1 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:06,072 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:06,106 --> 00:00:07,574 - Get ready for a big show 3 00:00:07,607 --> 00:00:09,676 here at Universal Studios, Hollywood. 4 00:00:09,709 --> 00:00:11,878 It's the final night of qualifying 5 00:00:11,911 --> 00:00:14,514 on "American Ninja Warrior." 6 00:00:14,547 --> 00:00:15,682 Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 7 00:00:15,715 --> 00:00:16,683 I'm Matt Iseman. 8 00:00:16,716 --> 00:00:18,284 - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 9 00:00:18,318 --> 00:00:21,221 Matt, next week, we start racing 10 00:00:21,254 --> 00:00:23,523 head-to-head in the semifinals. 11 00:00:23,556 --> 00:00:25,458 If these ninjas wanna be there, 12 00:00:25,492 --> 00:00:26,793 they'll need to step it up tonight. 13 00:00:26,826 --> 00:00:28,028 - Absolutely, big man. 14 00:00:28,061 --> 00:00:30,163 They'll be facing a six-obstacle course 15 00:00:30,196 --> 00:00:33,333 with only the top 12 men and top four women moving on. 16 00:00:33,366 --> 00:00:35,402 For a look at the athletes we'll see, 17 00:00:35,435 --> 00:00:36,970 let's go down to Zuri Hall. 18 00:00:37,003 --> 00:00:39,506 - Yeah, guys, we will see some real talent tonight, 19 00:00:39,539 --> 00:00:42,208 including one of the fastest ninjas out there. 20 00:00:42,242 --> 00:00:45,345 That would be the speedster who always shreds the course. 21 00:00:45,378 --> 00:00:47,213 - Fastest time of the night! 22 00:00:47,247 --> 00:00:48,848 - R.J. Roman. 23 00:00:48,882 --> 00:00:51,451 The Florida musician is coming off his second straight trip 24 00:00:51,484 --> 00:00:53,853 to stage four in Vegas. 25 00:00:53,887 --> 00:00:55,755 Plus, she's a trailblazer-- 26 00:00:55,789 --> 00:00:59,626 - The first woman ever to complete stage one. 27 00:00:59,659 --> 00:01:03,296 - She's also one of the most popular ninjas of all time. 28 00:01:03,329 --> 00:01:05,532 Stuntwoman Jessie Graff is back, 29 00:01:05,565 --> 00:01:07,767 hoping to make herstory once again. 30 00:01:07,801 --> 00:01:10,337 And they're social media superstars. 31 00:01:12,472 --> 00:01:14,674 - Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, 32 00:01:14,708 --> 00:01:18,244 and her husband, former NFL player Andrew East are here. 33 00:01:18,278 --> 00:01:20,780 He's gonna run the course. 34 00:01:20,814 --> 00:01:22,182 - We're going to start things off tonight 35 00:01:22,215 --> 00:01:23,583 a little differently. 36 00:01:23,616 --> 00:01:26,353 This is Jay Flores, a science teacher 37 00:01:26,386 --> 00:01:29,689 and social media star who's gonna make a little magic. 38 00:01:29,723 --> 00:01:31,224 - Whoa. 39 00:01:31,257 --> 00:01:33,893 - He did that by throwing a liquid called limonene, 40 00:01:33,927 --> 00:01:36,363 which dissolves rubber, onto the balloons. 41 00:01:36,396 --> 00:01:38,965 That's just one of the many experiments Jay does 42 00:01:38,998 --> 00:01:41,201 to get kids interested in science. 43 00:01:41,234 --> 00:01:42,669 [bright music] 44 00:01:42,702 --> 00:01:45,271 - My name is Jay Flores, and this isn't magic. 45 00:01:45,305 --> 00:01:46,740 all: It's science. 46 00:01:46,773 --> 00:01:49,676 - Whoo hoo! [kids cheering] 47 00:01:49,709 --> 00:01:52,512 [laughs] That was awesome. 48 00:01:52,545 --> 00:01:54,981 I'm always looking for different examples 49 00:01:55,015 --> 00:01:57,250 of how I can blow kids' minds with science. 50 00:01:57,283 --> 00:01:58,518 Can you feel it now? 51 00:01:58,551 --> 00:02:00,920 Whoo. 52 00:02:00,954 --> 00:02:02,389 There's science behind sports, 53 00:02:02,422 --> 00:02:04,190 behind movies. 54 00:02:04,224 --> 00:02:07,694 Whatever your hobby is, we can find some science behind it. 55 00:02:07,727 --> 00:02:08,962 Watch. 56 00:02:09,062 --> 00:02:11,798 [kids shouting] 57 00:02:11,831 --> 00:02:13,633 Whoo! 58 00:02:13,667 --> 00:02:15,402 [applause] 59 00:02:15,435 --> 00:02:18,071 Even Akbar got into the fun. 60 00:02:18,071 --> 00:02:19,339 - It's not magic. It's science. 61 00:02:19,372 --> 00:02:20,940 - It's science. 62 00:02:20,974 --> 00:02:22,909 - Whoo! 63 00:02:22,942 --> 00:02:24,244 * * 64 00:02:24,277 --> 00:02:26,346 - There is tons of science behind Ninja, 65 00:02:26,379 --> 00:02:30,116 from engineering obstacles to figuring out how to position 66 00:02:30,150 --> 00:02:31,985 your body, distances. 67 00:02:32,085 --> 00:02:33,753 [grunts] Nope. 68 00:02:33,787 --> 00:02:35,121 A little far. 69 00:02:35,155 --> 00:02:37,123 If you can find that science behind the things 70 00:02:37,157 --> 00:02:39,926 that you love, you can do some really cool things. 71 00:02:39,959 --> 00:02:42,595 My run on this course is not just a shot at the buzzer. 72 00:02:42,629 --> 00:02:45,532 It is an opportunity to inspire the child 73 00:02:45,565 --> 00:02:48,168 that is gonna do something that changes the world. 74 00:02:48,201 --> 00:02:51,538 * * 75 00:02:51,571 --> 00:02:53,973 - My kids think he is so cool, 76 00:02:54,007 --> 00:02:56,343 and he does science shows all over the world. 77 00:02:56,376 --> 00:02:58,411 - In fact, he's got some of the kids he works with 78 00:02:58,445 --> 00:03:01,281 watching all the way from Australia. 79 00:03:01,314 --> 00:03:02,749 [cheering] 80 00:03:03,650 --> 00:03:05,485 - And his son, wife, and sister 81 00:03:05,518 --> 00:03:07,921 are cheering for him down on the sideline. 82 00:03:07,954 --> 00:03:10,056 - This is when you gotta take all that science knowledge 83 00:03:10,056 --> 00:03:11,591 and apply it. [countdown clock beeping] 84 00:03:11,624 --> 00:03:13,727 - Needs to figure out the angles on our first obstacle, 85 00:03:13,760 --> 00:03:15,228 Pole Vault. 86 00:03:15,261 --> 00:03:17,464 - A little trigonometry here, looking at that arc, 87 00:03:17,497 --> 00:03:19,632 and he is through. 88 00:03:21,768 --> 00:03:23,937 Moving up now to Double Twister, 89 00:03:23,970 --> 00:03:26,473 and this is a difficult one to control your momentum. 90 00:03:26,506 --> 00:03:28,375 - Yes, it is. 91 00:03:28,408 --> 00:03:30,377 And he's got a big little shake, too, here, 92 00:03:30,410 --> 00:03:31,911 but it twists and turns. 93 00:03:31,945 --> 00:03:35,315 And that can get you all messed up. 94 00:03:35,348 --> 00:03:38,385 - Well, Newton would be proud of Flores right there. 95 00:03:38,418 --> 00:03:42,155 He remains an object in motion, but getting twisted. 96 00:03:42,188 --> 00:03:44,491 And this is the challenge with that momentum. 97 00:03:44,524 --> 00:03:46,326 - Oh, he's going to get dizzy, Matt. 98 00:03:46,359 --> 00:03:47,861 - Yeah, you're getting some angular 99 00:03:47,894 --> 00:03:50,096 vectors in here that are compromising 100 00:03:50,096 --> 00:03:51,664 this obstacle form, but wow. 101 00:03:51,698 --> 00:03:52,665 - [laughs] 102 00:03:52,699 --> 00:03:54,100 - A good launch. 103 00:03:54,134 --> 00:03:55,268 - Oh, boy. 104 00:03:57,137 --> 00:04:00,040 all: Go, Jay, go! Go, Jay, go! 105 00:04:00,040 --> 00:04:02,275 - His scientific method continues, 106 00:04:02,308 --> 00:04:03,877 facing Dangerous Waters. 107 00:04:03,910 --> 00:04:05,412 - All right, keep it running. Keep it running. 108 00:04:05,445 --> 00:04:06,913 - Oh. - Oh. 109 00:04:06,946 --> 00:04:09,115 - A little stumble but didn't have to check 110 00:04:09,149 --> 00:04:12,419 the surface tension on the water. 111 00:04:12,452 --> 00:04:14,854 - He has a mechanical engineering background, 112 00:04:14,888 --> 00:04:16,956 but can Jay figure out our fourth obstacle 113 00:04:17,057 --> 00:04:18,425 tonight, Duck Duck Goose? 114 00:04:18,458 --> 00:04:20,593 - This is difficult. Magic, science-- 115 00:04:20,627 --> 00:04:21,594 none of that's going to help. 116 00:04:21,628 --> 00:04:23,596 Its straight-up grip strength. 117 00:04:23,630 --> 00:04:24,931 Nice. 118 00:04:26,566 --> 00:04:28,802 - And you can see, he slid to the front of that second duck. 119 00:04:28,835 --> 00:04:29,803 I like it. 120 00:04:29,836 --> 00:04:32,839 Make the lache shorter. 121 00:04:32,872 --> 00:04:34,240 - Nice. 122 00:04:34,274 --> 00:04:35,508 - Now, look at this. 123 00:04:35,542 --> 00:04:38,645 Jay Flores elevating, 124 00:04:38,678 --> 00:04:40,580 got through it. 125 00:04:42,115 --> 00:04:44,451 - Maintaining his momentum 126 00:04:44,484 --> 00:04:47,520 and now into Ring the Bells. 127 00:04:47,554 --> 00:04:48,988 Now, this is a great obstacle 128 00:04:49,089 --> 00:04:51,524 because this is very similar to Newton's cradle. 129 00:04:51,558 --> 00:04:53,226 You think of those chrome balls suspended 130 00:04:53,259 --> 00:04:56,463 by the fishing line, how you see them bang into each other. 131 00:04:56,496 --> 00:04:57,931 It's a similar premise here. [bells chiming] 132 00:04:57,964 --> 00:05:00,367 These bells will knock into each other 133 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:02,268 and keep moving the handles. 134 00:05:02,302 --> 00:05:04,204 - Yeah, and that clanging can really 135 00:05:04,237 --> 00:05:06,139 throw you off your game. 136 00:05:06,172 --> 00:05:07,941 Nice. 137 00:05:08,041 --> 00:05:09,809 All four bells banging into each other, 138 00:05:09,843 --> 00:05:13,046 that's an increased mass, but Flores moving ahead. 139 00:05:13,079 --> 00:05:14,881 - Come on, Jay! 140 00:05:14,914 --> 00:05:17,517 - Now, another lache here. 141 00:05:17,550 --> 00:05:21,154 Some sonic properties at work, too. 142 00:05:21,187 --> 00:05:22,722 - Come on. 143 00:05:22,756 --> 00:05:24,057 All that back and forth 144 00:05:24,090 --> 00:05:26,626 is really making it a little difficult. 145 00:05:26,659 --> 00:05:29,496 Ooh, Matt, his hands are starting to slip. 146 00:05:29,529 --> 00:05:31,398 He's starting to slip. He's gotta go now. 147 00:05:31,431 --> 00:05:33,533 - Jay Flores needs a little magic, 148 00:05:33,566 --> 00:05:35,735 but he's using science, trying to use 149 00:05:35,769 --> 00:05:38,505 that other handle to build up momentum and make a big lache. 150 00:05:38,538 --> 00:05:40,073 - Oh. [air horn blares] 151 00:05:40,073 --> 00:05:42,676 [crowd awws] 152 00:05:42,709 --> 00:05:46,713 - And Jay Flores learns about gravity on Ring the Bells. 153 00:05:46,746 --> 00:05:50,316 Still, pretty magical run. 154 00:05:50,350 --> 00:05:53,253 - Jay Flores had it popping from the start. 155 00:05:53,286 --> 00:05:57,991 He may be a nerdy scientist, but he looked like an athlete. 156 00:05:58,091 --> 00:06:00,493 He powered his way to the fifth obstacle 157 00:06:00,527 --> 00:06:03,596 but just ran out of gas. 158 00:06:03,630 --> 00:06:05,432 [chatter] 159 00:06:05,465 --> 00:06:07,267 - But there's a good chance that'll get him 160 00:06:07,300 --> 00:06:10,170 to the semifinals. 161 00:06:10,203 --> 00:06:13,807 Up next is one of last year's most impressive teenagers. 162 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:16,676 Colorado's Jaleesa Himka made it to the national finals 163 00:06:16,710 --> 00:06:18,244 as a rookie. 164 00:06:18,278 --> 00:06:20,347 Now she's back for her sophomore season, 165 00:06:20,380 --> 00:06:24,684 once again cheered on by her enthusiastic mom, Suzanne. 166 00:06:24,718 --> 00:06:26,686 - Let's go! 167 00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:28,588 [vibrant music] 168 00:06:28,621 --> 00:06:32,926 - Jaleesa Himka just needs the dismount. 169 00:06:32,959 --> 00:06:35,061 [buzzer blares] 170 00:06:35,061 --> 00:06:36,596 * * 171 00:06:36,629 --> 00:06:40,100 - My mom, she is crazy on the sideline. 172 00:06:40,133 --> 00:06:41,301 - Yes! 173 00:06:41,334 --> 00:06:42,502 Yeah! 174 00:06:42,535 --> 00:06:43,803 Oh! Yeah! 175 00:06:43,837 --> 00:06:46,606 - I'd say she's like that every day, all day. 176 00:06:46,639 --> 00:06:48,174 - Yeah! 177 00:06:48,208 --> 00:06:51,077 Yeah, even when I clean the toilet bowl, you know. 178 00:06:51,077 --> 00:06:53,213 Kshhh! [laughs] 179 00:06:53,246 --> 00:06:54,614 [upbeat music] 180 00:06:54,647 --> 00:06:57,417 - My mom grew up doing basically every sport. 181 00:06:57,450 --> 00:07:00,186 - Volleyball, basketball, track, tennis, bodybuilding, 182 00:07:00,220 --> 00:07:01,855 Miss Fitness America, 183 00:07:01,888 --> 00:07:04,090 ended up winning "American Gladiators." 184 00:07:04,124 --> 00:07:06,559 Got my Black belt when I was 40. 185 00:07:06,593 --> 00:07:07,794 - I've been training with my mom 186 00:07:07,827 --> 00:07:09,696 ever since I was six years old. 187 00:07:09,729 --> 00:07:11,431 - Yeah, that's it. Come on. 188 00:07:11,464 --> 00:07:13,867 You've got this. You're almost there. Come on. 189 00:07:13,900 --> 00:07:16,469 - We have an outdoor gym that is really close to my house. 190 00:07:16,503 --> 00:07:18,605 It's like 25,000 square feet. 191 00:07:18,638 --> 00:07:21,307 My mom describes it as like a Disney World of Ninja. 192 00:07:21,341 --> 00:07:22,942 - Quick feet, quick feet, quick feet. 193 00:07:23,043 --> 00:07:25,045 Yeah, let's go! Let's go! Yes! 194 00:07:25,078 --> 00:07:27,380 - Even on the days that I don't feel like training, 195 00:07:27,414 --> 00:07:29,215 my mom motivates me to keep going. 196 00:07:29,249 --> 00:07:31,051 - Yeah, let's go. Let's go. Yes. 197 00:07:31,051 --> 00:07:32,719 Yes, best time yet! 198 00:07:32,752 --> 00:07:34,387 Good job! 199 00:07:34,421 --> 00:07:36,356 I'm so excited. 200 00:07:36,389 --> 00:07:38,458 This is her chance to shine, 201 00:07:38,491 --> 00:07:40,326 and I just wanna be by her side. 202 00:07:40,360 --> 00:07:44,364 * * 203 00:07:44,397 --> 00:07:46,766 - Let's go! Whoo! 204 00:07:46,800 --> 00:07:49,469 - Mom's already hyped up for this one. 205 00:07:49,502 --> 00:07:51,905 [countdown clock beeping] 206 00:07:51,938 --> 00:07:54,140 Last season, in her rookie debut, 207 00:07:54,174 --> 00:07:55,909 made it all the way to Vegas. 208 00:07:55,942 --> 00:07:58,278 - Beat Ninja legend Jessie Graff 209 00:07:58,311 --> 00:08:00,146 in the semifinals to make it there. 210 00:08:00,180 --> 00:08:02,549 - Whoo! 211 00:08:02,582 --> 00:08:05,452 - Started training for Ninja when she was just six. 212 00:08:05,485 --> 00:08:08,021 - Yeah, that's why these teenagers are so good. 213 00:08:08,021 --> 00:08:10,790 They've been in ninja gym since they were kids. 214 00:08:10,824 --> 00:08:12,492 And Jaleesa Himka is strong. 215 00:08:12,525 --> 00:08:14,027 A lot of power here. 216 00:08:14,060 --> 00:08:15,528 - Well, Matt, not only strong, too. 217 00:08:15,562 --> 00:08:17,564 Just so fluid with it as well. 218 00:08:17,597 --> 00:08:19,766 Just makes it look so easy. 219 00:08:19,799 --> 00:08:22,435 - And it helps when your mom is manager of a ninja park. 220 00:08:22,469 --> 00:08:25,038 That makes it a lot easier to train. 221 00:08:25,038 --> 00:08:26,639 [cheers and applause] 222 00:08:26,673 --> 00:08:28,942 - Yeah! 223 00:08:29,042 --> 00:08:31,945 - 5'6", gonna take on Dangerous Waters. 224 00:08:32,045 --> 00:08:33,747 - Fast feet! Come on! 225 00:08:33,780 --> 00:08:35,582 - I love it-- shouting out advice. 226 00:08:35,615 --> 00:08:38,151 Balance obstacles always nerve-wracking, 227 00:08:38,184 --> 00:08:39,552 but she's got it. 228 00:08:39,586 --> 00:08:40,687 - Nice. 229 00:08:42,689 --> 00:08:45,725 - And mom is pumped. 230 00:08:45,759 --> 00:08:47,160 - Mom is high energy. 231 00:08:47,193 --> 00:08:48,695 - The top four women from tonight 232 00:08:48,728 --> 00:08:51,831 move on to the semifinals, Jaleesa Himka will have 233 00:08:51,865 --> 00:08:53,533 a good shot at being one of them 234 00:08:53,566 --> 00:08:55,735 if she gets through this fourth obstacle, 235 00:08:55,769 --> 00:08:57,070 Duck Duck Goose. 236 00:08:57,070 --> 00:08:58,371 - And look at this! 237 00:08:58,405 --> 00:09:01,007 Himka looks strong. 238 00:09:01,007 --> 00:09:03,076 - This goose, though, you can see those wings. 239 00:09:03,109 --> 00:09:05,645 A 90-degree drop. 240 00:09:05,679 --> 00:09:06,813 And she made it. 241 00:09:06,846 --> 00:09:09,015 No problem for Himka. 242 00:09:09,015 --> 00:09:11,351 - Come on. Keep going. 243 00:09:11,384 --> 00:09:13,053 - And she is through. 244 00:09:13,086 --> 00:09:15,355 - Yeah! 245 00:09:15,388 --> 00:09:16,890 Whoo! 246 00:09:16,923 --> 00:09:18,091 - She wants that buzzer. 247 00:09:18,124 --> 00:09:19,092 Matt, she's going for a buzzer. 248 00:09:19,125 --> 00:09:20,560 She's going to get it. 249 00:09:20,593 --> 00:09:22,829 - First, she'll have to get past Ring the Bells. 250 00:09:22,862 --> 00:09:25,098 And this has been a brutal obstacle. 251 00:09:25,131 --> 00:09:28,168 It's taken out even some of the most experienced ninjas 252 00:09:28,201 --> 00:09:29,903 last year and this season. 253 00:09:29,936 --> 00:09:31,705 - I was talking about the fluidity, 254 00:09:31,738 --> 00:09:33,473 just the easy movement she has. 255 00:09:33,506 --> 00:09:34,841 She has great command-- 256 00:09:34,874 --> 00:09:37,177 both: Oh. 257 00:09:37,210 --> 00:09:39,045 - Yeah, that's OK. 258 00:09:39,079 --> 00:09:42,282 - Jaleesa Himka just short on Ring the Bells, 259 00:09:42,315 --> 00:09:44,718 but not before rigging up another great run. 260 00:09:44,751 --> 00:09:47,687 I think that'll earn Jaleesa and her mom 261 00:09:47,721 --> 00:09:50,423 a trip to the semifinals. 262 00:09:50,457 --> 00:09:54,094 This night of qualifying is packed with Ninja favorites, 263 00:09:54,127 --> 00:09:56,830 including the history-making Jesse Graff 264 00:09:56,863 --> 00:09:59,466 who's ready to add another buzzer. 265 00:09:59,499 --> 00:10:01,434 - We're going to have so much fun tonight. 266 00:10:01,468 --> 00:10:05,538 - Plus Conor Galvin nursed his golden retriever back to life. 267 00:10:05,572 --> 00:10:09,776 Now she's a Ninja hero, ready to cheer him on. 268 00:10:09,809 --> 00:10:12,445 - I think it's gonna help me a lot this year. 269 00:10:12,479 --> 00:10:16,416 - And later, his dying dad taught him about living wide, 270 00:10:16,449 --> 00:10:19,019 and Christopher Harding Jones spread that message 271 00:10:19,052 --> 00:10:20,487 to the world. [buzzer blares] 272 00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:22,555 - 35 feet closer to my dad. 273 00:10:22,589 --> 00:10:25,458 - Now this inspirational teen is back 274 00:10:25,492 --> 00:10:29,329 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 275 00:10:34,668 --> 00:10:37,370 - We're off and running on our final night of qualifying. 276 00:10:37,404 --> 00:10:40,206 And minutes ago, Ahmed Amin came out 277 00:10:40,240 --> 00:10:41,775 flying the Egyptian flag 278 00:10:41,808 --> 00:10:44,511 to honor the country where he was born. 279 00:10:44,544 --> 00:10:48,348 He even had relatives watching all the way from Cairo. 280 00:10:48,381 --> 00:10:50,817 Amin's a postal supervisor in Florida, 281 00:10:50,850 --> 00:10:52,952 and he delivered on Pole Vault-- 282 00:10:52,986 --> 00:10:54,654 - OK, big dog. 283 00:10:54,688 --> 00:10:57,457 - But got turned around on Double Twister. 284 00:10:57,490 --> 00:10:59,159 - Oh, boy. 285 00:10:59,192 --> 00:11:01,461 - And after 40 seconds of spinning, 286 00:11:01,494 --> 00:11:03,063 it was returned to sender. 287 00:11:03,096 --> 00:11:04,597 - Oh, my goodness! 288 00:11:04,631 --> 00:11:06,266 all: Oh. 289 00:11:06,299 --> 00:11:09,936 - Matt, he spun out of control. 290 00:11:09,969 --> 00:11:12,572 - Florida teenager Emma Pereyra 291 00:11:12,605 --> 00:11:15,241 made it to the national finals last year as a rookie. 292 00:11:15,275 --> 00:11:17,644 - She's got this. She's got this, Matt. 293 00:11:17,677 --> 00:11:20,413 - The high schooler started her sophomore season of Ninja 294 00:11:20,447 --> 00:11:24,384 with confidence, flying past Double Twister. 295 00:11:24,417 --> 00:11:25,719 - She is doing it big. 296 00:11:25,752 --> 00:11:28,221 - But then came Dangerous Waters. 297 00:11:28,254 --> 00:11:30,657 - Ooh. 298 00:11:30,690 --> 00:11:34,327 - Now she is in danger of not moving on. 299 00:11:34,361 --> 00:11:36,796 Missouri dairy farmer Caleb Dowden 300 00:11:36,830 --> 00:11:39,933 fueled up for his run with a big gulp of milk. 301 00:11:39,966 --> 00:11:42,802 - Drink up and get mooo-ving. 302 00:11:42,836 --> 00:11:44,637 - The 33-year-old gets his workout 303 00:11:44,671 --> 00:11:48,108 by milking cows and chopping wood, 304 00:11:48,108 --> 00:11:49,976 and he was able to cut down the first-- 305 00:11:50,010 --> 00:11:51,678 - OK. - The second-- 306 00:11:51,711 --> 00:11:54,114 - Nice. - And the third obstacle. 307 00:11:54,114 --> 00:11:56,549 - Excellent. I see you, big boy. 308 00:11:56,583 --> 00:11:59,019 - But despite being country strong-- 309 00:11:59,119 --> 00:12:00,220 - Oh! 310 00:12:00,253 --> 00:12:02,288 - He couldn't handle Duck Duck Goose. 311 00:12:02,322 --> 00:12:03,456 [duck quacks] 312 00:12:03,490 --> 00:12:05,658 And after that, he needed a drink. 313 00:12:05,692 --> 00:12:06,926 - He's all better. 314 00:12:06,960 --> 00:12:09,262 Whoo! - All better. 315 00:12:09,295 --> 00:12:12,499 - Up next is physical therapist and former gymnast, 316 00:12:12,532 --> 00:12:13,767 Conor Galvin. 317 00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:15,068 - Ooh! 318 00:12:15,101 --> 00:12:16,770 - And he's rolling over at the start line, 319 00:12:16,803 --> 00:12:18,204 something he may have learned from his 320 00:12:18,238 --> 00:12:20,540 golden retriever, Sadie. 321 00:12:20,573 --> 00:12:21,775 [upbeat music] 322 00:12:21,808 --> 00:12:22,909 - We're going to try to release the tightness 323 00:12:22,942 --> 00:12:24,144 along the side of the leg here, 324 00:12:24,177 --> 00:12:25,245 and it's going to help with your knee pain, 325 00:12:25,278 --> 00:12:26,746 OK? - OK. 326 00:12:26,780 --> 00:12:28,348 - It's super rewarding to be a physical therapist. 327 00:12:28,381 --> 00:12:31,084 I treat people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. 328 00:12:31,084 --> 00:12:32,719 I'll have them do an obstacle course 329 00:12:32,752 --> 00:12:34,487 once they're getting towards the end of their treatment. 330 00:12:34,521 --> 00:12:36,289 Hit that buzzer. Oh. 331 00:12:36,322 --> 00:12:37,557 You know, when they hit the buzzer, 332 00:12:37,590 --> 00:12:38,558 it's a big accomplishment for them. 333 00:12:38,591 --> 00:12:40,093 All right, let's go! 334 00:12:40,126 --> 00:12:41,828 But it's not just people that I help with physical therapy. 335 00:12:41,861 --> 00:12:43,663 My golden retriever, Sadie, 336 00:12:43,697 --> 00:12:46,599 she was hit by a car last year. 337 00:12:46,633 --> 00:12:49,102 Right after this surgery, she could barely walk. 338 00:12:49,102 --> 00:12:50,437 She was in a lot of pain. 339 00:12:50,470 --> 00:12:53,106 Through a mix of strengthening exercises, 340 00:12:53,139 --> 00:12:54,607 stretches, swimming with her, 341 00:12:54,641 --> 00:12:56,309 and just getting her to walk farther and farther-- 342 00:12:56,343 --> 00:12:57,377 Good. 343 00:12:57,410 --> 00:12:58,611 Just like all my other patients, 344 00:12:58,645 --> 00:13:00,046 she was able to hit the buzzer of her own. 345 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:01,414 [button clacks] 346 00:13:01,448 --> 00:13:03,416 Sadie's going to be on my sidelines this year. 347 00:13:03,450 --> 00:13:05,051 She's been through so much. 348 00:13:05,051 --> 00:13:07,087 I've seen the hard work she's put in. 349 00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:08,555 Good girl. 350 00:13:08,588 --> 00:13:10,523 And I think she's seen the hard work I've put in, 351 00:13:10,557 --> 00:13:12,592 and seeing that smiling face is gonna help me 352 00:13:12,625 --> 00:13:15,528 to take the whole thing this year. 353 00:13:15,562 --> 00:13:17,564 [cheers and applause] 354 00:13:17,597 --> 00:13:20,066 - And Sadie made the trip to California. 355 00:13:20,100 --> 00:13:22,402 She's on the sideline with Conor's girlfriend 356 00:13:22,435 --> 00:13:24,070 and family members. 357 00:13:24,104 --> 00:13:25,805 You see the sign about Ducky. 358 00:13:25,839 --> 00:13:27,540 That was Conor's beloved grandfather 359 00:13:27,574 --> 00:13:29,409 who passed away two years ago-- 360 00:13:29,442 --> 00:13:32,712 Conor dedicating this run to him. 361 00:13:32,746 --> 00:13:36,216 [countdown clock beeping] 362 00:13:36,249 --> 00:13:38,585 - Ooh, big bounce off that trampoline. 363 00:13:38,618 --> 00:13:40,887 - Well, he was a top gymnast at Springfield College 364 00:13:40,920 --> 00:13:42,989 in Massachusetts, so he had no problem 365 00:13:43,089 --> 00:13:44,557 flying through the air. 366 00:13:44,591 --> 00:13:46,926 Had great success when he debuted five years ago. 367 00:13:46,960 --> 00:13:48,728 Made it all the way to Vegas, 368 00:13:48,762 --> 00:13:51,097 but hasn't gotten past qualifying since then. 369 00:13:51,097 --> 00:13:53,266 - We know Conor Galvin is talented. 370 00:13:53,299 --> 00:13:55,135 Just has to put it all together. 371 00:13:55,168 --> 00:13:57,270 Look at that air time. Just like that. 372 00:13:57,303 --> 00:13:58,772 - Sadie is happy, 373 00:13:58,805 --> 00:14:00,640 and a lot of Conor's friends are chanting his name. 374 00:14:00,674 --> 00:14:02,142 all: [chanting] Conor! 375 00:14:02,175 --> 00:14:04,511 - Last time he competed, he fell on a balance obstacle, 376 00:14:04,544 --> 00:14:06,846 so he's staring down Dangerous Waters. 377 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:07,847 - High knees. 378 00:14:07,881 --> 00:14:09,382 Pick up your feet. 379 00:14:09,416 --> 00:14:11,384 That's what I'm talking about. 380 00:14:11,418 --> 00:14:14,154 - And he is pumped. 381 00:14:16,523 --> 00:14:19,092 This fourth obstacle, Duck Duck Goose, 382 00:14:19,125 --> 00:14:21,194 has gotta have special meaning to him 383 00:14:21,227 --> 00:14:23,897 because of his late grandfather, Ducky, 384 00:14:23,930 --> 00:14:25,632 a World War II vet who attended 385 00:14:25,665 --> 00:14:29,369 all of Conor's sporting events including "Ninja Warrior." 386 00:14:29,402 --> 00:14:33,506 He passed in 2022, but Conor always runs in his memory. 387 00:14:33,540 --> 00:14:35,809 - The former Navy man's gotta be proud of his grandson 388 00:14:35,842 --> 00:14:36,910 out here. 389 00:14:36,943 --> 00:14:38,812 What a legacy they started. 390 00:14:38,845 --> 00:14:41,781 I feel like the spirit of Ducky is helping him through. 391 00:14:41,815 --> 00:14:43,583 - Nice. 392 00:14:47,420 --> 00:14:48,588 all: [chanting] Conor! 393 00:14:48,621 --> 00:14:50,857 - Now Ring the Bells. 394 00:14:53,093 --> 00:14:54,694 - He only had one buzzer in his career. 395 00:14:54,728 --> 00:14:57,163 That was his debut run on the qualifying course 396 00:14:57,197 --> 00:15:00,400 in Baltimore with Grandpa Ducky on the sidelines. 397 00:15:00,433 --> 00:15:03,203 That was five years ago. 398 00:15:03,236 --> 00:15:04,938 - You hear those bells ringing. 399 00:15:05,038 --> 00:15:07,807 You've gotta get your timing just right on this obstacle 400 00:15:07,841 --> 00:15:09,442 'cause it will wear you out. 401 00:15:09,476 --> 00:15:12,278 - Conor Galvin just fighting through it, 402 00:15:12,312 --> 00:15:14,581 building up that momentum, going to throw--oh. 403 00:15:14,614 --> 00:15:15,782 - Nice. 404 00:15:15,815 --> 00:15:18,451 - He could be our first finisher tonight. 405 00:15:18,485 --> 00:15:20,253 And Sadie's gonna have a front row seat 406 00:15:20,286 --> 00:15:23,857 as Conor heads up the wall. 407 00:15:23,890 --> 00:15:24,924 [buzzer blares] 408 00:15:24,958 --> 00:15:27,060 He's our first finisher tonight. 409 00:15:27,060 --> 00:15:29,229 [cheers and applause] 410 00:15:29,262 --> 00:15:30,864 Sadie is celebrating, 411 00:15:30,897 --> 00:15:33,867 and I'm sure somewhere, so is Ducky. 412 00:15:33,900 --> 00:15:36,169 - Whoo! 413 00:15:36,202 --> 00:15:37,303 Whoo. 414 00:15:37,337 --> 00:15:39,606 - I love the primal scream, man. 415 00:15:39,639 --> 00:15:41,541 You've been waiting for that one, haven't you? 416 00:15:41,574 --> 00:15:44,077 - It's been five years since my last buzzer. 417 00:15:44,077 --> 00:15:45,578 I think it was meant to be. 418 00:15:45,612 --> 00:15:48,248 I felt Ducky the whole time I was going. 419 00:15:48,281 --> 00:15:49,749 It feels amazing. 420 00:15:49,783 --> 00:15:53,887 I literally feel him right now, and I have my family here. 421 00:15:53,920 --> 00:15:55,255 It's amazing. 422 00:15:55,288 --> 00:15:56,289 - Hit that buzzer one more time. 423 00:15:56,322 --> 00:15:58,091 Go celebrate with the fam. 424 00:15:58,124 --> 00:16:00,026 - Let's go! 425 00:16:00,060 --> 00:16:03,096 - He brought Sadie as a good luck charm, and it worked. 426 00:16:03,129 --> 00:16:04,864 He's heading to the semis. 427 00:16:04,898 --> 00:16:07,367 - Aw, look at the dog, y'all. Look at it. 428 00:16:07,400 --> 00:16:09,336 The dog wants to celebrate, too. 429 00:16:09,369 --> 00:16:12,272 Oh, the dog say, I want to run up the Warped Wall. 430 00:16:12,305 --> 00:16:16,576 Coming up, Shawn Johnson's an Olympic gold medalist. 431 00:16:16,609 --> 00:16:19,679 Her husband, Andrew East, played in the NFL, 432 00:16:19,713 --> 00:16:22,048 and has had success on the Ninja Course. 433 00:16:22,048 --> 00:16:23,683 - Yeah! OK! 434 00:16:23,717 --> 00:16:26,419 - Now he's aiming for his first buzzer, 435 00:16:26,453 --> 00:16:30,790 and we'll see them next on "American Ninja Warrior." 436 00:16:36,596 --> 00:16:37,897 - Three more ninjas got their shot at the course 437 00:16:37,931 --> 00:16:39,933 minutes ago. 438 00:16:39,966 --> 00:16:42,869 Paula Mejias Rodriguez proudly waved the flag 439 00:16:42,902 --> 00:16:44,604 of her native Puerto Rico. 440 00:16:44,637 --> 00:16:46,539 The former Olympic-level gymnast 441 00:16:46,573 --> 00:16:48,942 was barely able to stick the landing on Pole Vault-- 442 00:16:48,975 --> 00:16:50,110 - Just in time. 443 00:16:50,143 --> 00:16:51,678 Wow. 444 00:16:51,711 --> 00:16:55,081 - And then had unintentional flip on Double Twister. 445 00:16:55,081 --> 00:16:57,584 - Whoa. [air horn blares] 446 00:16:57,617 --> 00:16:59,519 Oh, my goodness. 447 00:16:59,552 --> 00:17:00,520 - Whoo. 448 00:17:00,553 --> 00:17:02,589 That was unexpected. 449 00:17:02,622 --> 00:17:04,290 - Florida's Megan Budway 450 00:17:04,324 --> 00:17:06,693 did have the moves for Double Twister. 451 00:17:06,726 --> 00:17:07,861 - That's how you do it. 452 00:17:07,894 --> 00:17:09,496 - The three-time veteran has fallen 453 00:17:09,529 --> 00:17:12,565 on balance obstacles every year she's competed. 454 00:17:12,599 --> 00:17:15,235 - Oh, no. [air horn blares] 455 00:17:15,268 --> 00:17:17,070 - And she did it again tonight. 456 00:17:17,103 --> 00:17:18,438 [vibrant music] 457 00:17:18,471 --> 00:17:21,041 Florida's Vinnie Castranova is a plumber, 458 00:17:21,074 --> 00:17:23,843 and his run gave us plenty to talk about. 459 00:17:23,877 --> 00:17:25,845 - Well, one thing he knows as a plumber is 460 00:17:25,879 --> 00:17:27,847 he's gotta let it flow. 461 00:17:27,881 --> 00:17:30,817 - Like a Roto-Rooter, snaking through the course. 462 00:17:30,850 --> 00:17:33,386 Castranova deals with dangerous waters all the time. 463 00:17:33,420 --> 00:17:34,387 - Yes, he does. 464 00:17:34,421 --> 00:17:36,423 Just don't get backed up. 465 00:17:36,456 --> 00:17:38,858 Nice. 466 00:17:38,892 --> 00:17:40,060 Oh! 467 00:17:40,093 --> 00:17:42,128 [air horn blares] 468 00:17:42,162 --> 00:17:44,164 - Well, clean-up on obstacle five. 469 00:17:44,197 --> 00:17:46,566 Vinnie Castranova, the latest victim. 470 00:17:46,599 --> 00:17:48,768 Ring the Bells. [toilet flushes] 471 00:17:48,802 --> 00:17:50,070 [cheers and applause] 472 00:17:50,070 --> 00:17:51,905 Our next athlete made a big impression 473 00:17:51,938 --> 00:17:54,341 in his debut two years ago. 474 00:17:54,374 --> 00:17:56,176 - This is so cool! Let's go! 475 00:17:56,209 --> 00:17:59,612 - This is Georgia teenager Christopher Harding Jones, 476 00:17:59,646 --> 00:18:02,015 who inspired so many with his message 477 00:18:02,015 --> 00:18:06,052 of living wide, which was the motto of his dying father. 478 00:18:06,086 --> 00:18:07,520 [dramatic music] 479 00:18:07,554 --> 00:18:10,657 - Living wide is a phrase my dad coined 480 00:18:10,690 --> 00:18:13,927 when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. 481 00:18:14,027 --> 00:18:16,029 It means living your life to the fullest 482 00:18:16,029 --> 00:18:18,365 in every opportunity that you have, 483 00:18:18,398 --> 00:18:21,101 because you can't control the length of your life, 484 00:18:21,134 --> 00:18:23,269 but you can control the width. 485 00:18:23,303 --> 00:18:25,038 * * 486 00:18:25,071 --> 00:18:27,640 My first season of "American Ninja Warrior," 487 00:18:27,674 --> 00:18:30,410 I was really nervous, but I was the only rookie 488 00:18:30,443 --> 00:18:33,513 to hit a qualifying and semifinals buzzer that season. 489 00:18:33,546 --> 00:18:35,648 [cheers and applause] [buzzer blares] 490 00:18:35,682 --> 00:18:37,117 For father! 491 00:18:37,150 --> 00:18:38,752 But the best part about hitting buzzers 492 00:18:38,785 --> 00:18:41,421 is being able to continue my dad's legacy 493 00:18:41,454 --> 00:18:44,257 and share living wide with the world. 494 00:18:44,290 --> 00:18:46,326 35 feet closer to my dad. 495 00:18:46,359 --> 00:18:48,194 - Oh, wow. Oh. - Oh, man. 496 00:18:48,228 --> 00:18:49,429 - Let's go! 497 00:18:49,462 --> 00:18:50,764 - What do you think your dad would be thinking 498 00:18:50,797 --> 00:18:53,333 right now seeing you living wide? 499 00:18:53,366 --> 00:18:55,502 - I don't even know, bro. He'd be so proud. 500 00:18:55,535 --> 00:18:57,771 I can't even, like, express in words. 501 00:18:57,804 --> 00:19:02,709 After my story aired on TV, I got hundreds of emails 502 00:19:02,742 --> 00:19:05,879 from people who had been inspired. 503 00:19:05,912 --> 00:19:08,114 I'm hoping to continue to spread this message 504 00:19:08,148 --> 00:19:10,450 as much as I can because I think it can change 505 00:19:10,483 --> 00:19:13,053 a lot of people's lives. 506 00:19:13,086 --> 00:19:14,054 - Yeah. 507 00:19:14,087 --> 00:19:15,388 - Living wide, baby. 508 00:19:15,422 --> 00:19:16,690 both: Living wide! 509 00:19:16,723 --> 00:19:19,492 * * 510 00:19:19,526 --> 00:19:23,329 - I think my dad is with me when I run the course, 511 00:19:23,363 --> 00:19:27,233 and that makes me really happy. 512 00:19:30,170 --> 00:19:33,373 [cheers and applause] 513 00:19:33,406 --> 00:19:36,042 - Christopher's story has impacted so many. 514 00:19:36,042 --> 00:19:38,144 - On the screens is a man, Karl, 515 00:19:38,178 --> 00:19:41,915 who was in the hospital having surgery for the same cancer 516 00:19:41,948 --> 00:19:43,850 Christopher's dad faced. 517 00:19:43,883 --> 00:19:46,720 From the hospital TV, he watched Christopher's run 518 00:19:46,753 --> 00:19:49,789 and has embraced the living wide message. 519 00:19:49,823 --> 00:19:51,558 Christopher's got a big group here 520 00:19:51,591 --> 00:19:54,627 including his mom and some of his training partners. 521 00:19:54,661 --> 00:19:56,196 - Let's go, Christopher! - Christopher! 522 00:19:56,229 --> 00:19:58,798 [countdown clock beeping] 523 00:19:58,832 --> 00:20:00,333 - Well, got a buzzer in qualifying 524 00:20:00,367 --> 00:20:03,036 and the semis his first season and just 525 00:20:03,069 --> 00:20:05,105 timed out on stage one. 526 00:20:05,138 --> 00:20:08,375 - Now looking to pick that magic back up. 527 00:20:08,408 --> 00:20:10,110 - Many of the folks in the crowd tonight 528 00:20:10,143 --> 00:20:12,345 wearing those living wide shirts. 529 00:20:12,379 --> 00:20:15,015 Christopher is hoping to start a living wide foundation 530 00:20:15,048 --> 00:20:18,551 to raise awareness about lung cancer. 531 00:20:18,585 --> 00:20:21,654 - Oh, good throw. Good power. 532 00:20:21,688 --> 00:20:24,758 He just threw himself at that second handle. 533 00:20:24,791 --> 00:20:26,459 - You've got this. 534 00:20:26,493 --> 00:20:30,130 - Now tap dancing over Dangerous Waters. 535 00:20:30,163 --> 00:20:32,665 - Nice. Nice. Keep going. Keep going. 536 00:20:33,967 --> 00:20:35,268 all: [chanting] Living wide! 537 00:20:35,301 --> 00:20:37,337 - And you can hear the living wide chants 538 00:20:37,370 --> 00:20:39,139 as he heads onto Duck Duck Goose. 539 00:20:39,172 --> 00:20:42,175 - He's put on a little muscle since last time we saw him 540 00:20:42,208 --> 00:20:44,811 but still only 153 pounds. 541 00:20:44,844 --> 00:20:46,346 Oh, no! - No! 542 00:20:46,379 --> 00:20:48,381 - What? 543 00:20:48,415 --> 00:20:50,583 - Well, that is a surprise. 544 00:20:50,617 --> 00:20:53,153 He hit a buzzer his last time in qualifying, 545 00:20:53,186 --> 00:20:56,489 and now he's in jeopardy of not moving on. 546 00:20:56,523 --> 00:20:58,591 - Wait, what happened? - This is shocking. 547 00:20:58,625 --> 00:21:01,094 He looks smooth through the first three obstacles. 548 00:21:01,127 --> 00:21:04,564 But on Duck Duck Goose, he took that extra swing. 549 00:21:04,597 --> 00:21:05,932 And watch his hands. 550 00:21:05,965 --> 00:21:07,734 They slid right off the handles 551 00:21:07,767 --> 00:21:08,835 as he went for the second duck. 552 00:21:08,868 --> 00:21:10,637 all: [chanting] Living wide! 553 00:21:10,670 --> 00:21:12,539 - But most importantly, still got to spread 554 00:21:12,572 --> 00:21:15,575 that message on living wide. 555 00:21:15,608 --> 00:21:19,079 Up next, it's former NFL player, Andrew East. 556 00:21:19,079 --> 00:21:21,114 He's impressed on our course before, 557 00:21:21,147 --> 00:21:24,084 but he's only the second best athlete in his house. 558 00:21:24,117 --> 00:21:26,086 And his wife's down with Zuri. 559 00:21:26,086 --> 00:21:28,254 - I am here with one of the most famous 560 00:21:28,288 --> 00:21:30,423 summer Olympians of all time, 561 00:21:30,457 --> 00:21:32,892 gold medal-winning gymnast Shawn Johnson. 562 00:21:32,926 --> 00:21:35,295 Shawn, how are you doing? - I'm doing great. 563 00:21:35,328 --> 00:21:38,898 Excited to be back, watching my husband, and very nervous. 564 00:21:38,932 --> 00:21:41,401 - Since I've got you here, stick the dismount. 565 00:21:41,434 --> 00:21:43,236 Like, how do I do the thing? 566 00:21:43,269 --> 00:21:44,871 I just wanna know how. 567 00:21:44,904 --> 00:21:48,108 - The whole thing is just like, straight-up arms up, 568 00:21:48,108 --> 00:21:49,709 and we always say like, pretty fingers. 569 00:21:49,743 --> 00:21:51,244 - Oh, pretty fingers. Wait, is this-- 570 00:21:51,277 --> 00:21:52,912 is that pretty enough? Am I-- 571 00:21:52,946 --> 00:21:55,115 - No, that's good. - I'll stick to my day job. 572 00:21:55,148 --> 00:21:57,150 All right, Andrew, let's see what you've got. 573 00:21:57,183 --> 00:21:59,019 [countdown clock beeping] 574 00:21:59,119 --> 00:22:00,854 - Well, Andrew played football at Vanderbilt 575 00:22:00,887 --> 00:22:03,590 and was a long snapper in the NFL. 576 00:22:03,623 --> 00:22:05,725 On our course, made it to the third obstacle 577 00:22:05,759 --> 00:22:08,461 the two previous times he's competed. 578 00:22:08,495 --> 00:22:10,430 - Better go for a ride on Double Twister. 579 00:22:10,463 --> 00:22:12,332 - Oh. - Oh, he does the dismount! 580 00:22:12,365 --> 00:22:14,534 [laughter] 581 00:22:14,567 --> 00:22:16,569 - I love it. I love it. 582 00:22:16,603 --> 00:22:19,239 - Well, he's gotta do that at the end of the Double Twister, 583 00:22:19,272 --> 00:22:21,374 not at the beginning of the Double Twister. 584 00:22:21,408 --> 00:22:23,743 You can't celebrate before you make the touchdown, baby. 585 00:22:23,777 --> 00:22:25,345 - Get that big body out there. 586 00:22:25,378 --> 00:22:28,715 225 pounds, heaviest athlete we'll see out here tonight. 587 00:22:28,748 --> 00:22:30,083 - Oh, and he's got the power, man. 588 00:22:30,083 --> 00:22:31,751 He's a former football player. He knows. 589 00:22:31,785 --> 00:22:34,187 It's like the power crane. Come on. Andrew, come on. 590 00:22:34,220 --> 00:22:35,922 You know how to power crane. Use your hips. 591 00:22:35,955 --> 00:22:38,158 - Well, you can see, he's struggling with the timing. 592 00:22:38,191 --> 00:22:39,693 Oh. - Oh. 593 00:22:39,726 --> 00:22:41,795 [air horn blares] - No. 594 00:22:41,828 --> 00:22:43,897 - Oh. 595 00:22:43,930 --> 00:22:48,101 - And Andrew East sacked on Double Twister. 596 00:22:48,134 --> 00:22:50,170 - OK, well, that is not the ending we were hoping for, 597 00:22:50,203 --> 00:22:52,105 but we can still stick the dismount. 598 00:22:52,105 --> 00:22:53,506 OK? Pretty fingers. 599 00:22:53,540 --> 00:22:55,675 Here we go. Boom, baby. 600 00:22:58,178 --> 00:23:00,046 - That's the touchdown, Matt. 601 00:23:00,046 --> 00:23:03,149 - I stuck the dismount. - [laughs] 602 00:23:03,183 --> 00:23:05,452 - I'm so proud of you. 603 00:23:05,485 --> 00:23:06,519 - Ah. 604 00:23:08,421 --> 00:23:09,856 - And remember, 605 00:23:09,889 --> 00:23:12,359 the Paris Olympics are coming to NBC and Peacock 606 00:23:12,392 --> 00:23:15,362 this summer, starting July 26th. 607 00:23:15,395 --> 00:23:19,132 Up next, the last time we saw R.J. Roman, 608 00:23:19,165 --> 00:23:21,501 he was climbing for a million dollars. 609 00:23:21,534 --> 00:23:22,936 - He's gotta keep going. 610 00:23:22,969 --> 00:23:26,306 - Tonight, he'll be trying to break a speed record, 611 00:23:26,339 --> 00:23:28,775 and we'll see it next 612 00:23:28,808 --> 00:23:32,412 on "American Ninja Warrior." 613 00:23:32,445 --> 00:23:33,813 - That's how we do it! 614 00:23:37,450 --> 00:23:38,985 - New York Street got a little loony 615 00:23:39,085 --> 00:23:42,589 minutes ago when engineer Jeff Loftus hit the course. 616 00:23:42,622 --> 00:23:43,957 - Let's go! 617 00:23:43,990 --> 00:23:46,192 - Loftus is part of the Lynchburg Loonies, 618 00:23:46,226 --> 00:23:48,094 Virginia ninjas who enthusiastically 619 00:23:48,128 --> 00:23:49,729 support each other. 620 00:23:49,763 --> 00:23:51,564 - Come on! 621 00:23:51,598 --> 00:23:54,467 - He gave them plenty to get excited about. 622 00:23:54,501 --> 00:23:57,737 - Wow. And his glasses stayed on. 623 00:23:57,771 --> 00:24:01,041 - The 26 year old put together a strong line. 624 00:24:01,041 --> 00:24:02,942 - Jeff Loftus doing his thing. 625 00:24:06,046 --> 00:24:08,648 - And looked like he might get his first ever buzzer. 626 00:24:08,682 --> 00:24:10,483 - Oh. [crowd awws] 627 00:24:10,517 --> 00:24:12,652 - Despite the fall, he's assured a spot 628 00:24:12,686 --> 00:24:14,521 in the semifinals. 629 00:24:15,455 --> 00:24:19,559 Few ninjas are as loony as South Carolina's Bob Reese. 630 00:24:19,592 --> 00:24:22,062 Last year in Vegas, the social media star 631 00:24:22,095 --> 00:24:24,831 pulled off a flip into the Jumping Spider, 632 00:24:24,864 --> 00:24:26,700 a move that went viral. 633 00:24:26,733 --> 00:24:28,234 - What? Oh, my goodness! 634 00:24:28,268 --> 00:24:29,569 What? 635 00:24:29,602 --> 00:24:31,071 - Tonight, the four-time Ninja veteran 636 00:24:31,071 --> 00:24:33,073 was flying high once again. 637 00:24:33,073 --> 00:24:35,108 He was closing in on a buzzer, 638 00:24:35,141 --> 00:24:37,677 but became the latest victim of Ring the Bells. 639 00:24:37,711 --> 00:24:40,313 - Oh, no! 640 00:24:40,347 --> 00:24:42,182 - But it wasn't all bad news. 641 00:24:42,215 --> 00:24:43,650 - You're headed to semifinals. 642 00:24:43,683 --> 00:24:45,485 - Thank you so much. 643 00:24:45,518 --> 00:24:47,420 - Florida's Caitlyn Bergstrom-Wright 644 00:24:47,454 --> 00:24:49,189 was trying to earn her second straight trip 645 00:24:49,222 --> 00:24:50,623 to the semifinals. 646 00:24:50,657 --> 00:24:52,225 - She looks like she's got this. 647 00:24:52,258 --> 00:24:55,095 - She's a member of the big Bergstrom family of ninjas, 648 00:24:55,095 --> 00:24:56,830 which includes her husband, David, 649 00:24:56,863 --> 00:24:59,299 her brother, Caleb, and his wife, Ashley. 650 00:24:59,332 --> 00:25:02,135 - I can't wait for their babies to start doing Ninja. 651 00:25:02,168 --> 00:25:04,170 - The 26-year-old had no trouble 652 00:25:04,204 --> 00:25:06,039 getting through the first two obstacles, 653 00:25:06,039 --> 00:25:08,341 but then faced Dangerous Waters. 654 00:25:08,375 --> 00:25:09,776 - Oh. [air horn blares] 655 00:25:09,809 --> 00:25:11,344 Oh, my goodness. 656 00:25:11,378 --> 00:25:12,545 - Oh! 657 00:25:12,579 --> 00:25:13,780 - That left her in fourth place 658 00:25:13,813 --> 00:25:15,782 with one woman still to run, 659 00:25:15,815 --> 00:25:19,686 So Caitlin will be in our Runoff in just a few minutes. 660 00:25:19,719 --> 00:25:21,755 Then it was her husband's turn, 661 00:25:21,788 --> 00:25:24,758 the Cake Ninja David Bergstrom-Wright 662 00:25:24,791 --> 00:25:26,393 who lived up to his nickname. 663 00:25:26,426 --> 00:25:27,894 - [laughs] Look at that. 664 00:25:27,927 --> 00:25:30,063 - The five-time veteran kept the frosting 665 00:25:30,063 --> 00:25:32,732 on his face as he went flying through the course. 666 00:25:32,766 --> 00:25:34,501 - He's on a sugar high, Matt. 667 00:25:34,534 --> 00:25:37,070 - Getting to the buzzer was a piece of cake. 668 00:25:37,070 --> 00:25:39,072 He became the night's second finisher, 669 00:25:39,105 --> 00:25:41,374 and fitted in under a minute, 20. 670 00:25:41,408 --> 00:25:43,309 [buzzer blares] 671 00:25:43,343 --> 00:25:45,412 That earned him a shot at the Mega Wall. 672 00:25:45,445 --> 00:25:47,781 all: [chanting] Mega Wall! 673 00:25:47,814 --> 00:25:50,450 - You've gotta stick on this Mega Wall like fondant. 674 00:25:50,483 --> 00:25:52,852 Here we go. 675 00:25:52,886 --> 00:25:55,088 [all ohh-ing] 676 00:25:55,088 --> 00:26:00,860 - Though he came up short, he's going to the semifinals. 677 00:26:00,894 --> 00:26:04,631 - He is, hands down, one of the fastest ninjas on the planet. 678 00:26:04,664 --> 00:26:06,533 Don't blink, or you might miss 679 00:26:06,566 --> 00:26:09,736 the rock 'n roller from Florida, R.J. Roman. 680 00:26:09,769 --> 00:26:12,038 He's climbed stage four for a million dollars 681 00:26:12,038 --> 00:26:14,774 the last two seasons, and he's at his best 682 00:26:14,808 --> 00:26:17,143 when he's speeding through a course. 683 00:26:18,511 --> 00:26:19,913 - Fastest time of the night! 684 00:26:19,946 --> 00:26:21,481 - Yeah! 685 00:26:21,514 --> 00:26:24,417 - R.J. has had the fastest time in his qualifying round 686 00:26:24,451 --> 00:26:27,387 each of the past four seasons, 687 00:26:27,420 --> 00:26:29,923 tying Lorin Ball, the Colorado speedster, 688 00:26:29,956 --> 00:26:32,359 who did it seasons six through nine 689 00:26:32,392 --> 00:26:35,195 for the most consecutive first-place finishes. 690 00:26:35,228 --> 00:26:36,830 [vibrant music] 691 00:26:36,863 --> 00:26:39,933 - Tonight R.J. has a chance to break the record. 692 00:26:39,966 --> 00:26:41,634 - Speed has always been my forte. 693 00:26:41,668 --> 00:26:44,170 3, 2, 1, go. 694 00:26:44,204 --> 00:26:47,440 Interestingly enough, I never really trained speed. 695 00:26:47,474 --> 00:26:50,944 It's always been something that's just happened. 696 00:26:50,977 --> 00:26:55,148 But this year, I actually did focus on trying to get faster. 697 00:26:55,181 --> 00:26:57,117 Boom. - Nice. 698 00:26:57,150 --> 00:26:59,352 - And we'll see how that works out. 699 00:26:59,386 --> 00:27:01,154 [cheers and applause] 700 00:27:01,187 --> 00:27:03,156 - R.J. will have his parents and niece 701 00:27:03,189 --> 00:27:04,391 watching back in Florida-- 702 00:27:04,424 --> 00:27:06,292 - You've got this. Come on, R.J.. 703 00:27:06,326 --> 00:27:08,862 - And on the sidelines, a big group of Florida ninjas 704 00:27:08,895 --> 00:27:11,598 including his good friend, Flip Rodriguez. 705 00:27:11,631 --> 00:27:13,033 - He's gonna run this course 706 00:27:13,033 --> 00:27:15,035 with no regard for personal safety 707 00:27:15,035 --> 00:27:17,604 to get that fifth straight fastest time. 708 00:27:17,637 --> 00:27:20,140 - Well, every time R.J. is on the course, 709 00:27:20,173 --> 00:27:22,275 it's like the Roman Empire-- - [laughs] 710 00:27:22,308 --> 00:27:24,544 - Rolling through it, collecting buzzers. 711 00:27:24,577 --> 00:27:26,246 - Well, we just hope the Roman Empire 712 00:27:26,279 --> 00:27:27,747 doesn't end tonight. 713 00:27:27,781 --> 00:27:30,050 - He just goes flying on the Double Twister. 714 00:27:30,083 --> 00:27:32,852 This guy is so good and just 715 00:27:32,886 --> 00:27:35,789 an effortless speed to it. 716 00:27:35,822 --> 00:27:38,091 Always seems to find the rhythm on the course. 717 00:27:38,124 --> 00:27:40,760 - You know, he and Kaden Lebsack are only ninjas 718 00:27:40,794 --> 00:27:43,596 in history to climb stage four in back-to-back seasons. 719 00:27:43,630 --> 00:27:44,764 - Oh, my goodness. 720 00:27:44,798 --> 00:27:45,965 Now he's hitting the afterburners. 721 00:27:46,066 --> 00:27:47,434 - Oh, did he just hit his head? 722 00:27:47,467 --> 00:27:49,703 - I think he did. He is really moving out there. 723 00:27:49,736 --> 00:27:51,871 - Oh, my goodness. 724 00:27:51,905 --> 00:27:53,139 Ooh. 725 00:27:53,173 --> 00:27:55,608 - R.J. Roman not afraid to shred. 726 00:27:55,642 --> 00:27:58,745 This kid is allergic to average. 727 00:27:58,778 --> 00:28:00,814 Taking an extra swing there. 728 00:28:00,847 --> 00:28:02,415 - Nice. 729 00:28:02,449 --> 00:28:03,416 - Pays off. 730 00:28:03,450 --> 00:28:05,051 Gets that black goose. 731 00:28:05,085 --> 00:28:06,720 Still on track for that fastest time, 732 00:28:06,753 --> 00:28:09,089 but Ring the Bells has been trouble tonight. 733 00:28:09,122 --> 00:28:11,358 - Nice, right into it. That's exactly how 734 00:28:11,391 --> 00:28:13,026 you're supposed to link it right there. 735 00:28:13,026 --> 00:28:15,528 He is putting on a clinic, taking us to school. 736 00:28:15,562 --> 00:28:16,730 - Oh! - Oh, no! 737 00:28:16,763 --> 00:28:18,798 No, not R.J. Roman! 738 00:28:20,133 --> 00:28:21,434 - No. 739 00:28:21,468 --> 00:28:25,739 - R.J. Roman cut down on Ring the Bells. 740 00:28:25,772 --> 00:28:27,874 - That is a shocker. 741 00:28:27,907 --> 00:28:30,844 - Oh, my God. 742 00:28:30,877 --> 00:28:33,646 both: No! 743 00:28:33,680 --> 00:28:35,882 - He was going so fast, 744 00:28:35,915 --> 00:28:38,518 he nearly slammed his face into the first duck, 745 00:28:38,551 --> 00:28:40,620 but that didn't slow him down. 746 00:28:40,653 --> 00:28:42,789 He was flying across Ring the Bells 747 00:28:42,822 --> 00:28:45,892 and just missed the grab on that final handle. 748 00:28:45,925 --> 00:28:50,397 - Well, sometimes speed kills. 749 00:28:50,430 --> 00:28:53,133 - Doesn't get that fifth straight fastest time, 750 00:28:53,166 --> 00:28:55,835 but R.J. Roman still moving on. 751 00:28:55,869 --> 00:28:58,571 - Good wake-up call. 752 00:28:58,605 --> 00:29:00,073 - Coming up... 753 00:29:00,106 --> 00:29:02,809 She's one of the most popular ninjas of all time. 754 00:29:02,842 --> 00:29:04,010 - Herstory! 755 00:29:04,010 --> 00:29:06,513 The first woman ever! 756 00:29:06,546 --> 00:29:08,481 - The trailblazing Jessie Graff 757 00:29:08,515 --> 00:29:10,917 goes for glory once again 758 00:29:11,017 --> 00:29:14,587 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 759 00:29:19,059 --> 00:29:20,593 - Welcome back to LA, 760 00:29:20,627 --> 00:29:23,463 where three Ninja veterans hit the course minutes ago. 761 00:29:23,496 --> 00:29:27,067 Illinois firefighter Dan Polizzi came to the start line 762 00:29:27,100 --> 00:29:29,369 for what he says will be his final season. 763 00:29:29,402 --> 00:29:31,204 - Well, Matt, he's been doing this for a minute. 764 00:29:31,237 --> 00:29:34,741 - The 42-year-old has competed 11 years. 765 00:29:34,774 --> 00:29:37,043 His towers of power training partner Brandon Mears 766 00:29:37,077 --> 00:29:40,380 retired last year after a shocking early fall, 767 00:29:40,413 --> 00:29:42,749 and Polizzi suffered the same fate tonight. 768 00:29:42,782 --> 00:29:43,850 Oh. 769 00:29:43,883 --> 00:29:45,285 - Ahh. 770 00:29:45,318 --> 00:29:46,519 - A tough way to go out 771 00:29:46,553 --> 00:29:48,922 after a very successful Ninja career. 772 00:29:48,955 --> 00:29:50,657 - Real talk, we're gonna to miss him. 773 00:29:52,292 --> 00:29:56,062 - Fan favorite Bootie Cothran was back for his ninth season 774 00:29:56,096 --> 00:29:59,199 and still flying high at 54 years old. 775 00:29:59,232 --> 00:30:00,734 - Bootie looks jacked. 776 00:30:00,767 --> 00:30:04,904 - Bootie stands 5'6" and weighs just 108 pounds, 777 00:30:04,938 --> 00:30:07,307 and he was light on his feet across Dangerous Water. 778 00:30:07,340 --> 00:30:08,308 - Oh. 779 00:30:08,341 --> 00:30:10,343 OK, he's safe. 780 00:30:10,377 --> 00:30:11,745 - But the pine tree farmer 781 00:30:11,778 --> 00:30:14,147 from Possum Kingdom, South Carolina 782 00:30:14,180 --> 00:30:16,783 went timber one obstacle later. 783 00:30:16,816 --> 00:30:19,386 - Oh. [air horn blares] 784 00:30:19,419 --> 00:30:22,689 - Man, I want the rest of that course so bad. 785 00:30:22,722 --> 00:30:25,458 - Then it was one of the all-time greats, 786 00:30:25,492 --> 00:30:27,560 Ryan Stratis. - Let's go! 787 00:30:27,594 --> 00:30:29,229 - Who competed on the very first season 788 00:30:29,262 --> 00:30:30,597 of "Ninja Warrior." 789 00:30:30,630 --> 00:30:33,199 - Yeah, man, he's gotta pump himself up, man. 790 00:30:33,233 --> 00:30:35,935 The fan favorite had a comeback last season 791 00:30:35,969 --> 00:30:39,406 after shoulder injuries kept him sideline for years. 792 00:30:39,439 --> 00:30:41,841 - Come on! 793 00:30:41,875 --> 00:30:43,476 [vibrant music] 794 00:30:43,510 --> 00:30:45,945 - Tonight, the 40-year-old put those shoulders to the test 795 00:30:45,979 --> 00:30:47,213 on Duck Duck Goose. 796 00:30:47,247 --> 00:30:48,815 - And at 40 years old, it's a little 797 00:30:48,848 --> 00:30:50,350 more challenging to recover. 798 00:30:50,383 --> 00:30:52,185 And he survives. 799 00:30:52,218 --> 00:30:53,620 - Yeah, let's go! 800 00:30:53,653 --> 00:30:55,188 [shouting] Let's go! 801 00:30:55,221 --> 00:30:56,656 - But on Ring the Bells, 802 00:30:56,690 --> 00:30:59,626 this 13-time veteran made a rookie mistake. 803 00:30:59,659 --> 00:31:01,194 - Oh. He thought about it. 804 00:31:01,227 --> 00:31:02,629 He should have just did it. 805 00:31:02,662 --> 00:31:06,633 - He kept fighting until his arms finally gave out. 806 00:31:06,666 --> 00:31:09,436 - No. 807 00:31:09,469 --> 00:31:11,738 - He's the seventh victim of Ring the Bells tonight, 808 00:31:11,771 --> 00:31:14,741 but he's still guaranteed to move on. 809 00:31:14,774 --> 00:31:16,209 [cheers and applause] 810 00:31:16,242 --> 00:31:18,111 Well, this crowd has been waiting patiently 811 00:31:18,144 --> 00:31:19,579 for our next competitor, 812 00:31:19,612 --> 00:31:22,248 who's perhaps the most popular ninja of all time, 813 00:31:22,282 --> 00:31:24,451 and Zuri's gonna get her started. 814 00:31:24,484 --> 00:31:27,420 - Guys, ask any little girl who their favorite ninja is, 815 00:31:27,454 --> 00:31:29,856 and they're likely to say Jessie Graff, 816 00:31:29,889 --> 00:31:32,625 who is back for her 10th season. 817 00:31:32,659 --> 00:31:35,228 She's an inspiration for women athletes 818 00:31:35,261 --> 00:31:38,164 and a true trailblazer in this sport. 819 00:31:38,198 --> 00:31:40,100 Jessie was famously the first woman 820 00:31:40,133 --> 00:31:42,335 to finish stage one in Vegas, 821 00:31:42,369 --> 00:31:44,504 and is still out here running with the teens 822 00:31:44,537 --> 00:31:46,773 at 40 years old. 823 00:31:46,806 --> 00:31:50,343 - Her mom, Ginny, made history last year as the oldest person 824 00:31:50,377 --> 00:31:52,912 to get through an obstacle at 71. 825 00:31:52,946 --> 00:31:55,415 [countdown clock beeping] 826 00:31:55,448 --> 00:31:57,884 Near Olympic-caliber pole vaulter 827 00:31:57,917 --> 00:31:59,652 at the University of Nebraska. 828 00:31:59,686 --> 00:32:01,588 Held the school record at one point. 829 00:32:01,621 --> 00:32:03,156 - Still busy as a stuntwoman, 830 00:32:03,189 --> 00:32:05,592 so she's right at home at Universal Studios. 831 00:32:05,625 --> 00:32:07,060 - Come on, Jesse. 832 00:32:07,060 --> 00:32:09,262 - Has a lot of trapeze work in her background. 833 00:32:09,295 --> 00:32:12,332 I mean, she performed with the circus a few years ago. 834 00:32:12,365 --> 00:32:15,702 And use those skills here on Double Twister. 835 00:32:15,735 --> 00:32:19,105 [cheering] 836 00:32:19,139 --> 00:32:21,441 Look at the lines, look at the symmetry 837 00:32:21,474 --> 00:32:23,209 when she's on this obstacle. 838 00:32:23,243 --> 00:32:27,213 She's so fluid. 839 00:32:27,247 --> 00:32:31,184 - And just soars to the landing pad. 840 00:32:31,217 --> 00:32:33,119 - Go, go, Jessie! 841 00:32:33,153 --> 00:32:35,388 - A balance obstacle shockingly ended her season 842 00:32:35,422 --> 00:32:37,090 early two years ago. 843 00:32:37,090 --> 00:32:39,726 - All right, here we go. It won't be easy--move. 844 00:32:39,759 --> 00:32:40,927 both: Ooh. - Survives. 845 00:32:40,960 --> 00:32:43,363 - Oh, my goodness. Wow. 846 00:32:43,396 --> 00:32:44,464 - Whoo! 847 00:32:44,497 --> 00:32:45,665 - [laughs] Wow. 848 00:32:45,699 --> 00:32:47,200 Can we look at this again? 849 00:32:47,233 --> 00:32:50,136 Her left foot just slipped right off that third tank, 850 00:32:50,170 --> 00:32:53,506 but she somehow flew far enough to stay alive. 851 00:32:53,540 --> 00:32:55,642 Lucky her. 852 00:32:55,675 --> 00:32:58,311 - Even a superhero needs a break. 853 00:32:58,345 --> 00:33:00,080 - But she's good. She's good. 854 00:33:00,113 --> 00:33:02,515 - On now to Duck Duck Goose. 855 00:33:02,549 --> 00:33:04,851 - And, remember, she's had shoulder surgery, 856 00:33:04,884 --> 00:33:07,253 so this will be a test for her. 857 00:33:07,287 --> 00:33:09,789 - She's a student of Ninja, Matt. 858 00:33:09,823 --> 00:33:12,058 She can adapt with the best of them--nice. 859 00:33:12,058 --> 00:33:13,626 - And that's a pole vaulting skill, 860 00:33:13,660 --> 00:33:17,364 that ability to drive the body down low. 861 00:33:17,397 --> 00:33:20,367 - She does a pretty good job of taking care of her body. 862 00:33:20,400 --> 00:33:22,836 Now she's gotta to take a shot at black goose. 863 00:33:22,869 --> 00:33:24,437 Nice. 864 00:33:24,471 --> 00:33:26,473 - Jessie Graff. 865 00:33:26,506 --> 00:33:28,942 - Nice. 866 00:33:28,975 --> 00:33:31,211 - Hasn't hit a buzzer in four years, 867 00:33:31,244 --> 00:33:33,546 but she's getting close. 868 00:33:33,580 --> 00:33:36,149 - Hey, Jessie. I see you. 869 00:33:36,182 --> 00:33:39,486 - Ring the Bell's between her and the Warped Wall. 870 00:33:39,519 --> 00:33:43,089 - Jessie plots out every move she makes on the course. 871 00:33:43,123 --> 00:33:44,591 Putting a lot of thought into this one. 872 00:33:44,624 --> 00:33:46,092 - Ring the Bell's just so tough. 873 00:33:46,126 --> 00:33:47,961 - You gotta just fly right into it. 874 00:33:47,994 --> 00:33:50,864 Ah, nah. Oh. 875 00:33:50,897 --> 00:33:54,234 - Well, she wanted to make that move and just didn't trust it. 876 00:33:54,267 --> 00:33:56,269 - Ooh. - You can just see that. 877 00:33:56,302 --> 00:33:59,706 It just disrupts your timing here. 878 00:33:59,739 --> 00:34:01,741 All right, here we go. 879 00:34:01,775 --> 00:34:03,843 - I say you generate enough power 880 00:34:03,877 --> 00:34:06,079 and give hope that can make that transition. 881 00:34:06,112 --> 00:34:07,180 Nice. 882 00:34:07,213 --> 00:34:10,417 - Hasn't hit a buzzer since season 12. 883 00:34:10,450 --> 00:34:12,786 And using that second bell to build up momentum, 884 00:34:12,819 --> 00:34:14,454 and then throwing into it. - Nice! 885 00:34:14,487 --> 00:34:16,690 - Jessie Graff-- - Oh. 886 00:34:16,723 --> 00:34:19,225 - Does it again! 887 00:34:19,259 --> 00:34:21,861 Adding to her remarkable career. 888 00:34:21,895 --> 00:34:23,830 Just needs the dismount. 889 00:34:23,863 --> 00:34:25,598 There it is. [cheers and applause] 890 00:34:25,632 --> 00:34:27,133 - Wow. 891 00:34:27,167 --> 00:34:28,401 - Well, how nice. 892 00:34:28,435 --> 00:34:30,804 At Universal Studios, 893 00:34:30,837 --> 00:34:33,106 a star rises once again. 894 00:34:33,139 --> 00:34:35,775 We've only had two finishers tonight. 895 00:34:35,809 --> 00:34:38,945 Jessie trying to become just the second woman over 40 896 00:34:38,978 --> 00:34:42,615 to hit a buzzer, Sandy Zimmerman the first. 897 00:34:42,649 --> 00:34:45,719 [cheers and applause] - And she's done it! 898 00:34:45,752 --> 00:34:48,221 [buzzer blares] 899 00:34:48,254 --> 00:34:51,224 [upbeat music] 900 00:34:51,257 --> 00:34:56,096 - The fourth woman to hit a buzzer and qualify this year. 901 00:34:56,096 --> 00:34:59,332 Jessie, I know you feel at home at Universal Studios, 902 00:34:59,366 --> 00:35:03,370 but it seems some of your best performances in your career 903 00:35:03,403 --> 00:35:05,105 have happened right here on New York Street. 904 00:35:05,138 --> 00:35:06,272 - You're right! 905 00:35:06,306 --> 00:35:08,908 - What is it about this spot and you? 906 00:35:08,942 --> 00:35:10,477 - Well, it's like all of my homes. 907 00:35:10,510 --> 00:35:11,578 - Yeah. 908 00:35:11,611 --> 00:35:13,279 - I'm from New York, but I live in LA. 909 00:35:13,313 --> 00:35:15,348 And movie sets, and Ninja. 910 00:35:15,382 --> 00:35:17,684 - Yes. [laughter] 911 00:35:17,717 --> 00:35:20,253 Hey, Jessie, go celebrate with your mom. 912 00:35:20,286 --> 00:35:23,156 I know she wants to give you a hug. 913 00:35:23,189 --> 00:35:26,059 We're gonna see her racing in the semifinals 914 00:35:26,059 --> 00:35:30,096 which gets started next week. 915 00:35:30,130 --> 00:35:33,500 So Jessie leads the way for our women moving on. 916 00:35:33,533 --> 00:35:35,735 She's joined by the teenager who knocked her out 917 00:35:35,769 --> 00:35:38,138 last year, Jaleesa Himka, 918 00:35:38,171 --> 00:35:40,840 along with Florida's Megan Budway. 919 00:35:40,874 --> 00:35:43,877 The final spot's gonna be determined in our Runoff, 920 00:35:43,910 --> 00:35:46,680 and it'll be Florida friends, Caitlyn Bergstrom-Wright 921 00:35:46,713 --> 00:35:49,549 racing against her student, Emma Pereyra. 922 00:35:49,582 --> 00:35:51,317 Only one will move on. 923 00:35:51,351 --> 00:35:55,689 And we're going racing next on "American Ninja Warrior." 924 00:35:59,592 --> 00:36:01,895 - Chris Staples thrills crowds around the world 925 00:36:01,928 --> 00:36:03,830 as a professional dunker. 926 00:36:03,863 --> 00:36:05,165 - Oh! 927 00:36:05,198 --> 00:36:07,200 - Minutes ago, he hit our course 928 00:36:07,233 --> 00:36:09,736 and got a shout-out from another dunker, 929 00:36:09,769 --> 00:36:12,839 NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, 930 00:36:12,872 --> 00:36:15,508 - So, man, let's go out here and slam dunk this course. 931 00:36:15,542 --> 00:36:16,743 - OK, big dog. 932 00:36:16,776 --> 00:36:18,345 - Staples had plenty of hang time 933 00:36:18,378 --> 00:36:21,614 to get passed Pole Vault and Double Twister. 934 00:36:21,648 --> 00:36:23,049 - I see you flying through the air. 935 00:36:23,049 --> 00:36:24,551 You're more than just a dunker. 936 00:36:24,584 --> 00:36:26,119 You a ninja. 937 00:36:26,152 --> 00:36:29,589 - Then the 6'2" baller faced the balance obstacle, 938 00:36:29,622 --> 00:36:31,257 Dangerous Waters. 939 00:36:31,291 --> 00:36:33,059 - He got dunked! 940 00:36:33,093 --> 00:36:35,395 I gotta give him like a five for that one. 941 00:36:35,428 --> 00:36:37,097 - Argh! 942 00:36:37,130 --> 00:36:39,265 - High-powered Florida teenager 943 00:36:39,299 --> 00:36:42,902 Enzo DeFerrari Wilson electrified the crowd. 944 00:36:42,936 --> 00:36:45,672 - He's got a full charge for tonight's run, Matt. 945 00:36:45,705 --> 00:36:47,674 - Electric Enzo's made it to Vegas 946 00:36:47,707 --> 00:36:49,676 every season he's competed, 947 00:36:49,709 --> 00:36:52,579 and he had one of his best runs ever tonight. 948 00:36:54,481 --> 00:36:55,949 - Let's go. Big one. 949 00:36:55,982 --> 00:36:57,117 Big one. Nice. 950 00:36:57,150 --> 00:36:58,985 - He flew through the course, 951 00:36:59,085 --> 00:37:01,454 and became the night's fastest finisher. 952 00:37:01,488 --> 00:37:03,556 [buzzer blares] 953 00:37:03,590 --> 00:37:05,258 - Let's go! Let's go! 954 00:37:05,291 --> 00:37:07,927 - Yeah! 955 00:37:08,028 --> 00:37:09,496 - That earned him his first ever shot 956 00:37:09,529 --> 00:37:12,565 at the Mega Wall and $20,000. 957 00:37:12,599 --> 00:37:14,901 all: [chanting] Mega Wall! 958 00:37:14,934 --> 00:37:18,238 - Electric Enzo! [crowd awws] 959 00:37:18,271 --> 00:37:19,839 - But he'll still be racing in the semis 960 00:37:19,873 --> 00:37:23,376 which start next week. 961 00:37:23,410 --> 00:37:26,312 So Enzo sits atop our leaderboard, 962 00:37:26,346 --> 00:37:29,082 one of only three men to hit a buzzer tonight. 963 00:37:29,115 --> 00:37:31,151 Among the non-finishers moving on 964 00:37:31,184 --> 00:37:33,420 are the speedster, R.J. Roman, 965 00:37:33,453 --> 00:37:36,189 and our science expert, Jay Flores. 966 00:37:36,222 --> 00:37:39,325 The top 11 are guaranteed a spot in the semis, 967 00:37:39,359 --> 00:37:41,661 but the 12th and 13th place competitors 968 00:37:41,695 --> 00:37:43,363 now go to the Runoffs 969 00:37:43,396 --> 00:37:45,632 where they'll race for the final spot. 970 00:37:45,665 --> 00:37:47,634 So we'll see the makeup-wearing, 971 00:37:47,667 --> 00:37:50,470 heavy metal musician from Florida, Josh Wagg. 972 00:37:50,503 --> 00:37:51,871 He'll be trying to outrun 973 00:37:51,905 --> 00:37:55,241 Pennsylvania teenager Cal Plohoros. 974 00:37:55,275 --> 00:37:58,178 Earlier, Cal was flying through the course-- 975 00:37:58,211 --> 00:37:59,779 - There he goes. 976 00:37:59,813 --> 00:38:03,183 - Until he reached the second duck on Duck, Duck, Goose. 977 00:38:03,216 --> 00:38:05,518 - Ooh. 978 00:38:05,552 --> 00:38:08,455 - Josh Wagg also made it to the fourth obstacle, 979 00:38:08,488 --> 00:38:12,158 then his goose got cooked and his mascara ran. 980 00:38:12,192 --> 00:38:16,629 [high-pitched scream] 981 00:38:16,663 --> 00:38:19,132 - How are you able to do that? 982 00:38:19,165 --> 00:38:20,467 - I rock. 983 00:38:20,500 --> 00:38:22,202 Now they'll both get a second chance 984 00:38:22,235 --> 00:38:24,070 to keep their season alive. 985 00:38:24,104 --> 00:38:25,472 - Be afraid, Cal. 986 00:38:25,505 --> 00:38:26,906 Be very afraid. 987 00:38:26,940 --> 00:38:29,175 - Josh, I hope your makeup is waterproof. 988 00:38:29,209 --> 00:38:30,944 [dramatic music] 989 00:38:33,713 --> 00:38:35,749 - Both these guys like to have fun, 990 00:38:35,782 --> 00:38:38,351 but there are some big differences between them. 991 00:38:38,385 --> 00:38:39,519 Josh is 10 years older 992 00:38:39,552 --> 00:38:40,653 than ninja Cal, 993 00:38:40,687 --> 00:38:41,654 but at six feet, 994 00:38:41,688 --> 00:38:43,089 he has a six-inch height 995 00:38:43,123 --> 00:38:44,657 advantage over the teenager. 996 00:38:44,691 --> 00:38:47,060 - A spot in the semis on the line. 997 00:38:47,093 --> 00:38:50,096 [countdown clock beeping] 998 00:38:50,130 --> 00:38:52,399 - Here we go. - Both of them moving fast. 999 00:38:52,432 --> 00:38:53,967 - Ooh. Oh, my. 1000 00:38:54,067 --> 00:38:56,736 - Wagg down, but stays alive. - Uh-oh. 1001 00:38:58,738 --> 00:39:00,306 - Plohoros trying to link it. 1002 00:39:00,340 --> 00:39:01,808 Good move. - Wow. 1003 00:39:01,841 --> 00:39:03,443 He's trying to pick up the momentum, 1004 00:39:03,476 --> 00:39:05,011 feeling real comfortable. 1005 00:39:05,011 --> 00:39:07,380 And the further he separates from Wagg, 1006 00:39:07,414 --> 00:39:10,016 now that's going to create all the pressure on him. 1007 00:39:10,016 --> 00:39:12,252 - Ninja Cal now, but Hopscotch's 1008 00:39:12,285 --> 00:39:14,754 such a challenging obstacle to speed through. 1009 00:39:14,788 --> 00:39:17,590 And here comes Wagg on third. 1010 00:39:17,624 --> 00:39:20,927 - Come on, Cal Plohoros, I'm hopping on Hopscotch now. 1011 00:39:21,027 --> 00:39:23,530 - And leapt to the second handles. 1012 00:39:23,563 --> 00:39:24,864 - Nice. 1013 00:39:24,898 --> 00:39:26,032 And you don't have to rush here because 1014 00:39:26,066 --> 00:39:27,767 you got a nice, little lead. 1015 00:39:27,801 --> 00:39:29,803 - Well, what I like is Cal's being efficient-- 1016 00:39:29,836 --> 00:39:31,037 - Yes. 1017 00:39:31,071 --> 00:39:32,539 - That waving stuff paying off. 1018 00:39:32,572 --> 00:39:36,409 But, oh, my. Josh Wagg moving in. 1019 00:39:36,443 --> 00:39:38,044 - I see you. Don't look back, Cal. 1020 00:39:38,078 --> 00:39:40,046 Keep going. Don't look back. 1021 00:39:40,046 --> 00:39:42,649 Nice! - And he's gonna do it. 1022 00:39:42,682 --> 00:39:45,285 Cal Plohoros-- - Let's go! Let's go. 1023 00:39:45,318 --> 00:39:47,053 - Is moving on. 1024 00:39:47,087 --> 00:39:48,555 - Yeah, Cal! 1025 00:39:48,588 --> 00:39:52,292 - But Josh Wagg was screaming down his neck. 1026 00:39:52,325 --> 00:39:53,460 [buzzer blares] 1027 00:39:53,493 --> 00:39:55,595 - And he's able to finish as well. 1028 00:39:57,230 --> 00:39:59,866 - Now it's time for our women's Runoff, 1029 00:39:59,899 --> 00:40:02,168 and this is a Florida showdown. 1030 00:40:02,202 --> 00:40:06,272 Caitlyn Bergstrom-Wright against teenager Emma Pereyra. 1031 00:40:06,306 --> 00:40:07,974 And these two are good friends. 1032 00:40:08,008 --> 00:40:12,012 Emma trains at the ninja gym run by Caitlyn's family. 1033 00:40:12,045 --> 00:40:14,214 - And Caitlyn's her coach. 1034 00:40:14,247 --> 00:40:17,017 - Caitlyn wants to join her husband, David, in the semis. 1035 00:40:17,050 --> 00:40:18,618 He's cheering her on 1036 00:40:18,651 --> 00:40:20,854 along with the rest of the Bergstrom bunch. 1037 00:40:20,887 --> 00:40:23,823 And leading the cheers for Emma are her parents. 1038 00:40:23,857 --> 00:40:25,959 Both these women are 5'3". 1039 00:40:25,992 --> 00:40:27,594 But Caitlyn's 10 years older 1040 00:40:27,627 --> 00:40:30,196 and has been ninja training a lot longer. 1041 00:40:30,230 --> 00:40:32,866 [countdown clock beeping] 1042 00:40:32,899 --> 00:40:34,868 - Only one of them can move on. 1043 00:40:34,901 --> 00:40:37,437 - Caitlyn with a slight edge through Home Run. 1044 00:40:37,470 --> 00:40:40,507 Emma made it to Vegas last year, but Caitlyn didn't. 1045 00:40:40,540 --> 00:40:43,543 She was eliminated by her sister-in-law, Ashley. 1046 00:40:43,576 --> 00:40:45,145 - Now, remember, Caitlyn's got the experience. 1047 00:40:45,178 --> 00:40:48,948 - She first competed five years ago. 1048 00:40:48,982 --> 00:40:50,316 - Real close. 1049 00:40:50,350 --> 00:40:52,752 - Emma Pereyra was the first one off. 1050 00:40:52,786 --> 00:40:55,255 - Uh-oh, the student coming out, showing, 1051 00:40:55,288 --> 00:40:57,357 I'm a student, but I've been learning. 1052 00:40:57,390 --> 00:40:59,592 Here we go. 1053 00:40:59,626 --> 00:41:00,593 Wow. 1054 00:41:00,627 --> 00:41:02,595 - Back and forth. 1055 00:41:02,629 --> 00:41:03,830 Oh, my. 1056 00:41:03,863 --> 00:41:05,632 - And now Caitlyn pulls ahead. 1057 00:41:05,665 --> 00:41:09,436 But Emma's not giving up. Emma's right there. 1058 00:41:09,469 --> 00:41:12,505 - And an extra swing for Emma. 1059 00:41:12,539 --> 00:41:14,874 Caitlyn, a big advantage there, heading into Hopscotch. 1060 00:41:14,908 --> 00:41:17,277 This is a brutal obstacle for grip. 1061 00:41:17,310 --> 00:41:19,512 - If I'm Emma, I'm gonna continue to push it. 1062 00:41:19,546 --> 00:41:20,914 - These ninjas are fighting for 1063 00:41:20,947 --> 00:41:22,515 their hot dang life out here. 1064 00:41:22,549 --> 00:41:24,884 - [laughs] It's like they have 1065 00:41:24,918 --> 00:41:27,520 a rubber band attached between them. 1066 00:41:27,554 --> 00:41:30,690 They just stay in sync. 1067 00:41:30,724 --> 00:41:32,258 Who can get that dismount? 1068 00:41:32,292 --> 00:41:34,194 - Oh, and you see, Caitlyn's turned around now. 1069 00:41:34,227 --> 00:41:35,895 Uh-oh. - Got it. 1070 00:41:35,929 --> 00:41:38,898 - Oh, and Caitlyn-- - Well, a spectacular race, 1071 00:41:38,932 --> 00:41:40,867 but it's Caitlyn who gets the win. 1072 00:41:40,900 --> 00:41:42,869 She's moving on. [buzzer blares] 1073 00:41:42,902 --> 00:41:45,338 Emma gets to the end, but it's just not enough. 1074 00:41:45,372 --> 00:41:48,508 - Whoo! 1075 00:41:48,541 --> 00:41:49,542 - Well, that's it for tonight. 1076 00:41:49,576 --> 00:41:52,112 Next week, we start the semifinals. 1077 00:41:52,112 --> 00:41:54,547 - And we're going to be racing all night long. 1078 00:41:54,581 --> 00:41:57,650 - For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 1079 00:41:57,684 --> 00:42:02,255 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior."