1 00:00:03,003 --> 00:00:05,505 [bright tones] 2 00:00:05,538 --> 00:00:09,075 - It's time for the "American Ninja Warrior" semifinals, 3 00:00:09,109 --> 00:00:11,511 which means we're going racing. 4 00:00:11,544 --> 00:00:14,014 - Fasten your seat belts, America. 5 00:00:14,047 --> 00:00:15,982 - * I hit them with the turbo * 6 00:00:16,016 --> 00:00:18,385 [crowd cheering] 7 00:00:18,418 --> 00:00:21,254 - Side by side, it's crazy! 8 00:00:21,287 --> 00:00:22,922 - Nice. Stay focused. 9 00:00:22,956 --> 00:00:25,392 - Seeing your opponent right next to you, 10 00:00:25,425 --> 00:00:27,460 I just feel like it's so exciting. 11 00:00:27,494 --> 00:00:30,797 - * When you think I can't go no, no more * 12 00:00:30,830 --> 00:00:33,066 * I hit them with the turbo * 13 00:00:33,099 --> 00:00:34,634 - The rules are simple. 14 00:00:34,668 --> 00:00:35,935 Win, and you're headed to Vegas. 15 00:00:35,969 --> 00:00:37,170 - * I hit 'em with the turbo * 16 00:00:37,203 --> 00:00:39,539 - Lose, and your season could be over. 17 00:00:39,572 --> 00:00:41,641 - Oh! 18 00:00:41,675 --> 00:00:44,110 - * Bring it up a couple levels * 19 00:00:44,144 --> 00:00:46,379 * Give me, give me that zoom, zoom, zoom * 20 00:00:46,413 --> 00:00:47,747 - I'm gonna have to turn the burners on. 21 00:00:47,781 --> 00:00:49,182 Some people are going to be like, oh, 22 00:00:49,215 --> 00:00:51,751 how'd that old guy move so fast? 23 00:00:51,785 --> 00:00:53,653 - * I hit them with the turbo * 24 00:00:53,687 --> 00:00:55,155 * Turbo, turbo * 25 00:00:55,188 --> 00:00:56,723 - Tonight, I'm gonna put the pedal to the metal. 26 00:00:56,756 --> 00:00:58,291 - * Hit 'em with the turbo * 27 00:00:58,324 --> 00:01:01,061 [dramatic music] 28 00:01:01,094 --> 00:01:03,129 * Hit 'em with the turbo * 29 00:01:03,163 --> 00:01:04,531 - We're gonna have so much fun tonight. 30 00:01:04,564 --> 00:01:06,599 - * Oh oh oh oh * 31 00:01:06,633 --> 00:01:08,835 - Whoo! 32 00:01:08,868 --> 00:01:10,470 - Enough talk, let's race. 33 00:01:10,503 --> 00:01:12,439 [crowd cheering] 34 00:01:12,472 --> 00:01:14,607 - * Hit 'em with the turbo * 35 00:01:16,076 --> 00:01:18,778 - We've got a need for speed here at Universal 36 00:01:18,812 --> 00:01:20,080 Studios, Hollywood. 37 00:01:20,113 --> 00:01:21,614 It's time to go racing 38 00:01:21,648 --> 00:01:23,416 as we kick off the semifinals 39 00:01:23,450 --> 00:01:25,885 of "American Ninja Warrior." 40 00:01:25,919 --> 00:01:27,120 Hello, everyone, and welcome. 41 00:01:27,153 --> 00:01:29,689 I'm Matt Iseman. - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 42 00:01:29,723 --> 00:01:32,892 We have been looking forward to this one, Matt. 43 00:01:32,926 --> 00:01:35,695 We're going head-to-head racing all night long! 44 00:01:35,729 --> 00:01:37,230 - Absolutely, big man. 45 00:01:37,263 --> 00:01:39,399 And if you want to move on to the national finals at Vegas, 46 00:01:39,432 --> 00:01:41,267 you want to hit a buzzer. 47 00:01:41,301 --> 00:01:43,003 For a look at the course they'll be racing on, 48 00:01:43,103 --> 00:01:44,704 let's go down to Zuri Hall. 49 00:01:44,738 --> 00:01:46,940 - Guys, it all starts right here. 50 00:01:46,973 --> 00:01:50,643 The ninjas will sprint through six obstacles to the buzzer. 51 00:01:50,677 --> 00:01:53,813 First up is a dash across Home Run, then 52 00:01:53,847 --> 00:01:57,117 the upper-body test of Flying Shelf Grab, 53 00:01:57,117 --> 00:02:00,920 Wingnuts, and Sideways. 54 00:02:00,954 --> 00:02:02,922 The very difficult Spin Hopper will 55 00:02:02,956 --> 00:02:05,558 be waiting as the fifth obstacle, followed 56 00:02:05,592 --> 00:02:07,427 by a rope climb to the buzzer. 57 00:02:07,460 --> 00:02:09,963 Hit it first, and you're going to Vegas. 58 00:02:10,063 --> 00:02:11,831 - Thanks, Zuri, and the biggest race of the night 59 00:02:11,865 --> 00:02:14,601 comes at the end when our two fastest go head-to-head. 60 00:02:14,634 --> 00:02:17,771 The winner earns a Safety Pass to take to Vegas. 61 00:02:17,804 --> 00:02:21,574 - And that Safety Pass can be $1 million difference 62 00:02:21,608 --> 00:02:23,510 at the national finals. 63 00:02:23,543 --> 00:02:26,346 - We're kicking off our night of racing with two of our most 64 00:02:26,379 --> 00:02:27,781 impressive young athletes. 65 00:02:27,814 --> 00:02:31,217 We've got 19-year-old Max Feinberg, a college 66 00:02:31,251 --> 00:02:33,086 student at the University of Denver. 67 00:02:33,119 --> 00:02:35,388 He's facing 17-year-old Michigan 68 00:02:35,422 --> 00:02:37,290 high-schooler Ethan Gardulski. 69 00:02:37,323 --> 00:02:41,561 These two are good friends running for a greater purpose. 70 00:02:43,229 --> 00:02:46,466 Ethan spent years struggling with severe anxiety 71 00:02:46,499 --> 00:02:48,134 before finding "Ninja Warrior." 72 00:02:48,168 --> 00:02:49,736 - Get it! Yes! 73 00:02:49,769 --> 00:02:52,372 - Now he's become an advocate for mental health, 74 00:02:52,405 --> 00:02:55,842 spreading the message that it's OK to not be OK. 75 00:02:55,875 --> 00:02:58,611 And sharing his story has made a real impact. 76 00:02:58,645 --> 00:03:00,347 - After my episode aired, there was a lot 77 00:03:00,380 --> 00:03:03,049 of people who reached out to me and were talking about how 78 00:03:03,049 --> 00:03:04,784 my story really touched them. 79 00:03:04,818 --> 00:03:06,953 Something I want kids to know is 80 00:03:07,053 --> 00:03:08,688 that even if you have mental health struggles, 81 00:03:08,722 --> 00:03:11,224 that shouldn't stop you from trying to achieve what 82 00:03:11,257 --> 00:03:13,727 you want to achieve in life. 83 00:03:13,760 --> 00:03:17,330 - Max Feinberg's mom, Debbie, is a breast cancer survivor. 84 00:03:17,364 --> 00:03:20,300 And he has made it his mission to fight the disease. 85 00:03:20,333 --> 00:03:21,701 - That buzzer's for you, Mom! 86 00:03:21,735 --> 00:03:23,203 - Yeah! 87 00:03:23,236 --> 00:03:27,107 - Max has raised over $75,000 for cancer research 88 00:03:27,140 --> 00:03:29,576 through Ninja competitions and fan donations. 89 00:03:29,609 --> 00:03:31,945 - I feel like while I'm out there, 90 00:03:31,978 --> 00:03:34,748 I'm not only representing my mom but all the other moms 91 00:03:34,781 --> 00:03:37,250 and anybody out there who's going 92 00:03:37,283 --> 00:03:38,752 through this sort of thing. 93 00:03:38,785 --> 00:03:41,821 I'm going to be out here doing this until we can beat it. 94 00:03:41,855 --> 00:03:44,157 I'm excited to race Ethan Gardulski. 95 00:03:44,190 --> 00:03:46,126 He's a super-close friend of mine. 96 00:03:46,159 --> 00:03:48,094 To see him hit the buzzer was super 97 00:03:48,128 --> 00:03:50,096 inspiring, super motivational. 98 00:03:50,096 --> 00:03:51,698 - Let me see the muscles! - Yeah! 99 00:03:51,731 --> 00:03:53,533 - Yeah, baby! 100 00:03:53,566 --> 00:03:54,668 Ahh! - Boom! 101 00:03:54,701 --> 00:03:55,669 - Yeah! 102 00:03:55,702 --> 00:03:57,170 - Ethan, you and me, bro, 103 00:03:57,203 --> 00:03:58,304 we're going to hit some buzzers. 104 00:03:58,338 --> 00:03:59,739 We're going to throw our shirts off. 105 00:03:59,773 --> 00:04:01,608 And it's going to be a great moment. 106 00:04:01,641 --> 00:04:05,478 * * 107 00:04:05,512 --> 00:04:08,248 - Always lots of friends in the crowd to support breast 108 00:04:08,281 --> 00:04:10,417 cancer when Max Feinberg runs. 109 00:04:10,450 --> 00:04:13,219 His mom, Debbie, leading cheers on his sideline. 110 00:04:13,253 --> 00:04:16,456 And Ethan's also got a big group, including his biggest 111 00:04:16,489 --> 00:04:18,124 supporter, his mom, Claire. 112 00:04:18,158 --> 00:04:20,060 - Max was faster in qualifying, 113 00:04:20,060 --> 00:04:21,361 so he's the higher seed. 114 00:04:21,394 --> 00:04:22,629 He's an 11. 115 00:04:22,662 --> 00:04:24,264 And Ethan is a 14 seed. 116 00:04:24,297 --> 00:04:27,233 Max has been to the national finals all three seasons 117 00:04:27,267 --> 00:04:28,301 he's competed. 118 00:04:28,335 --> 00:04:29,803 Ethan's never made it. 119 00:04:29,836 --> 00:04:30,970 - But Ethan is hungry. 120 00:04:31,071 --> 00:04:31,971 He wants it. 121 00:04:32,072 --> 00:04:33,740 He wants to get to Vegas. 122 00:04:33,773 --> 00:04:35,408 - Oh, nice! 123 00:04:35,442 --> 00:04:37,077 Gardulski bounding out. 124 00:04:37,110 --> 00:04:38,311 I like the confidence. 125 00:04:38,345 --> 00:04:39,679 - I like it. 126 00:04:39,713 --> 00:04:41,081 - He knows he's got to bring his A game. 127 00:04:41,081 --> 00:04:42,515 - He's got to bring the entire alphabet 128 00:04:42,549 --> 00:04:44,184 going up against Max Feinberg. 129 00:04:44,217 --> 00:04:47,187 - But Gardulski maintaining his lead. 130 00:04:47,220 --> 00:04:49,389 - First off onto the Wingnuts. 131 00:04:49,422 --> 00:04:50,790 This is impressive. 132 00:04:50,824 --> 00:04:52,359 Here comes Feinberg. 133 00:04:52,392 --> 00:04:55,095 This side-by-side racing has such an element. 134 00:04:55,095 --> 00:04:56,629 - Nice. I love this. 135 00:04:56,663 --> 00:04:59,199 You can never underestimate the hunger in the underdog. 136 00:04:59,232 --> 00:05:00,500 Look at that! 137 00:05:00,533 --> 00:05:02,669 - Gardulski's flying through Sideways. 138 00:05:02,702 --> 00:05:06,039 - Ethan came in here as the underdog, the hungry dog. 139 00:05:06,039 --> 00:05:07,607 He wants it badly, Matt! 140 00:05:07,640 --> 00:05:09,776 - Well, he says it's OK not to be OK. 141 00:05:09,809 --> 00:05:12,746 He's also saying it's OK to be awesome. 142 00:05:12,779 --> 00:05:15,415 - Yes. All right, here we go. - Look at this on Spin Hopper! 143 00:05:15,448 --> 00:05:17,250 - Wow. - What a race! 144 00:05:17,283 --> 00:05:19,686 - I like that he's running his own race. 145 00:05:19,719 --> 00:05:23,156 He's not even taking a peek to see where Max Feinberg is. 146 00:05:23,189 --> 00:05:24,624 - He did just steal a glance. 147 00:05:24,657 --> 00:05:25,692 Oh, no! 148 00:05:25,725 --> 00:05:28,561 He stole a glance at Max. 149 00:05:28,595 --> 00:05:30,063 - Oh, man. 150 00:05:30,096 --> 00:05:31,564 - And now the door is open. 151 00:05:31,598 --> 00:05:34,768 But Feinberg must complete Spin Hopper. 152 00:05:34,801 --> 00:05:36,136 - You can see Max Feinberg looks 153 00:05:36,169 --> 00:05:37,637 like he's a little exhausted. 154 00:05:37,671 --> 00:05:40,473 Ethan pushed him so hard. 155 00:05:40,507 --> 00:05:43,943 - Credit to Gardulski; he ran a great race. 156 00:05:43,977 --> 00:05:48,081 But Max Feinberg gets the win. 157 00:05:48,081 --> 00:05:49,816 But look at Max! 158 00:05:54,421 --> 00:05:56,289 - I love it. 159 00:05:56,322 --> 00:05:59,225 Oh, wow, would not go up to hit the the buzzer 160 00:05:59,259 --> 00:06:01,861 until he paid his respect to Ethan Gardulski 161 00:06:01,895 --> 00:06:03,396 for the amazing run. 162 00:06:03,430 --> 00:06:05,799 [buzzer blares] 163 00:06:07,167 --> 00:06:09,269 Max Feinberg! 164 00:06:11,871 --> 00:06:15,508 - It was the underdog Ethan Gardulski who set the pace. 165 00:06:15,542 --> 00:06:18,678 He was ahead all the way until the fifth obstacle. 166 00:06:18,712 --> 00:06:22,315 But his fall opened the door for Max Feinberg, who finished 167 00:06:22,349 --> 00:06:24,250 Spin Hopper to get the win. 168 00:06:24,284 --> 00:06:27,487 He earns his fourth straight trip to Vegas. 169 00:06:27,520 --> 00:06:28,822 Keep it 100, man. 170 00:06:28,855 --> 00:06:30,190 Were you a little nervous? 171 00:06:30,223 --> 00:06:32,058 - Man, I saw Ethan take the lead. 172 00:06:32,058 --> 00:06:33,693 And you know, part of me was nervous. 173 00:06:33,727 --> 00:06:35,695 Part of me was stoked for the dude. 174 00:06:35,729 --> 00:06:38,298 Ninja's about more than just who hits the buzzer first. 175 00:06:38,331 --> 00:06:40,166 But it's about the friends, the community. 176 00:06:40,200 --> 00:06:42,502 Me and Ethan are both out here running for causes 177 00:06:42,535 --> 00:06:43,636 bigger than ourselves. 178 00:06:43,670 --> 00:06:45,905 But it was great seeing him crushing it. 179 00:06:45,939 --> 00:06:48,074 - You guys are both great ninjas. 180 00:06:48,074 --> 00:06:49,075 You're better people. 181 00:06:49,109 --> 00:06:51,077 You're raising awareness for your causes. 182 00:06:51,111 --> 00:06:53,346 And you're going to Vegas, buddy! 183 00:06:53,380 --> 00:06:54,714 - Whoo! 184 00:06:54,748 --> 00:06:57,183 [crowd cheering] 185 00:06:57,217 --> 00:06:59,452 - And now it's our first women's race. 186 00:06:59,486 --> 00:07:02,522 It'll be Utah teenager Violet Kepo'o, 187 00:07:02,555 --> 00:07:05,658 a "Harry Potter" fan who wears her emotions on her sleeve-- 188 00:07:05,692 --> 00:07:07,260 - Oh, and she's crying. 189 00:07:07,293 --> 00:07:09,162 - --but has been impressive on the course. 190 00:07:09,195 --> 00:07:12,332 She's facing Colorado high-schooler Emily Keener, 191 00:07:12,365 --> 00:07:14,901 an artist who experiences synesthesia, 192 00:07:14,934 --> 00:07:18,271 which means she sees colors when she hears certain sounds. 193 00:07:18,304 --> 00:07:21,141 - She painted what our names look like to her. 194 00:07:21,174 --> 00:07:22,442 - This is pretty cool. 195 00:07:22,475 --> 00:07:23,943 - Emily comes in as a 2 seed 196 00:07:24,044 --> 00:07:25,045 in this race. 197 00:07:25,045 --> 00:07:26,680 She's also bigger than Violet. 198 00:07:26,713 --> 00:07:28,682 Violet Kepo'o only weighs 199 00:07:28,715 --> 00:07:30,083 95 pounds. 200 00:07:30,116 --> 00:07:31,651 She's the lightest competitor 201 00:07:31,685 --> 00:07:33,353 this season. 202 00:07:33,386 --> 00:07:36,156 Each have their cheering sections on the sideline. 203 00:07:36,189 --> 00:07:38,058 These young Ninjas just couldn't do 204 00:07:38,058 --> 00:07:40,060 without the support of their families. 205 00:07:40,060 --> 00:07:42,962 Both these women lost in the semifinals last year, 206 00:07:43,063 --> 00:07:46,366 but one will be earning her first trip to Vegas right now. 207 00:07:46,399 --> 00:07:48,802 [countdown clock beeping] 208 00:07:48,835 --> 00:07:50,236 - Here we go. 209 00:07:50,270 --> 00:07:52,205 You want to see who's the best ninja, this is it. 210 00:07:52,238 --> 00:07:55,075 This format right here, it tells you. 211 00:07:55,075 --> 00:07:58,078 It's Vegas or bust. 212 00:07:58,111 --> 00:07:59,479 - And look at these two. 213 00:07:59,512 --> 00:08:01,915 What an even match-up. 214 00:08:02,015 --> 00:08:05,785 Keener, a 6-inch height advantage. 215 00:08:05,819 --> 00:08:08,321 And she's first off Flying Shelf Grab. 216 00:08:08,355 --> 00:08:11,324 That's important if they were to fall on the next obstacle. 217 00:08:11,358 --> 00:08:12,659 Right into the Wingnuts. 218 00:08:12,692 --> 00:08:16,529 These are some relatively big laches here. 219 00:08:16,563 --> 00:08:20,200 Keener using that long body to generate some good power. 220 00:08:20,233 --> 00:08:22,635 - You've got to be super efficient on the Wingnut. 221 00:08:22,669 --> 00:08:25,538 - And Keener is first to complete it once again. 222 00:08:25,572 --> 00:08:27,874 - Get it, and then fly off. Nice. 223 00:08:27,907 --> 00:08:30,043 - And Keener first on to Sideways. 224 00:08:30,076 --> 00:08:32,245 But here comes Kepo'o. 225 00:08:32,278 --> 00:08:34,314 - Yeah, and it's so crazy, because as you're 226 00:08:34,347 --> 00:08:36,916 going through Sideways, that lead hand, that's 227 00:08:36,950 --> 00:08:38,418 the blind grab right there. 228 00:08:38,451 --> 00:08:40,954 You got to trust it and feel it. 229 00:08:41,054 --> 00:08:42,422 - Well, what a great match-up. 230 00:08:42,455 --> 00:08:45,358 - Oh, OK. - Kepo'o closing. 231 00:08:45,392 --> 00:08:46,793 - She's not messing around. 232 00:08:46,826 --> 00:08:47,794 - Oh, my! 233 00:08:47,827 --> 00:08:50,096 Back to back! 234 00:08:50,130 --> 00:08:51,097 - Explosive. 235 00:08:51,131 --> 00:08:52,665 She's being super-efficient. 236 00:08:52,699 --> 00:08:55,902 Kepo'o's efficiency is getting her back into the race. 237 00:08:55,935 --> 00:08:58,104 And Kepo'o's the first one off. 238 00:08:58,138 --> 00:08:59,773 That is a big advantage 239 00:08:59,806 --> 00:09:02,008 because it's easy to fall here on the next obstacle, 240 00:09:02,008 --> 00:09:03,510 Spin Hopper. 241 00:09:03,543 --> 00:09:06,012 - At this point in the race, their arms are pumped out. 242 00:09:06,012 --> 00:09:08,615 But Kepo'o is not stopping to rest at all. 243 00:09:08,648 --> 00:09:09,916 And this is a tough one. 244 00:09:10,016 --> 00:09:11,818 You got to go up and over. 245 00:09:11,851 --> 00:09:14,287 - And Keener is pausing to catch her breath. 246 00:09:14,320 --> 00:09:16,890 She may be waiting to see if Kepo'o falls. 247 00:09:16,923 --> 00:09:19,926 Then she can take her time and finish the obstacle. 248 00:09:20,026 --> 00:09:21,027 - Nice. 249 00:09:21,061 --> 00:09:22,195 - Kepo'o, though. 250 00:09:22,228 --> 00:09:24,197 - Ooh! 251 00:09:24,230 --> 00:09:26,566 - And Keener splashes down. 252 00:09:26,599 --> 00:09:29,269 Kepo'o has done it. 253 00:09:29,302 --> 00:09:31,404 - All the way! - She's going to Vegas! 254 00:09:31,438 --> 00:09:32,806 What a great race! 255 00:09:32,839 --> 00:09:35,475 - Matt, she ran such a steady race. 256 00:09:35,508 --> 00:09:36,910 She stayed in her lane. 257 00:09:36,943 --> 00:09:39,546 She knew exactly what she had. 258 00:09:39,579 --> 00:09:42,682 - Well, it was that move on Sideways on the back half. 259 00:09:42,716 --> 00:09:45,885 She pulled ahead of Keener, put the pressure on. 260 00:09:45,919 --> 00:09:48,321 And she delivers-- - Nice. 261 00:09:48,355 --> 00:09:50,123 both: Ooh! 262 00:09:50,156 --> 00:09:52,058 - Well, they both fell there. 263 00:09:52,058 --> 00:09:54,294 That's why it was so important for Kepo'o 264 00:09:54,327 --> 00:09:55,729 to make that big move on Sideways. 265 00:09:55,762 --> 00:09:57,063 - That's right, Matt. 266 00:09:57,097 --> 00:09:59,632 - She went right past Keener on Sideways 267 00:09:59,666 --> 00:10:02,102 and was first off to get the advantage. 268 00:10:02,135 --> 00:10:04,838 And when Keener fell at the start of Spin Hopper, 269 00:10:04,871 --> 00:10:08,108 that sealed the win for Kepo'o. 270 00:10:08,141 --> 00:10:10,377 - And now the teenager's heading her very 271 00:10:10,410 --> 00:10:12,345 first national finals. 272 00:10:14,347 --> 00:10:18,585 Tonight, it's a special semifinals double episode, 273 00:10:18,618 --> 00:10:22,956 featuring some of Ninja's best racing head-to-head, including 274 00:10:22,989 --> 00:10:25,458 teen phenom Taylor Greene-- 275 00:10:25,492 --> 00:10:27,093 - Oh, my goodness! 276 00:10:27,127 --> 00:10:29,629 - --and what could be the final run of the Phoenix, 277 00:10:29,662 --> 00:10:31,031 Najee Richardson-- 278 00:10:31,064 --> 00:10:33,033 - And he just dominated! 279 00:10:33,066 --> 00:10:36,136 - --when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 280 00:10:41,408 --> 00:10:42,976 - A match-up minutes ago had Ninja fans 281 00:10:43,009 --> 00:10:45,412 seeing not double but triple. 282 00:10:45,445 --> 00:10:47,313 That's because one of the Green twins, 283 00:10:47,347 --> 00:10:51,284 Nathan, raced their unofficial triplet, Cam Baumgartner. 284 00:10:51,317 --> 00:10:53,386 - Sometimes me and Nathan would get mixed up because we're 285 00:10:53,420 --> 00:10:54,721 both wearing red. 286 00:10:54,754 --> 00:10:55,955 - It's safe to say at least one of the triplets 287 00:10:55,989 --> 00:10:58,158 will be making it to Vegas tonight. 288 00:10:58,191 --> 00:11:00,860 - Baumgartner came in as the higher seed 289 00:11:00,894 --> 00:11:03,897 and was the favorite over Green, who was trying to earn 290 00:11:03,930 --> 00:11:06,066 his first trip to Vegas. 291 00:11:06,099 --> 00:11:08,435 Baumgartner is a six-time veteran who's been 292 00:11:08,468 --> 00:11:10,537 as far as stage 3 in Vegas. 293 00:11:10,570 --> 00:11:13,440 But Green started strong and even led for a while. 294 00:11:13,473 --> 00:11:14,774 - Come on, Nathan! 295 00:11:14,808 --> 00:11:17,177 - With his twin brother Marquez cheering him on, 296 00:11:17,210 --> 00:11:20,513 Green kept it close until they reached the fourth obstacle, 297 00:11:20,547 --> 00:11:22,315 where Baumgartner pulled ahead. 298 00:11:22,349 --> 00:11:24,351 - He can go now. Look at that. 299 00:11:24,384 --> 00:11:26,186 - And when Nathan slipped off Sideways-- 300 00:11:26,219 --> 00:11:27,620 - No! 301 00:11:27,654 --> 00:11:30,223 - --that gave the win to Baumgartner, who kept 302 00:11:30,256 --> 00:11:32,659 going and cruised to a buzzer. 303 00:11:32,692 --> 00:11:37,297 He's going to Vegas for the fourth straight year. 304 00:11:37,330 --> 00:11:40,100 Now the other twin is going to get his shot. 305 00:11:40,100 --> 00:11:41,401 Let's go down to Zuri. 306 00:11:41,434 --> 00:11:43,503 - Guys, Jackson Twait and Marquez Green 307 00:11:43,536 --> 00:11:44,604 are good buddies. 308 00:11:44,637 --> 00:11:46,473 They were even roommates for a while. 309 00:11:46,506 --> 00:11:49,142 But now they've got to race each other. 310 00:11:49,175 --> 00:11:50,844 Twait's got more Ninja experience. 311 00:11:50,877 --> 00:11:53,580 So when the twins wanted to up their Ninja game, 312 00:11:53,613 --> 00:11:58,685 they came to train with the cat-loving pet sitter. 313 00:11:58,718 --> 00:12:01,554 A few years ago, Marquez and Nathan actually 314 00:12:01,588 --> 00:12:04,724 moved from their home in Wisconsin down to Iowa 315 00:12:04,758 --> 00:12:07,494 to live and train with Jackson at what 316 00:12:07,527 --> 00:12:09,929 he calls Camp Cat Daddy. 317 00:12:09,963 --> 00:12:11,197 - Let's go! 318 00:12:11,231 --> 00:12:12,799 Pick up the pace! 319 00:12:12,832 --> 00:12:15,468 - Now Marquez must take down his mentor to reach 320 00:12:15,502 --> 00:12:17,370 his first national finals. 321 00:12:17,404 --> 00:12:20,273 - It really has been awesome having Jackson as our coach. 322 00:12:20,306 --> 00:12:22,308 - I'm gonna show you how to really do it. 323 00:12:22,342 --> 00:12:24,878 - Jackson is a national finalist 324 00:12:24,911 --> 00:12:26,079 multiple years in a row. 325 00:12:26,079 --> 00:12:27,347 He's gotten a Mega Wall. 326 00:12:27,380 --> 00:12:29,315 [both shouting] 327 00:12:29,349 --> 00:12:31,418 - It's kind of a double-edged sword because, I mean, 328 00:12:31,451 --> 00:12:32,519 I really want to win. 329 00:12:32,552 --> 00:12:33,887 But at the same time, my student's 330 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:36,489 losing, which means I might be a bad teacher? 331 00:12:36,523 --> 00:12:38,658 - [laughs] 332 00:12:38,692 --> 00:12:40,460 * * 333 00:12:42,796 --> 00:12:44,264 - And these good friends are going to get 334 00:12:44,297 --> 00:12:46,166 a selfie at the start line. 335 00:12:46,199 --> 00:12:48,435 Marquez will have his brother on the sideline. 336 00:12:48,468 --> 00:12:50,103 But these guys are all good friends. 337 00:12:50,103 --> 00:12:52,939 In fact, Jackson's mom has a twins shirt 338 00:12:52,972 --> 00:12:55,208 underneath her Team Twait shirt. 339 00:12:55,241 --> 00:12:58,011 - I love this; these Ninjas are all so close. 340 00:12:58,111 --> 00:12:59,879 And we get a lot of good friends 341 00:12:59,913 --> 00:13:01,047 racing against each other. 342 00:13:01,081 --> 00:13:02,782 That's determined by the seedings. 343 00:13:02,816 --> 00:13:04,851 In this case, Jackson's a 3 seed, 344 00:13:04,884 --> 00:13:06,686 and Marquez is a 22 seed. 345 00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:09,122 [countdown clock beeping] 346 00:13:09,155 --> 00:13:10,623 - All right, here we go. 347 00:13:10,657 --> 00:13:12,625 - And Cat Daddy, a tentative start. 348 00:13:12,659 --> 00:13:14,427 - And that's hard when you have a close relationship. 349 00:13:14,461 --> 00:13:15,762 But you know what? 350 00:13:15,795 --> 00:13:17,964 When competition speaks, you got to rise up! 351 00:13:18,064 --> 00:13:19,232 Oh, OK! 352 00:13:19,265 --> 00:13:21,534 And Marquez out in front. 353 00:13:21,568 --> 00:13:24,070 Marquez is not giving him any breaks. 354 00:13:24,070 --> 00:13:26,706 - And Jackson Twait seems to be taking a little 355 00:13:26,740 --> 00:13:28,708 more conservative approach. 356 00:13:28,742 --> 00:13:30,677 Cats don't like water. 357 00:13:30,710 --> 00:13:33,713 Keeping it close, these two pushing each other. 358 00:13:33,747 --> 00:13:35,248 - Marquez now. 359 00:13:35,281 --> 00:13:37,951 - Oh, he lost his opportunity on Wingnuts. 360 00:13:37,984 --> 00:13:40,387 And now here comes Jackson Twait. 361 00:13:40,420 --> 00:13:44,958 - Twait pulls ahead by a whisker onto Sideways. 362 00:13:44,991 --> 00:13:47,660 [cheers and applause] 363 00:13:47,694 --> 00:13:50,930 And it is so tough racing side by side 364 00:13:50,964 --> 00:13:54,401 and trying not to let the pressure force a mistake. 365 00:13:54,434 --> 00:13:55,935 - Yeah, you can see Jackson Twait's got 366 00:13:55,969 --> 00:13:57,771 10 pounds on Marquez Green. 367 00:13:57,804 --> 00:13:58,972 That's a lot of weight he's carrying 368 00:13:59,005 --> 00:14:01,041 through here on Sideways. 369 00:14:01,074 --> 00:14:04,744 And Twait continues to hold the lead. 370 00:14:04,778 --> 00:14:07,247 Marquez looks like he is gassed. 371 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:08,615 - And Twait's not resting. 372 00:14:08,648 --> 00:14:11,384 He's going right up onto Spin Hopper. 373 00:14:11,418 --> 00:14:13,820 - Marquez's only chance right now 374 00:14:13,853 --> 00:14:15,655 is if Twait falls on this obstacle, which is 375 00:14:15,689 --> 00:14:18,158 always a possibility on Spin Hopper. 376 00:14:18,191 --> 00:14:20,827 [cheering] 377 00:14:20,860 --> 00:14:22,495 It's not over! 378 00:14:22,529 --> 00:14:25,532 - Wow, Marquez Green started off with so much steam 379 00:14:25,565 --> 00:14:28,068 and then just started to slow down. 380 00:14:28,068 --> 00:14:30,470 - And now Jackson Twait is on his back; 381 00:14:30,503 --> 00:14:32,072 he's starting to slow down. 382 00:14:32,072 --> 00:14:35,342 - Looking tired, hoping to avoid a cat nap here. 383 00:14:35,375 --> 00:14:38,078 - It's big if he can get onto that bar. 384 00:14:38,078 --> 00:14:39,446 - And he does it. 385 00:14:39,479 --> 00:14:42,682 - That's huge. Twait completes the obstacle. 386 00:14:42,716 --> 00:14:46,486 And Twait's gonna get another buzzer, 387 00:14:46,519 --> 00:14:49,089 going back to Vegas! 388 00:14:49,089 --> 00:14:52,092 - The Cat Daddy does it again. 389 00:14:52,092 --> 00:14:53,293 [buzzer blares] 390 00:14:53,326 --> 00:14:55,328 - Oh, he looks exhausted. 391 00:14:55,362 --> 00:14:58,965 Marquez gave him all he could handle. 392 00:14:58,998 --> 00:15:03,770 - Marquez continuing to fight and splashes down. 393 00:15:03,803 --> 00:15:08,441 A great race, but the Cat Daddy proves to be too much. 394 00:15:08,475 --> 00:15:11,845 - Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh. 395 00:15:11,878 --> 00:15:13,713 - Who says cats don't like water? 396 00:15:13,747 --> 00:15:15,782 - Well, that's the way you celebrate right there. 397 00:15:15,815 --> 00:15:17,183 [laughs] 398 00:15:17,217 --> 00:15:19,486 It was Marquez who had the catlike quickness 399 00:15:19,519 --> 00:15:20,954 at the start. 400 00:15:21,054 --> 00:15:24,357 But the Cat Daddy eventually showed he's the big dog. 401 00:15:24,391 --> 00:15:26,826 He came from behind to earn another trip 402 00:15:26,860 --> 00:15:28,828 to the national finals. 403 00:15:28,862 --> 00:15:31,631 - And Marquez will probably be on the sideline in Vegas 404 00:15:31,664 --> 00:15:33,533 cheering his buddy on. 405 00:15:33,566 --> 00:15:36,369 Our next match-up features 16-year-old high school 406 00:15:36,403 --> 00:15:39,072 student Riley Porter, who made it to Vegas as a rookie 407 00:15:39,105 --> 00:15:40,407 last season. 408 00:15:40,440 --> 00:15:43,710 She's racing Colorado's Anabella Heinrichs. 409 00:15:43,743 --> 00:15:45,912 And as you can see from her purple locks, 410 00:15:45,945 --> 00:15:49,549 she's got a flair for hair. 411 00:15:49,582 --> 00:15:51,885 - My interest in cosmetology started when I 412 00:15:51,918 --> 00:15:54,754 did my own hair back in 2020. 413 00:15:54,788 --> 00:15:57,190 I've done pretty much any color you can imagine. 414 00:15:57,223 --> 00:16:00,760 I had holographic rainbows, pink and yellow, 415 00:16:00,794 --> 00:16:04,664 purple, blues, yellow, and red, just kind of any combo 416 00:16:04,698 --> 00:16:06,066 I could come up with. 417 00:16:06,099 --> 00:16:08,702 Then it came time to finish up high school. 418 00:16:08,735 --> 00:16:11,371 And I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. 419 00:16:11,404 --> 00:16:15,342 And I realized taking my hobby of doing my own hair 420 00:16:15,375 --> 00:16:17,310 and bringing it out to the world, 421 00:16:17,344 --> 00:16:19,446 I think that's something that I'll really enjoy. 422 00:16:19,479 --> 00:16:21,114 - Make sure that your subsections 423 00:16:21,147 --> 00:16:22,482 are straight across. 424 00:16:22,515 --> 00:16:23,950 - We've been studying, like, hair styling, 425 00:16:24,050 --> 00:16:26,686 so blow-drying, curling, straightening, hair cutting. 426 00:16:26,720 --> 00:16:28,822 And then we're going to learn hair colors and nails 427 00:16:28,855 --> 00:16:30,857 and makeup and some massage. 428 00:16:30,890 --> 00:16:32,258 So it's a little bit of everything. 429 00:16:32,292 --> 00:16:33,893 - Come straight down. 430 00:16:33,927 --> 00:16:35,729 There you go. - [chuckles] 431 00:16:35,762 --> 00:16:39,432 A lot of these things are a lot harder than they look. 432 00:16:39,466 --> 00:16:43,069 School has definitely made it harder to find times to train. 433 00:16:43,103 --> 00:16:44,904 But hopefully after tonight, I'll be picking 434 00:16:44,938 --> 00:16:46,639 out my Vegas hair color. 435 00:16:46,673 --> 00:16:49,476 * * 436 00:16:49,509 --> 00:16:50,944 [cheering] 437 00:16:50,977 --> 00:16:53,079 - Anabella's parents and sister are on the sideline. 438 00:16:53,079 --> 00:16:55,949 They competed in our family special a few years ago. 439 00:16:55,982 --> 00:16:59,285 And Riley's got a big group over there led by her mom. 440 00:16:59,319 --> 00:17:02,122 - I think Riley Porter has to be considered the favorite. 441 00:17:02,155 --> 00:17:05,558 She's a 3 seed, and she won her semifinals race last year. 442 00:17:05,592 --> 00:17:07,160 [countdown clock beeping] 443 00:17:07,193 --> 00:17:10,730 - But as we've seen, anything can happen in these races. 444 00:17:10,764 --> 00:17:13,867 5'5" and 5'4", Porter first through Home Run. 445 00:17:13,900 --> 00:17:17,270 - And remember she impressed us last year as a rookie. 446 00:17:17,303 --> 00:17:20,507 She's a pole vaulter-- great upper-body strength too. 447 00:17:20,540 --> 00:17:24,778 - Both women making strong moves on Flying Shelf Grab. 448 00:17:24,811 --> 00:17:25,812 Porter's off first. 449 00:17:25,845 --> 00:17:27,647 - Come on! 450 00:17:27,681 --> 00:17:30,650 - Porter maintains a slight edge. 451 00:17:30,684 --> 00:17:32,118 But boy, this is close. 452 00:17:32,152 --> 00:17:34,054 And now Heinrichs edging out. 453 00:17:34,054 --> 00:17:36,056 Man, the Wingnuts is a great opportunity 454 00:17:36,089 --> 00:17:38,358 to create such separation. 455 00:17:38,391 --> 00:17:40,560 - It's Heinrichs who's off first. 456 00:17:40,593 --> 00:17:44,898 That gives her an advantage as they head into Sideways. 457 00:17:44,931 --> 00:17:46,900 - Little stumbles. 458 00:17:46,933 --> 00:17:49,602 - As Sideways requires you to keep them Ls, 459 00:17:49,636 --> 00:17:52,972 keep it nice and tight, keep them 90 degrees. 460 00:17:53,073 --> 00:17:55,075 - Still anyone's race. 461 00:17:55,108 --> 00:17:56,076 Oh! - Ooh. 462 00:17:56,109 --> 00:17:58,078 - Riley Porter hits the water! 463 00:17:58,111 --> 00:18:00,213 Anabella Heinrichs has done it! 464 00:18:00,246 --> 00:18:02,849 - She finished the previous obstacle first. 465 00:18:02,882 --> 00:18:05,118 - So she's going to Vegas! 466 00:18:05,151 --> 00:18:07,020 Credit to Anabella Heinrichs showing tremendous 467 00:18:07,020 --> 00:18:08,355 upper-body strength. 468 00:18:08,388 --> 00:18:09,689 - It looks like she's going for the dismount. 469 00:18:09,723 --> 00:18:12,158 She wants to get off of there. 470 00:18:12,192 --> 00:18:13,526 Ooh, OK. 471 00:18:13,560 --> 00:18:14,594 Stay focused. 472 00:18:14,627 --> 00:18:16,863 Finish what you started. 473 00:18:16,896 --> 00:18:20,200 [cheering] 474 00:18:20,233 --> 00:18:23,236 She's knows she's going to the national final. 475 00:18:24,571 --> 00:18:25,872 - And she's gonna keep going, 476 00:18:25,905 --> 00:18:28,041 see if she can survive Spin Hopper 477 00:18:28,041 --> 00:18:29,376 and get a buzzer. 478 00:18:29,409 --> 00:18:30,810 Such a challenge. 479 00:18:30,844 --> 00:18:32,078 So impressive. 480 00:18:32,112 --> 00:18:34,614 Keeping that-- oh! 481 00:18:34,647 --> 00:18:38,218 No buzzer, but the cosmetology student gets a quick rinse 482 00:18:38,251 --> 00:18:39,819 for her purple hair. 483 00:18:39,853 --> 00:18:42,822 She can celebrate her first trip to the national finals! 484 00:18:42,856 --> 00:18:46,126 - Love you! You're going to Vegas! 485 00:18:48,528 --> 00:18:52,399 - Coming up, we're heading to Amish country for a Ninja dad 486 00:18:52,432 --> 00:18:54,267 who's making a difference, 487 00:18:54,300 --> 00:18:57,370 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 488 00:19:02,409 --> 00:19:04,377 - Four Ninjas hit the course in two races 489 00:19:04,411 --> 00:19:05,845 while we were away. 490 00:19:05,879 --> 00:19:08,515 First, it was 20-year-old Colorado college student 491 00:19:08,548 --> 00:19:11,751 David Tomassoni taking on 37-year-old Ninja 492 00:19:11,785 --> 00:19:15,388 veteran Mike Silenzi, AKA the Stallion, 493 00:19:15,422 --> 00:19:17,924 who had his posse on the sideline. 494 00:19:18,024 --> 00:19:20,560 - [imitates horse whinnying] 495 00:19:20,593 --> 00:19:22,562 - Silenzi was trying to get to the national finals 496 00:19:22,595 --> 00:19:25,298 for the eighth time, but it was Tomassoni 497 00:19:25,331 --> 00:19:26,700 who took charge early. 498 00:19:26,733 --> 00:19:28,635 - You got the old head against the young'un. 499 00:19:28,668 --> 00:19:32,439 - The 6'2" Tomassoni came up big in his first time racing 500 00:19:32,472 --> 00:19:34,774 in the semifinals, and he maintained 501 00:19:34,808 --> 00:19:36,443 the lead through Spin Hopper. 502 00:19:36,476 --> 00:19:37,544 - Oh! 503 00:19:37,577 --> 00:19:38,912 And Silenzi's down. 504 00:19:38,945 --> 00:19:41,114 - Silenzi's fall guaranteed the win 505 00:19:41,147 --> 00:19:44,050 for Tomassoni, who earned his first trip to Vegas. 506 00:19:44,084 --> 00:19:46,052 [buzzer blares] 507 00:19:46,052 --> 00:19:49,723 [cheering] 508 00:19:49,756 --> 00:19:53,660 - Then it was South Dakota's Drew Nester, a 16 seed, 509 00:19:53,693 --> 00:19:56,196 going against the 9 seed Luke Beckstrand, 510 00:19:56,229 --> 00:19:58,231 the youngest member of the Beckstrand Ninja 511 00:19:58,264 --> 00:20:00,066 family competing tonight. 512 00:20:00,100 --> 00:20:01,301 Luke and his older brother, Kai, 513 00:20:01,334 --> 00:20:03,636 both hit buzzers back in qualifying. 514 00:20:03,670 --> 00:20:06,473 Tonight, the young Beckstrand jumped out to an early lead. 515 00:20:06,506 --> 00:20:08,341 - Those Beckstrands can move, Matt. 516 00:20:08,375 --> 00:20:10,877 - But Nester, who's an army medic, battled back. 517 00:20:10,910 --> 00:20:12,912 - Nester's starting to get the feel for it. 518 00:20:12,946 --> 00:20:16,049 - They were very close as they took on Sideways. 519 00:20:16,082 --> 00:20:17,817 - No! 520 00:20:17,851 --> 00:20:20,387 - Nester's fall gave the win to Luke Beckstrand. 521 00:20:20,420 --> 00:20:21,955 He's going to Vegas. 522 00:20:21,988 --> 00:20:23,490 [cheering] 523 00:20:23,523 --> 00:20:26,693 So now it's big brother Kai Beckstrand's turn. 524 00:20:26,726 --> 00:20:28,795 The 18-year-old is the top seed, 525 00:20:28,828 --> 00:20:31,264 meaning he was the fastest in qualifying 526 00:20:31,297 --> 00:20:34,601 and is usually the fastest anytime he hits the course. 527 00:20:34,634 --> 00:20:37,237 And the man with the unenviable task of racing him 528 00:20:37,270 --> 00:20:40,273 is 33-year-old father of four, Jesse Maurer, 529 00:20:40,306 --> 00:20:44,244 who says Ninja has helped bring his family together. 530 00:20:45,211 --> 00:20:48,181 [light music] 531 00:20:48,214 --> 00:20:50,784 * * 532 00:20:50,817 --> 00:20:54,521 - I work as a cabinet engineer for a custom cabinet shop 533 00:20:54,554 --> 00:20:56,456 in Amish country in northern Indiana. 534 00:20:56,489 --> 00:21:03,063 * * 535 00:21:03,063 --> 00:21:05,832 A couple years ago, we got a phone call that the children 536 00:21:05,865 --> 00:21:07,434 of a family member had been taken 537 00:21:07,467 --> 00:21:08,935 by Child Protective Services. 538 00:21:08,968 --> 00:21:10,837 And they wanted to know if my wife 539 00:21:10,870 --> 00:21:14,274 and I were willing to take in these two little boys. 540 00:21:14,307 --> 00:21:16,443 Four hours later, they showed up at the house 541 00:21:16,476 --> 00:21:17,877 with Liam and Dominic. 542 00:21:17,911 --> 00:21:20,180 Liam, can you tell Jackson where to put something? 543 00:21:20,213 --> 00:21:22,082 - Here, the blue hole. - Can you put it right there? 544 00:21:22,115 --> 00:21:24,584 Taking on two more children definitely 545 00:21:24,617 --> 00:21:27,554 changes your priorities, especially with Liam and Dom 546 00:21:27,587 --> 00:21:29,456 having some developmental delays. 547 00:21:29,489 --> 00:21:32,158 We have the challenges of trying 548 00:21:32,192 --> 00:21:33,760 to help them to develop-- 549 00:21:33,793 --> 00:21:35,695 - Whoo! 550 00:21:35,729 --> 00:21:36,863 * * 551 00:21:36,896 --> 00:21:38,465 - Ooh. - Hey, look at that. 552 00:21:38,498 --> 00:21:39,599 Good job, buddy. 553 00:21:39,632 --> 00:21:41,101 And then also my other two children, 554 00:21:41,134 --> 00:21:45,138 to make sure their emotional needs are met. 555 00:21:45,171 --> 00:21:47,874 - One, two, three-- 556 00:21:47,907 --> 00:21:51,311 - I started kind of introducing them to the world of Ninja. 557 00:21:51,344 --> 00:21:52,779 It helped them with their motor skills 558 00:21:52,812 --> 00:21:55,248 and their spatial awareness and being able to move. 559 00:21:55,281 --> 00:21:57,183 - Go, Cali! 560 00:21:57,217 --> 00:21:58,818 Whoo! - Good job. 561 00:21:58,852 --> 00:22:00,320 - Come on, Liam! 562 00:22:00,353 --> 00:22:02,689 - If you ask them, I'm not their favorite Ninja. 563 00:22:02,722 --> 00:22:04,190 Pull, pull, pull, pull, pull. 564 00:22:04,224 --> 00:22:06,126 My kids may or may not be more of a fan of Kai 565 00:22:06,159 --> 00:22:07,127 than they are of me. 566 00:22:07,160 --> 00:22:08,661 [cheering] 567 00:22:08,695 --> 00:22:10,163 - Come on, guys! 568 00:22:10,196 --> 00:22:11,831 - [squeals] - [laughs] 569 00:22:11,865 --> 00:22:14,501 - Please, Kai, don't embarrass me. 570 00:22:14,534 --> 00:22:16,169 [laughs] 571 00:22:16,202 --> 00:22:18,104 We're going to go out tonight and give it a shot 572 00:22:18,138 --> 00:22:20,507 to get a buzzer for the kids. 573 00:22:23,643 --> 00:22:25,979 [cheering] 574 00:22:26,079 --> 00:22:28,381 - Jesse's kids, his wife, and a big group 575 00:22:28,415 --> 00:22:30,216 are watching back in Indiana. 576 00:22:30,250 --> 00:22:31,751 - Let's go, Jesse! 577 00:22:31,785 --> 00:22:34,287 - And his sister and brother are on the sidelines, 578 00:22:34,320 --> 00:22:35,955 as are the Beckstrands. 579 00:22:35,989 --> 00:22:37,357 Luke just got a win. 580 00:22:37,390 --> 00:22:39,859 He's hoping Kai will join him in Vegas. 581 00:22:39,893 --> 00:22:42,162 - Jesse Maurer may need a miracle. 582 00:22:42,195 --> 00:22:45,765 He's the 24 seed facing one of the fastest Ninjas 583 00:22:45,799 --> 00:22:47,634 on the planet, Kai Beckstrand. 584 00:22:47,667 --> 00:22:49,169 [countdown clock beeping] 585 00:22:49,202 --> 00:22:51,104 - As we've seen tonight, anything 586 00:22:51,104 --> 00:22:52,872 can happen when you're racing. 587 00:22:52,906 --> 00:22:55,709 - Wow, Kai Beckstrand-- a confident start. 588 00:22:55,742 --> 00:22:57,444 - He's moving like he wants the fastest 589 00:22:57,477 --> 00:22:59,779 time so he can race for the Safety Pass 590 00:22:59,813 --> 00:23:00,947 at the end of the night. 591 00:23:01,047 --> 00:23:02,248 - Well, he is flying. 592 00:23:02,282 --> 00:23:03,550 - He doesn't need to be flying. 593 00:23:03,583 --> 00:23:04,551 This is a walk in the park for him. 594 00:23:04,584 --> 00:23:05,785 - And look at that! 595 00:23:05,819 --> 00:23:08,555 Just touches on the final Wingnut. 596 00:23:08,588 --> 00:23:11,591 - Jesse Maurer's still on the second obstacle. 597 00:23:11,624 --> 00:23:13,860 Kai Beckstrand is on his way to the fifth, 598 00:23:13,893 --> 00:23:15,628 jumps right onto Spin Hopper. 599 00:23:15,662 --> 00:23:17,397 - I mean, Matt, if you blink, you're 600 00:23:17,430 --> 00:23:18,798 going to miss Kai Beckstrand. 601 00:23:18,832 --> 00:23:21,267 This is the Kai Beckstrand show, my goodness! 602 00:23:21,301 --> 00:23:26,673 - Well, Kai definitely wants a shot at the Safety Pass. 603 00:23:26,706 --> 00:23:27,674 - Ain't nobody gonna beat that time. 604 00:23:27,707 --> 00:23:29,476 36 seconds! 605 00:23:29,509 --> 00:23:31,978 That's unreal! 606 00:23:32,078 --> 00:23:35,582 - And don't look, but Maurer's still on the Wingnuts, 607 00:23:35,615 --> 00:23:37,350 the third obstacle. 608 00:23:37,384 --> 00:23:38,852 [cheering] 609 00:23:38,885 --> 00:23:40,253 - Hi! 610 00:23:40,286 --> 00:23:41,988 - Says hello to Kai. - You got it! 611 00:23:42,088 --> 00:23:43,456 - Knew he wasn't gonna catch him. 612 00:23:43,490 --> 00:23:46,960 I mean, Kai got through six obstacles in 36 seconds! 613 00:23:46,993 --> 00:23:48,895 - That is fast. Let's take a look 614 00:23:48,928 --> 00:23:52,532 at how Kai uses his power to link those moves together. 615 00:23:52,565 --> 00:23:55,101 He barely touched the last Wingnut. 616 00:23:55,135 --> 00:23:58,538 Then watch him skipping handles on Spin Hopper. 617 00:23:58,571 --> 00:24:01,541 He is him, and he's just on another level. 618 00:24:01,574 --> 00:24:03,143 * * 619 00:24:03,176 --> 00:24:04,411 - But look at this! 620 00:24:04,444 --> 00:24:08,114 Jesse Maurer continuing to progress! 621 00:24:08,148 --> 00:24:09,883 I love it! 622 00:24:09,916 --> 00:24:12,285 [cheering] 623 00:24:12,318 --> 00:24:14,054 He's never hit a buzzer. 624 00:24:14,087 --> 00:24:16,056 Would love to get his first right here. 625 00:24:16,056 --> 00:24:17,724 If he's one of two top non-winners, 626 00:24:17,757 --> 00:24:19,426 he could still move on to Vegas. 627 00:24:19,459 --> 00:24:21,361 [together] Jesse, Jesse! 628 00:24:21,394 --> 00:24:24,197 - Matt, great to see him get a moment after the sacrifices 629 00:24:24,230 --> 00:24:26,232 he and his wife have made. 630 00:24:26,266 --> 00:24:29,502 - He has no quit in him. 631 00:24:29,536 --> 00:24:32,205 - Don't be fooled by what we saw with Kai Beckstrand. 632 00:24:32,238 --> 00:24:35,809 Spin Hopper is a brutal obstacle, just draining. 633 00:24:35,842 --> 00:24:38,511 - Father of four kids showing that grown-man 634 00:24:38,545 --> 00:24:41,081 strength right now, that grown-man strength, 635 00:24:41,114 --> 00:24:42,949 the perseverance. 636 00:24:42,982 --> 00:24:45,685 - I love this determination. 637 00:24:45,719 --> 00:24:49,389 - But now, 150 pounds going down is a different animal. 638 00:24:49,422 --> 00:24:51,091 - And with those handles that spin, 639 00:24:51,091 --> 00:24:54,627 you have to be precise, get both hands on simultaneously. 640 00:24:54,661 --> 00:24:56,996 - What? He skipped a handle! 641 00:24:57,097 --> 00:24:57,997 Who is this guy? 642 00:24:58,098 --> 00:24:59,466 - Look at this, Akbar! 643 00:24:59,499 --> 00:25:01,468 - OK, come on, man! 644 00:25:01,501 --> 00:25:04,170 That's an A-plus for grit! 645 00:25:04,204 --> 00:25:06,239 [cheering] 646 00:25:06,272 --> 00:25:08,875 A-plus-plus for moxie! 647 00:25:08,908 --> 00:25:10,176 OK! 648 00:25:10,210 --> 00:25:11,177 - And Jesse Maurer-- 649 00:25:11,211 --> 00:25:14,047 both: Ahh! 650 00:25:14,047 --> 00:25:15,382 Heartbreaking! 651 00:25:15,415 --> 00:25:17,083 - Oh, my goodness! 652 00:25:17,117 --> 00:25:20,854 Just couldn't finish the Spin Hopper, but still 653 00:25:20,887 --> 00:25:23,656 a spectacular effort out of Jesse Maurer. 654 00:25:23,690 --> 00:25:26,159 - Truly no losers in that race. 655 00:25:26,192 --> 00:25:28,962 The Indiana dad had the run of his life. 656 00:25:29,062 --> 00:25:30,897 And Kai Beckstrand is gonna join 657 00:25:30,930 --> 00:25:32,565 his brother, Luke, in Vegas. 658 00:25:32,599 --> 00:25:35,168 And we'll likely see Kai running for the Safety Pass 659 00:25:35,201 --> 00:25:36,536 later tonight. 660 00:25:36,569 --> 00:25:37,771 - Coming up-- 661 00:25:37,804 --> 00:25:39,072 [buzzer blares] 662 00:25:39,105 --> 00:25:40,974 They were hyped to become the first father 663 00:25:41,074 --> 00:25:42,742 and son to qualify for Vegas! 664 00:25:42,776 --> 00:25:46,513 Now Iowa's Scott and Ben Behrends try to do it again. 665 00:25:46,546 --> 00:25:51,818 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 666 00:25:55,488 --> 00:25:57,090 - They're two of Ninja's biggest goofballs-- 667 00:25:57,090 --> 00:26:00,026 Iowa buddies Chris Behrends and Levi Enright 668 00:26:00,060 --> 00:26:01,594 love "brotein" shakes-- 669 00:26:01,628 --> 00:26:03,897 - Whoo! Let's go! 670 00:26:03,930 --> 00:26:06,166 - --and noggin buzzers. 671 00:26:06,199 --> 00:26:07,167 [buzzer blares] 672 00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:08,468 - Noggin! 673 00:26:08,501 --> 00:26:10,370 - And minutes ago, they both tried to earn 674 00:26:10,403 --> 00:26:12,939 a return trip to Vegas. 675 00:26:13,039 --> 00:26:15,742 First, 23-year-old Levi, the number 2 seed, 676 00:26:15,775 --> 00:26:19,746 took on the muscle ball Tyler Yamauchi, a 23 seed, 677 00:26:19,779 --> 00:26:22,816 who's 38 and a father of three. 678 00:26:22,849 --> 00:26:25,418 Enright has an 11-inch height advantage over 679 00:26:25,452 --> 00:26:27,187 the 5'1" Yamauchi. 680 00:26:27,220 --> 00:26:29,622 But these two were side by side early. 681 00:26:29,656 --> 00:26:31,891 - Levi Enright, you know he wants to get after it. 682 00:26:31,925 --> 00:26:34,661 - Yamauchi, a former all-American gymnast, 683 00:26:34,694 --> 00:26:38,598 kept it close through Wingnuts and Sideways but fell 684 00:26:38,631 --> 00:26:40,066 behind on Spin Hopper. 685 00:26:40,066 --> 00:26:41,868 - Oh! 686 00:26:41,901 --> 00:26:44,604 - But he wasn't gonna catch Levi Enright, 687 00:26:44,637 --> 00:26:47,307 who sealed the win with another noggin buzzer. 688 00:26:47,340 --> 00:26:48,908 - Noggin! 689 00:26:48,942 --> 00:26:51,811 [cheering] 690 00:26:51,845 --> 00:26:55,415 - Then, Levi's Iowa bro, Chris Behrends, a 5 seed, 691 00:26:55,448 --> 00:26:56,616 got his shot. 692 00:26:56,649 --> 00:26:59,419 He was facing Colorado's 31-year-old 693 00:26:59,452 --> 00:27:01,421 Glenn Albright, who's seeded 20th. 694 00:27:01,454 --> 00:27:04,024 - Let's go, dude! Come on! 695 00:27:04,024 --> 00:27:06,626 - Albright's a former college track athlete, 696 00:27:06,659 --> 00:27:08,461 but he fell behind Behrends early. 697 00:27:08,495 --> 00:27:10,030 - Behrends' moving pretty quick. 698 00:27:10,030 --> 00:27:12,098 - Behrends, the 23-year-old college 699 00:27:12,132 --> 00:27:15,502 student was able to build up a comfortable lead. 700 00:27:15,535 --> 00:27:18,138 And though Albright made it to the fourth obstacle-- 701 00:27:18,171 --> 00:27:19,639 - Oh! 702 00:27:19,673 --> 00:27:22,509 - --his fall meant Chris Behrends could coast to a win 703 00:27:22,542 --> 00:27:24,678 and get another noggin buzzer. 704 00:27:24,711 --> 00:27:26,813 - Let's go! [buzzer blares] 705 00:27:26,846 --> 00:27:28,815 [cheering] 706 00:27:28,848 --> 00:27:30,550 - Yeah! 707 00:27:30,583 --> 00:27:34,921 - So it was a celebration for Iowa Ninjas as Chris, Levi, 708 00:27:34,954 --> 00:27:38,525 and friend Jackson Twait have all hit buzzers. 709 00:27:38,558 --> 00:27:39,859 - Is this heaven? 710 00:27:39,893 --> 00:27:41,361 It's Iowa! 711 00:27:41,394 --> 00:27:43,630 [cheering] 712 00:27:43,663 --> 00:27:46,366 - If you think those guys get excited, 713 00:27:46,399 --> 00:27:48,368 get ready for our next Iowa Ninja. 714 00:27:48,401 --> 00:27:50,603 It's Chris's Cousin, Ben Behrends, 715 00:27:50,637 --> 00:27:52,439 also known as the Hype Guy. 716 00:27:52,472 --> 00:27:54,974 He's facing 19-year-old college student 717 00:27:55,075 --> 00:27:56,343 Colton Skuster. 718 00:27:56,376 --> 00:27:58,945 And it's easy to see a big size difference 719 00:27:58,978 --> 00:28:01,715 with these two. 720 00:28:01,748 --> 00:28:04,617 Colton's a freshman at the University of Utah, 721 00:28:04,651 --> 00:28:06,920 whose friends call him Monkey because he 722 00:28:07,020 --> 00:28:10,623 climbs on everything, sometimes in a monkey suit. 723 00:28:10,657 --> 00:28:12,759 - We both got a lot of energy. 724 00:28:12,792 --> 00:28:14,828 He's known for his hype factor. 725 00:28:14,861 --> 00:28:16,396 [cheering] 726 00:28:16,429 --> 00:28:18,264 I'm known for having fun on the course. 727 00:28:18,298 --> 00:28:20,700 - Oh, I think he dropped the banana. 728 00:28:20,734 --> 00:28:24,437 - He's short, but don't let that fool you because the dude 729 00:28:24,471 --> 00:28:26,306 is powerful, and he is fast. 730 00:28:26,339 --> 00:28:29,242 - Ben made history with his dad, Scott, last season, 731 00:28:29,275 --> 00:28:32,078 becoming the first father-son duo to qualify 732 00:28:32,112 --> 00:28:34,047 for the national finals. 733 00:28:34,047 --> 00:28:37,217 And three weeks ago, he hit his first career buzzer. 734 00:28:37,250 --> 00:28:38,952 [buzzer blares] 735 00:28:39,052 --> 00:28:41,287 [cheering] 736 00:28:41,321 --> 00:28:44,124 - Yeah, so Colton's 6-foot, 180, and I'm, like, 737 00:28:44,157 --> 00:28:46,526 5-foot-nothing, 120. 738 00:28:46,559 --> 00:28:49,496 But the taller they are, the harder they fall. 739 00:28:50,897 --> 00:28:54,267 - A big Iowa contingent on the sideline, including Ben's 740 00:28:54,300 --> 00:28:55,769 dad, Scott, on the right. 741 00:28:55,802 --> 00:28:56,936 He'll run later. 742 00:28:56,970 --> 00:28:57,937 - Come on, Ben! 743 00:28:57,971 --> 00:29:00,040 - Oh, they get loud. 744 00:29:00,073 --> 00:29:02,442 Colton Skuster's pumping up his group... 745 00:29:02,475 --> 00:29:04,144 - Come on, Colton. 746 00:29:04,177 --> 00:29:05,512 - Which includes his parents and friends 747 00:29:05,545 --> 00:29:07,380 watching back in Utah. 748 00:29:07,414 --> 00:29:08,415 - All day! 749 00:29:08,448 --> 00:29:10,216 All day! Let's go, baby! 750 00:29:10,250 --> 00:29:12,419 - Ben Behrends may look like the underdog, 751 00:29:12,452 --> 00:29:14,387 but he's actually the higher seed. 752 00:29:14,421 --> 00:29:17,524 He hit a buzzer in qualifying, so he's an 8 seed. 753 00:29:17,557 --> 00:29:19,025 Colton is a 17. 754 00:29:19,025 --> 00:29:21,261 [countdown clock beeping] 755 00:29:21,294 --> 00:29:23,930 Ben came up big in qualifying, let's go. 756 00:29:24,030 --> 00:29:27,300 - And Skuster using those long limbs to get that early edge. 757 00:29:27,334 --> 00:29:28,768 We'll see if Ben can fly. 758 00:29:28,802 --> 00:29:30,303 - Yeah, he's a lot lighter, and got to use that 759 00:29:30,337 --> 00:29:32,272 to his advantage and just float across 760 00:29:32,305 --> 00:29:33,873 Flying Shelf Grab. 761 00:29:33,907 --> 00:29:35,375 He's got to be able to link just a little quicker. 762 00:29:35,408 --> 00:29:37,344 - And there he made a nice link. 763 00:29:37,377 --> 00:29:39,646 Skuster first up on the Wingnuts. 764 00:29:39,679 --> 00:29:41,047 - Yeah, you can see, too, you want 765 00:29:41,047 --> 00:29:43,116 to get on that back end of that Wingnut 766 00:29:43,149 --> 00:29:45,418 so that it allows you propel yourself forward. 767 00:29:45,452 --> 00:29:47,120 Oh, boy! Ride that swing! 768 00:29:47,153 --> 00:29:49,656 - Colton Skuster using that long reach. 769 00:29:49,689 --> 00:29:52,058 Can Behrends close the gap on Sideways? 770 00:29:52,092 --> 00:29:56,096 - Yes, Skuster is scooting across this course. 771 00:29:56,129 --> 00:29:57,497 - Nice. Nice, Colton. 772 00:29:57,530 --> 00:30:00,433 - Skuster on now to the Spin Hopper. 773 00:30:00,467 --> 00:30:03,737 And he's showing no signs of slowing down. 774 00:30:03,770 --> 00:30:05,739 - And be careful, some of those Spin Hoppers, 775 00:30:05,772 --> 00:30:07,540 some of them will spin on you. 776 00:30:07,574 --> 00:30:08,775 - These handles can rotate. 777 00:30:08,808 --> 00:30:11,144 But Skuster looking locked in. 778 00:30:11,177 --> 00:30:12,512 - Oh, boy. 779 00:30:12,545 --> 00:30:14,814 And Skuster's gonna do it! 780 00:30:14,848 --> 00:30:15,882 - OK, Colton! 781 00:30:15,915 --> 00:30:17,450 He never let up! 782 00:30:17,484 --> 00:30:19,419 - Colton Skuster gets his first buzzer 783 00:30:19,452 --> 00:30:21,955 and the second fastest time of the night. 784 00:30:21,988 --> 00:30:25,658 - Oh, my goodness, Colton's gonna pass out. 785 00:30:25,692 --> 00:30:28,228 He is in disbelief! 786 00:30:28,261 --> 00:30:29,696 [all shouting] 787 00:30:29,729 --> 00:30:32,332 - He's celebrating the win, but it's not over. 788 00:30:32,365 --> 00:30:37,137 - Ben Behrends still racing because, remember, the top two 789 00:30:37,170 --> 00:30:39,072 non-winners can still advance. 790 00:30:39,105 --> 00:30:40,607 [buzzer blares] 791 00:30:40,640 --> 00:30:43,777 Ben Behrends with that buzzer may still be in Vegas. 792 00:30:43,810 --> 00:30:45,712 We'll see what happens. 793 00:30:45,745 --> 00:30:48,948 Colton, you are hyped up, man! 794 00:30:48,982 --> 00:30:50,283 - Dude, I was ready, bro! 795 00:30:50,316 --> 00:30:51,484 - I see you were ready. 796 00:30:51,518 --> 00:30:52,752 It looked like you shocked yourself, man. 797 00:30:52,786 --> 00:30:54,220 Were you surprised? 798 00:30:54,254 --> 00:30:55,488 - It's just a dream come true. 799 00:30:55,522 --> 00:30:56,990 I'm like, is this even real, man? 800 00:30:57,023 --> 00:30:58,625 - [laughs] It's real, baby. 801 00:30:58,658 --> 00:30:59,726 - It's crazy. - It's real! 802 00:30:59,759 --> 00:31:01,628 - And, Ben, you could still move on. 803 00:31:01,661 --> 00:31:03,563 Right now you and Ethan Gardulski 804 00:31:03,596 --> 00:31:05,965 are our top two non-winners with a few more 805 00:31:06,066 --> 00:31:07,500 races remaining. 806 00:31:07,534 --> 00:31:09,302 - Congratulations, fellas! 807 00:31:09,336 --> 00:31:11,071 - Yeah, good job, man! 808 00:31:11,071 --> 00:31:12,839 Way to go! 809 00:31:12,872 --> 00:31:16,876 - Coming up, in some ways, she's a typical teenager. 810 00:31:16,910 --> 00:31:19,846 But Taylor Greene's breaking records in Ninja. 811 00:31:19,879 --> 00:31:22,449 And she's about to go for another buzzer. 812 00:31:22,482 --> 00:31:23,450 [buzzer blares] 813 00:31:23,483 --> 00:31:24,684 - She is Mean Greene. 814 00:31:24,718 --> 00:31:27,821 - That's up next on "American Ninja Warrior." 815 00:31:34,160 --> 00:31:36,563 - We had a few bugs to work out while we were away. 816 00:31:36,596 --> 00:31:39,132 That's because Ninja's favorite bug expert, 817 00:31:39,165 --> 00:31:42,268 entomologist Eric Middleton, who is the 21 seed, 818 00:31:42,302 --> 00:31:43,870 was racing against the number 4 seed, 819 00:31:43,903 --> 00:31:47,574 two-time Last Ninja Standing Kaden Lebsack. 820 00:31:47,607 --> 00:31:50,110 Lebsack has only fallen on a Ninja course 821 00:31:50,110 --> 00:31:52,712 once since he started competing three years ago. 822 00:31:52,746 --> 00:31:54,748 And he quickly showed he's one of the best 823 00:31:54,781 --> 00:31:55,949 Ninjas in the world. 824 00:31:55,982 --> 00:31:57,917 - Look at this, Kaden Lebsack. 825 00:31:57,951 --> 00:32:00,453 - He left Middleton far behind and sprinted 826 00:32:00,487 --> 00:32:02,355 through all six obstacles. 827 00:32:02,389 --> 00:32:03,790 - He is moving, Matt! 828 00:32:03,823 --> 00:32:06,059 - And turned in the second-fastest time 829 00:32:06,059 --> 00:32:07,494 of the night, putting him in good 830 00:32:07,527 --> 00:32:09,662 position for a rematch with Kai Beckstrand 831 00:32:09,696 --> 00:32:11,064 for the Safety Pass. 832 00:32:11,064 --> 00:32:12,799 But Middleton didn't quit. 833 00:32:12,832 --> 00:32:14,134 - That last one. 834 00:32:14,167 --> 00:32:16,136 - And he made it to the buzzer, as well, 835 00:32:16,169 --> 00:32:19,239 and could move on as one of our fastest non-winners. 836 00:32:19,272 --> 00:32:22,075 [cheering] 837 00:32:22,075 --> 00:32:24,911 Our next competitor came all the way from Australia 838 00:32:24,944 --> 00:32:26,212 to compete tonight. 839 00:32:26,246 --> 00:32:27,781 This is Judith Carroll. 840 00:32:27,814 --> 00:32:30,116 She has dual citizenship and has also 841 00:32:30,150 --> 00:32:32,318 competed on "Australian Ninja Warrior," 842 00:32:32,352 --> 00:32:34,254 where she's had good success. 843 00:32:34,287 --> 00:32:36,456 But she's got her work cut out for her. 844 00:32:36,489 --> 00:32:39,559 She's facing maybe America's top female competitor, 845 00:32:39,592 --> 00:32:40,827 Taylor Greene. 846 00:32:40,860 --> 00:32:43,096 But despite being a Ninja superstar, 847 00:32:43,129 --> 00:32:46,766 this teenager tries to lead a normal life. 848 00:32:46,800 --> 00:32:50,103 - * We're rising up, take me higher * 849 00:32:50,136 --> 00:32:53,473 - The first finisher for the women this season! 850 00:32:53,506 --> 00:32:55,108 [buzzer blares] 851 00:32:55,108 --> 00:32:57,110 - After my rookie season, I definitely feel like I've 852 00:32:57,110 --> 00:32:58,678 gained more confidence. 853 00:32:58,712 --> 00:33:02,182 - * We're rising up, take me higher * 854 00:33:02,215 --> 00:33:03,516 - It's such an incredible feeling 855 00:33:03,550 --> 00:33:05,151 knowing you finally accomplished what you've 856 00:33:05,185 --> 00:33:07,053 been working so hard for. 857 00:33:07,053 --> 00:33:08,455 [buzzer blares] 858 00:33:08,488 --> 00:33:10,156 But it can definitely be difficult 859 00:33:10,190 --> 00:33:13,259 to have normal teenage life and be a teenage athlete. 860 00:33:13,293 --> 00:33:16,262 [upbeat music] 861 00:33:16,296 --> 00:33:17,797 * * 862 00:33:17,831 --> 00:33:18,965 Oh! 863 00:33:19,065 --> 00:33:20,600 I got them all down! - Yay! 864 00:33:20,633 --> 00:33:22,068 Go, girl. 865 00:33:22,102 --> 00:33:24,104 - I like to keep the worlds separate because I have 866 00:33:24,137 --> 00:33:25,872 my Ninja life, but I also like to have 867 00:33:25,905 --> 00:33:27,907 my teenage girl life, where I go to school 868 00:33:27,941 --> 00:33:29,609 and I have these friends. 869 00:33:29,642 --> 00:33:31,511 * * 870 00:33:31,544 --> 00:33:32,712 Oh, yeah. 871 00:33:32,746 --> 00:33:33,847 - Are you literally good at everything? 872 00:33:33,880 --> 00:33:34,948 [laughter] 873 00:33:34,981 --> 00:33:36,149 - I like to go out for lunch, 874 00:33:36,182 --> 00:33:37,784 get coffee, ice cream. 875 00:33:37,817 --> 00:33:39,753 We like to go shopping, go bowling, 876 00:33:39,786 --> 00:33:41,221 and other activities like that. 877 00:33:41,254 --> 00:33:42,589 - You can eat really fast. 878 00:33:42,622 --> 00:33:44,224 [laughter] 879 00:33:44,257 --> 00:33:45,492 * * 880 00:33:45,525 --> 00:33:46,593 - Switch, jump. 881 00:33:46,626 --> 00:33:47,761 There you go, Taylor. 882 00:33:47,794 --> 00:33:49,929 - I started track in sixth grade. 883 00:33:49,963 --> 00:33:51,464 * * 884 00:33:51,498 --> 00:33:53,733 I compete in long and triple jump. 885 00:33:53,767 --> 00:33:55,101 - Big. 886 00:33:55,135 --> 00:33:56,670 Good job, Tay. 887 00:33:56,703 --> 00:33:59,172 * * 888 00:33:59,205 --> 00:34:00,607 - I think the training with track 889 00:34:00,640 --> 00:34:02,042 has helped me with "Ninja Warrior" 890 00:34:02,075 --> 00:34:04,577 because it's made me faster and more agile on my feet. 891 00:34:04,611 --> 00:34:07,047 - Come on, Tay. - Whoo! 892 00:34:07,047 --> 00:34:09,082 - I made history in my rookie season, 893 00:34:09,115 --> 00:34:11,251 and I'm ready to make more history tonight. 894 00:34:11,284 --> 00:34:13,820 * * 895 00:34:13,853 --> 00:34:16,456 [cheering] 896 00:34:16,489 --> 00:34:18,825 - Taylor Greene is the number 1 seed, 897 00:34:18,858 --> 00:34:20,727 and Judith Carroll is the number 8. 898 00:34:20,760 --> 00:34:22,462 But don't count her out. 899 00:34:22,495 --> 00:34:23,897 She's hit buzzers Down Under. 900 00:34:23,930 --> 00:34:25,732 - Let's go, Judith! - Come on, Judith. 901 00:34:25,765 --> 00:34:27,467 - She'll have some fellow Aussies cheering 902 00:34:27,500 --> 00:34:30,403 her on on the sideline. 903 00:34:30,437 --> 00:34:33,573 And Taylor's got her family over there cheering for her. 904 00:34:33,606 --> 00:34:35,208 Judith Carroll's 5'8". 905 00:34:35,241 --> 00:34:37,377 She's 3 inches taller than Taylor Greene. 906 00:34:37,410 --> 00:34:40,613 [countdown clock beeping] 907 00:34:40,647 --> 00:34:42,182 Yeah, if you want to watch a clinic, 908 00:34:42,215 --> 00:34:43,917 watch Taylor Greene on this one 909 00:34:43,950 --> 00:34:47,087 going up against Judith Carroll. 910 00:34:47,087 --> 00:34:49,089 - Judith Carroll gonna give it her all. 911 00:34:49,089 --> 00:34:52,792 Slight height advantage. 912 00:34:52,826 --> 00:34:55,128 - It's all about the Ninja skills here. 913 00:34:55,161 --> 00:34:58,631 And you can see Taylor just being a little more efficient. 914 00:34:58,665 --> 00:35:01,935 And, Matt, you get to really see how comfortable a Ninja is 915 00:35:02,035 --> 00:35:04,838 on an obstacle, especially about how efficient 916 00:35:04,871 --> 00:35:06,339 and how fast they move on it. 917 00:35:06,373 --> 00:35:09,042 - And Taylor finding her rhythm on the Wingnuts, 918 00:35:09,042 --> 00:35:10,310 right through it. 919 00:35:10,343 --> 00:35:11,945 - You got to be comfortable to move fast. 920 00:35:12,045 --> 00:35:15,181 - And Judith just stays alive on the Wingnuts, 921 00:35:15,215 --> 00:35:18,418 but it's never over till a buzzer is hit. 922 00:35:18,451 --> 00:35:20,253 - And this is a testament to Taylor Greene, 923 00:35:20,286 --> 00:35:24,124 not just about how talented she is but how hard she works. 924 00:35:24,157 --> 00:35:26,426 You can't move on this course like this 925 00:35:26,459 --> 00:35:27,961 if you're not putting in the time. 926 00:35:28,061 --> 00:35:31,398 And she's clearly putting the time in the gym. 927 00:35:31,431 --> 00:35:33,767 - No woman has hit a buzzer tonight. 928 00:35:33,800 --> 00:35:36,069 Taylor Greene got one last year in semis. 929 00:35:36,102 --> 00:35:38,071 This is an upper-body gauntlet, 930 00:35:38,071 --> 00:35:39,372 a real challenging course. 931 00:35:39,406 --> 00:35:43,143 And Judith Carroll is keeping this close! 932 00:35:44,477 --> 00:35:47,313 - Judith realized you got to play the long game on this, 933 00:35:47,347 --> 00:35:48,915 as well, because at any point, 934 00:35:48,948 --> 00:35:51,217 anybody can get pumped out and fall. 935 00:35:51,251 --> 00:35:52,686 A mistake can happen. 936 00:35:52,719 --> 00:35:54,421 So that's why it's important to stay in the race 937 00:35:54,454 --> 00:35:55,722 for Judith Carroll. 938 00:35:55,755 --> 00:35:57,357 - And Taylor Greene loading up. 939 00:35:57,390 --> 00:36:00,860 And she can see Judith Carroll isn't gonna make this easy. 940 00:36:00,894 --> 00:36:02,028 - Yes. - Yes. 941 00:36:02,028 --> 00:36:04,464 - Oh, this is a race, Akbar! 942 00:36:04,497 --> 00:36:06,332 - Judith is putting the pressure on her, 943 00:36:06,366 --> 00:36:08,501 and Taylor Greene knows it. 944 00:36:08,535 --> 00:36:10,537 - Well, Taylor Greene has the edge by being 945 00:36:10,570 --> 00:36:12,772 first to complete Sideways. 946 00:36:12,806 --> 00:36:14,207 - And she is so focused. 947 00:36:14,240 --> 00:36:16,042 We know when Taylor Greene is dialed in, 948 00:36:16,076 --> 00:36:17,577 you can't get her to lose her focus. 949 00:36:17,610 --> 00:36:20,814 - Wow! - And Judith falls off. 950 00:36:20,847 --> 00:36:24,317 - Taylor Greene is going back to Vegas. 951 00:36:24,351 --> 00:36:26,052 But she wants another buzzer. 952 00:36:26,086 --> 00:36:27,754 Can she fight through this? 953 00:36:27,787 --> 00:36:29,356 - Taylor Greene is starting to feel it, 954 00:36:29,389 --> 00:36:31,057 but she's trying to get out of there. 955 00:36:31,057 --> 00:36:33,693 both: Ooh! 956 00:36:33,727 --> 00:36:35,595 - Good job, Taylor! 957 00:36:35,628 --> 00:36:38,732 - A rare fall out of Taylor Greene, but not 958 00:36:38,765 --> 00:36:41,201 before punching her ticket back to Vegas! 959 00:36:41,234 --> 00:36:43,970 - Spin Hopper's been tough tonight. 960 00:36:44,070 --> 00:36:46,773 You have to be so precise with your moves. 961 00:36:46,806 --> 00:36:49,342 It knocked out Judith Carroll at the start 962 00:36:49,376 --> 00:36:52,312 and then, seconds later, got a very tired 963 00:36:52,345 --> 00:36:54,447 Taylor Greene near the end. 964 00:36:54,481 --> 00:36:56,883 [cheering] 965 00:36:56,916 --> 00:36:59,119 - Taylor, awesome job out here tonight. 966 00:36:59,152 --> 00:37:01,221 Look, we are so used to seeing you hit buzzers. 967 00:37:01,254 --> 00:37:02,522 It is a shock to see you wet. 968 00:37:02,555 --> 00:37:04,057 I don't even know what to do right now. 969 00:37:04,090 --> 00:37:05,759 How are you feeling out here? 970 00:37:05,792 --> 00:37:07,694 - Tired. That course, it was hard. 971 00:37:07,727 --> 00:37:10,163 It was a tough one for sure. 972 00:37:10,196 --> 00:37:12,399 I was on that last one, and I was like, this 973 00:37:12,432 --> 00:37:14,034 is-- my arms were giving out. 974 00:37:14,034 --> 00:37:15,869 And so, you know, it just happens. 975 00:37:15,902 --> 00:37:17,137 - Great work out here tonight, though. 976 00:37:17,170 --> 00:37:18,538 - Thank you. - Absolutely. 977 00:37:18,571 --> 00:37:20,707 Matt, Akbar, back to you. 978 00:37:20,740 --> 00:37:22,709 - Well, we're about to class up the joint, 979 00:37:22,742 --> 00:37:25,045 because up next is Donovan Metoyer, 980 00:37:25,045 --> 00:37:26,913 known as the Classy Ninja 981 00:37:26,946 --> 00:37:29,683 because he always wears a suit when he runs. 982 00:37:29,716 --> 00:37:32,052 He'll be going against Iowa's Scott Behrends, 983 00:37:32,085 --> 00:37:37,057 a guy who dresses like, well, a Midwestern dad. 984 00:37:37,090 --> 00:37:41,561 - Donovan Metoyer has a closet full of suits. 985 00:37:41,594 --> 00:37:44,431 And I have a drawer full of T-shirts. 986 00:37:44,464 --> 00:37:46,766 - I'm definitely not going to let Scott outrun me 987 00:37:46,800 --> 00:37:49,903 and definitely not outclass me, because when you look good, 988 00:37:49,936 --> 00:37:51,071 you play good. 989 00:37:51,071 --> 00:37:52,072 - Oh! 990 00:37:52,105 --> 00:37:54,374 - Oh, he did a 360! 991 00:37:54,407 --> 00:37:56,843 - I'm gonna hit that course in my Iowa tuxedo. 992 00:37:59,346 --> 00:38:01,348 - Donovan sporting a classy drip. 993 00:38:01,381 --> 00:38:02,782 Scott with the dad drip. 994 00:38:02,816 --> 00:38:04,517 - Well, there are big stakes in this race 995 00:38:04,551 --> 00:38:05,752 for the Behrends family. 996 00:38:05,785 --> 00:38:07,754 If the loser doesn't hit a buzzer, 997 00:38:07,787 --> 00:38:10,123 Scott's son, Ben, will be locked in as one 998 00:38:10,156 --> 00:38:12,225 of the top two non-winners. 999 00:38:12,258 --> 00:38:14,661 - Two of our oldest still left in the competition-- 1000 00:38:14,694 --> 00:38:17,831 Donovan's 36, and Scott Behrends' 42. 1001 00:38:17,864 --> 00:38:20,700 [countdown clock beeping] 1002 00:38:20,734 --> 00:38:21,801 - All right, here we go. 1003 00:38:21,835 --> 00:38:23,136 - Good start for Metoyer. 1004 00:38:23,169 --> 00:38:25,238 - Well, he's the running man in the suit. 1005 00:38:25,271 --> 00:38:27,540 - Donovan missed out on Vegas last year, 1006 00:38:27,574 --> 00:38:29,275 so he was hungry to get back. 1007 00:38:29,309 --> 00:38:31,277 - Seeing how efficient they can be. 1008 00:38:31,311 --> 00:38:34,681 Metoyer making some smooth links there. 1009 00:38:34,714 --> 00:38:36,716 - Donovan Metoyer's six years younger. 1010 00:38:36,750 --> 00:38:39,919 He's able to stay just a step ahead of Papa Behrends. 1011 00:38:39,953 --> 00:38:43,056 - Scott Behrends doing his best to keep it close. 1012 00:38:43,056 --> 00:38:46,626 Metoyer got about a half-obstacle lead-- 1013 00:38:46,659 --> 00:38:48,862 a little hesitation on Sideways. 1014 00:38:48,895 --> 00:38:50,764 - Now, this Sideways is a little more difficult 1015 00:38:50,797 --> 00:38:53,199 than that double Windsor knot that he has in his tie. 1016 00:38:53,233 --> 00:38:55,435 - And here comes Scott Behrends! 1017 00:38:55,468 --> 00:38:57,337 Look at this, Akbar! - Oh! 1018 00:38:57,370 --> 00:38:58,872 Where did Behrends come from? 1019 00:38:58,905 --> 00:39:01,307 - But then Donovan sensing it. 1020 00:39:01,341 --> 00:39:03,543 [cheering] 1021 00:39:03,576 --> 00:39:06,680 - Metoyer the first one off of Sideways. 1022 00:39:08,615 --> 00:39:11,251 - Metoyer is taking off on Spin Hopper. 1023 00:39:11,284 --> 00:39:12,652 Behrends needs to get going. 1024 00:39:12,686 --> 00:39:14,788 - OK, here we go. - Oh, my! 1025 00:39:14,821 --> 00:39:16,589 - Donovan Metoyer's gonna need enough fresh material 1026 00:39:16,623 --> 00:39:17,691 to get through this one. 1027 00:39:17,724 --> 00:39:19,526 Oh! - And Scott's down! 1028 00:39:19,559 --> 00:39:22,729 - Donovan Metoyer, the Classy Ninja, 1029 00:39:22,762 --> 00:39:25,031 better get a suit for Las Vegas 1030 00:39:25,065 --> 00:39:27,233 'cause he's going to Sin City! 1031 00:39:27,267 --> 00:39:28,435 - Finish strong. 1032 00:39:28,468 --> 00:39:30,303 You don't want this suit in the cleaners. 1033 00:39:30,337 --> 00:39:32,072 - Donovan, you got it! 1034 00:39:32,105 --> 00:39:33,406 - Nice. 1035 00:39:33,440 --> 00:39:36,910 - Well, a nice win for Donovan Metoyer. 1036 00:39:36,943 --> 00:39:38,378 - Nice! 1037 00:39:38,411 --> 00:39:40,880 - After an early exit last season, 1038 00:39:40,914 --> 00:39:43,583 he's going to be going back to Las Vegas 1039 00:39:43,616 --> 00:39:46,353 and looking sharp while doing it. 1040 00:39:46,386 --> 00:39:49,422 [cheering] 1041 00:39:52,192 --> 00:39:54,294 [buzzer blares] - Hey! 1042 00:39:55,528 --> 00:39:57,063 Donovan, are we going to see that same suit? 1043 00:39:57,063 --> 00:39:58,865 Or are you going to have something special, because 1044 00:39:58,898 --> 00:40:00,200 you're going to Vegas, buddy! 1045 00:40:00,233 --> 00:40:02,002 - Whoo! - Congratulations! 1046 00:40:02,035 --> 00:40:03,370 Go catch your breath, Classy! 1047 00:40:03,403 --> 00:40:04,704 - Thank you! 1048 00:40:04,738 --> 00:40:06,072 - And it's not all bad for the Behrends. 1049 00:40:06,106 --> 00:40:08,141 Zuri's going to share some good news. 1050 00:40:08,174 --> 00:40:09,909 - Scott, incredible run out here. 1051 00:40:09,943 --> 00:40:11,611 And I know you were hoping to get back to Vegas. 1052 00:40:11,644 --> 00:40:14,280 But the silver lining is that your fall 1053 00:40:14,314 --> 00:40:17,183 actually means that Ben is going to the national finals. 1054 00:40:17,217 --> 00:40:18,284 - Let's go! 1055 00:40:18,318 --> 00:40:19,352 - So you're going to Vegas regardless. 1056 00:40:19,386 --> 00:40:20,553 You get to cheer on your kiddo. 1057 00:40:20,587 --> 00:40:21,888 Does that work? 1058 00:40:21,921 --> 00:40:23,323 - I'll take that every time. - Well, there it is. 1059 00:40:23,356 --> 00:40:24,391 Congratulations, Ben. 1060 00:40:24,424 --> 00:40:25,525 Great work out there, Scott. 1061 00:40:25,558 --> 00:40:27,827 Guys, back to you. 1062 00:40:27,861 --> 00:40:30,597 - When we come back, we're going racing 1063 00:40:30,630 --> 00:40:31,998 for the Safety Pass. 1064 00:40:32,032 --> 00:40:34,601 And right now, that would be Kai Beckstrand 1065 00:40:34,634 --> 00:40:35,969 and Kaden Lebsack. 1066 00:40:36,002 --> 00:40:38,071 Their race last year was epic. 1067 00:40:38,104 --> 00:40:40,373 We may have a rematch when 1068 00:40:40,407 --> 00:40:43,243 "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1069 00:40:46,980 --> 00:40:49,916 - Semifinals roll on from Universal Studios. 1070 00:40:49,949 --> 00:40:53,186 And minutes ago, it was the women's number 4 seed, 1071 00:40:53,219 --> 00:40:55,955 Utah nurse and mom Mady Howard taking on 1072 00:40:55,989 --> 00:40:59,225 the number 5 seed, Colorado engineer Jaelyn Bennett. 1073 00:40:59,259 --> 00:41:01,061 After a friendly handshake-- 1074 00:41:01,094 --> 00:41:03,063 - Aw, look at that. 1075 00:41:03,063 --> 00:41:06,166 - --these two showed they are fierce competitors. 1076 00:41:06,199 --> 00:41:08,401 They kept it close through the early obstacles. 1077 00:41:08,435 --> 00:41:10,270 - They are side by side. 1078 00:41:10,303 --> 00:41:12,072 - Mady's been to the national finals 1079 00:41:12,072 --> 00:41:14,441 three times, while Jaelyn was trying to earn 1080 00:41:14,474 --> 00:41:15,875 her first trip to Vegas. 1081 00:41:15,909 --> 00:41:17,077 - Oh! 1082 00:41:17,110 --> 00:41:18,778 And Jaelyn down. 1083 00:41:18,812 --> 00:41:21,081 - But her fall on Sideways gave the win 1084 00:41:21,081 --> 00:41:23,750 to Mady Howard, who's the first mom to punch 1085 00:41:23,783 --> 00:41:26,986 her ticket to Vegas this year. 1086 00:41:27,087 --> 00:41:28,555 Jaelyn came up short. 1087 00:41:28,588 --> 00:41:30,357 But now her boyfriend, Austin Gray, 1088 00:41:30,390 --> 00:41:32,692 will see if he can earn a ticket to Vegas. 1089 00:41:32,726 --> 00:41:35,495 The two-time Ninja runner-up is one of the best. 1090 00:41:35,528 --> 00:41:37,864 He'll be facing Pittsburgh's Barry Boyd, 1091 00:41:37,897 --> 00:41:40,567 who had an impressive rookie season last year. 1092 00:41:40,600 --> 00:41:42,936 These two are similar in age and weight, 1093 00:41:42,969 --> 00:41:45,505 but Austin Gray's got a lot more experience. 1094 00:41:45,538 --> 00:41:47,707 This is his seventh season, but it's 1095 00:41:47,741 --> 00:41:49,642 only Barry Boyd's second. 1096 00:41:49,676 --> 00:41:51,478 Barry's a father of two. 1097 00:41:51,511 --> 00:41:53,880 His family's watching back in Pittsburgh. 1098 00:41:53,913 --> 00:41:56,349 Austin's got Jaelyn and other Colorado ninjas 1099 00:41:56,383 --> 00:41:58,118 on his sideline. 1100 00:41:58,151 --> 00:42:01,521 [countdown clock beeping] 1101 00:42:01,554 --> 00:42:04,591 Austin Gray's trying to get to Vegas for the fifth time. 1102 00:42:04,624 --> 00:42:06,059 But Barry is no slouch. 1103 00:42:06,059 --> 00:42:07,694 He made it to Vegas last year as a rookie. 1104 00:42:07,727 --> 00:42:09,062 - Oh, nice. 1105 00:42:09,062 --> 00:42:10,196 Austin Gray feels the pressure. 1106 00:42:10,230 --> 00:42:11,631 He sees it. 1107 00:42:11,664 --> 00:42:13,600 - He's taking a peek over at Barry. 1108 00:42:13,633 --> 00:42:17,303 - But Barry Boyd keeping it real close. 1109 00:42:17,337 --> 00:42:18,938 Oh, I'm liking this race. 1110 00:42:18,972 --> 00:42:21,341 - Ooh, OK, Barry's not intimidated. 1111 00:42:21,374 --> 00:42:25,712 Yes, Austin Gray has more experience, but Barry Boyd, 1112 00:42:25,745 --> 00:42:26,980 very competitive. 1113 00:42:27,080 --> 00:42:29,249 - This is just a half step behind him. 1114 00:42:29,282 --> 00:42:31,584 What a race this is shaping up to be. 1115 00:42:31,618 --> 00:42:34,087 And this is a great tempo, too, for Barry Boyd. 1116 00:42:34,120 --> 00:42:36,690 He's not putting himself in a bad position. 1117 00:42:36,723 --> 00:42:37,924 - Oh! 1118 00:42:37,957 --> 00:42:39,359 - Oh, now he's trying to get the lead. 1119 00:42:39,392 --> 00:42:41,561 - And Austin first off, that is a big advantage 1120 00:42:41,594 --> 00:42:42,862 going into Spin Hopper. 1121 00:42:42,896 --> 00:42:45,965 We've seen a lot of falls here. 1122 00:42:45,999 --> 00:42:48,134 - Barry Boyd's keeping the pressure on. 1123 00:42:48,168 --> 00:42:50,503 - Austin sees him, feels him behind him. 1124 00:42:50,537 --> 00:42:53,106 - If he keeps up this pace and hits a buzzer, 1125 00:42:53,139 --> 00:42:55,275 Barry Boyd could still make it to Vegas 1126 00:42:55,308 --> 00:42:57,477 as one of the top non-winners. 1127 00:42:57,510 --> 00:42:58,678 - I like this. 1128 00:42:58,712 --> 00:43:01,581 Barry is not backing down for nobody! 1129 00:43:01,614 --> 00:43:04,084 - Austin Gray, I don't think he expected 1130 00:43:04,117 --> 00:43:06,753 this much of a match-up. 1131 00:43:09,656 --> 00:43:13,059 Barry Boyd trying his best, but Austin-- ooh! 1132 00:43:13,059 --> 00:43:14,160 Oh, boy, here we go! 1133 00:43:14,194 --> 00:43:15,662 Here we go! 1134 00:43:15,695 --> 00:43:17,630 - Won't be fast enough for the Safety Pass, but still fast. 1135 00:43:17,664 --> 00:43:18,698 [buzzer blares] 1136 00:43:18,732 --> 00:43:20,667 And Austin's going back to Vegas. 1137 00:43:20,700 --> 00:43:23,069 - Credit to Barry Boyd-- - Nice. 1138 00:43:23,069 --> 00:43:25,405 - --pushing Austin Gray. 1139 00:43:25,438 --> 00:43:27,273 - And he's going to be fast enough to be 1140 00:43:27,307 --> 00:43:29,442 one of our top non-winners. 1141 00:43:29,476 --> 00:43:32,612 So they're both going to the national finals. 1142 00:43:32,645 --> 00:43:35,081 [cheering] 1143 00:43:35,081 --> 00:43:37,083 - Barry Boyd kept it close early 1144 00:43:37,083 --> 00:43:39,419 and really closed the gap on Sideways. 1145 00:43:39,452 --> 00:43:41,755 That put the pressure on Austin Gray, 1146 00:43:41,788 --> 00:43:44,257 who made a quick dismount to pull ahead 1147 00:43:44,290 --> 00:43:45,992 and get to the buzzer first. 1148 00:43:46,092 --> 00:43:47,694 And, Barry, I got good news. 1149 00:43:47,727 --> 00:43:50,130 You are the second-fastest non-winner, meaning 1150 00:43:50,163 --> 00:43:51,765 you are going back to Vegas. 1151 00:43:51,798 --> 00:43:52,966 [cheering] 1152 00:43:52,999 --> 00:43:54,801 - That's awesome. Thank you, guys. 1153 00:43:54,834 --> 00:43:56,169 Appreciate it. - Go celebrate. 1154 00:43:56,202 --> 00:43:57,537 - Nice job, man. 1155 00:43:57,570 --> 00:43:58,705 - Good job. - Good race. 1156 00:43:58,738 --> 00:44:00,240 - And so look at this. 1157 00:44:00,273 --> 00:44:03,143 We're going to get the rematch we all wanted to see. 1158 00:44:03,176 --> 00:44:06,846 Our two fastest, Kai Beckstrand and Kaden Lebsack, 1159 00:44:06,880 --> 00:44:10,250 will face each other in our Safety Pass race. 1160 00:44:10,283 --> 00:44:11,685 That run by Austin Gray was 1161 00:44:11,718 --> 00:44:13,153 the fifth fastest of the night. 1162 00:44:13,186 --> 00:44:15,321 But all of the winners will be moving 1163 00:44:15,355 --> 00:44:18,291 on to the national finals, which start in a few weeks. 1164 00:44:18,324 --> 00:44:20,527 And as we said, Barry Boyd joins 1165 00:44:20,560 --> 00:44:23,563 Ben Behrends as the non-winners going to Vegas. 1166 00:44:23,596 --> 00:44:26,132 The women's leaderboard is topped by teenagers 1167 00:44:26,166 --> 00:44:29,235 Violet Kepo'o and Taylor Greene. 1168 00:44:29,269 --> 00:44:33,273 And so now the only thing left is a race for the Safety Pass, 1169 00:44:33,306 --> 00:44:35,108 which gives you a second chance if you 1170 00:44:35,141 --> 00:44:37,310 fall in the national finals. 1171 00:44:37,344 --> 00:44:39,512 It's going to be a battle between two of the best 1172 00:44:39,546 --> 00:44:41,081 ninjas in the world. 1173 00:44:41,081 --> 00:44:43,516 You've got Colorado's Kaden Lebsack, 1174 00:44:43,550 --> 00:44:46,386 a two-time Last Ninja Standing, racing against 1175 00:44:46,419 --> 00:44:47,987 Utah's Kai Beckstrand, 1176 00:44:48,088 --> 00:44:49,789 who had the fastest time earlier 1177 00:44:49,823 --> 00:44:52,158 tonight by almost 15 seconds. 1178 00:44:52,192 --> 00:44:57,430 It's a rematch of one of the best races in Ninja history. 1179 00:44:58,998 --> 00:45:01,735 These two met in last season's Safety Pass race, 1180 00:45:01,768 --> 00:45:03,570 and it was spectacular. 1181 00:45:03,603 --> 00:45:05,238 - Let's see how it turns out. 1182 00:45:05,271 --> 00:45:08,641 - Now these two elite ninjas get a chance to do it again. 1183 00:45:08,675 --> 00:45:10,176 - Kaden is just throwing himself around. 1184 00:45:10,210 --> 00:45:11,711 - I've definitely never pushed it 1185 00:45:11,745 --> 00:45:13,380 as hard as I had to with Kai. 1186 00:45:13,413 --> 00:45:15,281 He's probably one of the fastest ninjas in the world. 1187 00:45:15,315 --> 00:45:16,916 I had to give it everything I got. 1188 00:45:16,950 --> 00:45:18,084 - Oh! 1189 00:45:18,118 --> 00:45:19,753 He took an extra swing! 1190 00:45:19,786 --> 00:45:21,888 - That one back swing was the difference-maker 1191 00:45:21,921 --> 00:45:23,223 between winning or losing. 1192 00:45:23,256 --> 00:45:24,257 - Oh, my goodness! 1193 00:45:24,290 --> 00:45:25,425 [buzzer blares] 1194 00:45:25,458 --> 00:45:27,060 - Unbelievable! 1195 00:45:27,060 --> 00:45:28,728 - Kai had the fastest time of the night. 1196 00:45:28,762 --> 00:45:30,096 I'm going to have to turn on the jets, 1197 00:45:30,130 --> 00:45:31,464 and I'm going to have to throw some crazy moves 1198 00:45:31,498 --> 00:45:32,766 to keep up with him. 1199 00:45:32,799 --> 00:45:35,201 - So this season, going against Kaden once again, 1200 00:45:35,235 --> 00:45:37,671 I know I have to go all out because not 1201 00:45:37,704 --> 00:45:40,774 having the Safety Pass last season definitely cost me. 1202 00:45:40,807 --> 00:45:41,941 - Uh-oh! 1203 00:45:41,975 --> 00:45:43,910 - Oh, the speed kills! 1204 00:45:43,943 --> 00:45:46,146 - I want the Safety Pass more than anything. 1205 00:45:46,179 --> 00:45:47,614 I'm super ready. 1206 00:45:47,647 --> 00:45:51,084 [dramatic music] 1207 00:45:51,084 --> 00:45:53,153 [cheering] 1208 00:45:53,186 --> 00:45:56,089 - Everybody and they mama want to see this race! 1209 00:45:56,089 --> 00:45:58,558 - These two are really gonna push each other. 1210 00:45:58,591 --> 00:46:01,227 [countdown clock beeping] 1211 00:46:01,261 --> 00:46:02,462 - They may not only break the course, 1212 00:46:02,495 --> 00:46:03,897 they might break the internet tonight. 1213 00:46:03,930 --> 00:46:06,266 - They could break the sound barrier! 1214 00:46:06,299 --> 00:46:08,501 Look at them going sideways, linking it. 1215 00:46:08,535 --> 00:46:10,036 - Oh, here we go! 1216 00:46:10,036 --> 00:46:11,538 Both of them got their caps on backwards. 1217 00:46:11,571 --> 00:46:13,173 Oh, they ready! 1218 00:46:13,206 --> 00:46:16,276 Oh, my, Kai just half a move ahead and just a touch faster. 1219 00:46:16,309 --> 00:46:18,311 Oh, this is it! Look at Kai Beckstrand! 1220 00:46:18,345 --> 00:46:19,446 Look at the way he's linking it! 1221 00:46:19,479 --> 00:46:20,880 Oh, my goodness! 1222 00:46:20,914 --> 00:46:22,382 - Well, this is very reminiscent of last year. 1223 00:46:22,415 --> 00:46:25,051 It was on Spin Hopper where Kaden made up ground. 1224 00:46:25,085 --> 00:46:27,320 - Wow, those are some damn hot links right there! 1225 00:46:27,354 --> 00:46:29,589 - Oh, my goodness! - Wow, are you kidding me? 1226 00:46:29,622 --> 00:46:31,391 Can Kai finish it? - Come on! 1227 00:46:31,424 --> 00:46:32,859 - Yes, he can! 1228 00:46:32,892 --> 00:46:34,294 - Oh, my goodness! 1229 00:46:34,327 --> 00:46:38,665 - Kai Beckstrand gets his revenge with the fastest 1230 00:46:38,698 --> 00:46:41,234 time we've seen on the course! 1231 00:46:41,267 --> 00:46:43,603 - Holy moly! 1232 00:46:43,636 --> 00:46:45,271 - * I hit them with the turbo * 1233 00:46:45,305 --> 00:46:47,407 - They both linked every move early. 1234 00:46:47,440 --> 00:46:50,310 But the critical moment was on Wingnuts, where Kaden 1235 00:46:50,343 --> 00:46:52,278 took just one extra swing. 1236 00:46:52,312 --> 00:46:55,715 Kai had a scary moment on Sideways, but even with that, 1237 00:46:55,749 --> 00:46:59,452 he spent less than five seconds on each obstacle. 1238 00:46:59,486 --> 00:47:02,355 - Well, Kai, he got you last year. 1239 00:47:02,389 --> 00:47:03,690 This year, it's your year. 1240 00:47:03,723 --> 00:47:05,792 How good was it to get that buzzer, buddy? 1241 00:47:05,825 --> 00:47:07,861 - It felt so good to get that rematch against Kaden. 1242 00:47:07,894 --> 00:47:10,330 He's just such a well-rounded competitor. 1243 00:47:10,363 --> 00:47:12,265 And he may not show it always on the speed, 1244 00:47:12,298 --> 00:47:13,533 but the dude can fly. 1245 00:47:13,566 --> 00:47:14,734 [chuckles] 1246 00:47:14,768 --> 00:47:16,036 - And Kaden, you finally lost your hat, man. 1247 00:47:16,036 --> 00:47:17,037 - I did, I did. 1248 00:47:17,070 --> 00:47:19,039 - Is that your superpower? - Maybe. 1249 00:47:19,039 --> 00:47:20,774 - Boys, I can't thank you enough. 1250 00:47:20,807 --> 00:47:23,376 Once again, you gave us the race of the year. 1251 00:47:23,410 --> 00:47:25,111 And we'll see you both in Vegas! 1252 00:47:25,145 --> 00:47:28,248 - Let's go. - Let's go. 1253 00:47:28,281 --> 00:47:29,849 - Well, the night's not done. 1254 00:47:29,883 --> 00:47:32,819 When we come back, we've got a whole new group of ninjas. 1255 00:47:32,852 --> 00:47:36,656 We'll see the reigning Women's Champion, Addy Herman. 1256 00:47:36,690 --> 00:47:39,259 - And she does it! 1257 00:47:39,292 --> 00:47:42,295 - And it's the last season for Najee Richardson. 1258 00:47:42,328 --> 00:47:43,930 Can he earn a trip to Vegas? 1259 00:47:43,963 --> 00:47:47,067 Or will this be his final run? 1260 00:47:47,067 --> 00:47:50,503 Plus, good friends and two of the all-time greats, 1261 00:47:50,537 --> 00:47:53,139 Sean Bryan and David Campbell, will have 1262 00:47:53,173 --> 00:47:54,841 to race each other, 1263 00:47:54,874 --> 00:47:57,210 all coming up on "American Ninja Warrior." 1264 00:47:57,243 --> 00:47:59,245 - * Hit them with the turbo * 1265 00:48:02,749 --> 00:48:04,484 - Welcome back to "American Ninja Warrior." 1266 00:48:04,517 --> 00:48:06,052 - We're in the semifinals. 1267 00:48:06,086 --> 00:48:08,488 That means all racing all night. 1268 00:48:08,521 --> 00:48:11,091 We just saw our first group of ninjas 1269 00:48:11,124 --> 00:48:13,526 punch their ticket to Vegas. 1270 00:48:13,560 --> 00:48:15,929 - Now in our second hour, some all-time 1271 00:48:16,029 --> 00:48:17,397 greats will get their shot. 1272 00:48:17,430 --> 00:48:19,032 [thunder rumbles] 1273 00:48:20,033 --> 00:48:22,736 And we're going to kick it off with our new women's champion, 1274 00:48:22,769 --> 00:48:25,472 Massachusetts teenager Addy Herman, 1275 00:48:25,505 --> 00:48:28,141 trying to get back to Vegas for the third straight year. 1276 00:48:28,174 --> 00:48:30,343 She's facing a tough competitor, 1277 00:48:30,377 --> 00:48:33,380 California clothing designer Brittney Durant. 1278 00:48:33,413 --> 00:48:35,115 These two raced each other last year, 1279 00:48:35,148 --> 00:48:37,150 and it was a thriller. 1280 00:48:38,651 --> 00:48:40,820 - Yeah, their measurements are very close, Matt. 1281 00:48:40,854 --> 00:48:42,389 It's gonna come down to who wants it the most. 1282 00:48:42,422 --> 00:48:44,190 - Last year, Addy was the number 1283 00:48:44,224 --> 00:48:45,792 1 seed and a heavy favorite. 1284 00:48:45,825 --> 00:48:49,062 But Brittney stayed with her every step of the way. 1285 00:48:49,062 --> 00:48:50,897 - You want to get to Vegas, you got to get through this 1286 00:48:50,930 --> 00:48:52,298 one here! 1287 00:48:52,332 --> 00:48:53,633 Oh! 1288 00:48:53,667 --> 00:48:55,535 - Durant goes down, and Herman has done it! 1289 00:48:55,568 --> 00:48:56,870 - Wow! 1290 00:48:56,903 --> 00:48:58,705 - Addy not only advanced to the national finals, 1291 00:48:58,738 --> 00:49:01,107 she took the crown as the new women's champ. 1292 00:49:01,141 --> 00:49:03,777 - It's a vertical sprint for Addy Herman. 1293 00:49:03,810 --> 00:49:06,146 - Oh, my! 1294 00:49:06,179 --> 00:49:08,615 Addy Herman does it! 1295 00:49:08,648 --> 00:49:11,584 Our new women's champion! 1296 00:49:11,618 --> 00:49:13,920 Now she finds herself facing Brittney again 1297 00:49:14,020 --> 00:49:15,722 for a return trip to Vegas. 1298 00:49:15,755 --> 00:49:17,791 - I know Brittney, after last year, 1299 00:49:17,824 --> 00:49:19,259 has been training to beat me. 1300 00:49:19,292 --> 00:49:21,695 And I know she's gonna put up a strong fight. 1301 00:49:21,728 --> 00:49:24,330 - I've been waiting for redemption. 1302 00:49:24,364 --> 00:49:26,399 If I have to go through Addy to get to Vegas, 1303 00:49:26,433 --> 00:49:28,835 I'm gonna do just that. 1304 00:49:28,868 --> 00:49:32,272 [dramatic music] 1305 00:49:32,305 --> 00:49:35,442 - So Brittney's looking for revenge, while Addy's hoping 1306 00:49:35,475 --> 00:49:38,211 not only for a win but to get her first buzzer 1307 00:49:38,244 --> 00:49:40,413 in the regular season. 1308 00:49:40,447 --> 00:49:42,816 She'll be cheered on by her family and boyfriend 1309 00:49:42,849 --> 00:49:44,784 Noah Meunier, who's on the left. 1310 00:49:44,818 --> 00:49:46,119 He'll be running next. 1311 00:49:46,152 --> 00:49:49,055 [countdown clock beeping] 1312 00:49:49,055 --> 00:49:51,291 Addy Herman's coming in with a lot of confidence 1313 00:49:51,324 --> 00:49:53,360 after winning the women's championship. 1314 00:49:53,393 --> 00:49:56,062 But don't overlook Brittney Durant. 1315 00:49:56,062 --> 00:49:59,399 - Addy Herman first onto the Flying Shelf Grab. 1316 00:50:00,400 --> 00:50:01,868 Oh, my. 1317 00:50:01,901 --> 00:50:03,603 - Oh, and now Brittney's out ahead. 1318 00:50:03,636 --> 00:50:04,871 Get it, get it, get it! 1319 00:50:04,904 --> 00:50:06,339 Nice! 1320 00:50:06,373 --> 00:50:08,842 - Then Addy links it, finishing almost in sync! 1321 00:50:08,875 --> 00:50:11,611 - You can see it here, you can't take that extra swing. 1322 00:50:11,644 --> 00:50:12,946 Nice! 1323 00:50:12,979 --> 00:50:15,081 - This is amazing! 1324 00:50:15,115 --> 00:50:16,082 - Nice! 1325 00:50:16,116 --> 00:50:18,218 - How even is this race? 1326 00:50:18,251 --> 00:50:19,753 And they land at the same time! 1327 00:50:19,786 --> 00:50:20,987 - Oh, man! 1328 00:50:21,021 --> 00:50:23,189 I'm not sure how this one's gonna end! 1329 00:50:23,223 --> 00:50:26,826 - Brittney Durant and Addy Herman neck and neck! 1330 00:50:26,860 --> 00:50:28,962 - This is what I call a Ninja fight! 1331 00:50:28,995 --> 00:50:32,232 - Addy getting a little daylight here. 1332 00:50:32,265 --> 00:50:34,367 Oh! 1333 00:50:34,401 --> 00:50:35,835 - But I'm not sure who finished 1334 00:50:35,869 --> 00:50:37,337 the previous obstacle first. 1335 00:50:37,370 --> 00:50:40,440 So Addy needs to get through this. 1336 00:50:40,473 --> 00:50:41,941 And she does it. 1337 00:50:41,975 --> 00:50:43,743 [cheering] 1338 00:50:43,777 --> 00:50:46,146 - She wins this rematch, but she 1339 00:50:46,179 --> 00:50:47,914 was pushed by Brittney Durant. 1340 00:50:47,947 --> 00:50:50,517 Now Addy can focus on getting her first regular 1341 00:50:50,550 --> 00:50:51,751 season buzzer. 1342 00:50:51,785 --> 00:50:53,453 - Wait it out, and you'll get that buzzer. 1343 00:50:53,486 --> 00:50:54,854 Let's go! 1344 00:50:54,888 --> 00:50:57,223 - But Spin Hopper is a tough obstacle 1345 00:50:57,257 --> 00:50:58,858 when you got tired arms. 1346 00:50:58,892 --> 00:51:02,095 We saw a lot of falls here already tonight. 1347 00:51:02,128 --> 00:51:03,630 - And a strong ascent. 1348 00:51:03,663 --> 00:51:05,632 - But it's that decline, Matt. 1349 00:51:05,665 --> 00:51:08,501 That's where you got to really keep your core tight, 1350 00:51:08,535 --> 00:51:09,936 come in compact. 1351 00:51:09,969 --> 00:51:12,238 [cheering] 1352 00:51:12,272 --> 00:51:13,840 Fighting against gravity on the down. 1353 00:51:13,873 --> 00:51:16,543 - Only three women finished the semifinals course 1354 00:51:16,576 --> 00:51:19,612 last year, Addy trying to be the first this season. 1355 00:51:19,646 --> 00:51:20,980 - [screaming] 1356 00:51:21,081 --> 00:51:22,282 - She's so close! 1357 00:51:22,315 --> 00:51:24,484 - Addy Herman! 1358 00:51:24,517 --> 00:51:28,254 Yes! Yes! 1359 00:51:30,490 --> 00:51:35,328 And Addy Herman gets the first buzzer of her career! 1360 00:51:35,362 --> 00:51:37,797 Look at the emotions! 1361 00:51:37,831 --> 00:51:41,601 * * 1362 00:51:41,634 --> 00:51:44,437 - That is just raw, genuine emotion. 1363 00:51:44,471 --> 00:51:46,806 [cheering] 1364 00:51:46,840 --> 00:51:48,408 - Get over here! 1365 00:51:48,441 --> 00:51:51,244 - You get to add that buzzer to your Ninja 1366 00:51:51,277 --> 00:51:53,246 resume, your first one. 1367 00:51:53,279 --> 00:51:54,981 How does it feel? 1368 00:51:55,015 --> 00:51:56,916 - I didn't know anything could feel this good. 1369 00:51:56,950 --> 00:51:59,652 I'm like-- I'm in so much shock. 1370 00:51:59,686 --> 00:52:01,855 I'm so grateful for all of this. 1371 00:52:01,888 --> 00:52:03,056 This is crazy. 1372 00:52:03,056 --> 00:52:04,657 - You know, you got your boyfriend, 1373 00:52:04,691 --> 00:52:06,593 your mom, your family, your friends. 1374 00:52:06,626 --> 00:52:08,361 They're all in tears right now. 1375 00:52:08,395 --> 00:52:09,796 They're in tears! 1376 00:52:09,829 --> 00:52:11,164 - Oh, my gosh. 1377 00:52:11,197 --> 00:52:12,265 I can't even believe this. 1378 00:52:12,298 --> 00:52:13,533 This is crazy. 1379 00:52:13,566 --> 00:52:15,969 - Go celebrate with your family and friends! 1380 00:52:17,370 --> 00:52:19,205 - These ninjas work so hard, 1381 00:52:19,239 --> 00:52:21,241 so it's an emotional moment when 1382 00:52:21,274 --> 00:52:23,176 they get their first buzzer. 1383 00:52:23,209 --> 00:52:27,514 And Addy just got hers on a very tough semifinals course. 1384 00:52:27,547 --> 00:52:29,783 [cheering] 1385 00:52:29,816 --> 00:52:32,118 And what a celebration! 1386 00:52:32,152 --> 00:52:33,920 She won the women's championship 1387 00:52:33,953 --> 00:52:35,321 earlier this year. 1388 00:52:35,355 --> 00:52:38,124 But I think she may be more excited for this. 1389 00:52:39,893 --> 00:52:44,197 Still to come, hair today, gone tomorrow. 1390 00:52:44,230 --> 00:52:47,567 An old-school and new-school ninja go head-to-head. 1391 00:52:47,600 --> 00:52:49,202 - He is very intimidating. 1392 00:52:49,235 --> 00:52:51,104 He is a jacked dude. 1393 00:52:51,137 --> 00:52:53,139 - Plus-- - Come on, Joseph! 1394 00:52:53,173 --> 00:52:56,609 - Joe Meissner's come a long way in his Ninja journey. 1395 00:52:56,643 --> 00:52:58,345 - I realized that I needed to cut some weight 1396 00:52:58,378 --> 00:53:00,080 to get better at this sport. 1397 00:53:00,113 --> 00:53:02,282 - Tonight, he'll race one of his idols, 1398 00:53:02,315 --> 00:53:07,187 James "The Beast" McGrath on "American Ninja Warrior." 1399 00:53:13,226 --> 00:53:16,129 - The Paris Olympics start July 26th on NBC and Peacock. 1400 00:53:16,162 --> 00:53:19,899 And our competition rolls on here at Universal Studios. 1401 00:53:19,933 --> 00:53:23,136 It was a battle of the Bay State minutes ago 1402 00:53:23,169 --> 00:53:25,505 as Boston police officer John Uga 1403 00:53:25,538 --> 00:53:28,074 tried to outrun Lakeville, Massachusetts, 1404 00:53:28,074 --> 00:53:29,509 teenager Noah Meunier. 1405 00:53:29,542 --> 00:53:31,344 - John, you just got to chase this suspect! 1406 00:53:31,378 --> 00:53:33,146 - Meunier, who's a number 3 seed, 1407 00:53:33,179 --> 00:53:35,782 made it to stage 4 as a rookie last season. 1408 00:53:35,815 --> 00:53:37,784 And he jumped out to an early lead. 1409 00:53:37,817 --> 00:53:39,786 - John Uga might need to call for backup. 1410 00:53:39,819 --> 00:53:42,155 - The police officer tried to stay in hot pursuit 1411 00:53:42,188 --> 00:53:43,990 and made it to the fourth obstacle. 1412 00:53:44,090 --> 00:53:45,325 Ooh! 1413 00:53:45,358 --> 00:53:47,527 But he wasn't gonna catch Noah Meunier, 1414 00:53:47,560 --> 00:53:49,362 who locked up his second straight trip 1415 00:53:49,396 --> 00:53:51,698 to the national finals. 1416 00:53:51,731 --> 00:53:54,000 Then it was another Massachusetts native, 1417 00:53:54,100 --> 00:53:57,170 Foxborough's Taylor Johnson, better known as Teej, 1418 00:53:57,203 --> 00:54:00,040 racing against New York teenager Emily Gardiner. 1419 00:54:00,073 --> 00:54:02,942 - All right, here we go! - Teej is only 4'11". 1420 00:54:03,043 --> 00:54:05,211 And Emily Gardiner is only 5'2". 1421 00:54:05,245 --> 00:54:07,347 But these two rose to the occasion. 1422 00:54:07,380 --> 00:54:09,115 - So close, so close. 1423 00:54:10,050 --> 00:54:13,053 - They matched each other link for link through Wingnuts. 1424 00:54:13,053 --> 00:54:14,554 But Teej was the first to dismount. 1425 00:54:14,587 --> 00:54:16,356 - If you want it, you got to go get it. 1426 00:54:16,389 --> 00:54:17,624 - So when Emily-- 1427 00:54:17,657 --> 00:54:18,792 - Oh! 1428 00:54:18,825 --> 00:54:19,793 - --and then Taylor-- 1429 00:54:19,826 --> 00:54:21,227 - No! 1430 00:54:21,261 --> 00:54:23,897 - --both fell on Sideways, Johnson got the win. 1431 00:54:23,930 --> 00:54:26,966 She's going to Vegas for the second straight year. 1432 00:54:27,067 --> 00:54:29,336 - Whoo! 1433 00:54:29,369 --> 00:54:31,971 Yeah, Teej! 1434 00:54:32,072 --> 00:54:34,074 Now Emily's boyfriend, Rhode Island 1435 00:54:34,107 --> 00:54:38,311 teenager Kevin Rodriguez, or K-Rod, gets his chance. 1436 00:54:38,345 --> 00:54:40,947 His opponent is army veteran and physician assistant, 1437 00:54:40,980 --> 00:54:43,516 Verdale Benson, who's 43. 1438 00:54:43,550 --> 00:54:46,586 And at 200 pounds, Verdale is carrying a lot more 1439 00:54:46,619 --> 00:54:49,989 muscle and a lot less hair. 1440 00:54:50,090 --> 00:54:52,792 - People say that me, Luke Dylan, and Noah Meunier 1441 00:54:52,826 --> 00:54:54,761 have very similar hair. 1442 00:54:54,794 --> 00:54:57,330 I feel like we kind of noticed it when our girlfriends 1443 00:54:57,364 --> 00:54:58,631 actually noticed it. 1444 00:54:58,665 --> 00:55:01,167 They couldn't tell the difference between us. 1445 00:55:01,201 --> 00:55:03,903 - Sometimes, from the back, I mistake Kevin 1446 00:55:03,937 --> 00:55:06,039 for Luke and Luke for Kevin. 1447 00:55:06,039 --> 00:55:07,474 - It could have something to do with the fact 1448 00:55:07,507 --> 00:55:09,509 that we get it cut at the same place. 1449 00:55:09,542 --> 00:55:12,045 - Kevin's mom's. 1450 00:55:12,045 --> 00:55:13,313 - Hi, Mom. 1451 00:55:13,346 --> 00:55:14,514 - Hi, baby. 1452 00:55:14,547 --> 00:55:16,149 [upbeat music] 1453 00:55:16,182 --> 00:55:17,751 - * I'm feeling pretty * 1454 00:55:17,784 --> 00:55:20,353 * Let me introduce myself * 1455 00:55:20,387 --> 00:55:22,322 - When they come in, they don't ask me, 1456 00:55:22,355 --> 00:55:23,723 oh, cut my hair like Kevin. 1457 00:55:23,757 --> 00:55:27,360 No, they just said, all right, Kim, my hair's too long. 1458 00:55:27,394 --> 00:55:30,597 * * 1459 00:55:30,630 --> 00:55:32,799 And somehow, they come out looking almost similar. 1460 00:55:32,832 --> 00:55:34,334 [laughs] 1461 00:55:34,367 --> 00:55:35,869 - * I'm feeling pretty * 1462 00:55:35,902 --> 00:55:38,505 * Let me introduce myself * 1463 00:55:38,538 --> 00:55:40,907 - Verdale Benson, he is very intimidating. 1464 00:55:40,940 --> 00:55:42,175 He is a jacked dude. 1465 00:55:42,208 --> 00:55:44,144 He's got 55 pounds on me. 1466 00:55:44,177 --> 00:55:46,680 I gotta make sure I avoid him and get through that course 1467 00:55:46,713 --> 00:55:48,915 because I got to keep that hair dry, you know? 1468 00:55:48,948 --> 00:55:50,784 * * 1469 00:55:51,918 --> 00:55:53,987 - K-Rod's got his curly-haired buddies, 1470 00:55:54,087 --> 00:55:56,289 Luke and Noah, on the sideline, along with 1471 00:55:56,322 --> 00:55:58,158 girlfriend Emily Gardiner. 1472 00:55:58,191 --> 00:56:00,260 - Matt, I got to stick up for the bald guys. 1473 00:56:00,293 --> 00:56:02,095 I like Verdale's look. 1474 00:56:02,128 --> 00:56:04,297 - David Campbell likes that look, too. 1475 00:56:04,330 --> 00:56:06,566 He's leading the cheers for Verdale. 1476 00:56:06,599 --> 00:56:08,068 [countdown clock beeping] 1477 00:56:08,101 --> 00:56:09,903 - Well, K-Rod better respect this elder because 1478 00:56:09,936 --> 00:56:11,204 Verdale Benson ain't no joke. 1479 00:56:11,237 --> 00:56:12,472 Look how explosive he is! 1480 00:56:12,505 --> 00:56:13,540 - Wow, come on! 1481 00:56:13,573 --> 00:56:14,874 - Verdale bounding out. 1482 00:56:14,908 --> 00:56:17,777 - Better put some respect on that age! 1483 00:56:17,811 --> 00:56:19,579 - K-Rod starting to pull ahead. 1484 00:56:19,612 --> 00:56:22,449 He made it to Vegas last season as a rookie. 1485 00:56:22,482 --> 00:56:24,050 - Verdale has been to Vegas also, 1486 00:56:24,050 --> 00:56:25,552 but it was five years ago. 1487 00:56:25,585 --> 00:56:27,053 - But he looks strong, Matt. 1488 00:56:27,053 --> 00:56:28,555 It's about finishing strong. 1489 00:56:28,588 --> 00:56:31,057 - K-Rod got the edge here on the Wingnuts. 1490 00:56:31,091 --> 00:56:33,059 - Considering the big age difference-- 1491 00:56:33,093 --> 00:56:36,096 - He's not that far behind. 1492 00:56:37,864 --> 00:56:40,967 - Well, K-Rod is also 50 pounds lighter. 1493 00:56:41,067 --> 00:56:43,169 And on this upper-body-intensive course, 1494 00:56:43,203 --> 00:56:45,405 that seems to be giving him the edge so far. 1495 00:56:45,438 --> 00:56:47,307 - Well, Verdale's got some sort of advantage. 1496 00:56:47,340 --> 00:56:49,075 He does have the experience. 1497 00:56:49,109 --> 00:56:50,243 He's a seven-time Ninja veteran. 1498 00:56:50,276 --> 00:56:51,611 - Absolutely. 1499 00:56:51,644 --> 00:56:54,848 And it's never over till you hit a buzzer. 1500 00:56:56,883 --> 00:56:58,985 But Verdale is down! 1501 00:57:00,020 --> 00:57:02,222 So K-Rod is moving on. 1502 00:57:02,255 --> 00:57:04,591 Now he's gonna go for a buzzer. 1503 00:57:04,624 --> 00:57:06,726 Oh! 1504 00:57:06,760 --> 00:57:08,728 - Well, they both splashed down. 1505 00:57:08,762 --> 00:57:11,531 But it's Kevin Rodriguez who gets the win. 1506 00:57:11,564 --> 00:57:13,800 He can shake out that hair. 1507 00:57:13,833 --> 00:57:17,804 He's going to Vegas for the second straight year. 1508 00:57:17,837 --> 00:57:21,775 - Up next, we have got Ninja greats past and present. 1509 00:57:21,808 --> 00:57:25,111 Jamie Rahn has been hitting buzzers for 14 years. 1510 00:57:25,145 --> 00:57:28,048 Captain NBC started flying through courses 1511 00:57:28,048 --> 00:57:30,316 when his opponent, Jay "Lache" Lewis, 1512 00:57:30,350 --> 00:57:32,052 was still in kindergarten. 1513 00:57:32,085 --> 00:57:34,054 And not only is Jamie older, 1514 00:57:34,054 --> 00:57:35,789 he's 45 pounds heavier 1515 00:57:35,822 --> 00:57:37,390 than Jay, who's already made 1516 00:57:37,424 --> 00:57:38,525 it to stage four in 1517 00:57:38,558 --> 00:57:40,360 his impressive young career. 1518 00:57:40,393 --> 00:57:43,296 - Well, Jay Lewis, all he does is hit buzzers. 1519 00:57:43,329 --> 00:57:45,065 And he does it fast. 1520 00:57:45,098 --> 00:57:47,467 The pressure's going to be on Jamie Rahn. 1521 00:57:47,500 --> 00:57:50,937 Jay Lache does not need a cape to fly, he just does it. 1522 00:57:50,970 --> 00:57:54,140 [countdown clock beeping] 1523 00:57:54,174 --> 00:57:56,242 Jamie Rahn, a 6-inch height advantage. 1524 00:57:56,276 --> 00:57:58,978 But Jay Lache-- a quick start. 1525 00:57:59,079 --> 00:58:01,481 - And they don't call him Jay Lache for nothing. 1526 00:58:01,514 --> 00:58:03,383 He's going to fly through this. 1527 00:58:03,416 --> 00:58:06,486 - Look at that, just links it so smooth. 1528 00:58:06,519 --> 00:58:07,787 - And you can see the difference 1529 00:58:07,821 --> 00:58:09,589 between the new-age ninjas. 1530 00:58:09,622 --> 00:58:12,025 These guys just go. 1531 00:58:12,058 --> 00:58:16,162 - Now, these ninjas grew up watching Jamie Rahn. 1532 00:58:16,196 --> 00:58:18,765 And he's got a lot of respect on Jamie Rahn's name. 1533 00:58:18,798 --> 00:58:20,233 He knows. 1534 00:58:20,266 --> 00:58:23,303 But he is not gonna back down to the elder statesman. 1535 00:58:23,336 --> 00:58:24,871 - Jamie Rahn-- you can just see it-- 1536 00:58:24,904 --> 00:58:26,439 doing his best to keep up. 1537 00:58:26,473 --> 00:58:28,908 But Lache, a blistering pace. 1538 00:58:28,942 --> 00:58:30,944 - Jamie Rahn might need his cape for this one. 1539 00:58:31,044 --> 00:58:33,046 - You know, Jay "Lache" Lewis wants 1540 00:58:33,046 --> 00:58:35,048 a shot at that Safety Pass. 1541 00:58:35,081 --> 00:58:37,050 - He earned one two years ago. 1542 00:58:37,050 --> 00:58:38,585 Didn't need to use it, as he made 1543 00:58:38,618 --> 00:58:40,420 it all the way to stage 4. 1544 00:58:40,453 --> 00:58:42,489 Twice in his career he's had the fastest 1545 00:58:42,522 --> 00:58:44,057 time in semifinals. 1546 00:58:44,057 --> 00:58:45,892 And he's got a shot to do that again tonight. 1547 00:58:45,925 --> 00:58:48,361 He beat Noah Meunier's time. 1548 00:58:48,395 --> 00:58:49,396 [buzzer blares] 1549 00:58:49,429 --> 00:58:50,497 - That's how you do it. 1550 00:58:50,530 --> 00:58:52,365 - Jay Lache came to play. 1551 00:58:52,399 --> 00:58:55,301 - The fastest time so far in this second group. 1552 00:58:55,335 --> 00:58:58,238 There's a good chance we'll see him racing for the Safety Pass 1553 00:58:58,271 --> 00:58:59,372 at the end of the night. 1554 00:58:59,406 --> 00:59:00,707 - Let's go, Jamie! 1555 00:59:00,740 --> 00:59:03,009 - But keep in mind, there are still the top 1556 00:59:03,009 --> 00:59:05,011 two non-winner positions. 1557 00:59:05,011 --> 00:59:07,514 If Jamie Rahn gets a buzzer, he could 1558 00:59:07,547 --> 00:59:10,684 still be going back to Vegas. 1559 00:59:10,717 --> 00:59:12,352 - Oh! 1560 00:59:12,385 --> 00:59:14,654 - Jamie Rahn splashes down. 1561 00:59:14,688 --> 00:59:18,191 Jay Lache does it again. 1562 00:59:18,224 --> 00:59:20,894 You just had the fastest time in your group. 1563 00:59:20,927 --> 00:59:22,729 - That's what we like to hear, baby! 1564 00:59:22,762 --> 00:59:25,031 - As of now, you'll be racing for Safety 1565 00:59:25,031 --> 00:59:26,633 at the end of this night, pal. 1566 00:59:26,666 --> 00:59:28,635 - Yeah, I mean, I'd like that. No complaints there. 1567 00:59:28,668 --> 00:59:30,170 We'll pull out some more tricks. 1568 00:59:30,203 --> 00:59:31,404 - Go celebrate, Jay. 1569 00:59:31,438 --> 00:59:32,872 - Thank you. 1570 00:59:32,906 --> 00:59:36,376 - Coming up, two of the all-time greats-- 1571 00:59:36,409 --> 00:59:38,311 the Godfather, David Campbell, 1572 00:59:38,345 --> 00:59:42,148 will be racing good friend Sean Bryan, the Papal Ninja. 1573 00:59:42,182 --> 00:59:43,850 It's one for the ages. 1574 00:59:43,883 --> 00:59:47,921 And we'll see it next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1575 00:59:51,858 --> 00:59:53,426 - New Jersey's Brandon Singletary 1576 00:59:53,460 --> 00:59:56,696 and New York's Ramcis Valdez both hit their first buzzers 1577 00:59:56,730 --> 00:59:59,232 back in qualifying. 1578 00:59:59,265 --> 01:00:02,002 Tonight, they went toe to toe, both trying 1579 01:00:02,035 --> 01:00:03,470 to get their second buzzer. 1580 01:00:03,503 --> 01:00:04,938 - Let it go. Let it flow. 1581 01:00:04,971 --> 01:00:06,706 - Valdez was the higher seed. 1582 01:00:06,740 --> 01:00:08,708 And he made it to Vegas last year. 1583 01:00:08,742 --> 01:00:11,411 But he was pushed by the underdog, Singletary. 1584 01:00:11,444 --> 01:00:13,279 - They are side by side. 1585 01:00:13,313 --> 01:00:15,682 - But when Valdez went down on Sideways-- 1586 01:00:15,715 --> 01:00:18,118 - Ooh! Oh! 1587 01:00:18,151 --> 01:00:20,954 - --that opened the door for Singletary, who finished 1588 01:00:20,987 --> 01:00:22,822 Sideways to seal the win. 1589 01:00:22,856 --> 01:00:24,290 - Let's go, Brandon! 1590 01:00:24,324 --> 01:00:27,861 Though he fell on Spin Hopper, it didn't matter. 1591 01:00:27,894 --> 01:00:31,998 He earned his first trip to the national finals. 1592 01:00:32,032 --> 01:00:35,001 Then it was two teenagers who also hit buzzers 1593 01:00:35,035 --> 01:00:37,771 in qualifying, Ohio's Noah Buschur 1594 01:00:37,804 --> 01:00:40,240 and Massachusetts' Jacob Arnstein. 1595 01:00:40,273 --> 01:00:43,309 These two only weigh 120 pounds each, 1596 01:00:43,343 --> 01:00:44,678 but they attacked the obstacles 1597 01:00:44,711 --> 01:00:46,112 like Ninja heavyweights. 1598 01:00:46,146 --> 01:00:48,048 - Oh, they're not playing. They're not playing. 1599 01:00:48,081 --> 01:00:49,883 - Arnstein was the higher seed, and he 1600 01:00:49,916 --> 01:00:52,619 was able to pull slightly ahead of the rookie Buschur 1601 01:00:52,652 --> 01:00:54,888 as they both took on Sideways. 1602 01:00:54,921 --> 01:00:56,289 - He wiped it! 1603 01:00:56,322 --> 01:00:58,558 - Buschur's fall gave Arnstein a clear path 1604 01:00:58,591 --> 01:00:59,959 to hit the buzzer. 1605 01:01:00,060 --> 01:01:02,295 - Jacob Arnstein just drove home this race. 1606 01:01:02,328 --> 01:01:05,165 - And he earned his second trip to the national finals. 1607 01:01:05,198 --> 01:01:08,168 [buzzer blares] 1608 01:01:08,201 --> 01:01:11,171 [dramatic music] 1609 01:01:11,204 --> 01:01:12,238 * * 1610 01:01:12,272 --> 01:01:14,074 - Sean Bryan and David Campbell have 1611 01:01:14,074 --> 01:01:16,643 been on each other's sidelines for nearly a decade. 1612 01:01:16,676 --> 01:01:19,112 But now these longtime training partners 1613 01:01:19,145 --> 01:01:20,814 will have to race each other. 1614 01:01:20,847 --> 01:01:22,415 And while they're two of the oldest 1615 01:01:22,449 --> 01:01:27,387 ninjas in the competition, they can still reach new heights. 1616 01:01:27,420 --> 01:01:30,390 [soft music] 1617 01:01:30,423 --> 01:01:35,328 * * 1618 01:01:35,362 --> 01:01:38,665 - Back in 2022, I got my private pilot certificate. 1619 01:01:38,698 --> 01:01:40,333 - Concord tower, frequency change approved. 1620 01:01:40,367 --> 01:01:41,835 Have a safe flight. 1621 01:01:41,868 --> 01:01:43,203 - I love taking friends up in the plane, 1622 01:01:43,236 --> 01:01:44,671 especially my Ninja friends. 1623 01:01:44,704 --> 01:01:46,206 I took David Campbell up the other day. 1624 01:01:46,239 --> 01:01:48,775 - Hey, Sean, who's your co-pilot? 1625 01:01:48,808 --> 01:01:50,377 - God is my co-pilot. 1626 01:01:50,410 --> 01:01:52,312 - Godfather is his co-pilot. 1627 01:01:52,345 --> 01:01:54,748 I definitely enjoy being Sean Bryan's wingman. 1628 01:01:54,781 --> 01:01:55,749 It's a lot of fun. 1629 01:01:55,782 --> 01:01:57,317 He lets me take the controls. 1630 01:01:57,350 --> 01:01:59,352 We did some circles around the Golden Gate Bridge 1631 01:01:59,386 --> 01:02:00,553 and Alcatraz. 1632 01:02:00,587 --> 01:02:02,055 And you know, he always takes us 1633 01:02:02,055 --> 01:02:03,890 in with a very smooth landing. 1634 01:02:03,923 --> 01:02:06,426 * * 1635 01:02:06,459 --> 01:02:08,561 - I haven't done dead hangs in way too long. 1636 01:02:08,595 --> 01:02:09,929 - I have a lot of mixed feelings 1637 01:02:09,963 --> 01:02:12,065 about this race coming up. 1638 01:02:12,098 --> 01:02:13,800 - Oh, no! 1639 01:02:14,934 --> 01:02:17,404 If you're gonna fall, don't make it fall on me. 1640 01:02:17,437 --> 01:02:19,072 - We train together a lot. 1641 01:02:19,105 --> 01:02:20,340 We're really great friends. 1642 01:02:20,373 --> 01:02:21,608 - Yeah. 1643 01:02:21,641 --> 01:02:23,510 - If you looked up "OG" in the Ninja dictionary, 1644 01:02:23,543 --> 01:02:24,944 David Campbell would be there. 1645 01:02:24,978 --> 01:02:26,946 I mean, he was the first one to create an obstacle 1646 01:02:26,980 --> 01:02:28,615 course in his backyard. 1647 01:02:28,648 --> 01:02:30,650 That was before gyms even existed. 1648 01:02:30,684 --> 01:02:32,986 He's organized his whole life, his job, and everything 1649 01:02:33,086 --> 01:02:34,387 around being able to train. 1650 01:02:34,421 --> 01:02:35,388 Nice. 1651 01:02:35,422 --> 01:02:36,790 And he's not slowing down. 1652 01:02:36,823 --> 01:02:38,091 Yep, nice. 1653 01:02:38,124 --> 01:02:40,093 - Sean Bryan's a pilot, but tonight, I'm 1654 01:02:40,126 --> 01:02:41,494 going to show him how I fly. 1655 01:02:41,528 --> 01:02:44,497 [dramatic music] 1656 01:02:44,531 --> 01:02:46,599 * * 1657 01:02:46,633 --> 01:02:48,101 [cheering] 1658 01:02:48,134 --> 01:02:51,137 - Look at this, 46 years old, but the Godfather's 1659 01:02:51,171 --> 01:02:52,472 whipping off the shirt. 1660 01:02:52,505 --> 01:02:55,108 - And now Sean Bryan is taking off his shirt. 1661 01:02:56,576 --> 01:02:59,012 Oh, they're gonna wear each other's shirts. 1662 01:02:59,112 --> 01:03:02,048 That right there is the ultimate sign of respect. 1663 01:03:02,048 --> 01:03:06,052 Sean Bryan's always got a big group to watch his runs, 1664 01:03:06,052 --> 01:03:08,455 as does the Godfather-- 1665 01:03:08,488 --> 01:03:10,423 two huge crowd favorites. 1666 01:03:10,457 --> 01:03:11,458 [both chanting] Godfather! 1667 01:03:11,491 --> 01:03:13,626 [countdown clock beeping] 1668 01:03:13,660 --> 01:03:14,794 - Here we go! 1669 01:03:14,828 --> 01:03:16,129 - Whoa! 1670 01:03:16,162 --> 01:03:18,064 - And David Campbell off to a fast start! 1671 01:03:18,064 --> 01:03:19,432 - Bounding out! 1672 01:03:19,466 --> 01:03:21,568 Oh, now here comes Sean Bryan! 1673 01:03:21,601 --> 01:03:23,703 - Two of the most experienced ninjas. 1674 01:03:23,737 --> 01:03:26,339 Campbell's competed on every season of "Ninja Warrior." 1675 01:03:26,373 --> 01:03:28,208 Sean Bryan's competed on nine. 1676 01:03:28,241 --> 01:03:29,409 - There you go! 1677 01:03:29,442 --> 01:03:30,910 - And this is where Sean Bryan comes 1678 01:03:30,944 --> 01:03:32,512 alive, here on the Wingnuts. 1679 01:03:32,545 --> 01:03:35,548 - A gymnast, knows how to launch his body in the air. 1680 01:03:35,582 --> 01:03:37,851 - And he's already through Wingnuts. 1681 01:03:37,884 --> 01:03:40,086 These two Warriors are both battling, 1682 01:03:40,120 --> 01:03:42,322 but the Papal Ninja's setting the pace. 1683 01:03:42,355 --> 01:03:46,159 - Pulling away from Campbell, onto Sideways, 1684 01:03:46,192 --> 01:03:49,829 Sean Bryan rising to the occasion. 1685 01:03:49,863 --> 01:03:51,564 But here comes the Godfather. 1686 01:03:51,598 --> 01:03:52,999 - Sean Bryan told the Godfather, 1687 01:03:53,099 --> 01:03:55,502 don't you get my shirt wet. 1688 01:03:56,569 --> 01:03:57,971 Nice! 1689 01:03:58,004 --> 01:04:01,041 - And a good, long launch there onto Spin Hopper. 1690 01:04:01,074 --> 01:04:03,209 - And I like it, Sean Bryan not even looking back. 1691 01:04:03,243 --> 01:04:05,378 He just knows he's got to run his race. 1692 01:04:05,412 --> 01:04:07,047 - Well, we've seen a lot of falls tonight here 1693 01:04:07,047 --> 01:04:09,215 on Spin Hopper, so it's not over. 1694 01:04:09,249 --> 01:04:11,284 And Campbell may be thinking at this point, 1695 01:04:11,317 --> 01:04:12,719 I'm not gonna catch Sean Bryan, 1696 01:04:12,752 --> 01:04:15,055 so I'll take my time and finish. 1697 01:04:15,088 --> 01:04:17,290 Then I have a chance to be one of the top non-winners. 1698 01:04:17,323 --> 01:04:19,459 - That got him to Vegas last year. 1699 01:04:19,492 --> 01:04:22,395 - Sean Bryan's not slowing down, on his way 1700 01:04:22,429 --> 01:04:24,497 down the backside of Spin Hopper. 1701 01:04:24,531 --> 01:04:27,233 This is an impressive run for a guy pushing 40. 1702 01:04:27,267 --> 01:04:30,437 - Sean Bryan's not messing around. 1703 01:04:30,470 --> 01:04:32,972 - Here we go, coming in for a landing. 1704 01:04:33,073 --> 01:04:34,441 Nailed it! 1705 01:04:34,474 --> 01:04:38,445 So the Papal Ninja takes out the Godfather! 1706 01:04:38,478 --> 01:04:40,280 He's going to the national finals 1707 01:04:40,313 --> 01:04:43,183 for the seventh time in his career. 1708 01:04:43,216 --> 01:04:45,118 - Whoo! 1709 01:04:45,151 --> 01:04:47,120 And it's not over for David Campbell yet. 1710 01:04:47,153 --> 01:04:50,357 If he can finish, he could still be one of our top two 1711 01:04:50,390 --> 01:04:51,958 non-winners and move on. 1712 01:04:51,991 --> 01:04:54,661 - Oh! - No! 1713 01:04:54,694 --> 01:04:55,995 Oh, wow. 1714 01:04:56,096 --> 01:04:58,898 - And the Godfather sleeps with the fishes. 1715 01:04:58,932 --> 01:05:01,901 - And he pays his respect to the Papal Ninja. 1716 01:05:01,935 --> 01:05:04,037 So Sean Bryan's the winner. 1717 01:05:04,037 --> 01:05:06,306 Viewers at home can be winners, too, 1718 01:05:06,339 --> 01:05:09,042 in our "American Ninja Warrior" sweepstakes, 1719 01:05:09,042 --> 01:05:12,278 presented by the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card. 1720 01:05:12,312 --> 01:05:16,783 Go to nbc.com/anwsweeps to learn more. 1721 01:05:16,816 --> 01:05:19,686 Up next, a young ninja who had a memorable debut 1722 01:05:19,719 --> 01:05:22,589 in qualifying, it's Ohio's Sydney Yee, 1723 01:05:22,622 --> 01:05:25,558 the Boy Scout with an IQ in the genius range. 1724 01:05:25,592 --> 01:05:27,794 She'll be trying to outrun six-time Ninja 1725 01:05:27,827 --> 01:05:30,063 veteran Casey Rothschild. 1726 01:05:30,063 --> 01:05:32,232 - Big differences between these two-- 1727 01:05:32,265 --> 01:05:35,235 Casey's 10 years older and 8 inches taller 1728 01:05:35,268 --> 01:05:37,837 than Sydney, who's only 5 feet. 1729 01:05:37,871 --> 01:05:40,807 - But Sydney's used to taking on taller opponents. 1730 01:05:40,840 --> 01:05:43,943 She faced 6'2" Sasha Moore in the runoff race 1731 01:05:43,977 --> 01:05:46,246 back in qualifying and won. 1732 01:05:46,279 --> 01:05:49,315 [cheering] 1733 01:05:50,316 --> 01:05:52,118 - Sydney, our youngest athlete competing tonight, 1734 01:05:52,152 --> 01:05:54,120 and one of the smallest. 1735 01:05:54,154 --> 01:05:57,157 You can see the size difference as they bump fists. 1736 01:05:57,190 --> 01:05:59,559 Sydney's initials are S-L-Y, so she 1737 01:05:59,592 --> 01:06:01,861 calls herself the Sly Ninja. 1738 01:06:03,530 --> 01:06:05,732 She's got a big crowd here, with mentor 1739 01:06:05,765 --> 01:06:08,835 Michelle Warnky and her baby watching back in Ohio. 1740 01:06:08,868 --> 01:06:10,570 - Yay! 1741 01:06:10,603 --> 01:06:14,074 - Casey's mom and friend are on the sideline, where 1742 01:06:14,107 --> 01:06:15,742 they're waving the pride flag. 1743 01:06:15,775 --> 01:06:18,378 Casey's a big LGBTQ advocate. 1744 01:06:18,411 --> 01:06:19,512 - Whoo! 1745 01:06:19,546 --> 01:06:22,048 [countdown clock beeping] 1746 01:06:22,082 --> 01:06:25,185 Casey's earned a trip to the national finals twice before. 1747 01:06:25,218 --> 01:06:27,153 She's a former college track athlete 1748 01:06:27,187 --> 01:06:29,189 and is not afraid to go fast. 1749 01:06:29,222 --> 01:06:31,057 - Well, she raced last year in the semis. 1750 01:06:31,057 --> 01:06:33,960 Lost to 4'11" Taylor Johnson. 1751 01:06:34,060 --> 01:06:36,730 So she's got to have a healthy respect 1752 01:06:36,763 --> 01:06:38,798 for 5-foot-tall Sydney Yee. 1753 01:06:38,832 --> 01:06:41,301 - And Rothschild first off the Flying Shelf Grab 1754 01:06:41,334 --> 01:06:43,436 and right onto Wingnuts. 1755 01:06:45,739 --> 01:06:49,409 Yeah, Casey's got the upper hand and experience. 1756 01:06:49,442 --> 01:06:51,277 But now look at this. - Wow. 1757 01:06:51,311 --> 01:06:52,512 Yee's caught back up. 1758 01:06:52,545 --> 01:06:53,980 They're neck and neck. - Big dismount. 1759 01:06:54,080 --> 01:06:55,348 - Yee wants it. 1760 01:06:55,382 --> 01:06:56,583 And Yee's got the advantage because she's 1761 01:06:56,616 --> 01:06:58,551 looking at Casey Rothschild. 1762 01:06:58,585 --> 01:06:59,819 - Well, she also has the advantage-- 1763 01:06:59,853 --> 01:07:03,590 she was the first one to touch down. 1764 01:07:03,623 --> 01:07:05,358 So if they both fall-- 1765 01:07:05,392 --> 01:07:06,793 Yee is down. 1766 01:07:06,826 --> 01:07:09,029 - But Rothschild has to complete the obstacle-- 1767 01:07:09,062 --> 01:07:10,130 - Oh! 1768 01:07:10,163 --> 01:07:12,032 - Oh, no! 1769 01:07:12,065 --> 01:07:15,168 - 5-foot Sydney Yee does it again. 1770 01:07:15,201 --> 01:07:17,604 She finished the previous obstacle first, 1771 01:07:17,637 --> 01:07:19,172 so she gets the win. 1772 01:07:19,205 --> 01:07:20,440 - Yeah! - Good job, Sydney! 1773 01:07:20,473 --> 01:07:22,575 That was awesome. - Whoo! 1774 01:07:22,609 --> 01:07:24,210 - Well, watch the feet. 1775 01:07:24,244 --> 01:07:27,113 Sydney's toes touch down just a fraction 1776 01:07:27,147 --> 01:07:28,915 of a second before Casey. 1777 01:07:28,948 --> 01:07:31,584 And when they both fell on the same obstacle, 1778 01:07:31,618 --> 01:07:33,820 Sydney got the win. 1779 01:07:33,853 --> 01:07:35,255 [cheering] 1780 01:07:35,288 --> 01:07:38,058 - So the 15-year-old is going to Vegas! 1781 01:07:38,058 --> 01:07:40,326 - Yeah, Sydney! 1782 01:07:40,360 --> 01:07:45,098 - What a year it's been for the 5-foot-tall high-schooler. 1783 01:07:45,131 --> 01:07:48,902 - Coming up, this ninja was down to skin and bones. 1784 01:07:48,935 --> 01:07:52,105 And he's still fighting this devastating disease. 1785 01:07:52,138 --> 01:07:55,408 Now Gavin Obey's fighting for a spot in Vegas. 1786 01:07:55,442 --> 01:07:59,346 We'll see him next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1787 01:08:04,117 --> 01:08:05,652 - Three of our top seeds got their shot at the course 1788 01:08:05,685 --> 01:08:06,820 while we were away. 1789 01:08:06,853 --> 01:08:08,455 The number 2 men's seed, 1790 01:08:08,488 --> 01:08:10,724 New Jersey teenager Josiah Pippel, 1791 01:08:10,757 --> 01:08:14,027 faced the number 23 seed, the rapping Wall Street 1792 01:08:14,060 --> 01:08:15,662 worker, Guang Cui. 1793 01:08:15,695 --> 01:08:18,565 Pippel, who's made it as far as stage 4 in Vegas, 1794 01:08:18,598 --> 01:08:20,467 set the pace early and built up 1795 01:08:20,500 --> 01:08:22,102 a comfortable lead over Guang. 1796 01:08:22,135 --> 01:08:24,037 - Only hope Guang has right now is 1797 01:08:24,070 --> 01:08:25,472 for Josiah to make a mistake. 1798 01:08:25,505 --> 01:08:27,474 And it doesn't look like Josiah is going to fall. 1799 01:08:27,507 --> 01:08:30,310 - Pippel was able to coast through the six obstacles-- 1800 01:08:30,343 --> 01:08:32,345 - He's going to propel himself to the top. 1801 01:08:32,379 --> 01:08:34,247 - --and secured his fourth straight 1802 01:08:34,280 --> 01:08:35,682 trip to the national finals. 1803 01:08:35,715 --> 01:08:38,218 - Cui, though much slower, looked like he 1804 01:08:38,251 --> 01:08:40,687 might get a buzzer, too. 1805 01:08:40,720 --> 01:08:43,790 But he fell at the very end of Spin Hopper. 1806 01:08:43,823 --> 01:08:45,725 - Sha-na-na! 1807 01:08:46,926 --> 01:08:49,062 - The number 1 men's seed in this group, 1808 01:08:49,062 --> 01:08:51,197 Pennsylvania's Matt Bradley, was facing 1809 01:08:51,231 --> 01:08:55,669 the number 24 seed, Stanford PhD student, Vincent Pane. 1810 01:08:55,702 --> 01:08:58,505 Though a huge underdog, Pane had a slight lead 1811 01:08:58,538 --> 01:08:59,739 through the first obstacle. 1812 01:08:59,773 --> 01:09:01,608 - OK, Vincent Pane. 1813 01:09:01,641 --> 01:09:04,144 - But after that, Bradley turned on the jets 1814 01:09:04,177 --> 01:09:06,646 and surged ahead over the final obstacle. 1815 01:09:06,680 --> 01:09:09,015 - And he is hoppin' through Spin Hopper, 1816 01:09:09,015 --> 01:09:10,583 looking like a grasshopper. 1817 01:09:10,617 --> 01:09:14,020 - Bradley finished with the second-fastest time so far. 1818 01:09:14,020 --> 01:09:16,222 He's got a chance to race for the Safety Pass. 1819 01:09:16,256 --> 01:09:17,424 - Yes! 1820 01:09:17,457 --> 01:09:19,292 - Pane was able to complete Spin Hopper. 1821 01:09:19,325 --> 01:09:21,261 - Oh! 1822 01:09:21,294 --> 01:09:24,297 - And though he didn't finish, he's now the top non-winner 1823 01:09:24,330 --> 01:09:27,033 and could move on to Vegas. 1824 01:09:27,033 --> 01:09:29,402 Then it was the number-one women's seed, 1825 01:09:29,436 --> 01:09:32,339 New Jersey's Abby Clark, facing the number 8 seed, 1826 01:09:32,372 --> 01:09:35,375 Arizona rookie JoJo Grubesic. 1827 01:09:35,408 --> 01:09:37,043 Clark got a buzzer in qualifying. 1828 01:09:37,043 --> 01:09:39,713 And she put the pressure on the teenager, Grubesic. 1829 01:09:39,746 --> 01:09:41,081 - She's falling behind a little bit. 1830 01:09:41,114 --> 01:09:42,449 - And when the rookie fell-- 1831 01:09:42,482 --> 01:09:43,883 - Oh! 1832 01:09:43,917 --> 01:09:46,186 - --Clark, the seven-time Ninja veteran, 1833 01:09:46,219 --> 01:09:48,054 could take her time and try to become 1834 01:09:48,054 --> 01:09:50,724 the second woman tonight to finish a semis course. 1835 01:09:50,757 --> 01:09:52,726 - She likes the feel of the buzzer. 1836 01:09:52,759 --> 01:09:54,060 She wants another one. 1837 01:09:54,094 --> 01:09:55,862 - And she looked like she might get it. 1838 01:09:55,895 --> 01:09:57,931 She was on the descent of Spin Hopper. 1839 01:09:57,964 --> 01:09:59,132 - Oh! 1840 01:09:59,165 --> 01:10:00,734 - And though she just missed it, 1841 01:10:00,767 --> 01:10:04,037 she did earn her third trip to Vegas. 1842 01:10:05,739 --> 01:10:08,575 - Up next, we've got the number 8 seed, New Jersey 1843 01:10:08,608 --> 01:10:10,143 teenager James Sannella. 1844 01:10:10,176 --> 01:10:12,746 He has made it as far as stage 2 at the national finals 1845 01:10:12,779 --> 01:10:14,247 two years ago. 1846 01:10:14,280 --> 01:10:17,517 He'll be the favorite against the 17 seed Gavin Obey, 1847 01:10:17,550 --> 01:10:20,453 a 5'3" rookie who's happy to be here 1848 01:10:20,487 --> 01:10:24,524 'cause eight years ago, he was fighting for his life. 1849 01:10:24,557 --> 01:10:27,394 - When I was 10, I started getting really sick. 1850 01:10:27,427 --> 01:10:30,330 I lost, like, 10 pounds in like a week and a half. 1851 01:10:30,363 --> 01:10:31,798 I was bare bone. 1852 01:10:31,831 --> 01:10:35,001 And at the worst, I was down to 40 pounds. 1853 01:10:35,035 --> 01:10:36,870 - He took off his shirt, you could see 1854 01:10:36,903 --> 01:10:38,538 all his bones and everything. 1855 01:10:38,571 --> 01:10:41,408 It was pretty scary as a parent. 1856 01:10:41,441 --> 01:10:43,643 - If you could just open your mouth wide, good. 1857 01:10:43,677 --> 01:10:46,146 - Throughout a lot of doctor visits, they eventually 1858 01:10:46,179 --> 01:10:47,414 diagnosed me with Crohn's. 1859 01:10:47,447 --> 01:10:49,049 - So we're going to use this arm here today. 1860 01:10:49,082 --> 01:10:50,684 - Yep, OK. 1861 01:10:50,717 --> 01:10:53,987 Every eight weeks, I have to go down to Boston Children's. 1862 01:10:54,020 --> 01:10:57,490 - Gavin went into remission within just two years. 1863 01:10:58,858 --> 01:11:00,694 - I remember the nurse came up to me who 1864 01:11:00,727 --> 01:11:02,696 had seen him the year before. 1865 01:11:02,729 --> 01:11:05,165 And she had said how much better he looked, which was 1866 01:11:05,198 --> 01:11:06,433 nice to hear he looked better. 1867 01:11:06,466 --> 01:11:07,967 - So how are you doing? 1868 01:11:08,068 --> 01:11:09,502 - My system's been pretty perfect, yeah. 1869 01:11:09,536 --> 01:11:12,238 - Good. Any belly pain at all, or-- 1870 01:11:12,272 --> 01:11:14,474 - No, we've been good, yeah. 1871 01:11:16,309 --> 01:11:17,777 All right, right here. You're good. 1872 01:11:17,811 --> 01:11:19,546 Rise up, spot your hands. Yup. 1873 01:11:19,579 --> 01:11:21,448 There we go. Nice. 1874 01:11:21,481 --> 01:11:24,150 - I think he's a fantastic role model because he's never 1875 01:11:24,184 --> 01:11:25,752 let it hold him back at all. 1876 01:11:25,785 --> 01:11:27,287 - Get it. 1877 01:11:28,288 --> 01:11:29,322 Nice. 1878 01:11:29,356 --> 01:11:30,690 Real smooth. 1879 01:11:30,724 --> 01:11:31,691 Tonight, I'm running for everyone 1880 01:11:31,725 --> 01:11:32,959 who has Crohn's disease. 1881 01:11:32,992 --> 01:11:34,728 And I'm kind of proving that, with Crohn's, 1882 01:11:34,761 --> 01:11:36,830 you can still do anything that you put your mind to. 1883 01:11:39,933 --> 01:11:41,501 [cheering] 1884 01:11:41,534 --> 01:11:44,104 - Just amazing that he's here and with a chance to make 1885 01:11:44,104 --> 01:11:45,705 it to the national finals. 1886 01:11:45,739 --> 01:11:48,608 His parents are on the sidelines. 1887 01:11:48,641 --> 01:11:51,111 And his doctor watching back in Boston. 1888 01:11:51,111 --> 01:11:53,480 - She's got to be real proud of her patient. 1889 01:11:54,447 --> 01:11:57,183 James Sannella's dad leading his group. 1890 01:11:57,217 --> 01:11:59,853 - Sannella had a fast time in qualifying. 1891 01:11:59,886 --> 01:12:02,455 Obey's gonna have to work to keep up with him. 1892 01:12:02,489 --> 01:12:04,958 [countdown clock beeping] 1893 01:12:05,058 --> 01:12:06,960 Sannella's got a 5-inch height advantage 1894 01:12:07,060 --> 01:12:08,628 on the 5'3" Obey. 1895 01:12:08,661 --> 01:12:10,530 - Sannella's been to stage 2. 1896 01:12:10,563 --> 01:12:12,065 He's got more experience. 1897 01:12:12,065 --> 01:12:14,367 But Gavin Obey's hanging right in there with him. 1898 01:12:14,401 --> 01:12:17,270 - These teenagers matching each other move for move 1899 01:12:17,303 --> 01:12:18,872 as they take on Wingnuts. 1900 01:12:18,905 --> 01:12:21,541 - Matt, this looks like synchro Ninja right here! 1901 01:12:21,574 --> 01:12:24,277 - What a race between these two. 1902 01:12:24,310 --> 01:12:26,279 They are really pushing each other. 1903 01:12:26,312 --> 01:12:28,848 - A little hesitation out of Obey. 1904 01:12:28,882 --> 01:12:30,850 - Oh, my goodness. 1905 01:12:30,884 --> 01:12:32,452 - Oh, my God! 1906 01:12:32,485 --> 01:12:34,087 - I mean, they are not letting up. 1907 01:12:34,087 --> 01:12:36,089 This is it. This is what it comes down to. 1908 01:12:36,122 --> 01:12:38,224 This is what it looks like. You want it, go get it. 1909 01:12:38,258 --> 01:12:39,793 - Oh! 1910 01:12:39,826 --> 01:12:42,095 - Sannella is down, but I couldn't tell who finished 1911 01:12:42,095 --> 01:12:43,963 the previous obstacle first. 1912 01:12:43,997 --> 01:12:47,100 - But if Obey can finish Spin Hopper, it won't matter. 1913 01:12:47,100 --> 01:12:50,303 He'll be the winner, after all his medical issues, 1914 01:12:50,337 --> 01:12:51,871 just out here crushing this course. 1915 01:12:51,905 --> 01:12:53,773 - Ooh, hoo-hoo! 1916 01:12:53,807 --> 01:12:57,110 - Gavin Obey, what a performance! 1917 01:12:57,110 --> 01:12:59,112 Wow! 1918 01:12:59,112 --> 01:13:00,413 [buzzer blares] 1919 01:13:00,447 --> 01:13:03,183 Not only his first buzzer, but misses the fastest 1920 01:13:03,216 --> 01:13:05,151 time by just a half second. 1921 01:13:05,185 --> 01:13:07,721 He could be racing for the Safety Pass. 1922 01:13:07,754 --> 01:13:10,056 - Matt, Obey is the one! 1923 01:13:10,957 --> 01:13:13,460 - What was it like getting that first buzzer, buddy? 1924 01:13:13,493 --> 01:13:14,728 - That was really cool. 1925 01:13:14,761 --> 01:13:16,129 A dream come true. 1926 01:13:16,162 --> 01:13:18,565 - And on top of that, you've got the second fastest 1927 01:13:18,598 --> 01:13:19,766 time of this group. 1928 01:13:19,799 --> 01:13:21,701 You might be racing for the Safety Pass. 1929 01:13:21,735 --> 01:13:22,802 - All right, that's pretty cool. 1930 01:13:22,836 --> 01:13:25,071 - We'll see you in Vegas, buddy! 1931 01:13:25,105 --> 01:13:26,506 [cheering] 1932 01:13:26,539 --> 01:13:28,875 Our next race features one of the great names 1933 01:13:28,908 --> 01:13:30,243 in Ninja history. 1934 01:13:30,276 --> 01:13:32,612 It's James "The Beast" McGrath. 1935 01:13:32,645 --> 01:13:34,714 The 37-year-old started competing back 1936 01:13:34,748 --> 01:13:36,850 in season 2 of "Ninja Warrior." 1937 01:13:36,883 --> 01:13:39,552 And tonight, he's facing an opponent 16 years 1938 01:13:39,586 --> 01:13:42,088 younger who grew up idolizing him, 1939 01:13:42,088 --> 01:13:44,958 New Jersey's Joe Meissner. 1940 01:13:44,991 --> 01:13:48,228 - James McGrath, he's got the frog hop going. 1941 01:13:48,261 --> 01:13:51,498 - I was seven years old when I first saw "Ninja Warrior." 1942 01:13:51,531 --> 01:13:53,967 And I instantly fell in love with it. 1943 01:13:54,000 --> 01:13:57,103 But I definitely was not in the best shape. 1944 01:13:57,103 --> 01:13:59,105 * * 1945 01:13:59,139 --> 01:14:00,774 A little bit on the chubby side. 1946 01:14:00,807 --> 01:14:02,676 You know, realized that I needed to cut 1947 01:14:02,709 --> 01:14:05,378 some weight to get better at this sport. 1948 01:14:05,412 --> 01:14:08,048 So I started going to the gym more. 1949 01:14:08,048 --> 01:14:09,549 I went to my first Ninja event. 1950 01:14:09,582 --> 01:14:11,217 And James McGrath was there. 1951 01:14:11,251 --> 01:14:13,253 And I remember I got his autograph signature, 1952 01:14:13,286 --> 01:14:14,954 got pictures with him. 1953 01:14:15,055 --> 01:14:17,323 - I remember when I first met Joe, he was just 1954 01:14:17,357 --> 01:14:19,759 a chubby little 12-year-old. 1955 01:14:19,793 --> 01:14:23,129 It goes to show that this sport's for everybody. 1956 01:14:23,163 --> 01:14:26,099 You've just got to be willing to put in the work. 1957 01:14:26,132 --> 01:14:28,335 - The fact that I started out as a 10-year-old 1958 01:14:28,368 --> 01:14:30,804 kid to now racing up against the Beast, 1959 01:14:30,837 --> 01:14:32,305 it's kind of surreal. 1960 01:14:32,339 --> 01:14:35,308 And I'm going to give it everything I got tonight. 1961 01:14:38,378 --> 01:14:41,648 - Joe Meissner trying to earn his first trip to Vegas. 1962 01:14:41,681 --> 01:14:43,483 He'll have his dad on the sideline. 1963 01:14:43,516 --> 01:14:45,919 The Beast has been to the finals eight times. 1964 01:14:45,952 --> 01:14:48,421 His fiancée, Alyssa Beird, who's injured, 1965 01:14:48,455 --> 01:14:49,456 will be cheering for him. 1966 01:14:49,489 --> 01:14:50,924 - Let's go, James! 1967 01:14:50,957 --> 01:14:53,727 - Joe Meissner's gone from posing with his idol 1968 01:14:53,760 --> 01:14:55,628 to now trying to beat him. 1969 01:14:55,662 --> 01:14:58,198 [countdown clock beeping] 1970 01:14:58,231 --> 01:15:01,034 - Youth versus experience. 1971 01:15:01,067 --> 01:15:02,836 Joe is gonna show him what he's got. 1972 01:15:02,869 --> 01:15:04,371 He's country strong. 1973 01:15:04,404 --> 01:15:06,072 - Nin-Joe pushing the pace. 1974 01:15:06,106 --> 01:15:08,441 - Nin-Joe's got to be country quick, too. 1975 01:15:08,475 --> 01:15:13,046 - McGrath, a lot of power and the first off of the shelf. 1976 01:15:15,882 --> 01:15:17,417 - And you can see McGrath got a glance 1977 01:15:17,450 --> 01:15:19,953 and saw Meissner pulling ahead. 1978 01:15:20,053 --> 01:15:22,355 - Meissner's staying focused. 1979 01:15:23,823 --> 01:15:26,126 - The Beast has the experience, but he's 1980 01:15:26,159 --> 01:15:28,561 16 years older than Meissner and starting 1981 01:15:28,595 --> 01:15:30,530 to fall a little behind. 1982 01:15:30,563 --> 01:15:33,266 - James McGrath, he's a car with a lot of miles on it. 1983 01:15:33,299 --> 01:15:36,069 Joe Meissner's got that young engine. 1984 01:15:36,069 --> 01:15:37,804 - Nice. 1985 01:15:38,805 --> 01:15:40,340 - But here comes the Beast. 1986 01:15:40,373 --> 01:15:41,641 - But remember, the Beast, he knows 1987 01:15:41,675 --> 01:15:43,743 how to go into overdrive. 1988 01:15:43,777 --> 01:15:47,514 Well, that's big-- Meissner, the first one off Sideways. 1989 01:15:47,547 --> 01:15:50,116 Spin Hopper has been a separator. 1990 01:15:50,150 --> 01:15:52,085 - Come on, Joe. 1991 01:15:52,085 --> 01:15:54,654 - Well, McGrath looking a little shocked here. 1992 01:15:54,688 --> 01:15:57,657 And you can just see this pace is 1993 01:15:57,691 --> 01:15:59,826 taking its toll on the Beast. 1994 01:15:59,859 --> 01:16:02,095 - Wow, this is interesting, too, to see James 1995 01:16:02,128 --> 01:16:03,363 McGrath sitting there waiting. 1996 01:16:03,396 --> 01:16:05,899 - Get to that bar, bro! Come on! 1997 01:16:05,932 --> 01:16:08,535 - He can't just hope for Meissner to fall. 1998 01:16:12,305 --> 01:16:14,774 - The Beast, man, just figured that's the only chance 1999 01:16:14,808 --> 01:16:16,242 of getting through this. 2000 01:16:16,276 --> 01:16:18,678 - And now the Beast is trying to make a comeback! 2001 01:16:20,080 --> 01:16:21,848 - It might be a little too late. 2002 01:16:21,881 --> 01:16:23,683 - Gets to the rope climb. 2003 01:16:23,717 --> 01:16:28,121 And Joe Meissner's gonna get the win over his idol. 2004 01:16:28,154 --> 01:16:30,790 [buzzer blares] 2005 01:16:33,393 --> 01:16:35,161 But McGrath still pushing. 2006 01:16:35,195 --> 01:16:37,430 He's still got a chance to move on. 2007 01:16:37,464 --> 01:16:40,433 - If Beast can get to that rope climb and get a buzzer-- 2008 01:16:40,467 --> 01:16:42,802 - He could be one of our top non-winners. 2009 01:16:42,836 --> 01:16:45,805 And he could be going to Vegas, as well. 2010 01:16:45,839 --> 01:16:47,107 [buzzer blares] 2011 01:16:47,140 --> 01:16:49,075 - And the Beast battles his way to the end. 2012 01:16:49,109 --> 01:16:51,811 But it's Joe Meissner who wins the race. 2013 01:16:51,845 --> 01:16:53,279 - Whoo! 2014 01:16:53,313 --> 01:16:55,281 - Still couple more runners to go, but there's 2015 01:16:55,315 --> 01:16:58,284 a good chance we'll see both these guys in Vegas. 2016 01:16:58,318 --> 01:17:00,286 [cheering] 2017 01:17:00,320 --> 01:17:03,490 Still to come, this could be it for the retiring 2018 01:17:03,523 --> 01:17:05,025 Najee Richardson. 2019 01:17:05,025 --> 01:17:07,627 He'll be facing one of the ninjas he's inspired-- 2020 01:17:07,660 --> 01:17:09,162 Xavier Dantzler. 2021 01:17:09,195 --> 01:17:12,332 Don't miss what may be the final run of the Phoenix 2022 01:17:12,365 --> 01:17:15,769 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 2023 01:17:21,041 --> 01:17:23,343 - A storm blew through our course minutes ago. 2024 01:17:23,376 --> 01:17:26,546 That's because the Weatherman, Joe Moravsky, the ninja 2025 01:17:26,579 --> 01:17:29,315 with more buzzers than anyone else in history, 2026 01:17:29,349 --> 01:17:31,618 came out to face Yale University student 2027 01:17:31,651 --> 01:17:33,119 David Fleming, who's in 2028 01:17:33,153 --> 01:17:35,388 just his second season. 2029 01:17:35,422 --> 01:17:38,058 - Moravsky, the 34-year-old father of three, 2030 01:17:38,091 --> 01:17:40,627 set the pace early, jumping out to a lead 2031 01:17:40,660 --> 01:17:42,729 on the first few obstacles. 2032 01:17:42,762 --> 01:17:46,066 - 34 years old, he can fly with the best of them. 2033 01:17:46,099 --> 01:17:47,701 - And when Fleming fell on Wingnuts-- 2034 01:17:47,734 --> 01:17:49,135 - Oh! 2035 01:17:49,169 --> 01:17:50,837 - --The Weatherman stormed his way to the third 2036 01:17:50,870 --> 01:17:53,139 best time of the night, just missing 2037 01:17:53,173 --> 01:17:55,075 out on the Safety Pass race. 2038 01:17:55,075 --> 01:17:56,876 But he's still got his record-setting 2039 01:17:56,910 --> 01:17:59,145 30-second career buzzer. 2040 01:17:59,179 --> 01:18:01,281 - Well, I can't wait to see you in Vegas, man. 2041 01:18:01,314 --> 01:18:03,016 - Whoo! 2042 01:18:03,049 --> 01:18:06,486 - Guys, Najee Richardson says this will be his last season. 2043 01:18:06,519 --> 01:18:10,357 And his legendary career could end on this race 2044 01:18:10,390 --> 01:18:14,627 unless he can outrun 19-year-old Xavier Dantzler. 2045 01:18:14,661 --> 01:18:16,463 If this is it for the Phoenix, he 2046 01:18:16,496 --> 01:18:18,832 walks away as an iconic athlete 2047 01:18:18,865 --> 01:18:21,434 and an even bigger role model. 2048 01:18:22,402 --> 01:18:25,038 - Growing up, I always looked up to Najee Richardson 2049 01:18:25,038 --> 01:18:26,873 because it was an African-American 2050 01:18:26,906 --> 01:18:29,242 person representing the sport of Ninja. 2051 01:18:29,275 --> 01:18:31,444 - Yeah! 2052 01:18:31,478 --> 01:18:34,080 - So to see that was just so inspirational for me 2053 01:18:34,114 --> 01:18:35,782 and my entire family. 2054 01:18:35,815 --> 01:18:39,185 - That was always the goal, was just to get out there 2055 01:18:39,219 --> 01:18:41,454 and hopefully inspire people. 2056 01:18:41,488 --> 01:18:42,956 - Oh! 2057 01:18:43,056 --> 01:18:44,257 - Oh, my goodness! 2058 01:18:44,290 --> 01:18:45,792 [buzzer blares] 2059 01:18:45,825 --> 01:18:48,928 - So knowing that I did that, it means a lot. 2060 01:18:48,962 --> 01:18:51,131 And it just reiterates for me that I 2061 01:18:51,164 --> 01:18:52,265 feel like I've done everything that I 2062 01:18:52,298 --> 01:18:54,134 need to do in this sport. 2063 01:18:54,167 --> 01:18:56,236 [upbeat music] 2064 01:18:56,269 --> 01:18:59,406 It's really cool to see my former students come up, 2065 01:18:59,439 --> 01:19:01,775 and they are the kings of the sport now. 2066 01:19:01,808 --> 01:19:03,309 Nice. 2067 01:19:03,343 --> 01:19:05,011 - If Najee's stepping away from the show, 2068 01:19:05,045 --> 01:19:07,213 I know it's very sad for everybody. 2069 01:19:07,247 --> 01:19:10,383 But hopefully I can inspire kids the way 2070 01:19:10,417 --> 01:19:11,451 that he inspired me. 2071 01:19:14,854 --> 01:19:17,257 - So much respect between these two, 2072 01:19:17,290 --> 01:19:18,458 they've swapped shirts. 2073 01:19:18,491 --> 01:19:21,027 Najee's wearing the X, and Xavier 2074 01:19:21,027 --> 01:19:23,196 is wearing the iconic Phoenix on his chest. 2075 01:19:23,229 --> 01:19:28,468 X's mom is here, along with Najee's wife. 2076 01:19:28,501 --> 01:19:30,537 And his parents watching back in Philly. 2077 01:19:30,570 --> 01:19:32,038 - Come on! 2078 01:19:32,038 --> 01:19:35,075 - Nobody wants to miss what could be his final run. 2079 01:19:35,108 --> 01:19:37,243 [countdown clock beeping] 2080 01:19:37,277 --> 01:19:38,345 - Here we go. 2081 01:19:38,378 --> 01:19:39,813 Nice. 2082 01:19:39,846 --> 01:19:42,315 Najee Richardson doing Najee Richardson things here. 2083 01:19:42,349 --> 01:19:43,850 He likes to fly. 2084 01:19:43,883 --> 01:19:46,052 And we know he's got several Guinness World Records 2085 01:19:46,052 --> 01:19:47,854 when it comes to Lacheing. 2086 01:19:47,887 --> 01:19:49,856 Nobody can do it like Najee can, 2087 01:19:49,889 --> 01:19:51,891 the Wingnuts-- his specialty. 2088 01:19:51,925 --> 01:19:53,493 Let's see if he can link them. 2089 01:19:53,526 --> 01:19:55,261 - He might skip one and go to the next one. 2090 01:19:55,295 --> 01:19:57,564 That's how far he can go. 2091 01:19:57,597 --> 01:19:59,232 Nice! 2092 01:19:59,265 --> 01:20:02,635 - Really putting the pressure on X, but X keeping it close! 2093 01:20:02,669 --> 01:20:05,538 - Well, X is gonna have to give it to him. 2094 01:20:05,572 --> 01:20:08,008 Nice. 2095 01:20:08,041 --> 01:20:09,743 - Well, this is where the young motor 2096 01:20:09,776 --> 01:20:11,511 starts to catch up. 2097 01:20:11,544 --> 01:20:12,846 - You can see Najee-- 2098 01:20:12,879 --> 01:20:15,015 I love his plan here-- get out ahead, put 2099 01:20:15,048 --> 01:20:16,483 the pressure on the young kid. 2100 01:20:16,516 --> 01:20:19,052 Let the young kid catch you. 2101 01:20:19,085 --> 01:20:21,788 - Najee's trying to get back to the national finals 2102 01:20:21,821 --> 01:20:23,189 for the sixth time. 2103 01:20:23,223 --> 01:20:25,158 He heads toward Spin Hopper. 2104 01:20:25,191 --> 01:20:27,694 - Come on! 2105 01:20:27,727 --> 01:20:31,464 - You see Najee trying to see where X is, but I say-- 2106 01:20:31,498 --> 01:20:33,366 - Oh, no! 2107 01:20:33,400 --> 01:20:35,301 Najee splashes down! 2108 01:20:35,335 --> 01:20:37,037 - What the what! 2109 01:20:37,070 --> 01:20:38,772 - And this changes things. 2110 01:20:38,805 --> 01:20:40,140 Look at this again. 2111 01:20:40,173 --> 01:20:42,709 Najee just slipped right off the second handle. 2112 01:20:42,742 --> 01:20:46,513 And that could be his last run on a Ninja course. 2113 01:20:47,914 --> 01:20:50,784 - Now it's all up to Xavier Dantzler. 2114 01:20:50,817 --> 01:20:53,853 If he gets through Spin Hopper, he'll win the race. 2115 01:20:53,887 --> 01:20:56,556 And Najee's career will be over. 2116 01:20:56,589 --> 01:20:58,191 - How poetic. 2117 01:20:58,224 --> 01:21:01,094 Najee's fate rests in the hands of one of the young 2118 01:21:01,127 --> 01:21:02,562 ninjas he helped train. 2119 01:21:02,595 --> 01:21:04,864 - But X has got to survive Spin Hopper. 2120 01:21:04,898 --> 01:21:08,301 - Now playing, "American Ninja Warrior." 2121 01:21:08,335 --> 01:21:09,969 This is a drama series. 2122 01:21:10,070 --> 01:21:12,872 This race has just turned into a drama series. 2123 01:21:12,906 --> 01:21:15,208 - And as he's done his entire career, 2124 01:21:15,241 --> 01:21:17,477 Najee's supporting his fellow competitor. 2125 01:21:17,510 --> 01:21:18,945 He's such a class act. 2126 01:21:18,978 --> 01:21:21,147 He's cheering for Xavier Dantzler 2127 01:21:21,181 --> 01:21:23,717 and you can see he's happy for his success. 2128 01:21:23,750 --> 01:21:25,251 - This is it. 2129 01:21:25,285 --> 01:21:27,554 He's got to hold on. 2130 01:21:27,587 --> 01:21:29,622 - And X-- - Nice! 2131 01:21:29,656 --> 01:21:32,659 - --has taken down the Phoenix in the race. 2132 01:21:34,227 --> 01:21:37,831 Xavier Dantzler 2133 01:21:37,864 --> 01:21:40,800 got his first buzzer in qualifying. 2134 01:21:40,834 --> 01:21:44,237 Here in the Semis, he's getting his second. 2135 01:21:44,270 --> 01:21:46,573 What a rise for X! 2136 01:21:46,606 --> 01:21:49,642 [buzzer blares] 2137 01:21:51,678 --> 01:21:54,014 - But it unfortunately means we say 2138 01:21:54,114 --> 01:21:56,916 goodbye to Najee Richardson. 2139 01:21:56,950 --> 01:22:00,954 One of the all-time greats, and he goes out with a smile. 2140 01:22:01,054 --> 01:22:03,490 He will be missed. 2141 01:22:05,158 --> 01:22:07,360 So checking the leaderboard, Jay Lewis 2142 01:22:07,394 --> 01:22:10,563 and rookie Gavin Obey end up with the fastest times. 2143 01:22:10,597 --> 01:22:13,066 They're about to race for the Safety Pass. 2144 01:22:13,066 --> 01:22:16,136 All of tonight's winners move on to the national finals, 2145 01:22:16,169 --> 01:22:17,904 which start in a few weeks. 2146 01:22:17,937 --> 01:22:20,807 And that run by Xavier Dantzler means he'll be going 2147 01:22:20,840 --> 01:22:22,575 to Vegas for the first time. 2148 01:22:22,609 --> 01:22:25,178 The top two non-winners who will be moving on 2149 01:22:25,211 --> 01:22:27,881 are James McGrath and Vincent Pane. 2150 01:22:27,914 --> 01:22:31,084 On the women's side, Addy Herman leads the way. 2151 01:22:31,084 --> 01:22:32,919 All these ninjas will be taking on 2152 01:22:32,952 --> 01:22:34,988 stage 1 in a few weeks. 2153 01:22:35,088 --> 01:22:37,457 But we got one final race-- 2154 01:22:37,490 --> 01:22:39,859 a sprint for the Safety Pass. 2155 01:22:39,893 --> 01:22:42,195 And it's one person we expected to be here 2156 01:22:42,228 --> 01:22:43,797 and one we didn't. 2157 01:22:43,830 --> 01:22:47,133 It's Jay "Lache" Lewis, a top ninja who's been as far 2158 01:22:47,167 --> 01:22:50,270 as stage 4 in Vegas, taking on a newcomer, 2159 01:22:50,303 --> 01:22:54,474 5'3" Gavin Obey, who battles Crohn's disease. 2160 01:22:54,507 --> 01:22:57,911 - Matt, Gavin Obey shocked us in his race earlier. 2161 01:22:57,944 --> 01:23:00,847 He finished less than second behind Jay Lache. 2162 01:23:00,880 --> 01:23:03,416 So don't count this kid out. 2163 01:23:03,450 --> 01:23:05,652 [countdown clock beeping] 2164 01:23:05,685 --> 01:23:08,922 - Jay Lache earned a Safety Pass two years ago. 2165 01:23:08,955 --> 01:23:10,590 He knows how to handle the pressure. 2166 01:23:10,623 --> 01:23:12,192 But how will the rookie hold up? 2167 01:23:12,225 --> 01:23:13,626 - Who will blink? 2168 01:23:13,660 --> 01:23:16,162 Obey first off! - Gavin ain't backing down. 2169 01:23:16,196 --> 01:23:19,132 He said, I don't care what your name is! 2170 01:23:19,165 --> 01:23:20,367 - What a race! 2171 01:23:20,400 --> 01:23:22,068 These two really pushing the envelope! 2172 01:23:22,102 --> 01:23:23,069 - Oh! 2173 01:23:23,103 --> 01:23:24,337 Obey said, I'm the one! 2174 01:23:24,371 --> 01:23:25,805 - Now Lewis slightly ahead! 2175 01:23:25,839 --> 01:23:27,073 - Oh, my goodness. 2176 01:23:27,107 --> 01:23:28,775 Here we go, Matt! We've got a race! 2177 01:23:28,808 --> 01:23:30,243 - Ho-ho! 2178 01:23:30,276 --> 01:23:32,445 This course is on fire! 2179 01:23:32,479 --> 01:23:33,513 - Nice! 2180 01:23:33,546 --> 01:23:35,181 And now Lache's slightly ahead! 2181 01:23:35,215 --> 01:23:38,118 Now, this is very easy on the Spin Hopper to make a mistake. 2182 01:23:38,151 --> 01:23:40,487 What the heck is going on here? 2183 01:23:40,520 --> 01:23:41,688 - You can't even think about it! 2184 01:23:41,721 --> 01:23:43,089 Go, go, go! 2185 01:23:43,089 --> 01:23:44,257 It's gonna come down to the rope! 2186 01:23:44,290 --> 01:23:46,226 - This is fast and furious! 2187 01:23:46,259 --> 01:23:49,095 - Jay Lache delivers it! 2188 01:23:49,095 --> 01:23:50,096 - Whoa! 2189 01:23:50,096 --> 01:23:51,731 - What a race! 2190 01:23:51,765 --> 01:23:53,900 Gavin Obey gave it his all, 2191 01:23:53,933 --> 01:23:57,137 but it's Jay Lache getting Safety! 2192 01:23:58,738 --> 01:24:00,040 That's it for tonight. 2193 01:24:00,040 --> 01:24:02,042 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, 2194 01:24:02,075 --> 01:24:03,443 I'm Matt Iseman. 2195 01:24:03,476 --> 01:24:07,547 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior." 2196 01:24:07,580 --> 01:24:10,550 [dramatic music] 2197 01:24:10,583 --> 01:24:17,624 * *