059 00:37:59,546 --> 00:38:01,548 Ninja great Allyssa Beird. 1060 00:38:01,581 --> 00:38:02,549 - Whoo! - Unfortunately she's injured 1061 00:38:02,582 --> 00:38:04,184 and will miss this season, 1062 00:38:04,217 --> 00:38:05,452 but not gonna miss this run. 1063 00:38:05,485 --> 00:38:07,354 [countdown clock beeping] 1064 00:38:07,387 --> 00:38:09,022 - You got it, dude! - Time to go into beast mode. 1065 00:38:09,055 --> 00:38:10,290 - Yeah, yeah, yeah. - Beast mode. 1066 00:38:10,323 --> 00:38:12,225 - Just some amazing athleticism. 1067 00:38:12,258 --> 00:38:14,194 6'2", 160. 1068 00:38:14,227 --> 00:38:16,096 He's got the skills to get through any course. 1069 00:38:16,129 --> 00:38:18,264 - Well, yeah, he's got the experience too, Matt. 1070 00:38:18,298 --> 00:38:19,866 He's an 11-time veteran. - You got it. 1071 00:38:19,899 --> 00:38:21,468 - He's done this before. 1072 00:38:21,501 --> 00:38:24,037 - He's got 19 buzzers under his belt. 1073 00:38:24,037 --> 00:38:25,905 Fourth most in "Ninja" history. 1074 00:38:25,939 --> 00:38:28,908 Through Rollercoaster, now on to dominoes. 1075 00:38:28,942 --> 00:38:30,443 - Let's go. Yeah, yeah, yeah. 1076 00:38:30,477 --> 00:38:31,945 Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. 1077 00:38:32,045 --> 00:38:34,414 - Got it. He is moving up, Akbar. 1078 00:38:34,447 --> 00:38:36,149 Remember, last year in qualifying, 1079 00:38:36,182 --> 00:38:38,952 his run ended with the proposal to Allyssa. 1080 00:38:39,052 --> 00:38:41,621 He put a ring on it right there on the sideline. 1081 00:38:41,654 --> 00:38:43,923 But now he's gotta grab this diamond ring 1082 00:38:43,957 --> 00:38:46,059 on The Getaway. all: Beast! Beast! Beast! 1083 00:38:46,059 --> 00:38:48,261 - Well, you can hear the crowd chanting "Beast." 1084 00:38:48,294 --> 00:38:51,731 Told you he is a crowd favorite. 1085 00:38:51,765 --> 00:38:52,732 You know, he could use another 10K for the wedding. 1086 00:38:52,766 --> 00:38:54,567 The Beast needs a tux. 1087 00:38:54,601 --> 00:38:56,636 - And look at him beastin' the course. 1088 00:38:56,670 --> 00:38:59,305 - Whoo! 1089 00:38:59,339 --> 00:39:01,741 - Only has Lasso Launch between him and the buzzer. 1090 00:39:01,775 --> 00:39:03,777 And he's got a good time going to this point. 1091 00:39:03,810 --> 00:39:05,211 - He ain't playin'. 1092 00:39:05,245 --> 00:39:07,380 I still has an outside shot at the Mega Wall. 1093 00:39:07,414 --> 00:39:09,015 And he knows he can do it. 1094 00:39:09,015 --> 00:39:10,750 - Can he keep that grip locked in 1095 00:39:10,784 --> 00:39:12,686 at 36 years of age? 1096 00:39:12,719 --> 00:39:13,820 - Nice. - Locked in. 1097 00:39:13,853 --> 00:39:14,921 - Nice tight grip. 1098 00:39:15,021 --> 00:39:16,423 - No one over 20 years of age 1099 00:39:16,456 --> 00:39:18,224 has completed this obstacle. 1100 00:39:18,258 --> 00:39:20,193 Can The Beast be the first? 1101 00:39:20,226 --> 00:39:22,362 - Oh, yeah. Looks like he's gonna do it. 1102 00:39:22,395 --> 00:39:24,698 - Won't get a shot at the Mega Wall, 1103 00:39:24,731 --> 00:39:27,634 but he's getting another buzzer. 1104 00:39:27,667 --> 00:39:30,036 The Beast is back! 1105 00:39:30,036 --> 00:39:31,404 [buzzer blares] - Ha-ha! 1106 00:39:31,438 --> 00:39:32,872 - Whoo! 1107 00:39:32,906 --> 00:39:36,042 * * 1108 00:39:36,076 --> 00:39:37,410 - Whoo! 1109 00:39:38,445 --> 00:39:40,280 - You hit that buzzer, and you're goin' 1110 00:39:40,313 --> 00:39:42,082 to the semifinals, baby. 1111 00:39:42,115 --> 00:39:44,851 - You may be going head-to-head against these teenagers. 1112 00:39:44,884 --> 00:39:47,787 You're goin' racin', buddy. - Let's go! 1113 00:39:47,821 --> 00:39:50,123 - Yeah! - Come on! 1114 00:39:50,156 --> 00:39:51,391 Whoo! 1115 00:39:51,424 --> 00:39:53,193 - Whoo! 1116 00:39:53,226 --> 00:39:55,061 - Hey, I'm, like, twice the age 1117 00:39:55,061 --> 00:39:56,696 of everyone else that hit the buzzer, aren't I? 1118 00:39:56,730 --> 00:39:58,331 - Yeah, you are. - No. Hey, look, 1119 00:39:58,365 --> 00:40:00,800 you representin' for them old folks, right? 1120 00:40:00,834 --> 00:40:02,135 - Let's go! 1121 00:40:02,168 --> 00:40:04,237 - You still got it, Beast. - Whoo! 1122 00:40:04,270 --> 00:40:05,572 - He's been hittin' buzzers 1123 00:40:05,605 --> 00:40:08,041 since some of these teens were toddlers, 1124 00:40:08,074 --> 00:40:09,542 and he's still doing it. 1125 00:40:09,576 --> 00:40:12,879 He's now up to 20 for his storied career. 1126 00:40:12,912 --> 00:40:15,115 [cheers and applause] 1127 00:40:15,148 --> 00:40:17,584 - Comin' down this way? This is how they do it now? 1128 00:40:17,617 --> 00:40:20,020 - Yeah, that's how they do it now. 1129 00:40:20,053 --> 00:40:22,856 - Yeah! - And he is excited. 1130 00:40:22,889 --> 00:40:25,525 James McGrath is moving on. 1131 00:40:25,558 --> 00:40:28,428 When we come back, it's time to go racing-- 1132 00:40:28,461 --> 00:40:29,763 an all-out sprint 1133 00:40:29,796 --> 00:40:32,565 to win the final spots in the semifinals. 1134 00:40:32,599 --> 00:40:35,835 We'll get our first look at our side-by-side course. 1135 00:40:35,869 --> 00:40:36,970 - Neck-and-neck! 1136 00:40:37,003 --> 00:40:38,505 - It's gonna be fun. 1137 00:40:38,538 --> 00:40:41,441 He's goin' to the semis. 1138 00:40:41,474 --> 00:40:44,878 That's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1139 00:40:44,911 --> 00:40:47,947 [cheers and applause] 1140 00:40:52,519 --> 00:40:54,587 - Moments ago, the final runners 1141 00:40:54,621 --> 00:40:56,589 from this first group of ninjas 1142 00:40:56,623 --> 00:40:58,758 brought some excitement to the course. 1143 00:40:58,792 --> 00:41:00,527 18-year-old Evan Andrews 1144 00:41:00,560 --> 00:41:02,862 was a rookie sensation last season. 1145 00:41:02,896 --> 00:41:05,699 And he was setting a blistering pace tonight... 1146 00:41:05,732 --> 00:41:07,600 - Oh! 1147 00:41:07,634 --> 00:41:09,502 - Until the Montana high school grad 1148 00:41:09,536 --> 00:41:11,538 was corralled on Lasso Launch. 1149 00:41:11,571 --> 00:41:13,440 - He's in complete shock. 1150 00:41:13,473 --> 00:41:15,342 - Then another young talent, 1151 00:41:15,375 --> 00:41:16,976 Rhode Island's Luke Dillon, 1152 00:41:17,077 --> 00:41:18,978 came crashing through the course. 1153 00:41:19,079 --> 00:41:21,314 - Oh, oh, oh. Oh, my goodness. 1154 00:41:21,348 --> 00:41:23,850 - But the 21-year-old recovered and finished 1155 00:41:23,883 --> 00:41:26,152 with the night's fastest time. 1156 00:41:26,186 --> 00:41:27,253 [buzzer blares] 1157 00:41:27,287 --> 00:41:29,122 - Oh, boy. 1158 00:41:29,155 --> 00:41:31,091 - I don't know what just happened. 1159 00:41:31,091 --> 00:41:32,759 I just fell all the way down. 1160 00:41:32,792 --> 00:41:34,728 - That earned him a shot at the Mega Wall. 1161 00:41:34,761 --> 00:41:37,697 - Go get that real bag, the $10,000. 1162 00:41:37,731 --> 00:41:39,265 Oh! 1163 00:41:39,299 --> 00:41:40,900 - But came up short. 1164 00:41:42,235 --> 00:41:44,637 So here's who's moving on to the semifinals. 1165 00:41:44,671 --> 00:41:46,673 Luke Dillon sits at the top 1166 00:41:46,706 --> 00:41:48,808 just ahead of rookie Noah Meunier. 1167 00:41:48,842 --> 00:41:51,378 Five competitors hit the buzzer. 1168 00:41:51,411 --> 00:41:54,547 Non-finishers moving on include Najee Richardson 1169 00:41:54,581 --> 00:41:56,883 and rookie Mazeiah Andrade. 1170 00:41:56,916 --> 00:41:58,551 The top 11 are in. 1171 00:41:58,585 --> 00:42:01,054 But now the 12th and 13th place men 1172 00:42:01,054 --> 00:42:03,590 are about to race for the final spot. 1173 00:42:03,623 --> 00:42:04,758 On the women's side, 1174 00:42:04,791 --> 00:42:06,326 the top three are settled. 1175 00:42:06,359 --> 00:42:08,428 But the fourth and fifth-place competitors 1176 00:42:08,461 --> 00:42:10,263 are about to make history. 1177 00:42:10,296 --> 00:42:12,699 And that's because we're goin' racing. 1178 00:42:12,732 --> 00:42:13,733 - Head-to-head 1179 00:42:13,767 --> 00:42:15,268 for the first time this season. 1180 00:42:15,301 --> 00:42:17,470 - That's right. It's time for the Runoff, 1181 00:42:17,504 --> 00:42:20,507 a battle for the final spots in the semifinals. 1182 00:42:20,540 --> 00:42:22,409 And for a look at this new racecourse, 1183 00:42:22,442 --> 00:42:24,277 let's go over to Zuri. 1184 00:42:24,310 --> 00:42:25,712 - Hey, guys, it starts right here 1185 00:42:25,745 --> 00:42:27,113 on our two-lane course. 1186 00:42:27,147 --> 00:42:28,648 Then it's a sprint 1187 00:42:28,682 --> 00:42:30,850 through four obstacles to the buzzer. 1188 00:42:30,884 --> 00:42:32,819 It kicks off with Home Run, 1189 00:42:32,852 --> 00:42:35,121 a dash across the four houses. 1190 00:42:35,155 --> 00:42:38,091 Then it's the bouncing bars of Spring Forward 1191 00:42:38,124 --> 00:42:41,094 and the spinning honeycombs of Beehive. 1192 00:42:41,094 --> 00:42:42,395 Finally, they'll have to hang on 1193 00:42:42,429 --> 00:42:44,330 to the small ledges of Hopscotch 1194 00:42:44,364 --> 00:42:45,732 which leads to the buzzer. 1195 00:42:45,765 --> 00:42:47,701 Guys? [buzzer blares] 1196 00:42:47,734 --> 00:42:49,169 - Our first race features 1197 00:42:49,202 --> 00:42:51,838 42-year-old Ninja veteran Alan Connealy 1198 00:42:51,871 --> 00:42:53,707 whose run we saw earlier. 1199 00:42:53,740 --> 00:42:55,642 He finished 12th amongst the men. 1200 00:42:55,675 --> 00:42:58,945 Well, Connealy will be racing 24-year-old Ramcis Valdez, 1201 00:42:58,978 --> 00:43:00,613 who's in 13th position. 1202 00:43:00,647 --> 00:43:02,849 Valdez is a rookie who gets his training 1203 00:43:02,882 --> 00:43:04,851 all across New York City. 1204 00:43:06,920 --> 00:43:08,121 - Growin' up in the Bronx, 1205 00:43:08,154 --> 00:43:09,723 I used the streets to train. 1206 00:43:09,756 --> 00:43:12,726 From using the train cars, climbing over train tracks... 1207 00:43:13,793 --> 00:43:15,328 Climbing buildings... 1208 00:43:15,362 --> 00:43:18,465 using all sorts of structures all around the city. 1209 00:43:18,498 --> 00:43:21,468 [dramatic music] 1210 00:43:21,501 --> 00:43:23,570 * * 1211 00:43:23,603 --> 00:43:25,238 - My first season was season three. 1212 00:43:25,271 --> 00:43:26,606 I have been on eight times. 1213 00:43:26,639 --> 00:43:27,807 - Look at him go. 1214 00:43:27,841 --> 00:43:29,409 - A lot of the ninjas regard me 1215 00:43:29,442 --> 00:43:31,244 as one of the pioneers. 1216 00:43:31,277 --> 00:43:32,779 But I got news for ya, 1217 00:43:32,812 --> 00:43:33,847 I'm not done. 1218 00:43:33,880 --> 00:43:35,682 - Connealy will not be denied. 1219 00:43:35,715 --> 00:43:40,120 * * 1220 00:43:40,153 --> 00:43:42,088 Connealy's 18 years older. 1221 00:43:42,122 --> 00:43:45,191 Got some California ninjas on his sidelines. 1222 00:43:45,225 --> 00:43:47,260 Valdez trying to make it to the semifinals 1223 00:43:47,293 --> 00:43:48,628 in his first season, 1224 00:43:48,661 --> 00:43:49,896 has his dad and girlfriend... - Let's go! 1225 00:43:49,929 --> 00:43:51,831 - Cheering for him. 1226 00:43:51,865 --> 00:43:54,134 - Four obstacles to the buzzer 1227 00:43:54,167 --> 00:43:56,736 or whoever gets farthest the fastest. 1228 00:43:56,770 --> 00:43:58,972 - A spot in the semis on the line. 1229 00:43:59,005 --> 00:44:02,042 [countdown clock beeping] 1230 00:44:03,476 --> 00:44:04,911 - Whoo, look at Alan Connealy. 1231 00:44:04,944 --> 00:44:06,846 Oh, my goodness. 1232 00:44:06,880 --> 00:44:08,648 - Takes him back to the old days. 1233 00:44:08,682 --> 00:44:10,884 But you can see Valdez caught up already. 1234 00:44:10,917 --> 00:44:13,486 - And Alan's still got it. He ain't messin' around. 1235 00:44:13,520 --> 00:44:16,556 - Connealy legs it. Look at him! 1236 00:44:16,589 --> 00:44:18,825 He's puttin' pressure on the young gun. 1237 00:44:18,858 --> 00:44:20,093 - Oh, my goodness. 1238 00:44:20,126 --> 00:44:22,228 Alan Connealy came out of nowhere. 1239 00:44:22,262 --> 00:44:24,297 - Well, Valdez is startin' to fly. 1240 00:44:24,330 --> 00:44:27,100 - Whoever lands first here has the advantage. 1241 00:44:27,133 --> 00:44:28,468 And it's Valdez! 1242 00:44:28,501 --> 00:44:30,437 So now Connealy must hit a buzzer 1243 00:44:30,470 --> 00:44:32,839 to have a chance to win. 1244 00:44:32,872 --> 00:44:35,542 - Yeah, Connealy's gotta sell--oh! 1245 00:44:35,575 --> 00:44:36,943 - Valdez goes down. 1246 00:44:36,976 --> 00:44:38,111 But because he finished 1247 00:44:38,144 --> 00:44:39,879 the previous obstacle first, 1248 00:44:39,913 --> 00:44:42,982 it means Connealy still must complete this obstacle. 1249 00:44:43,083 --> 00:44:45,652 If he falls anywhere, Valdez will still win. 1250 00:44:45,685 --> 00:44:46,886 - 42 years old, 1251 00:44:46,920 --> 00:44:48,555 holding on here at Hopscotch. 1252 00:44:48,588 --> 00:44:50,090 - This is why he came back 1253 00:44:50,090 --> 00:44:51,191 to show he still belongs. 1254 00:44:51,224 --> 00:44:52,692 - Oh! - Oh, no! 1255 00:44:52,726 --> 00:44:53,927 both: Oh! 1256 00:44:53,960 --> 00:44:55,095 - Oh, my goodness. 1257 00:44:55,128 --> 00:44:56,429 Oh, my goodness. 1258 00:44:56,463 --> 00:44:58,498 - Just couldn't pull it off. 1259 00:44:58,531 --> 00:45:00,734 Valdez finished Beehive first, 1260 00:45:00,767 --> 00:45:03,036 but he fell quickly on Hopscotch. 1261 00:45:03,036 --> 00:45:05,038 That meant Connealy had to finish. 1262 00:45:05,038 --> 00:45:07,040 Getting halfway doesn't count. 1263 00:45:07,040 --> 00:45:10,710 And watch his fingers-- just slipped right off. 1264 00:45:13,913 --> 00:45:15,248 So Ramcis Valdez, 1265 00:45:15,281 --> 00:45:17,317 the 24-year-old from The Bronx, 1266 00:45:17,350 --> 00:45:21,121 is headed to the semifinals in his rookie season. 1267 00:45:21,154 --> 00:45:23,490 Now for our women's runoff race. 1268 00:45:23,523 --> 00:45:25,191 It's our fourth-place finisher, 1269 00:45:25,225 --> 00:45:28,395 Taylor Johnson, who had that energetic run earlier, 1270 00:45:28,428 --> 00:45:30,397 going against New Jersey teenager 1271 00:45:30,430 --> 00:45:32,432 Avery Glantz, who's in fifth place. 1272 00:45:32,465 --> 00:45:35,568 The high school senior is so dedicated to training, 1273 00:45:35,602 --> 00:45:38,872 she's turned her bedroom into a mini-Ninja course. 1274 00:45:38,905 --> 00:45:41,574 - Avery Glantz towering over her opponent. 1275 00:45:41,608 --> 00:45:44,644 She's 5'3", Taylor Johnson 4'11". 1276 00:45:44,678 --> 00:45:47,347 But we expect big things out of both these ladies. 1277 00:45:47,380 --> 00:45:50,150 Taylor's got her Massachusetts training partners, 1278 00:45:50,183 --> 00:45:52,552 including Addy Herman, on her sideline. 1279 00:45:52,585 --> 00:45:55,422 - You got it, Avery! Oh, my God. 1280 00:45:55,455 --> 00:45:57,490 - Avery's boyfriend lost his voice. 1281 00:45:57,524 --> 00:45:59,626 We saw him run minutes ago. 1282 00:45:59,659 --> 00:46:03,296 [countdown clock beeping] 1283 00:46:03,329 --> 00:46:05,565 - Both these women going for their first buzzers. 1284 00:46:05,598 --> 00:46:07,334 - Nice! Okay! 1285 00:46:07,367 --> 00:46:08,335 Ooh! - Ooh, 1286 00:46:08,368 --> 00:46:09,936 and Avery Glantz is out. 1287 00:46:10,036 --> 00:46:11,571 A shocking early fall. 1288 00:46:11,604 --> 00:46:13,073 - All good, Avery, all good. 1289 00:46:13,106 --> 00:46:15,041 - I love you. - I love you. 1290 00:46:15,041 --> 00:46:16,910 - And that means Teej has won it. 1291 00:46:16,943 --> 00:46:18,345 But she's going to try to finish. 1292 00:46:18,378 --> 00:46:21,648 - Oh, she's still going. 1293 00:46:21,681 --> 00:46:23,350 - Akbar, this is her fifth season 1294 00:46:23,383 --> 00:46:25,118 in "Ninja Warrior," has never hit a buzzer. 1295 00:46:25,151 --> 00:46:26,453 - Oh, my gosh! 1296 00:46:26,486 --> 00:46:28,288 [cheers and applause] 1297 00:46:28,321 --> 00:46:30,390 Teej is beloved among ninjas. 1298 00:46:30,423 --> 00:46:32,559 She works in Boston at a cancer center, 1299 00:46:32,592 --> 00:46:34,094 something close to her heart. 1300 00:46:34,127 --> 00:46:36,863 Her parents are both cancer survivors. 1301 00:46:36,896 --> 00:46:40,667 These are gonna be some big laches at 4:11. 1302 00:46:40,700 --> 00:46:41,835 Wow! - Nice. 1303 00:46:41,868 --> 00:46:43,470 - Good power out of Teej. 1304 00:46:43,503 --> 00:46:46,206 - Ooh, Teej looking like queen bee. 1305 00:46:46,239 --> 00:46:48,975 - But this is a six-foot leap between honeycombs, 1306 00:46:49,075 --> 00:46:51,511 no small feat. 1307 00:46:51,544 --> 00:46:52,846 - Use your hips. Throw your hips into it. 1308 00:46:52,879 --> 00:46:54,914 - Nice. - Nice finish on the catch. 1309 00:46:54,948 --> 00:46:56,683 - Her celebration's gonna be big 1310 00:46:56,716 --> 00:46:57,884 if she can get a buzzer, 1311 00:46:57,917 --> 00:46:59,319 but gotta get through Hopscotch. 1312 00:46:59,352 --> 00:47:01,121 - Yeah, she was screaming after every obstacle 1313 00:47:01,154 --> 00:47:02,589 in her run earlier. 1314 00:47:02,622 --> 00:47:05,759 You know she'll go nuts if she can beat this. 1315 00:47:05,792 --> 00:47:09,162 - First has to survive these tiny ledges on Hopscotch. 1316 00:47:09,195 --> 00:47:11,498 But what a moment this will be for her. 1317 00:47:11,531 --> 00:47:13,733 And she's looking dialed in. 1318 00:47:13,767 --> 00:47:15,201 - She is. - What a confidence boost 1319 00:47:15,235 --> 00:47:16,369 for Teej. - Here we go. 1320 00:47:16,403 --> 00:47:17,504 Pull out wide. Pull out wide! 1321 00:47:17,537 --> 00:47:19,572 - Ooh, just on the front. 1322 00:47:19,606 --> 00:47:20,573 - Ooh, look at the mount [indistinct]. 1323 00:47:20,607 --> 00:47:23,043 - Now into the middle. 1324 00:47:23,043 --> 00:47:24,444 Nice. - Oh! 1325 00:47:24,477 --> 00:47:26,046 Teej is air-- - And look at this! 1326 00:47:26,046 --> 00:47:27,414 She's got a smile on her face. 1327 00:47:27,447 --> 00:47:29,049 She knows what's up. - She knows it. 1328 00:47:29,049 --> 00:47:31,051 Her first buzzer! 1329 00:47:31,051 --> 00:47:34,487 [cheers and applause] 1330 00:47:34,521 --> 00:47:37,424 Teej delivers, punches her ticket, 1331 00:47:37,457 --> 00:47:39,392 and a big boost of confidence. 1332 00:47:39,426 --> 00:47:42,529 - Yes! Let's go, Taylor! 1333 00:47:42,562 --> 00:47:44,898 - At just 4'11", 1334 00:47:44,931 --> 00:47:48,535 she'll be the shortest ever to compete in the semifinals. 1335 00:47:48,568 --> 00:47:51,771 Take a look. Avery tried to one-step it 1336 00:47:51,805 --> 00:47:54,174 and came up short on the landing pad. 1337 00:47:54,207 --> 00:47:57,510 That gave Taylor the win, but she wanted a buzzer, 1338 00:47:57,544 --> 00:47:59,312 and she got it, 1339 00:47:59,346 --> 00:48:01,581 the shortest competitor to ever hit a buzzer 1340 00:48:01,614 --> 00:48:03,616 on "Ninja Warrior." 1341 00:48:03,650 --> 00:48:07,020 - Well, what a great way to end our first qualifier, 1342 00:48:07,020 --> 00:48:09,189 but there's much more to come. 1343 00:48:09,222 --> 00:48:12,359 And now we're gonna roll it back and do it again 1344 00:48:12,392 --> 00:48:14,361 with a whole new group of ninjas. 1345 00:48:14,394 --> 00:48:16,029 - And look who we're gonna see. 1346 00:48:16,029 --> 00:48:19,833 Ninja's little big man, 5'2" Nate Hansen, 1347 00:48:19,866 --> 00:48:22,869 two-time runner-up Austin Gray, 1348 00:48:22,902 --> 00:48:25,171 and Utah nurse Mady Howard. 1349 00:48:25,205 --> 00:48:26,673 Plus, they've got 1350 00:48:26,706 --> 00:48:29,042 millions of followers on TikTok. 1351 00:48:29,042 --> 00:48:32,445 Now the Wright brothers are dancing onto our course 1352 00:48:32,479 --> 00:48:35,782 coming up on "American Ninja Warrior." 1353 00:48:41,488 --> 00:48:43,089 - Welcome back to the season premiere 1354 00:48:43,123 --> 00:48:45,258 of "American Ninja Warrior." 1355 00:48:45,291 --> 00:48:47,927 Our first 16 athletes have qualified for semifinals, 1356 00:48:47,961 --> 00:48:50,363 and now we got a whole new group of ninjas 1357 00:48:50,397 --> 00:48:52,065 ready to take their shot. 1358 00:48:52,098 --> 00:48:54,200 - And a whole lot of new obstacles, too. 1359 00:48:54,234 --> 00:48:56,369 - For more on that, let's go down to Zuri. 1360 00:48:56,403 --> 00:48:59,439 - Yeah, guys, our crews have changed up the course, 1361 00:48:59,472 --> 00:49:01,141 and the second group of ninjas 1362 00:49:01,174 --> 00:49:03,677 will have to face two brand-new obstacles. 1363 00:49:03,710 --> 00:49:06,346 Greased Lightning is now in the number two spot. 1364 00:49:06,379 --> 00:49:07,814 - Nice. Ooh! 1365 00:49:07,847 --> 00:49:11,051 - And the fifth obstacle is now Ring the Bells. 1366 00:49:11,084 --> 00:49:12,619 Timing is crucial 1367 00:49:12,652 --> 00:49:16,456 as the ninjas work their way across the four bells. 1368 00:49:16,489 --> 00:49:18,024 [air horn blares] 1369 00:49:18,024 --> 00:49:20,193 - Thanks, Zuri. Just like the earlier group, 1370 00:49:20,226 --> 00:49:23,296 only the top 12 men and top 4 women will move on. 1371 00:49:23,329 --> 00:49:25,799 The last spots will be determined 1372 00:49:25,832 --> 00:49:27,200 in the runoff races, 1373 00:49:27,233 --> 00:49:29,169 like we just saw minutes ago. 1374 00:49:29,202 --> 00:49:31,638 [buzzer blares] 1375 00:49:35,075 --> 00:49:36,476 Well, we're here in the shadow 1376 00:49:36,509 --> 00:49:38,545 of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 1377 00:49:38,578 --> 00:49:40,046 at Universal Studios, 1378 00:49:40,046 --> 00:49:41,915 and our first competitor in this group 1379 00:49:41,948 --> 00:49:43,483 is a huge fan. 1380 00:49:43,516 --> 00:49:46,052 It's 15-year-old Violet Kepo'o, 1381 00:49:46,052 --> 00:49:48,188 and tonight she's hoping to conjure up 1382 00:49:48,221 --> 00:49:51,057 some serious ninja skills. 1383 00:49:51,057 --> 00:49:54,060 [mysterious music] 1384 00:49:54,060 --> 00:49:55,328 * * 1385 00:49:55,362 --> 00:49:58,064 - I think I am a little bit of a fantasy nerd. 1386 00:49:58,064 --> 00:49:59,799 * * 1387 00:49:59,833 --> 00:50:01,901 - Attack! 1388 00:50:01,935 --> 00:50:03,169 - Reading those books-- 1389 00:50:03,203 --> 00:50:05,772 it just brings me to other worlds. 1390 00:50:05,805 --> 00:50:07,240 Here I come! 1391 00:50:07,273 --> 00:50:09,476 I didn't really know what Harry Potter was 1392 00:50:09,509 --> 00:50:10,810 until we went 1393 00:50:10,844 --> 00:50:13,146 to the Harry Potter world in Universal, 1394 00:50:13,179 --> 00:50:15,682 and I thought it was so cool. 1395 00:50:15,715 --> 00:50:17,450 Gotcha! 1396 00:50:17,484 --> 00:50:19,552 I also like the fantasy characters, 1397 00:50:19,586 --> 00:50:21,654 because even if they are smaller, 1398 00:50:21,688 --> 00:50:23,390 they do, like, really hard things 1399 00:50:23,423 --> 00:50:27,227 that inspire you to do hard things too. 1400 00:50:27,260 --> 00:50:30,663 These two gold ones here are from when I did 1401 00:50:30,697 --> 00:50:32,232 World Challenge. 1402 00:50:32,265 --> 00:50:35,969 I've won first place three times in a row. 1403 00:50:36,002 --> 00:50:37,537 It's been my dream 1404 00:50:37,570 --> 00:50:39,673 to be able to get on "American Ninja Warrior." 1405 00:50:39,706 --> 00:50:41,207 This is actually happening. 1406 00:50:41,241 --> 00:50:43,143 Like, it's not a dream. 1407 00:50:43,176 --> 00:50:44,611 It's actually real. 1408 00:50:44,644 --> 00:50:46,446 I'm definitely hoping to make 1409 00:50:46,479 --> 00:50:48,882 a lot of magic on this course. 1410 00:50:51,151 --> 00:50:53,420 [cheers and applause] 1411 00:50:53,453 --> 00:50:55,321 - Oh, and the excitement of being here, 1412 00:50:55,355 --> 00:50:58,058 the anticipation-- it's all getting to her. 1413 00:50:58,091 --> 00:51:00,060 - Oh, and she's-- and she's crying! 1414 00:51:00,060 --> 00:51:01,161 - She's getting a little emotional here, 1415 00:51:01,194 --> 00:51:02,495 and I love it. 1416 00:51:02,529 --> 00:51:04,364 - She's got her whole family on the sideline. 1417 00:51:04,397 --> 00:51:05,932 They all do Ninja, 1418 00:51:05,965 --> 00:51:07,834 but she's the one competing tonight, 1419 00:51:07,867 --> 00:51:09,069 starting once again 1420 00:51:09,102 --> 00:51:10,770 with this difficult first obstacle, 1421 00:51:10,804 --> 00:51:11,938 Pole Vault. 1422 00:51:11,971 --> 00:51:14,107 - Matt, she only weighs 95 pounds. 1423 00:51:14,140 --> 00:51:15,709 Can she move this pole? 1424 00:51:15,742 --> 00:51:17,777 - Climb it, climb it! Get those legs up! 1425 00:51:17,811 --> 00:51:20,580 - Yes! - Nicely done. 1426 00:51:20,613 --> 00:51:22,248 - Her family is excited. 1427 00:51:22,282 --> 00:51:25,618 And friends watching back in Utah are excited. 1428 00:51:25,652 --> 00:51:27,687 - Let's see how this 15-year-old does 1429 00:51:27,721 --> 00:51:30,323 on this brand-new second obstacle, 1430 00:51:30,357 --> 00:51:31,758 Greased Lightning. 1431 00:51:31,791 --> 00:51:34,294 Those handles will slide side to side. 1432 00:51:34,327 --> 00:51:36,262 Gotta control them on the drops! 1433 00:51:36,296 --> 00:51:38,264 Boom, boom, boom, boom. - Gotta get that timing off. 1434 00:51:38,298 --> 00:51:39,599 - Perfect. 1435 00:51:39,632 --> 00:51:41,701 [cheers and applause] 1436 00:51:41,735 --> 00:51:43,803 She's still crying, Matt. 1437 00:51:43,837 --> 00:51:46,139 That's how pumped she is. 1438 00:51:46,172 --> 00:51:48,441 - And now she's got her mom crying. 1439 00:51:48,475 --> 00:51:51,277 - Hit hard! 1440 00:51:51,311 --> 00:51:52,812 - 15 years old, she's out here 1441 00:51:52,846 --> 00:51:54,948 facing her fears. - It's your party. 1442 00:51:54,981 --> 00:51:56,449 You can cry if you want to. 1443 00:51:56,483 --> 00:51:57,817 Get them Dominoes! 1444 00:51:59,586 --> 00:52:02,055 Nice! You can cry if you want to! 1445 00:52:02,055 --> 00:52:04,057 It's your party! 1446 00:52:08,928 --> 00:52:10,964 Oh, she's trying to really calm herself, Matt. 1447 00:52:11,064 --> 00:52:12,432 This is great. This is a sign 1448 00:52:12,465 --> 00:52:13,533 of a great athlete. 1449 00:52:13,566 --> 00:52:14,668 - Let's see if she can get away 1450 00:52:14,701 --> 00:52:15,769 with the Getaway. 1451 00:52:15,802 --> 00:52:17,103 Take it for a spin. 1452 00:52:17,137 --> 00:52:18,705 - Ooh, 95 pounds. 1453 00:52:18,738 --> 00:52:20,573 - Didn't quite get that momentum on the leap. 1454 00:52:20,607 --> 00:52:22,175 She's fighting it. 1455 00:52:22,208 --> 00:52:24,144 Oh, and that drop! 1456 00:52:24,177 --> 00:52:25,712 Now 180 the other way. 1457 00:52:25,745 --> 00:52:27,080 - She is strong! 1458 00:52:27,080 --> 00:52:29,282 - Working it around another drop. 1459 00:52:29,315 --> 00:52:30,550 That handle's up. 1460 00:52:30,583 --> 00:52:32,452 And at 5'1", you can see these reaches-- 1461 00:52:32,485 --> 00:52:33,687 a little more complex. 1462 00:52:33,720 --> 00:52:36,322 Gotta launch herself on this lache. 1463 00:52:36,356 --> 00:52:38,958 - If you can see her, you can be her. 1464 00:52:38,992 --> 00:52:41,661 - Ah, that ring-- gotta lock it in place. 1465 00:52:41,695 --> 00:52:43,663 - Go, Violet! 1466 00:52:43,697 --> 00:52:44,931 - Just trying to feel it on the launch. 1467 00:52:44,964 --> 00:52:46,766 Got it! - Nice. Nice! 1468 00:52:46,800 --> 00:52:48,868 - Get that money, Violet! 1469 00:52:48,902 --> 00:52:50,770 - Get that bag. 1470 00:52:50,804 --> 00:52:52,439 Get that bag! 1471 00:52:52,472 --> 00:52:54,507 - Gotta get the dismount. - She's through! 1472 00:52:54,541 --> 00:52:55,842 - Man, look at this. 1473 00:52:55,875 --> 00:52:56,843 - 15 years old. 1474 00:52:56,876 --> 00:52:59,145 [cheers and applause] 1475 00:52:59,179 --> 00:53:00,780 - Violet Kepo'o, 1476 00:53:00,814 --> 00:53:03,049 all the way to another new obstacle... 1477 00:53:03,049 --> 00:53:04,784 - Wow. - Ring the Bells. 1478 00:53:04,818 --> 00:53:06,653 - And you can see, as you sway, 1479 00:53:06,686 --> 00:53:09,055 the handles swing away from you. 1480 00:53:09,055 --> 00:53:11,057 - Diabolical obstacle. 1481 00:53:11,057 --> 00:53:13,727 - The swinging is really messing up the momentum here. 1482 00:53:13,760 --> 00:53:15,428 - Gotta keep the bells-- 1483 00:53:15,462 --> 00:53:17,097 still, you really don't want them ringing. 1484 00:53:17,130 --> 00:53:18,631 - She's gotta really steady it, 1485 00:53:18,665 --> 00:53:20,367 because as she takes the one bell, 1486 00:53:20,400 --> 00:53:21,634 hits the next one, 1487 00:53:21,668 --> 00:53:23,636 it is moving that bar further away. 1488 00:53:23,670 --> 00:53:25,939 - Well, it's a good time to weigh 95 pounds 1489 00:53:25,972 --> 00:53:28,975 when you're hanging up there for an eternity. 1490 00:53:29,075 --> 00:53:30,810 [cheers and applause] 1491 00:53:30,844 --> 00:53:32,612 - Oh, shoot! Oh! 1492 00:53:32,645 --> 00:53:35,148 I thought she was done. 1493 00:53:35,181 --> 00:53:37,751 - And transfers over. 1494 00:53:37,784 --> 00:53:41,688 Look at the form. Violet Kepo'o. 1495 00:53:41,721 --> 00:53:43,757 - It ain't over till the bell rings. 1496 00:53:43,790 --> 00:53:46,359 - Well, this little athlete is coming up huge. 1497 00:53:46,393 --> 00:53:48,228 Can she make the final transfer? 1498 00:53:48,261 --> 00:53:51,331 - Come on, let's go. Let's go, Kepo'o! 1499 00:53:51,364 --> 00:53:52,966 - Come on, Violet. Let's go. 1500 00:53:52,999 --> 00:53:54,834 - This is an incredible amount of time 1501 00:53:54,868 --> 00:53:57,804 to be hanging on the bells, and she's looking gassed. 1502 00:53:57,837 --> 00:53:58,872 - Come on, let's go. 1503 00:53:58,905 --> 00:54:01,207 Oh! [air horn blares] 1504 00:54:02,776 --> 00:54:06,046 - What a great effort out of Kepo'o 1505 00:54:06,046 --> 00:54:07,547 all the way to the fifth obstacle 1506 00:54:07,580 --> 00:54:09,115 on her rookie run. 1507 00:54:09,149 --> 00:54:10,950 Violet was a human emoji 1508 00:54:11,051 --> 00:54:12,886 as she made her way down the course. 1509 00:54:12,919 --> 00:54:18,258 There were tears, prayers, and joyful surprises, 1510 00:54:18,291 --> 00:54:20,193 but she won our hearts 1511 00:54:20,226 --> 00:54:25,231 and nearly hit a buzzer in her debut run. 1512 00:54:25,265 --> 00:54:26,733 And that run could get her 1513 00:54:26,766 --> 00:54:28,868 into the top four among the women. 1514 00:54:28,902 --> 00:54:30,670 We may see her in the semifinals, 1515 00:54:30,704 --> 00:54:33,773 where every run is a race. 1516 00:54:33,807 --> 00:54:35,475 Stepping up to the start line next 1517 00:54:35,508 --> 00:54:37,177 out of Castle Rock, Colorado, 1518 00:54:37,210 --> 00:54:39,612 high school student Hans Hertz. 1519 00:54:39,646 --> 00:54:41,848 And his inspiration for being here 1520 00:54:41,881 --> 00:54:44,484 is his little brother, Harper. 1521 00:54:44,517 --> 00:54:47,487 [tranquil music] 1522 00:54:47,520 --> 00:54:49,089 * * 1523 00:54:49,089 --> 00:54:52,292 - Harper is my hero. He inspires me every day. 1524 00:54:52,325 --> 00:54:53,993 * * 1525 00:54:54,094 --> 00:54:55,895 Good job. 1526 00:54:55,929 --> 00:54:57,597 All the challenges he faces-- 1527 00:54:57,630 --> 00:55:00,066 he does it all with a smile on his face. 1528 00:55:00,100 --> 00:55:02,669 You're an adrenaline junkie going up this high. 1529 00:55:02,702 --> 00:55:04,371 - [laughs] 1530 00:55:04,404 --> 00:55:06,606 Harper is my second son. 1531 00:55:06,639 --> 00:55:08,141 He is 14 years old. 1532 00:55:08,174 --> 00:55:09,743 When he was about three months old, 1533 00:55:09,776 --> 00:55:11,878 he was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, 1534 00:55:11,911 --> 00:55:13,446 or RTS, for short. 1535 00:55:13,480 --> 00:55:14,881 * * 1536 00:55:14,914 --> 00:55:17,584 It affects him in multiple ways. 1537 00:55:17,617 --> 00:55:21,488 Obviously, he's nonverbal, but he does use sign very well. 1538 00:55:21,521 --> 00:55:23,456 - Go again? 1539 00:55:23,490 --> 00:55:26,559 * * 1540 00:55:26,593 --> 00:55:30,063 Ninja definitely makes me and Harper very close. 1541 00:55:30,063 --> 00:55:32,198 A whole bunch of stuff that maybe normal brothers 1542 00:55:32,232 --> 00:55:33,566 wouldn't be able to do 1543 00:55:33,600 --> 00:55:35,568 but we get to share everything together. 1544 00:55:35,602 --> 00:55:37,671 Nice. [laughs] 1545 00:55:37,704 --> 00:55:40,273 - I couldn't ask for a better older son. 1546 00:55:40,306 --> 00:55:41,875 * * 1547 00:55:41,908 --> 00:55:44,778 Hans is amazing, he's wonderful, 1548 00:55:44,811 --> 00:55:47,113 and I'm so honored to be his mom. 1549 00:55:47,147 --> 00:55:51,151 * * 1550 00:55:51,184 --> 00:55:52,886 - I'm so happy I get to share this moment 1551 00:55:52,919 --> 00:55:55,722 with my brother, Harper. 1552 00:55:55,755 --> 00:55:58,358 [cheers and applause] 1553 00:55:58,391 --> 00:56:01,027 - And because of Hans' relationship with his brother, 1554 00:56:01,027 --> 00:56:02,862 he's now working as an ambassador 1555 00:56:02,896 --> 00:56:04,164 for the Special Olympics. 1556 00:56:04,197 --> 00:56:06,499 [countdown clock beeping] 1557 00:56:06,533 --> 00:56:08,435 Here he is at 15 years old 1558 00:56:08,468 --> 00:56:10,103 on his first Ninja course. 1559 00:56:10,136 --> 00:56:12,038 - Oh, real high up. 1560 00:56:12,038 --> 00:56:13,606 And that was very easy. 1561 00:56:13,640 --> 00:56:15,208 - Well played. 1562 00:56:15,241 --> 00:56:17,043 - We're putting Hertz in the driver's seat 1563 00:56:17,043 --> 00:56:18,812 here on Greased Lightning. - Matt-- 1564 00:56:18,845 --> 00:56:21,114 - Hans is solo on the course. 1565 00:56:22,282 --> 00:56:24,417 Here he goes. - Launch. Nice. 1566 00:56:24,451 --> 00:56:27,787 - H20. 1567 00:56:27,821 --> 00:56:30,223 - Now the balance obstacle. 1568 00:56:30,256 --> 00:56:33,159 - And he just barely moved the Dominoes. 1569 00:56:33,193 --> 00:56:34,461 - You're safe. You're safe. 1570 00:56:34,494 --> 00:56:37,697 - Well, now time for the Getaway. 1571 00:56:37,731 --> 00:56:39,099 - He's a good kid, Matt. 1572 00:56:39,132 --> 00:56:41,935 He's got a 4.89 GPA. 1573 00:56:41,968 --> 00:56:44,070 You know he ain't never robbed a bank. 1574 00:56:44,070 --> 00:56:45,905 - [laughs] 1575 00:56:45,939 --> 00:56:49,075 And there it is, 270 one way, 180 back. 1576 00:56:49,075 --> 00:56:50,910 Another drop. That handle goes up. 1577 00:56:50,944 --> 00:56:53,313 Now he's gotta launch himself. 1578 00:56:58,618 --> 00:57:00,053 - Well, he's going for that bag. 1579 00:57:00,086 --> 00:57:01,254 Nice. Made it through. 1580 00:57:01,287 --> 00:57:03,456 - Smooth. 1581 00:57:03,490 --> 00:57:07,193 Hans, baby, on now to Ring the Bells. 1582 00:57:09,329 --> 00:57:12,399 And we just saw how tricky this obstacle can be. 1583 00:57:12,432 --> 00:57:15,368 - Ring those bells! Ring those bells! 1584 00:57:15,402 --> 00:57:17,737 - The key is trying to keep them static, 1585 00:57:17,771 --> 00:57:19,572 really launch yourself-- - Ooh! 1586 00:57:19,606 --> 00:57:22,375 Well, he made that transition like he was running it past. 1587 00:57:22,409 --> 00:57:25,745 - Whoa. Oh, boy. 1588 00:57:25,779 --> 00:57:27,480 If he can just dismount. 1589 00:57:27,514 --> 00:57:29,416 - I hear school bells, Matt. 1590 00:57:29,449 --> 00:57:30,917 School's over! 1591 00:57:30,950 --> 00:57:32,318 But this kid's a close eight. 1592 00:57:32,352 --> 00:57:33,319 One more to go. 1593 00:57:33,353 --> 00:57:35,889 - Hans Hertz. 1594 00:57:35,922 --> 00:57:37,090 [buzzer blares] 1595 00:57:37,123 --> 00:57:39,059 15 years old, and Hans Hertz 1596 00:57:39,059 --> 00:57:41,628 gets a buzzer his first time on the course. 1597 00:57:41,661 --> 00:57:44,631 [inspiring music] 1598 00:57:44,664 --> 00:57:46,866 * * 1599 00:57:46,900 --> 00:57:48,068 What a run! 1600 00:57:48,068 --> 00:57:49,769 - All right, Hans! 1601 00:57:49,803 --> 00:57:52,272 - Hans, congratulations, man. - Oh, my God. 1602 00:57:52,305 --> 00:57:54,908 - You made it look easy, but I know there was someone 1603 00:57:54,941 --> 00:57:56,176 who's really cheering you on. 1604 00:57:56,209 --> 00:57:57,410 What was it like having Harper 1605 00:57:57,444 --> 00:57:59,412 on your sideline, buddy? - Oh, it was amazing. 1606 00:57:59,446 --> 00:58:02,048 You can see him right now. He's so happy. 1607 00:58:02,082 --> 00:58:03,516 * * 1608 00:58:03,550 --> 00:58:04,751 Love you. 1609 00:58:04,784 --> 00:58:06,419 - Yeah. 1610 00:58:06,453 --> 00:58:08,922 - Hans Hertz just cruised through the course, 1611 00:58:09,022 --> 00:58:12,025 and on Ring the Bells, just look at the extension 1612 00:58:12,058 --> 00:58:13,827 when he grabbed the last handle. 1613 00:58:13,860 --> 00:58:15,428 Even he can't believe it. 1614 00:58:15,462 --> 00:58:18,164 At 15 he's the youngest to get a buzzer 1615 00:58:18,198 --> 00:58:19,766 so far this season, 1616 00:58:19,799 --> 00:58:22,202 and he gets to share it with his brother. 1617 00:58:22,235 --> 00:58:24,571 * * 1618 00:58:24,604 --> 00:58:26,806 [laughter] 1619 00:58:31,711 --> 00:58:33,046 - Well, this crowd's abuzz, 1620 00:58:33,046 --> 00:58:34,848 because they know who's coming up, 1621 00:58:34,881 --> 00:58:38,051 TikTok dancing sensations the Wright brothers 1622 00:58:38,051 --> 00:58:40,286 hit our course when we come back 1623 00:58:40,320 --> 00:58:42,455 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1624 00:58:48,328 --> 00:58:49,429 - It's opening night 1625 00:58:49,462 --> 00:58:50,897 on "American Ninja Warrior," 1626 00:58:50,930 --> 00:58:53,233 and this crowd's getting quite a show. 1627 00:58:53,266 --> 00:58:56,069 Ronald Stewart always looks impressive 1628 00:58:56,069 --> 00:58:58,304 with his muscles and super-tight singlet. 1629 00:58:58,338 --> 00:59:00,573 Oh, my goodness. 1630 00:59:00,607 --> 00:59:02,509 But in three previous appearances, 1631 00:59:02,542 --> 00:59:05,045 he's never made it past the second obstacle. 1632 00:59:05,078 --> 00:59:06,546 - Watch out. Get off. 1633 00:59:06,579 --> 00:59:09,149 Oh! No, no, no, no, no. 1634 00:59:09,182 --> 00:59:11,451 - And unfortunately, he kept that streak alive tonight. 1635 00:59:11,484 --> 00:59:14,087 - Matt, it's the second obstacle again. 1636 00:59:14,120 --> 00:59:15,855 Come on, dawg. 1637 00:59:15,889 --> 00:59:17,390 [air horn blares] 1638 00:59:17,424 --> 00:59:20,026 He is cursed by the second obstacle. 1639 00:59:20,060 --> 00:59:23,296 - Utah's Josh Ferguson wore pink 1640 00:59:23,329 --> 00:59:25,799 to support his wife, who's battling breast cancer. 1641 00:59:25,832 --> 00:59:28,702 - Josh Ferguson running for a different purpose. 1642 00:59:28,735 --> 00:59:29,936 - The father of three 1643 00:59:30,036 --> 00:59:31,404 started doing Ninja with his kids 1644 00:59:31,438 --> 00:59:33,640 as a way to cope with the cancer diagnosis. 1645 00:59:33,673 --> 00:59:36,343 - And it's a proud moment for the family. 1646 00:59:36,376 --> 00:59:39,913 - He didn't expect to get far as a 38-year-old rookie, 1647 00:59:39,946 --> 00:59:42,215 but he wanted to give his family a lift. 1648 00:59:42,248 --> 00:59:43,850 - Oh, look at this. 1649 00:59:43,883 --> 00:59:45,552 - He made it to the third obstacle. 1650 00:59:45,585 --> 00:59:47,887 - Go, go, go! No, Domino. 1651 00:59:47,921 --> 00:59:50,390 - And though he fell, his family was thrilled 1652 00:59:50,423 --> 00:59:51,524 with his debut. 1653 00:59:53,660 --> 00:59:55,528 Utah mom Larissa Cottle 1654 00:59:55,562 --> 00:59:57,397 also had an emotional moment. 1655 00:59:57,430 --> 01:00:00,600 - Okay, okay, Larissa Cottle. I see you. 1656 01:00:00,633 --> 01:00:02,669 - She was competing for the first time 1657 01:00:02,702 --> 01:00:04,237 since the birth of her son, Jovie, 1658 01:00:04,270 --> 01:00:06,506 who was watching back home with her husband 1659 01:00:06,539 --> 01:00:08,541 while her mini-me daughter, LaRae, 1660 01:00:08,575 --> 01:00:09,809 watched from the sidelines. 1661 01:00:09,843 --> 01:00:11,177 - You got this, Mom! 1662 01:00:11,211 --> 01:00:13,346 - Despite not competing in four years, 1663 01:00:13,380 --> 01:00:16,082 this 30-year-old mom gave her kids a show. 1664 01:00:16,116 --> 01:00:18,651 - Whoa! Oh, my goodness. 1665 01:00:18,685 --> 01:00:20,153 What a landing! 1666 01:00:20,186 --> 01:00:21,855 - Come on, Mom! 1667 01:00:21,888 --> 01:00:23,523 - She made her way to the fourth obstacle... 1668 01:00:23,556 --> 01:00:26,726 - Larissa Cottle's going full-throttle. 1669 01:00:26,760 --> 01:00:29,262 - But couldn't escape trouble on the Getaway. 1670 01:00:29,295 --> 01:00:30,897 - Ooh! [air horn blares] 1671 01:00:33,233 --> 01:00:35,669 - All right, y'all, heading to the start line 1672 01:00:35,702 --> 01:00:37,937 are two of the biggest social media stars 1673 01:00:37,971 --> 01:00:39,039 in the world. 1674 01:00:39,072 --> 01:00:40,874 They've got millions of followers, 1675 01:00:40,907 --> 01:00:42,809 and now, the Wright brothers are ready 1676 01:00:42,842 --> 01:00:45,345 to dance down our course. 1677 01:00:45,378 --> 01:00:48,214 - Oh, oh. [laughs] 1678 01:00:48,248 --> 01:00:51,451 - Well, 19-year-old twins Jack and James Wright 1679 01:00:51,484 --> 01:00:55,321 are hoping to get some likes on their performance tonight. 1680 01:00:55,355 --> 01:00:56,690 [upbeat music] 1681 01:00:56,723 --> 01:00:58,925 - Starting on social media, my twin and I 1682 01:00:58,958 --> 01:01:00,860 first started posting dance videos. 1683 01:01:00,894 --> 01:01:04,197 - * Dance, everybody * 1684 01:01:04,230 --> 01:01:05,532 * Dance * 1685 01:01:05,565 --> 01:01:07,100 - It's so insane going 1686 01:01:07,133 --> 01:01:09,102 from a normal high school student 1687 01:01:09,135 --> 01:01:11,404 to so many people, like, around the world 1688 01:01:11,438 --> 01:01:12,906 commenting about us. 1689 01:01:12,939 --> 01:01:14,741 - * Bust a move, put on a show * 1690 01:01:14,774 --> 01:01:17,177 * Dance, come on now * 1691 01:01:17,210 --> 01:01:19,946 - So between us, we have 15 million followers. 1692 01:01:19,979 --> 01:01:23,316 - * Dance * 1693 01:01:23,350 --> 01:01:24,951 - Growing up, our family 1694 01:01:24,984 --> 01:01:26,986 has always watched "American Ninja Warrior." 1695 01:01:27,087 --> 01:01:30,457 * * 1696 01:01:30,490 --> 01:01:32,459 A lot of our supporters don't know 1697 01:01:32,492 --> 01:01:34,327 this athletic side of us at all. 1698 01:01:34,361 --> 01:01:36,196 - James and I both went to the Junior Olympics 1699 01:01:36,229 --> 01:01:37,397 in high school. 1700 01:01:37,430 --> 01:01:39,632 I used to pole vault. 1701 01:01:43,737 --> 01:01:45,939 - And I threw the discus, shotput, 1702 01:01:45,972 --> 01:01:48,708 and hammer at Stanford. 1703 01:01:48,742 --> 01:01:50,977 - James, do you realize we might make history? 1704 01:01:51,011 --> 01:01:52,245 There's never been twins 1705 01:01:52,278 --> 01:01:53,580 to hit the buzzer on the same night. 1706 01:01:53,613 --> 01:01:55,882 - Twin buzzers would be pretty cool. 1707 01:01:55,915 --> 01:01:59,219 I promise you our runs are gonna go viral. 1708 01:02:02,489 --> 01:02:04,190 [cheers and applause] 1709 01:02:04,224 --> 01:02:06,059 - Well, the girls love 'em. 1710 01:02:06,059 --> 01:02:08,094 And a few other famous influencers 1711 01:02:08,128 --> 01:02:09,429 are here to watch, 1712 01:02:09,462 --> 01:02:11,598 including Heidi D'Amelio and Vinnie Hacker. 1713 01:02:11,631 --> 01:02:13,700 James is going to watch from the sidelines 1714 01:02:13,733 --> 01:02:16,069 with his parents, but he'll get his shot next. 1715 01:02:16,102 --> 01:02:18,672 - He's a pole vaulter, so he should be comfortable 1716 01:02:18,705 --> 01:02:21,641 here on this first obstacle. 1717 01:02:21,675 --> 01:02:23,243 Oh, oh, less than comfortable. 1718 01:02:23,276 --> 01:02:24,744 - Better not go out on the first obstacle. 1719 01:02:24,778 --> 01:02:26,413 - Oh, oh! 1720 01:02:26,446 --> 01:02:28,815 - Whoo, landing at the right spot. 1721 01:02:28,848 --> 01:02:32,285 - Jack Wright almost long on that first one. 1722 01:02:34,120 --> 01:02:36,122 Let's see how he does on Greased Lightning. 1723 01:02:36,156 --> 01:02:37,891 - All right, here we go. Here we go. 1724 01:02:37,924 --> 01:02:40,093 You get to that stop, #dismount. 1725 01:02:40,126 --> 01:02:41,528 Oh! 1726 01:02:41,561 --> 01:02:43,530 Not #fall! 1727 01:02:43,563 --> 01:02:45,799 Peels right off. 1728 01:02:45,832 --> 01:02:47,233 Now that's about the right length 1729 01:02:47,267 --> 01:02:49,903 for a TikTok video. 1730 01:02:49,936 --> 01:02:52,238 - After a rough start on Pole Vault, 1731 01:02:52,272 --> 01:02:54,407 Jack was trending in the right direction, 1732 01:02:54,441 --> 01:02:57,110 but he couldn't hang on to Greased Lightning. 1733 01:02:58,845 --> 01:03:00,613 Well, now James gets a chance 1734 01:03:00,647 --> 01:03:02,649 to outperform his brother. 1735 01:03:02,682 --> 01:03:04,718 - Go, James! - Let's go, James. 1736 01:03:04,751 --> 01:03:07,187 [countdown clock beeping] 1737 01:03:07,220 --> 01:03:09,055 - 6'3", 190. 1738 01:03:09,055 --> 01:03:11,291 Ooh, he was aggressive with that one. 1739 01:03:11,324 --> 01:03:12,859 - Gotta get up. - He's gotta go! 1740 01:03:12,892 --> 01:03:14,561 Oh! - Wow. 1741 01:03:14,594 --> 01:03:17,063 - It is so good to be 6'3", Matt. 1742 01:03:17,097 --> 01:03:19,299 He used all of that height on that one. 1743 01:03:19,332 --> 01:03:21,434 - Refused to dip into the water. 1744 01:03:21,468 --> 01:03:25,538 Track star at Stanford, this guy is a serious athlete. 1745 01:03:25,572 --> 01:03:27,974 Can he best his brother here? 1746 01:03:28,074 --> 01:03:29,442 - Here we go. Greased Lightning. 1747 01:03:29,476 --> 01:03:31,378 - 190. Watch the drops here. 1748 01:03:31,411 --> 01:03:34,381 - All right, boom, boom, boom--oh! 1749 01:03:34,414 --> 01:03:35,648 The same thing. 1750 01:03:35,682 --> 01:03:37,851 I'm seeing doubles. 1751 01:03:37,884 --> 01:03:39,486 They're twins, and they went out 1752 01:03:39,519 --> 01:03:41,688 on the same obstacle. 1753 01:03:41,721 --> 01:03:43,089 - Coming up, 1754 01:03:43,123 --> 01:03:45,592 he's one of the fastest ninjas on the planet 1755 01:03:45,625 --> 01:03:47,427 and one of the favorites to win it all. 1756 01:03:47,460 --> 01:03:49,262 - He's a Ninja savant! 1757 01:03:49,295 --> 01:03:51,598 - 17-year-old Kai Beckstrand 1758 01:03:51,631 --> 01:03:52,999 flexes on the course 1759 01:03:53,099 --> 01:03:55,468 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1760 01:04:01,474 --> 01:04:02,509 - Opening night on "Ninja Warrior" 1761 01:04:02,542 --> 01:04:06,046 has had its ups and downs. 1762 01:04:06,079 --> 01:04:09,049 - Oh! - Take yo-yo aficionado 1763 01:04:09,049 --> 01:04:11,551 John Rowe. He had a loud cheering section 1764 01:04:11,584 --> 01:04:14,120 which included his sister... - You got this, John! 1765 01:04:14,154 --> 01:04:15,889 - Ninja veteran Megan Rowe, 1766 01:04:15,922 --> 01:04:17,824 who's out this year due to injury. 1767 01:04:17,857 --> 01:04:20,060 And after conquering the first obstacle, 1768 01:04:20,093 --> 01:04:23,296 this precious metals trader looked solid 1769 01:04:23,329 --> 01:04:25,198 as he landed on the second... 1770 01:04:25,231 --> 01:04:27,300 - Oh, whoa, whoa! - Almost. 1771 01:04:27,334 --> 01:04:29,703 - Oh, my goodness! 1772 01:04:29,736 --> 01:04:31,171 Check this out again. 1773 01:04:31,204 --> 01:04:34,441 That was close. [air horn blares] 1774 01:04:34,474 --> 01:04:36,876 - 15-year-old Emily Keener's run 1775 01:04:36,910 --> 01:04:38,411 started off rough. 1776 01:04:38,445 --> 01:04:40,680 Oh, face-first! 1777 01:04:40,714 --> 01:04:41,848 That looked like it hurts. 1778 01:04:41,881 --> 01:04:43,316 - Come on, Em! - Come on, Em! 1779 01:04:43,350 --> 01:04:45,719 - But the high school freshman fought through it. 1780 01:04:45,752 --> 01:04:47,220 - Oh, Matt, she's bleeding. 1781 01:04:47,253 --> 01:04:49,089 You can see she's got a little blood on her lip? 1782 01:04:49,089 --> 01:04:51,224 - The Ninja rookie from Colorado 1783 01:04:51,257 --> 01:04:52,726 became the second woman 1784 01:04:52,759 --> 01:04:53,927 to reach Ring the Bells. 1785 01:04:53,960 --> 01:04:55,095 - Youngest in the field tonight, 1786 01:04:55,128 --> 01:04:56,663 and she is not scared. 1787 01:04:56,696 --> 01:04:58,498 - And she almost made it through. 1788 01:04:58,531 --> 01:05:01,234 - Ooh! [air horn blares] 1789 01:05:01,267 --> 01:05:03,536 - One of the most explosive ninjas 1790 01:05:03,570 --> 01:05:06,172 is Chicago's Cam "The Baum" Baumgartner. 1791 01:05:06,206 --> 01:05:08,575 He's coming off his best season ever 1792 01:05:08,608 --> 01:05:11,177 when he made it all the way to stage three. 1793 01:05:11,211 --> 01:05:14,681 - Last year, he looked really good, Matt. 1794 01:05:14,714 --> 01:05:17,450 - And the 25-year-old looked really good again tonight. 1795 01:05:17,484 --> 01:05:21,454 He was moving quickly in hopes of finishing under 1:20 1796 01:05:21,488 --> 01:05:23,423 and earning a shot at the Mega Wall. 1797 01:05:23,456 --> 01:05:26,226 - Cam's showing what he's got right here. 1798 01:05:26,259 --> 01:05:28,862 - He wasn't quite fast enough to have a shot at the 10K, 1799 01:05:28,895 --> 01:05:31,765 but he did get his fifth straight qualifying buzzer. 1800 01:05:31,798 --> 01:05:35,301 - Five time, showtime, all-time, good time. 1801 01:05:36,636 --> 01:05:38,972 - Well, I've got a feeling our next athlete 1802 01:05:39,072 --> 01:05:40,306 is going for that Mega Wall. 1803 01:05:40,340 --> 01:05:42,142 This is Kai Beckstrand, 1804 01:05:42,175 --> 01:05:44,077 from the well-known Beckstrand family 1805 01:05:44,110 --> 01:05:45,645 of ninjas in Utah. 1806 01:05:45,679 --> 01:05:48,682 Kai's 17 years old, and he's gonna bring the heat 1807 01:05:48,715 --> 01:05:50,383 this season. 1808 01:05:53,720 --> 01:05:55,889 Kai Beckstrand... [buzzer blares] 1809 01:05:55,922 --> 01:05:59,092 With the fastest time of the night. 1810 01:05:59,125 --> 01:06:01,161 - Season 13 of "American Ninja Warrior," 1811 01:06:01,194 --> 01:06:02,429 me and my dad made history 1812 01:06:02,462 --> 01:06:04,130 by being the first father-son duo 1813 01:06:04,164 --> 01:06:06,099 to finish a qualifier course. 1814 01:06:06,132 --> 01:06:07,734 - Whoo! [buzzer blares] 1815 01:06:07,767 --> 01:06:09,302 - That was one of the greatest experiences 1816 01:06:09,336 --> 01:06:10,337 of my life. 1817 01:06:10,370 --> 01:06:11,471 - Whoo! 1818 01:06:11,504 --> 01:06:12,806 Oh, let's go. 1819 01:06:12,839 --> 01:06:16,076 [buzzer blares] 1820 01:06:16,109 --> 01:06:18,178 - I've wanted be a firefighter for a couple years now 1821 01:06:18,211 --> 01:06:19,579 just like my dad, 1822 01:06:19,612 --> 01:06:21,414 and it's getting closer and closer to that time. 1823 01:06:21,448 --> 01:06:24,050 [upbeat music] 1824 01:06:24,084 --> 01:06:26,920 I recently got accepted into the EMT program, 1825 01:06:26,953 --> 01:06:28,655 and that's just one of the many steps 1826 01:06:28,688 --> 01:06:30,523 that it's gonna take to become a firefighter in the future. 1827 01:06:30,557 --> 01:06:32,826 - We got our outriggers out. - Yeah. 1828 01:06:32,859 --> 01:06:35,595 - And we wanna make sure that it's level. 1829 01:06:35,628 --> 01:06:39,232 I love that Kai is interested in following in my footsteps 1830 01:06:39,265 --> 01:06:41,701 and becoming a firefighter as well. 1831 01:06:41,735 --> 01:06:43,503 Now we're gonna raise it, 1832 01:06:43,536 --> 01:06:45,138 we're gonna swing it to the side, 1833 01:06:45,171 --> 01:06:47,307 and then extend it out. 1834 01:06:47,340 --> 01:06:48,842 And knowing Kai, 1835 01:06:48,875 --> 01:06:50,844 I think it's a perfect fit for him. 1836 01:06:50,877 --> 01:06:53,413 [dramatic music] 1837 01:06:53,446 --> 01:06:55,515 - I've recently been hitting the weight room, 1838 01:06:55,548 --> 01:06:57,884 and it's been making me a lot stronger. 1839 01:06:57,917 --> 01:07:00,286 Incorporating weights is a bonus in Ninja training. 1840 01:07:00,320 --> 01:07:02,222 It affects my speed and explosiveness 1841 01:07:02,255 --> 01:07:03,656 through the course. 1842 01:07:03,690 --> 01:07:05,825 I feel like this season is gonna be absolutely fire. 1843 01:07:05,859 --> 01:07:09,662 * * 1844 01:07:09,696 --> 01:07:11,164 [cheers and applause] 1845 01:07:11,197 --> 01:07:14,167 - There's Dad, Mom, and the whole Beckstrand family. 1846 01:07:14,200 --> 01:07:16,302 All of them do Ninja. 1847 01:07:16,336 --> 01:07:19,039 Dad ran earlier tonight 1848 01:07:19,039 --> 01:07:21,074 and made it to the fifth obstacle. 1849 01:07:21,107 --> 01:07:23,043 - Oh! [air horn blares] 1850 01:07:23,043 --> 01:07:26,346 - So it's up to Kai to get a buzzer for the family. 1851 01:07:26,379 --> 01:07:29,049 - His mohawk is a little bigger than in previous years, 1852 01:07:29,082 --> 01:07:30,950 and his body is too. 1853 01:07:31,051 --> 01:07:33,720 He's now carrying 180 pounds of muscle. 1854 01:07:33,753 --> 01:07:35,422 Ooh, that's big for a ninja. 1855 01:07:35,455 --> 01:07:37,123 - Perfect. - Nice. 1856 01:07:37,157 --> 01:07:39,192 - Greased Lightning. Gonna take this for a ride. 1857 01:07:39,225 --> 01:07:41,127 - He ain't messing around, Matt. You can tell. 1858 01:07:41,161 --> 01:07:44,864 He already has his game plan. He looks very confident. 1859 01:07:44,898 --> 01:07:46,066 - Smooth. 1860 01:07:46,099 --> 01:07:47,634 And gets through it no problem. 1861 01:07:47,667 --> 01:07:49,469 - Go, Kai. Let's go. 1862 01:07:49,502 --> 01:07:51,071 - Dad says keep pushing. 1863 01:07:51,071 --> 01:07:53,373 And he more than anyone knows what Kai is capable of. 1864 01:07:53,406 --> 01:07:55,975 - And he's just right into the Getaway. 1865 01:07:56,076 --> 01:07:57,544 - That's what he's going for, 1866 01:07:57,577 --> 01:07:59,079 because he's going for the time. 1867 01:07:59,079 --> 01:08:00,513 Less than 30 seconds in, 1868 01:08:00,547 --> 01:08:03,283 and he's already cracked the code to the safe. 1869 01:08:03,316 --> 01:08:05,452 - You have to finish faster than 1:20. 1870 01:08:05,485 --> 01:08:08,288 Then you get a shot at that $10,000 Mega Wall. 1871 01:08:08,321 --> 01:08:11,057 - Get that bag. Get that bag. 1872 01:08:11,091 --> 01:08:13,893 All right, here we go. 1873 01:08:13,927 --> 01:08:16,029 Wow! - But look at that! 1874 01:08:16,029 --> 01:08:17,731 - What? - Just launching! 1875 01:08:17,764 --> 01:08:19,032 - Whoa! 1876 01:08:19,032 --> 01:08:21,568 - Kai Beckstrand is gonna get a shot 1877 01:08:21,601 --> 01:08:23,670 at the Mega Wall! Just gotta get up 1878 01:08:23,703 --> 01:08:26,773 this 14 1/2 feet! 1879 01:08:26,806 --> 01:08:29,209 And no problem! - Look at that! 1880 01:08:29,242 --> 01:08:30,643 - Kai is back! 1881 01:08:30,677 --> 01:08:31,778 - Wow. 1882 01:08:31,811 --> 01:08:34,414 - And with 25 seconds to spare. 1883 01:08:34,447 --> 01:08:36,349 Now he's gonna get a shot at the Mega Wall. 1884 01:08:36,383 --> 01:08:37,851 - You got your swole. Let me see that swole 1885 01:08:37,884 --> 01:08:39,652 real quick. 1886 01:08:39,686 --> 01:08:41,454 Oh, man. Come on, man, stop it. 1887 01:08:41,488 --> 01:08:44,791 - And you got the guns, but can you get up 18 1/2 feet? 1888 01:08:44,824 --> 01:08:46,159 Go take your try, bud. 1889 01:08:46,192 --> 01:08:48,294 - There you go. Uh-oh, here we go. 1890 01:08:48,328 --> 01:08:50,463 - We've had two attempts already tonight, 1891 01:08:50,497 --> 01:08:51,931 neither successful. 1892 01:08:51,965 --> 01:08:54,901 Can Kai Beckstrand be the first at the new height? 1893 01:08:54,934 --> 01:08:58,071 all: Mega Wall! Mega Wall! 1894 01:08:58,071 --> 01:08:59,439 Mega Wall! 1895 01:08:59,472 --> 01:09:01,675 - 18 1/2 feet. We raised it up 6 inches. 1896 01:09:01,708 --> 01:09:04,010 - This crowd's gonna erupt if he gets it. 1897 01:09:04,044 --> 01:09:06,613 - Here we go! 1898 01:09:06,646 --> 01:09:08,014 - Yes! - Oh! 1899 01:09:08,048 --> 01:09:10,650 Kai Beckstrand! 1900 01:09:10,684 --> 01:09:13,653 [dramatic rock music] 1901 01:09:13,687 --> 01:09:15,555 * * 1902 01:09:15,588 --> 01:09:17,223 - Congratulations. 1903 01:09:17,257 --> 01:09:19,426 Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card 1904 01:09:19,459 --> 01:09:22,829 is gonna pay you $10,000! 1905 01:09:22,862 --> 01:09:26,066 - What you gonna spend the $10,000 on, buddy? 1906 01:09:26,099 --> 01:09:27,901 - I might go on a trip. Who knows? 1907 01:09:27,934 --> 01:09:30,437 - If you blinked, you missed it. 1908 01:09:30,470 --> 01:09:34,741 Kai flew through the course 25 seconds faster than anyone, 1909 01:09:34,774 --> 01:09:36,076 and on the Mega Wall, 1910 01:09:36,109 --> 01:09:37,811 he had more than enough power 1911 01:09:37,844 --> 01:09:40,847 to earn himself 10K. 1912 01:09:40,880 --> 01:09:44,551 - Kai Beckstrand back in a big way, 1913 01:09:44,584 --> 01:09:47,554 and he's got $10,000. 1914 01:09:47,587 --> 01:09:50,423 - He's our third finisher tonight so far. 1915 01:09:50,457 --> 01:09:52,258 At this point, those are the three 1916 01:09:52,292 --> 01:09:54,327 we know are moving on to the semifinals. 1917 01:09:54,361 --> 01:09:57,063 On the women's side, Emily Keener 1918 01:09:57,063 --> 01:10:00,233 and Violet Kepo'o have guaranteed their spots. 1919 01:10:00,266 --> 01:10:02,235 Speaking of speed... 1920 01:10:02,268 --> 01:10:03,536 between "Ninja Warrior" 1921 01:10:03,570 --> 01:10:05,305 and the brand-new car makeover series 1922 01:10:05,338 --> 01:10:07,273 "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge," 1923 01:10:07,307 --> 01:10:09,943 NBC is bringing all the thrills this summer. 1924 01:10:09,976 --> 01:10:11,745 - Check out this message from our friend 1925 01:10:11,778 --> 01:10:14,114 and host of "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge," 1926 01:10:14,147 --> 01:10:15,248 Rutledge Wood. 1927 01:10:15,281 --> 01:10:16,649 - What's up, Rut? - Thanks, guys. 1928 01:10:16,683 --> 01:10:19,085 We're so excited. Hope you caught the premiere 1929 01:10:19,119 --> 01:10:21,154 last week. We're here on the set, 1930 01:10:21,187 --> 01:10:23,923 and there have been some amazing transformations so far. 1931 01:10:23,957 --> 01:10:26,126 I can't wait for everyone to see what's coming. 1932 01:10:26,159 --> 01:10:27,861 Tune in to the next episode 1933 01:10:27,894 --> 01:10:30,897 tomorrow at 10:00 p.m. on NBC. 1934 01:10:34,567 --> 01:10:36,536 - Welcome back to our season premiere, 1935 01:10:36,569 --> 01:10:38,872 which has been an all-ages show 1936 01:10:38,905 --> 01:10:40,473 in the past few minutes. 1937 01:10:40,507 --> 01:10:44,077 Washington, D.C.'s, Will Wong is 52 1938 01:10:44,110 --> 01:10:46,279 and is a national champion cyclist 1939 01:10:46,312 --> 01:10:47,814 in the master's division. 1940 01:10:47,847 --> 01:10:50,016 But he couldn't master the Pole Vault. 1941 01:10:50,050 --> 01:10:51,451 - Ooh! 1942 01:10:51,484 --> 01:10:52,552 Pow. 1943 01:10:52,585 --> 01:10:55,522 Got smacked right in the face. 1944 01:10:55,555 --> 01:10:58,058 - 36-year-old Mike Silenzi, 1945 01:10:58,091 --> 01:10:59,859 AKA "The Stallion," 1946 01:10:59,893 --> 01:11:02,395 always creates a stampede on the sideline 1947 01:11:02,429 --> 01:11:04,297 and back in Chicago. 1948 01:11:04,330 --> 01:11:05,832 - Okay, Silenzi. 1949 01:11:05,865 --> 01:11:07,434 - And the ten-time "Ninja" veteran 1950 01:11:07,467 --> 01:11:09,069 had the giddyap going. 1951 01:11:09,102 --> 01:11:10,403 - I see you, baby. 1952 01:11:10,437 --> 01:11:13,306 - Silenzi's been on a roll in recent years 1953 01:11:13,340 --> 01:11:15,675 with six buzzers over the last two seasons, 1954 01:11:15,709 --> 01:11:17,811 and he got another one tonight. 1955 01:11:17,844 --> 01:11:20,246 [buzzer blares] - Whoo! 1956 01:11:20,280 --> 01:11:21,748 - Ay! 1957 01:11:21,781 --> 01:11:24,217 - 19-year-old Jera Boyd 1958 01:11:24,250 --> 01:11:25,952 had one thing on his mind. 1959 01:11:25,985 --> 01:11:28,421 - 19 years old. You know they like to go fast. 1960 01:11:28,455 --> 01:11:31,224 - The Minnesota teenager took down the Mega Wall 1961 01:11:31,257 --> 01:11:32,759 last year as a rookie, 1962 01:11:32,792 --> 01:11:35,428 and he was racing to get another chance this year... 1963 01:11:35,462 --> 01:11:37,364 - He's gotta go. He's gotta go. He's gotta go! 1964 01:11:37,397 --> 01:11:39,766 [buzzer blares] Whoa! 1965 01:11:39,799 --> 01:11:43,136 - By 3 one-hundredths of a second, you did it, buddy! 1966 01:11:43,169 --> 01:11:46,006 Giving him another shot at the Mega Wall. 1967 01:11:46,106 --> 01:11:47,273 - You better run up that wall 1968 01:11:47,307 --> 01:11:48,875 like you run up to Wells Fargo! 1969 01:11:48,908 --> 01:11:50,877 - And though it was six inches higher... 1970 01:11:50,910 --> 01:11:53,213 - Oh, my goodness, what? 1971 01:11:53,246 --> 01:11:55,882 - He got it for the second year in a row. 1972 01:11:55,915 --> 01:11:58,184 - No, you didn't. - And that earned him 1973 01:11:58,218 --> 01:12:02,055 $10,000 from Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card, 1974 01:12:02,055 --> 01:12:04,924 the second ninja tonight to do it. 1975 01:12:04,958 --> 01:12:08,495 Up next is "America Ninja Warrior's" favorite nurse, 1976 01:12:08,528 --> 01:12:09,863 Mady Howard. 1977 01:12:09,896 --> 01:12:12,832 The 27-year-old mom from Washington, Utah, 1978 01:12:12,866 --> 01:12:14,534 made it to Vegas last year 1979 01:12:14,567 --> 01:12:17,504 just months after adding a new member to her family. 1980 01:12:19,506 --> 01:12:21,174 - Where's my big boy? 1981 01:12:21,207 --> 01:12:23,977 Last season, my baby was six months old, 1982 01:12:24,077 --> 01:12:26,079 and so I had taken a break from Ninja for a while. 1983 01:12:26,079 --> 01:12:27,280 Good job. 1984 01:12:27,313 --> 01:12:29,282 And I was trying not to put too much pressure 1985 01:12:29,315 --> 01:12:31,551 on myself to do well. 1986 01:12:32,218 --> 01:12:34,220 - Go, go, go! - Ohh! 1987 01:12:34,254 --> 01:12:37,724 - But I was really happy with the outcome last year. 1988 01:12:37,757 --> 01:12:40,894 - Well, never underestimate the power of a mother. 1989 01:12:40,927 --> 01:12:42,262 Got it! 1990 01:12:42,295 --> 01:12:44,798 - Beckham is the cutest cheerleader ever. 1991 01:12:44,831 --> 01:12:46,266 - Look at you. 1992 01:12:46,299 --> 01:12:49,669 - This season, I'm feeling more prepared. 1993 01:12:49,703 --> 01:12:52,839 Beckham has never seen Mom get a buzzer, 1994 01:12:52,872 --> 01:12:54,641 and I'm hoping to change that tonight. 1995 01:12:58,278 --> 01:12:59,346 - Well, Beckham's gonna be watching 1996 01:12:59,379 --> 01:13:01,147 with Mady's husband, Tyler. 1997 01:13:01,181 --> 01:13:03,650 - Oh, look at baby Beckham. 1998 01:13:03,683 --> 01:13:07,420 [countdown clock beeping] 1999 01:13:07,454 --> 01:13:09,122 - Well, the top four women-- - Whoo. 2000 01:13:09,155 --> 01:13:10,690 - Ooh, did see those hands miss? 2001 01:13:10,724 --> 01:13:12,125 - Yes, she missed but caught it with the body. 2002 01:13:12,158 --> 01:13:13,493 Nice. 2003 01:13:13,526 --> 01:13:15,628 - Not the smoothest start for Mady, 2004 01:13:15,662 --> 01:13:17,864 but she's alive. 2005 01:13:17,897 --> 01:13:20,700 Well, locked in on the handles, and watch the drop. 2006 01:13:20,734 --> 01:13:22,669 Can she hold on here in Greased Lightning? 2007 01:13:22,702 --> 01:13:24,704 - Oh, you see, she's got the 90 degrees. 2008 01:13:24,738 --> 01:13:27,273 - Nice dismount--whoa! - Whoa! 2009 01:13:27,307 --> 01:13:29,142 Whoa! - Two for two, 2010 01:13:29,175 --> 01:13:30,744 making it interesting on these obstacles. 2011 01:13:30,777 --> 01:13:32,445 - Can we see that one in slow-mo? 2012 01:13:32,479 --> 01:13:34,748 That was so close. 2013 01:13:34,781 --> 01:13:36,649 That took all of her core strength 2014 01:13:36,683 --> 01:13:38,251 to keep from falling backwards, 2015 01:13:38,284 --> 01:13:40,820 but she saved it. 2016 01:13:40,854 --> 01:13:42,489 Her heart rate's gotta be racing 2017 01:13:42,522 --> 01:13:43,990 after those two close calls. - All right, stay on top. 2018 01:13:44,090 --> 01:13:46,359 Stay on top of the Dominoes. - Right through 'em. 2019 01:13:47,360 --> 01:13:49,829 - And her coworkers back in Utah love it. 2020 01:13:51,364 --> 01:13:53,466 On now to the Getaway here-- 2021 01:13:53,500 --> 01:13:55,535 - Yeah, she's going right for it, too, Matt. 2022 01:13:58,104 --> 01:13:59,706 - Oh, she advanced that quickly. 2023 01:13:59,739 --> 01:14:01,808 I like it. Conserving that energy. 2024 01:14:01,841 --> 01:14:04,411 She's seen the challenge that that Ring the Bells presents. 2025 01:14:04,444 --> 01:14:06,046 - Unlocked the safe with that one. 2026 01:14:06,046 --> 01:14:08,515 Here we go. 2027 01:14:08,548 --> 01:14:11,518 - Well, let's see. In hot pursuit here 2028 01:14:11,551 --> 01:14:12,952 trying to make a quick escape. 2029 01:14:13,053 --> 01:14:14,921 Gotta launch it over 2030 01:14:14,954 --> 01:14:16,656 - Good control there by Mady. 2031 01:14:16,690 --> 01:14:18,558 Now gotta grab the bag of cash. 2032 01:14:18,591 --> 01:14:20,694 - Matt, look how smooth she is. 2033 01:14:20,727 --> 01:14:23,897 I mean, just the technique: flawless. 2034 01:14:23,930 --> 01:14:27,167 - Well, after a couple of close calls early, 2035 01:14:27,200 --> 01:14:28,802 Mady looking relaxed. 2036 01:14:28,835 --> 01:14:31,471 Will she be the first woman to get through Ring the Bells? 2037 01:14:31,504 --> 01:14:33,273 And getting some love from Beckham 2038 01:14:33,306 --> 01:14:34,407 before she starts 2039 01:14:34,441 --> 01:14:36,509 this challenging fifth obstacle. 2040 01:14:36,543 --> 01:14:37,944 He wants a buzzer for Mommy. - Here's your chance. 2041 01:14:37,977 --> 01:14:39,279 You got it. 2042 01:14:39,312 --> 01:14:40,347 - This one has been a little difficult. 2043 01:14:40,380 --> 01:14:41,715 It's a momentum changer. 2044 01:14:43,483 --> 01:14:46,086 - So diabolical, the way the bells swing 2045 01:14:46,119 --> 01:14:47,454 into each other. 2046 01:14:47,487 --> 01:14:50,757 [bell clanging] 2047 01:14:50,790 --> 01:14:53,960 - And the clanging and banging really disrupts the momentum 2048 01:14:53,993 --> 01:14:55,628 as well on the launch. - "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." 2049 01:14:55,662 --> 01:14:57,263 Oh! - Oh! 2050 01:14:57,297 --> 01:14:59,632 Great save. 2051 01:14:59,666 --> 01:15:01,234 And just banging into it. 2052 01:15:01,267 --> 01:15:02,469 That's gonna make it very hard to launch-- 2053 01:15:02,502 --> 01:15:04,571 - Nice. She just threw her body 2054 01:15:04,604 --> 01:15:06,272 into it. 2055 01:15:06,306 --> 01:15:10,810 - One more transfer here. 2056 01:15:10,844 --> 01:15:13,046 Can't go arm over arm from three to four. 2057 01:15:13,046 --> 01:15:15,048 Gotta launch. - Gotta go. Nice. 2058 01:15:15,081 --> 01:15:18,585 - Got it! - Great. 2059 01:15:18,618 --> 01:15:21,654 - Will she be a buzzer hitter here in season 15? 2060 01:15:21,688 --> 01:15:23,356 - Oh, she can hit that buzzer, Matt. 2061 01:15:23,390 --> 01:15:24,657 She can hit that buzzer! 2062 01:15:24,691 --> 01:15:26,726 [crowd chanting "Mady"] 2063 01:15:26,760 --> 01:15:29,362 - Last time, she got a buzzer. - Oh, no! 2064 01:15:29,396 --> 01:15:30,764 [air horn blares] - Oh. 2065 01:15:32,932 --> 01:15:34,567 She can't believe it. 2066 01:15:34,601 --> 01:15:38,071 Was so close to getting a buzzer. 2067 01:15:38,071 --> 01:15:40,774 Take a look. She gets her feet on the pad 2068 01:15:40,807 --> 01:15:42,776 but couldn't stick the dismount 2069 01:15:42,809 --> 01:15:44,711 and falls back into the water. 2070 01:15:44,744 --> 01:15:48,381 But that run's gonna earn her a spot in the semifinals. 2071 01:15:48,415 --> 01:15:52,752 - At 5'2", he may be one of our shortest competitors, 2072 01:15:52,786 --> 01:15:56,589 but Gnarly Nate Hansen is one of our biggest stars. 2073 01:15:56,623 --> 01:15:59,092 Born with a growth hormone deficiency, 2074 01:15:59,092 --> 01:16:01,327 he stopped growing when he was 12, 2075 01:16:01,361 --> 01:16:04,230 but it has not stopped him from becoming an elite ninja. 2076 01:16:04,264 --> 01:16:07,167 He's hit seven buzzers in the last three years 2077 01:16:07,200 --> 01:16:08,902 and made it to stage three in Vegas. 2078 01:16:08,935 --> 01:16:10,203 - Oh, look at that. 2079 01:16:10,236 --> 01:16:12,038 He's got a new moustache this year. 2080 01:16:12,072 --> 01:16:14,274 - And it seems to be working for him. 2081 01:16:14,307 --> 01:16:17,344 Started dating his girlfriend, Morgan, in the off-season. 2082 01:16:17,377 --> 01:16:19,212 She's there with Nate's family. 2083 01:16:19,245 --> 01:16:22,048 [countdown clock beeping] 2084 01:16:22,048 --> 01:16:23,783 - Let's go, Nate! - Come on, Nate! 2085 01:16:23,817 --> 01:16:26,619 - All right, come on. 2086 01:16:26,653 --> 01:16:28,788 Gotta get up. Real smooth. 2087 01:16:28,822 --> 01:16:30,490 - Good, Nate. - He's got friends watching 2088 01:16:30,523 --> 01:16:32,359 back in Colorado. 2089 01:16:32,392 --> 01:16:33,893 Nate's become so popular, 2090 01:16:33,927 --> 01:16:35,929 does appearances around the country. 2091 01:16:35,962 --> 01:16:37,797 He's improved every year. 2092 01:16:37,831 --> 01:16:39,933 First season, made it to the semifinals, 2093 01:16:39,966 --> 01:16:43,737 second season, stage one, last year, stage three. 2094 01:16:43,770 --> 01:16:47,240 Now he wants that million dollars. 2095 01:16:47,273 --> 01:16:48,708 - What kind of balance will he have here 2096 01:16:48,742 --> 01:16:50,777 on Domino Effect? - Ooh, there you go. 2097 01:16:50,810 --> 01:16:53,213 - [indistinct] Just effortless. 2098 01:16:53,246 --> 01:16:54,848 - And look, and he's going right for it. 2099 01:16:54,881 --> 01:16:57,450 Nice. - Nate works tirelessly. 2100 01:16:57,484 --> 01:17:00,687 Such a hard worker in the gym, 2101 01:17:00,720 --> 01:17:02,489 such a talented ninja, 2102 01:17:02,522 --> 01:17:05,258 and just comes up big, Akbar, whenever he's on the course. 2103 01:17:05,291 --> 01:17:06,726 - Yeah, he really does. I mean, Matt, 2104 01:17:06,760 --> 01:17:08,828 he stays focused, one of the more focused ninjas 2105 01:17:08,862 --> 01:17:11,398 out here. 2106 01:17:12,732 --> 01:17:14,034 - Go for the money! You got it! 2107 01:17:14,034 --> 01:17:15,168 - All right, get that money. 2108 01:17:15,201 --> 01:17:17,404 - Ooh, nice hang. 2109 01:17:17,437 --> 01:17:19,572 - Gotta be faster than 1:20 2110 01:17:19,606 --> 01:17:21,274 to get a shot at that Mega Wall. 2111 01:17:21,307 --> 01:17:22,876 - Well, Matt, he's got 20 seconds, 2112 01:17:22,909 --> 01:17:24,277 so he does have to hustle. 2113 01:17:24,310 --> 01:17:25,478 Nice. 2114 01:17:25,512 --> 01:17:27,047 Nice transition. - Real smooth move there. 2115 01:17:27,047 --> 01:17:29,382 - He's now got about 10 seconds left. 2116 01:17:29,416 --> 01:17:31,284 - Come on, Nate. 2117 01:17:31,317 --> 01:17:33,219 - He's got the handlebar moustache. 2118 01:17:33,253 --> 01:17:35,288 Now he's just gotta make that transition to... 2119 01:17:35,321 --> 01:17:37,190 - Oh! - To the other handlebar. 2120 01:17:37,223 --> 01:17:38,758 - You're phenomenal. 2121 01:17:38,792 --> 01:17:40,226 - And he rushed it. 2122 01:17:40,260 --> 01:17:41,861 - Good job, Nate. 2123 01:17:41,895 --> 01:17:45,165 - Splashes down, but he got to Ring the Bells fast enough, 2124 01:17:45,198 --> 01:17:47,734 and he's moving on. 2125 01:17:47,767 --> 01:17:51,271 - Look how close this was. The handle was swinging away, 2126 01:17:51,304 --> 01:17:53,940 and he still got all of his fingertips on it, 2127 01:17:53,973 --> 01:17:56,976 but he just couldn't hang on. 2128 01:17:57,077 --> 01:17:58,345 - Come on in. 2129 01:17:58,378 --> 01:17:59,713 - Yeah. 2130 01:17:59,746 --> 01:18:01,881 - Joining Nate in semis will be 2131 01:18:01,915 --> 01:18:04,651 his longtime training partner, Austin Gray. 2132 01:18:04,684 --> 01:18:06,453 Earlier tonight the two-time runner-up 2133 01:18:06,486 --> 01:18:08,555 ran right through the first four obstacles... 2134 01:18:08,588 --> 01:18:10,523 - Ooh, he is in full control, Matt. 2135 01:18:10,557 --> 01:18:13,193 - Outdid Gnarly Nate on Ring the Bells... 2136 01:18:13,226 --> 01:18:15,628 - You see how easy it looked for Austin? 2137 01:18:15,662 --> 01:18:17,731 - And hit his tenth career buzzer. 2138 01:18:17,764 --> 01:18:20,166 [buzzer blares] 2139 01:18:20,200 --> 01:18:22,769 Is this the year? Are you going all the way? 2140 01:18:22,802 --> 01:18:25,105 - I think so, Matt. I think this is it. 2141 01:18:25,138 --> 01:18:27,841 - When we come back, it's the Runoff, 2142 01:18:27,874 --> 01:18:30,276 our head-to-head races for the final spots 2143 01:18:30,310 --> 01:18:31,845 in semifinals. 2144 01:18:31,878 --> 01:18:34,414 Oh, yeah, we got a taste of it earlier tonight. 2145 01:18:34,447 --> 01:18:36,549 I'm ready for round two. 2146 01:18:36,583 --> 01:18:38,585 Let's go! 2147 01:18:38,618 --> 01:18:42,055 That's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 2148 01:18:47,627 --> 01:18:50,430 - We're wrapping up our season premiere, 2149 01:18:50,463 --> 01:18:52,165 and our final runners were trying to earn 2150 01:18:52,198 --> 01:18:55,068 the last few spots in the semifinals. 2151 01:18:55,068 --> 01:18:57,771 Tatsumi Yanaba brought a snack: 2152 01:18:57,804 --> 01:18:59,305 his own brand of peanut butter. 2153 01:18:59,339 --> 01:19:01,274 Mmm, oh, it's exquisite. 2154 01:19:01,307 --> 01:19:02,876 Great creamy flavor. 2155 01:19:02,909 --> 01:19:06,212 This Peace Corps worker came all the way from Mozambique, 2156 01:19:06,246 --> 01:19:09,082 where he makes peanut butter to help feed the locals. 2157 01:19:09,115 --> 01:19:11,284 Tots' start was extra crunchy. 2158 01:19:11,317 --> 01:19:13,119 - Oh! 2159 01:19:13,153 --> 01:19:15,855 He got hit--ooh-- right in the peanuts. 2160 01:19:15,889 --> 01:19:18,358 - But the Minnesota native was smooth after that. 2161 01:19:18,391 --> 01:19:20,026 - Go, go, go! 2162 01:19:20,026 --> 01:19:22,529 - He made it to the fifth obstacle... 2163 01:19:22,562 --> 01:19:24,164 Ooh. 2164 01:19:24,197 --> 01:19:26,466 And that landed him a spot in the semifinals. 2165 01:19:26,499 --> 01:19:29,035 It's gotta be the peanut butter. 2166 01:19:29,035 --> 01:19:30,704 Every dog has its day 2167 01:19:30,737 --> 01:19:32,605 when Roo Yori takes the course. 2168 01:19:32,639 --> 01:19:34,307 - Okay, okay, bulldog. 2169 01:19:34,341 --> 01:19:37,043 - The Canine Ninja runs to raise awareness 2170 01:19:37,043 --> 01:19:39,045 for dogs that need adopting, 2171 01:19:39,045 --> 01:19:40,580 and he brought a few to the course, 2172 01:19:40,613 --> 01:19:42,615 along with a "ruff" crowd. 2173 01:19:42,649 --> 01:19:44,884 - The dog pound on the sideline cheering him on. 2174 01:19:44,918 --> 01:19:47,253 - The eight-time veteran is now 46 2175 01:19:47,287 --> 01:19:50,457 but proved old dogs can learn some new tricks. 2176 01:19:50,490 --> 01:19:52,459 - Nice. Okay, Roo Yori. 2177 01:19:52,492 --> 01:19:54,060 - He made it to the fifth obstacle 2178 01:19:54,060 --> 01:19:55,729 before falling... - Oh! 2179 01:19:55,762 --> 01:19:57,197 Adopt, don't shop. 2180 01:19:57,230 --> 01:19:59,399 - Securing him the final guaranteed spot 2181 01:19:59,432 --> 01:20:01,201 in the semifinals. 2182 01:20:01,234 --> 01:20:04,437 So here's a look at everyone who will be moving on. 2183 01:20:04,471 --> 01:20:07,974 Kai Beckstrand sits at the top with the fastest finish. 2184 01:20:08,008 --> 01:20:10,410 Six ninjas in all finished the course, 2185 01:20:10,443 --> 01:20:12,712 including "The Stallion," Mike Silenzi. 2186 01:20:12,746 --> 01:20:14,481 The top 11 are set, 2187 01:20:14,514 --> 01:20:16,616 but the 12th- and 13th-placed men 2188 01:20:16,649 --> 01:20:19,652 are about to race to determine the final spot. 2189 01:20:19,686 --> 01:20:22,989 On the women's side, Emily Keener, Mady Howard, 2190 01:20:23,023 --> 01:20:25,091 and Violet Kepo'o are in, 2191 01:20:25,125 --> 01:20:27,227 but our fourth- and fifth-place competitors 2192 01:20:27,260 --> 01:20:28,962 are going to race. 2193 01:20:28,995 --> 01:20:31,464 It's gonna be a battle between Utah mom 2194 01:20:31,498 --> 01:20:32,465 Larissa Cottle, 2195 01:20:32,499 --> 01:20:33,967 who we saw earlier, 2196 01:20:34,000 --> 01:20:35,568 and Jaelyn Bennett, 2197 01:20:35,602 --> 01:20:37,537 who just graduated with a degree 2198 01:20:37,570 --> 01:20:39,172 in mechanical engineering. 2199 01:20:39,205 --> 01:20:41,274 She can go from books to bikes 2200 01:20:41,307 --> 01:20:43,743 in a few seconds flat. 2201 01:20:43,777 --> 01:20:45,845 - One thing that I love about motocross is, 2202 01:20:45,879 --> 01:20:47,514 I love the freedom that it gives you. 2203 01:20:47,547 --> 01:20:49,883 It just feels like you're flying. 2204 01:20:49,916 --> 01:20:51,484 I definitely think that my comfort level 2205 01:20:51,518 --> 01:20:53,553 on bikes and going fast 2206 01:20:53,586 --> 01:20:54,954 will help me get through this course. 2207 01:20:54,988 --> 01:20:56,423 I'm ready to kick into gear 2208 01:20:56,456 --> 01:20:59,592 and get my first buzzer. 2209 01:20:59,626 --> 01:21:01,795 - Jaelyn's boyfriend, Austin Gray, 2210 01:21:01,828 --> 01:21:03,163 is going to be cheering her on 2211 01:21:03,196 --> 01:21:05,498 with the rest of the Colorado crew. 2212 01:21:05,532 --> 01:21:08,768 Larissa has her parents and daughter, LaRae, watching. 2213 01:21:08,802 --> 01:21:10,603 - Well, they both love to go fast. 2214 01:21:10,637 --> 01:21:13,306 And we're gonna see who prevails. What a showdown. 2215 01:21:13,340 --> 01:21:16,609 [countdown clock beeping] 2216 01:21:16,643 --> 01:21:18,144 - All right, there goes Cottle. 2217 01:21:18,178 --> 01:21:20,647 There goes Bennett! - First obstacle is Home Run. 2218 01:21:20,680 --> 01:21:21,881 Step for step, 2219 01:21:21,915 --> 01:21:23,850 and they finish it in a dead heat. 2220 01:21:23,883 --> 01:21:25,652 Now it's Spring Forward. 2221 01:21:25,685 --> 01:21:27,921 And Cottle goes down immediately! 2222 01:21:27,954 --> 01:21:29,522 She is out. - Oh, no! 2223 01:21:29,556 --> 01:21:30,924 - But since it wasn't clear 2224 01:21:30,957 --> 01:21:32,459 who got through Home Run first, 2225 01:21:32,492 --> 01:21:35,095 Jaelyn Bennett needs to complete this obstacle 2226 01:21:35,095 --> 01:21:37,097 to make sure she advances. 2227 01:21:37,097 --> 01:21:38,732 - That's right, Matt, and she's going through, 2228 01:21:38,765 --> 01:21:39,933 staying steady. 2229 01:21:39,966 --> 01:21:41,601 Her name is Bennett, and she's in it! 2230 01:21:41,634 --> 01:21:44,237 - Got it. Just needs that dismount. 2231 01:21:44,270 --> 01:21:46,606 - Get that dismount. And there it is. 2232 01:21:48,875 --> 01:21:51,444 Jaelyn Bennett moving on. 2233 01:21:51,478 --> 01:21:53,013 Now on to Beehive. 2234 01:21:53,113 --> 01:21:56,616 You know she wants to get a buzzer. 2235 01:21:56,649 --> 01:21:58,885 You got it, Jaelyn! Keep going. 2236 01:21:58,918 --> 01:22:00,920 - Come on, Jae. Come on, Jae. 2237 01:22:00,954 --> 01:22:03,156 [cheers and applause] 2238 01:22:03,189 --> 01:22:05,325 - One obstacle left, Hopscotch. 2239 01:22:08,128 --> 01:22:10,630 - Ooh. 2240 01:22:10,663 --> 01:22:12,699 [cheers and applause] 2241 01:22:12,732 --> 01:22:14,267 - She didn't reach the buzzer, 2242 01:22:14,300 --> 01:22:18,405 but Jaelyn Bennett punches her ticket to the semifinals, 2243 01:22:18,438 --> 01:22:21,675 where she'll join her boyfriend, Austin Gray. 2244 01:22:21,708 --> 01:22:23,076 - You all right? - All right. 2245 01:22:23,109 --> 01:22:24,377 Nice job. 2246 01:22:24,411 --> 01:22:26,346 - Now for the men's runoff race. 2247 01:22:26,379 --> 01:22:29,249 - We've got Docta Bachta, Steven Bachta, 2248 01:22:29,282 --> 01:22:31,718 scoring off against the Carabao Ninja, 2249 01:22:31,751 --> 01:22:34,254 Glenn Albright. 2250 01:22:34,287 --> 01:22:37,691 - Docta Bachta is a 41-year-old pediatrician 2251 01:22:37,724 --> 01:22:40,226 from the Chicago area with two young daughters. 2252 01:22:40,260 --> 01:22:43,096 all: "American Ninja Warrior"! 2253 01:22:43,096 --> 01:22:44,764 - He's been training for a couple of years 2254 01:22:44,798 --> 01:22:46,900 with "Ninja" veteran Mike Silenzi. 2255 01:22:49,235 --> 01:22:52,672 Glenn Albright is representing for his Filipino heritage 2256 01:22:52,706 --> 01:22:55,608 by naming himself after the national animal, 2257 01:22:55,642 --> 01:22:57,344 the carabao water buffalo. 2258 01:22:57,377 --> 01:23:00,046 And he wants to put on a Thrilla from Manila. 2259 01:23:00,046 --> 01:23:01,715 - There's a whole country watching me, 2260 01:23:01,748 --> 01:23:03,116 and I know that I have to get out there, 2261 01:23:03,149 --> 01:23:05,518 and I have to put everything that I got into this. 2262 01:23:09,422 --> 01:23:11,291 [cheers and applause] 2263 01:23:11,324 --> 01:23:13,193 - Glenn's got some supporters watching him 2264 01:23:13,226 --> 01:23:16,196 from 7,000 miles away in the Philippines tonight. 2265 01:23:16,229 --> 01:23:18,832 And Doc Bachta has his wife and friends here 2266 01:23:18,865 --> 01:23:20,066 on the sideline. 2267 01:23:20,066 --> 01:23:21,468 - Four obstacles, 2268 01:23:21,501 --> 01:23:23,603 one buzzer, one spot. 2269 01:23:23,636 --> 01:23:26,639 [countdown clock beeping] 2270 01:23:26,673 --> 01:23:28,341 Oh, here we go! 2271 01:23:28,375 --> 01:23:29,809 Albright out first! - As you can see-- 2272 01:23:29,843 --> 01:23:31,444 Bachta--Bachta's down! 2273 01:23:31,478 --> 01:23:32,846 And just like that, 2274 01:23:32,879 --> 01:23:36,082 the Carabao Ninja is moving on! 2275 01:23:36,082 --> 01:23:38,084 - Man, that pressure right there 2276 01:23:38,084 --> 01:23:39,586 was put all on the Docta, 2277 01:23:39,619 --> 01:23:42,222 and look at Albright still going through, Matt. 2278 01:23:42,255 --> 01:23:44,858 His fourth season, and he's never hit a buzzer. 2279 01:23:44,891 --> 01:23:46,926 He know he wants to finish. 2280 01:23:46,960 --> 01:23:50,363 - Well, Docta Bachta ends up getting a sponge bath 2281 01:23:50,397 --> 01:23:51,931 on that first obstacle. 2282 01:23:51,965 --> 01:23:55,235 - Yeah, he was off balance on his third step 2283 01:23:55,268 --> 01:23:57,771 and rolled right into the water. 2284 01:23:57,804 --> 01:24:00,340 This is Hopscotch. You can see. 2285 01:24:00,373 --> 01:24:02,375 So now you gotta go outside, blind grabs. 2286 01:24:02,409 --> 01:24:04,310 - And that's the hardest part. You gotta feel it. 2287 01:24:04,344 --> 01:24:05,645 Nice. - Boom. 2288 01:24:05,679 --> 01:24:07,781 - I love the way he threw himself up. 2289 01:24:07,814 --> 01:24:11,317 - Well, the carabao-- not an animal known for speed, 2290 01:24:11,351 --> 01:24:13,887 but it is known for going the distance. 2291 01:24:13,920 --> 01:24:15,655 - Oh. - And Glenn Albright 2292 01:24:15,689 --> 01:24:17,724 gets that buzzer. 2293 01:24:19,893 --> 01:24:21,728 - Good job, Glenn. 2294 01:24:21,761 --> 01:24:23,196 - He wanted that moment, Matt. 2295 01:24:23,229 --> 01:24:24,698 And boy, he looks good. 2296 01:24:24,731 --> 01:24:26,332 All right, all right, all right! 2297 01:24:26,366 --> 01:24:28,902 - An emotional Glenn Albright wraps up 2298 01:24:28,935 --> 01:24:30,704 an incredible opening night. 2299 01:24:30,737 --> 01:24:32,706 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, 2300 01:24:32,739 --> 01:24:34,207 I'm Matt Iseman. 2301 01:24:34,240 --> 01:24:37,277 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior."