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- Our Ninja journey
started nine weeks ago
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with qualifying
in San Antonio.
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- Looks like you're going
to Los Angeles!
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- Those who survived moved on
to the bright lights
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of LA and the semifinals.
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- Matt, this is impressive.
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- And tonight,
it's the last chance
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for ninjas to book
their ticket
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to Las Vegas
and the National Finals.
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Hello, everyone, and welcome
to Universal Studios.
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I'm Matt Iseman.
- And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila.
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Matt, these past few weeks
have been a roller coaster
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and it's gonna be another
wild ride tonight.
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- Absolutely, big man.
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These semifinals
have been like nothing
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we've seen before,
with familiar faces falling
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but new heroes
rising to take their place.
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- And tonight, we're gonna
see some of the sport's
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best young stars.
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That includes the Flyboy,
Texas teenager Isaiah Thomas.
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- I'm built different!
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- Plus last year's
top rookie among the women,
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18-year-old Isabella Wakeham.
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- Unbelievable!
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- But don't forget
the veterans.
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We've got the runner-up
from the past two seasons,
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Austin Gray.
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- Oh, my goodness!
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- And his roommate,
the Little Big Man,
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5'2" "Gnarly" Nate Hansen.
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- Go! Whoo!
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- And we're gonna
kick things off
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with one of the breakout stars
of the season.
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Zuri, get her going.
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- Guys, Katie Bone came out
like a boss in her Ninja debut
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just a few weeks ago.
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At 16, she became just
the second teenage girl
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ever to hit a buzzer.
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And what made it
even more impressive,
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she did it as a
type-1 diabetic.
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[sentimental music]
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- When I was nine years old,
I had gotten interviewed
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for a local newspaper.
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They asked me some of
my goals and dreams.
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And my two biggest ones
were to go to the Olympics
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and hopefully one day be
on "American Ninja Warrior."
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- Here we go!
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- Yes! Yes!
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Katie Bone!
[buzzer blares]
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Oh, my goodness!
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- I have dreamed of hitting
that buzzer for so long now
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and being able to execute that
my first year
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is something that
I'll never forget.
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Diabetes has definitely
made competing
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and just living so much harder.
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I'm fighting my body
every single day.
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- Type-1 diabetes has
changed all of our lives,
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in every single way.
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When Katie's competing
and adrenaline starts to spike
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and her glucose
is gonna spike,
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that determines whether
she can concentrate,
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whether she can
think properly.
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She makes it look easy,
and it is anything but easy.
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- I have wanted this
so bad for so long.
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- * Can't stop me now *
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- And knowing how many people
I can and will inspire
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makes everything I ever
fought through so worth it.
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- * Can't stop me now *
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- What a stud she is,
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and she's got her parents
and some of the ninjas
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she trains with
on the sideline.
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[countdown clock beeping]
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5'2", 110.
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Boy, she did come up big
in qualifying.
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She was one of the five women
who hit a buzzer.
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- Go, Katie!
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- You can see on the
back of her arms,
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insulin pump on the left arm,
glucose monitor on her right.
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Without insulin,
her body would shut down.
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- What's she gonna do
at Over Under?
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- Well, climbing
across underneath like this
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is the longer
and more tiring option.
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No doubting her power,
obviously,
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with the rock climber,
that grip strength,
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but this semis course
is 10 obstacles long.
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You don't want to use up
a lot of strength
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on the second obstacle.
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- Yeah, she's got
grip strength for days.
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- Ooh, falls back hard
but hangs on.
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That's her
climbing experience.
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00:04:02,842 --> 00:04:04,811
But she is spending a lot
more time on this obstacle
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than she wanted to.
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This could catch up to her.
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But again,
I think you said it, Akbar,
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I don't think her grip's gonna
be the thing that gives out.
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- She is powerful.
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- She's glad
that one's behind her.
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- Come on, Katie!
- Mama said that's two down.
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- Now the third obstacle,
Air Surfer.
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Gotta fly with that
upside-down snowboard
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across the pads.
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Top 15 in the U.S.
in climbing right now.
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It's the Air Surfer,
a little different move here.
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Been doing Ninja for three
years, got to be precise.
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- This is not something
you'll see in rock climbing.
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- You don't see this
on a mountain!
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Well, you do see it
on a mountain, I'm guessing,
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but not like this!
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Normally, the board
is strapped to your feet,
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not your hands.
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Ooh!
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- Here we go.
- Good correction.
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That right side
still a little ahead.
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Ooh.
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Big throw, lands it.
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- Whew, she's our lightest
competitor tonight
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at only 110 pounds.
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But let me tell you,
she is fearless.
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- She is through.
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Takes a deep breath.
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She's really expended
a lot of energy
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on these early obstacles.
- Whoo! Go, Katie!
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- Balance obstacles
always a challenge.
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Especially at 5'2",
not a long stride.
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Watch it on Diamond Dash.
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The key is to get
into the center.
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Oh!
- Nice! Nice, nice! Ooh!
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- Slow but sure,
there's the smile.
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Gave Mom a scare.
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Her parents are such
a big part of her success,
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taking her to climbing
or Ninja events
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almost every weekend.
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Now this starts
to get fun for her.
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Kaleidoscope should absolutely
be in her wheelhouse.
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- This is a lot of the skills
she uses in climbing.
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- She's got to turn
those wheels then swing over
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and land on the narrow ledges.
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- We're starting to get
a little drizzle out here.
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That's gonna make those ledges
even harder to latch on to.
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- Ooh! You can see it spin now!
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- Yes, didn't have it all the
way down but that's all right.
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She's got the grip strength.
- Good focus!
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- She is not letting
this Kaleidoscope
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distort her vision
of getting to that buzzer!
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- Well, there's the climber.
You can see her just elevate.
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And even at 5'2",
with that back strength,
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she is controlling
these windows.
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- Come on, stay calm.
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You see the concern
on her face,
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but she's staying calm.
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Come on, swing. Get it.
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- Only a quarter inch!
- Nice!
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- Just needs a big swing
and the dismount.
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And she's done it.
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[cheers and applause]
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- Come on, Katie!
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- I see you, Katie Bone.
I see you.
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- And, Akbar,
with her diabetes,
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it's a constant struggle
to maintain energy levels.
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She pushed herself to get here.
What does she have left?
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all: [chanting]
Beat that wall! Beat that wall!
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- 5'2", no problems.
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- Nice!
- No problem.
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- Let's go!
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- Well, her run
back in qualifying
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created a huge response
on social media.
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She's such an inspiration
to young girls,
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especially those
who are diabetic.
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- I can't wait to see what
she does on the back half here.
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Such a special talent.
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- First time facing a
Salmon Ladder in competition.
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She's only the second woman
all season
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to reach the back half
of the semis course.
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Karen Potts did it last week.
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- Katie Bone doing it
as a type-1 diabetic!
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Nice!
- Yes!
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- And now she's reached
the eighth obstacle.
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Another unbelievable run
for this rookie.
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Got to swing the bar and land
softly on those ghosts.
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She's three obstacles away
from a buzzer.
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She'd be the youngest woman
ever to do it.
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both: No!
[crowd groans]
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- That was just a miss. Oh!
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- But what a great way
to start the night.
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One of the best runs
by a woman this year.
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- She had to battle to get
through the first half
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and made it up
the Warped Wall once again.
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But on Ghost Town, she was
looking at the right side
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and overshot on the left.
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Still, a great run
by the 16-year-old.
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- Getting hugs
from the family.
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- And it's early,
but that run may have earned
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00:08:01,848 --> 00:08:04,684
Katie Bone a trip to Vegas.
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It's the last night
of LA Semifinals,
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and we've got
an all-star lineup,
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00:08:09,689 --> 00:08:12,659
including the Sparkly Ninja,
Barclay Stockett,
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00:08:12,692 --> 00:08:15,929
and the Beast,
Ninja veteran James McGrath.
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00:08:16,029 --> 00:08:18,365
Plus, the man who
almost won it all,
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00:08:18,398 --> 00:08:20,700
Austin Gray, and his roommate,
200
00:08:20,734 --> 00:08:23,603
the 5'2" fan favorite
Nate Hansen.
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00:08:23,636 --> 00:08:25,038
We'll see them...
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00:08:25,038 --> 00:08:27,107
- He's about to make it rain
on this Ninja course.
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00:08:27,140 --> 00:08:29,776
- And a lot more...
- Time to break camp.
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00:08:29,809 --> 00:08:32,545
- Find out who's punching
their ticket to Vegas
205
00:08:32,579 --> 00:08:34,881
on "American Ninja Warrior."
206
00:08:39,586 --> 00:08:41,755
- Welcome back to
"American Ninja Warrior."
207
00:08:41,788 --> 00:08:44,057
Rohan Sebastian's
a med student
208
00:08:44,090 --> 00:08:46,059
about to become a doctor.
209
00:08:46,059 --> 00:08:47,827
- Hopefully he studied
this course tonight
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00:08:47,861 --> 00:08:49,562
because it is difficult.
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00:08:49,596 --> 00:08:51,164
- Before entering
med school,
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00:08:51,197 --> 00:08:53,299
Sebastian was an
all-American gymnast
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00:08:53,333 --> 00:08:55,435
at the University of Michigan.
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00:08:55,468 --> 00:08:57,303
And he had no problem
on the bars.
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00:08:57,337 --> 00:08:58,672
- Nice one!
216
00:08:58,705 --> 00:09:00,340
[cheers and applause]
217
00:09:00,373 --> 00:09:03,276
- In his two previous seasons,
the 31-year-old
218
00:09:03,309 --> 00:09:07,047
fell on balance obstacles.
- Ooh! Oh, no!
219
00:09:07,080 --> 00:09:08,615
- And he did it again tonight.
220
00:09:08,648 --> 00:09:11,084
- Take a look
at this right here.
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00:09:11,117 --> 00:09:13,019
Yo, right on his face.
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00:09:13,053 --> 00:09:16,523
- The balance obstacles!
[groans]
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00:09:16,556 --> 00:09:19,459
I'm gonna get it.
I'm gonna get it next time.
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00:09:19,492 --> 00:09:22,028
- Colorado teenager
Anabella Heinrichs
225
00:09:22,062 --> 00:09:24,330
was ready to flex
on the semifinals
226
00:09:24,364 --> 00:09:27,200
after a strong run
back in qualifying.
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00:09:27,233 --> 00:09:29,869
With her family and training
partners cheering her on,
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00:09:29,903 --> 00:09:33,139
the recent high school grad
schooled Over Under.
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00:09:33,173 --> 00:09:35,141
- Yeah, got to clear
this gap right here.
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00:09:35,175 --> 00:09:36,309
Nice.
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00:09:36,343 --> 00:09:38,211
- Heinrichs
is an avid skier,
232
00:09:38,244 --> 00:09:41,648
but when she tried to fly with
the snowboard on Air Surfer...
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00:09:41,681 --> 00:09:43,650
- Oh!
234
00:09:43,683 --> 00:09:45,518
- Her run came to an end.
235
00:09:45,552 --> 00:09:49,389
- That kind of sucks,
but it is what it is.
236
00:09:49,422 --> 00:09:51,524
- Well, it's time
to let the beat drop.
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00:09:51,558 --> 00:09:55,328
That's because up next is a
17-year-old hip-hop producer.
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00:09:55,362 --> 00:09:58,298
It's Marietta, Georgia's,
Ethan Bartnicki.
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00:09:58,331 --> 00:10:01,434
- Ooh!
That boy can spit and flip!
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00:10:01,468 --> 00:10:03,003
- Definitely has many talents.
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00:10:03,036 --> 00:10:04,938
He was adopted as a baby,
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00:10:04,971 --> 00:10:08,441
and Ninja and music have
helped him express himself.
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00:10:08,475 --> 00:10:10,377
[upbeat hip-hop music]
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00:10:10,410 --> 00:10:13,680
- I've been producing music
for about six years now,
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00:10:13,713 --> 00:10:15,615
since I was 12.
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00:10:15,648 --> 00:10:18,752
* Be the best, beat the rest,
no contest, hey *
247
00:10:18,785 --> 00:10:20,553
* Get that prize
and that money *
248
00:10:20,587 --> 00:10:21,788
* You can flex, hey *
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00:10:23,223 --> 00:10:24,891
The instruments
I use are electronic,
250
00:10:24,924 --> 00:10:28,061
so it's just one keyboard
with all the sounds on it.
251
00:10:28,094 --> 00:10:30,397
I normally start out
with a drum pattern.
252
00:10:30,430 --> 00:10:34,367
[low percussive rhythm]
253
00:10:34,401 --> 00:10:37,170
And then I'll either sample
or chop up a melody
254
00:10:37,203 --> 00:10:38,705
to make it sound how I want.
255
00:10:38,738 --> 00:10:40,573
And then I'll start
adding in more layers
256
00:10:40,607 --> 00:10:45,712
like the kick, the bass,
effects, and vocal chops.
257
00:10:45,745 --> 00:10:47,313
- * I feel lucky,
I should roll the dice *
258
00:10:47,347 --> 00:10:50,550
- There's a rhythm
to the beats he lays down,
259
00:10:50,583 --> 00:10:53,186
and there's a timing precision
260
00:10:53,219 --> 00:10:54,521
that you have to have in Ninja.
261
00:10:54,554 --> 00:10:56,189
It goes hand in hand,
262
00:10:56,222 --> 00:11:00,060
and I think it's a window
into how his brain works.
263
00:11:00,060 --> 00:11:02,462
- I was adopted,
and music has got me
264
00:11:02,495 --> 00:11:04,230
through a lot of tough times.
265
00:11:04,264 --> 00:11:07,067
Sometimes, it is hard to fit
in with the Black community,
266
00:11:07,067 --> 00:11:09,135
and it also is obviously hard
to fit in
267
00:11:09,169 --> 00:11:11,604
with the white community,
but I'm able to now
268
00:11:11,638 --> 00:11:13,340
get into my own world
with my headphones,
269
00:11:13,373 --> 00:11:15,542
and it helps me
express my mood.
270
00:11:15,575 --> 00:11:17,243
Music definitely
means a lot to me.
271
00:11:17,277 --> 00:11:18,945
So let's get hyped.
272
00:11:18,978 --> 00:11:21,481
* *
273
00:11:21,514 --> 00:11:23,717
[cheers and applause]
274
00:11:23,750 --> 00:11:25,752
- Ethan's parents
here to support him.
275
00:11:25,785 --> 00:11:27,654
And a big bunch
of his training buddies
276
00:11:27,687 --> 00:11:30,090
watching back in Atlanta.
277
00:11:30,090 --> 00:11:32,759
[countdown clock beeping]
278
00:11:32,792 --> 00:11:34,661
Just graduated
from high school,
279
00:11:34,694 --> 00:11:37,764
on his way to college
to study music producing.
280
00:11:37,797 --> 00:11:39,966
- Only 5'4" and 114 pounds.
281
00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:42,268
Watch him fly
through Over Under.
282
00:11:42,302 --> 00:11:45,005
- Oh, he falls back so now
gotta work his way
283
00:11:45,105 --> 00:11:48,108
across underneath
or lache across like that.
284
00:11:48,108 --> 00:11:51,511
Handles that 7-foot gap,
and this time, he goes over.
285
00:11:51,544 --> 00:11:54,014
That's the easy way,
and he is through quickly.
286
00:11:54,114 --> 00:11:55,915
[cheers and applause]
287
00:11:55,949 --> 00:11:57,917
- But don't be fooled
by his baby face,
288
00:11:57,951 --> 00:12:00,787
this dude is a man when
he steps on a Ninja course.
289
00:12:00,820 --> 00:12:02,789
- On to Air Surfer.
290
00:12:02,822 --> 00:12:05,458
- And he looks a lot different
than when we first saw him.
291
00:12:05,492 --> 00:12:08,161
- We saw him on "Ninja Junior"
season one.
292
00:12:08,194 --> 00:12:10,830
He was 4'8", 72 pounds.
293
00:12:10,864 --> 00:12:12,098
Grown up a bit since then.
294
00:12:12,132 --> 00:12:14,467
- Called himself
Lil Dolla back then.
295
00:12:14,501 --> 00:12:16,870
He knew he wanted to be
in music at a young age.
296
00:12:16,903 --> 00:12:20,106
- Well, he's making some sweet
music on the course so far.
297
00:12:21,574 --> 00:12:23,209
He's flying
through Air Surfer.
298
00:12:23,243 --> 00:12:25,178
- There you go! There you go!
There you go!
299
00:12:25,211 --> 00:12:27,180
Big lache! Big lache!
300
00:12:27,213 --> 00:12:28,715
- Just needs the dismount.
301
00:12:28,748 --> 00:12:30,250
And he's through.
302
00:12:30,283 --> 00:12:32,352
[cheers and applause]
303
00:12:32,385 --> 00:12:33,953
Watch the Diamond Dash.
304
00:12:33,987 --> 00:12:36,489
Got to get the speed right
in the center of the diamonds.
305
00:12:36,523 --> 00:12:39,159
- Nice, yeah!
- Perfect.
306
00:12:39,192 --> 00:12:42,095
- Whoo!
307
00:12:42,095 --> 00:12:44,330
- On now to Kaleidoscope.
308
00:12:44,364 --> 00:12:46,099
Probably gonna need
to get past this one
309
00:12:46,132 --> 00:12:48,268
if you wanna be
in the top 15 and move on.
310
00:12:48,301 --> 00:12:50,370
- You got it, buddy,
you got it!
311
00:12:50,403 --> 00:12:51,938
- It's gonna test
his technique,
312
00:12:51,971 --> 00:12:53,139
the ability to make the reach,
313
00:12:53,173 --> 00:12:56,009
especially on that
third window.
314
00:12:56,109 --> 00:12:57,277
- Nice!
315
00:12:57,310 --> 00:13:00,180
He's got the rhythm, Matt.
Look at that.
316
00:13:01,781 --> 00:13:04,084
- Now gotta rotate this one
180 degrees.
317
00:13:04,117 --> 00:13:06,653
In the fourth window,
a quarter-inch ledge.
318
00:13:06,686 --> 00:13:08,054
- Bartnicki looks like
a featherweight
319
00:13:08,054 --> 00:13:10,390
just throwing himself around.
320
00:13:10,423 --> 00:13:12,392
- Now just needs the dismount.
321
00:13:12,425 --> 00:13:14,494
And he's through.
322
00:13:14,527 --> 00:13:18,798
Gonna take on the Warped Wall
at just 5'4".
323
00:13:18,832 --> 00:13:20,333
And Bartnicki crushes it.
324
00:13:20,367 --> 00:13:22,502
[cheers and applause]
325
00:13:22,535 --> 00:13:25,138
Bartnicki on the back half.
326
00:13:25,171 --> 00:13:27,307
- Oh, rock, paper, scissors?
What you got?
327
00:13:27,340 --> 00:13:31,111
One, two, three, shoot. Ahh!
Okay.
328
00:13:31,144 --> 00:13:33,546
We both did scissors.
- Oh!
329
00:13:33,580 --> 00:13:34,914
What a showman!
330
00:13:37,083 --> 00:13:38,818
He just took time to roshambo
with us, did a flip.
331
00:13:38,852 --> 00:13:40,754
- And did a flip.
- Now is on to the back half.
332
00:13:40,787 --> 00:13:42,722
- Just steppin'.
- That's confidence.
333
00:13:45,091 --> 00:13:47,093
Stepping up now
for the Salmon Ladder.
334
00:13:47,093 --> 00:13:48,661
Got to jump it up four rungs.
335
00:13:48,695 --> 00:13:50,830
- Oh, he can lay down
some percussions right here.
336
00:13:50,864 --> 00:13:52,932
Rat-a-tat,
337
00:13:52,966 --> 00:13:54,267
rat-a-tat.
338
00:13:54,300 --> 00:13:56,136
- Looking strong.
339
00:13:56,169 --> 00:13:58,004
His parents, so supportive.
340
00:13:58,104 --> 00:14:00,240
They adopted Ethan
when he was a baby.
341
00:14:00,273 --> 00:14:03,576
Ethan's got two older brothers
going to Georgia Tech.
342
00:14:03,610 --> 00:14:05,045
Let's see what
he can do on Ghost Town.
343
00:14:05,078 --> 00:14:07,047
Got to be precise
with the bar.
344
00:14:07,047 --> 00:14:09,716
This tripped up
Katie Bone minutes ago.
345
00:14:09,749 --> 00:14:11,885
It's unnerving the way
your momentum moves
346
00:14:11,918 --> 00:14:14,721
with these counterweighted
ghost cradles.
347
00:14:14,754 --> 00:14:16,322
- We had this a few weeks ago.
348
00:14:16,356 --> 00:14:19,225
This obstacle knocked out
a lot of top ninjas.
349
00:14:19,259 --> 00:14:21,227
This one right here,
Matt, you got to kick up,
350
00:14:21,261 --> 00:14:23,129
and you got to elevate it.
351
00:14:23,163 --> 00:14:25,598
- A foot and a half,
and he just barely got it.
352
00:14:25,632 --> 00:14:27,133
And he's through!
353
00:14:27,167 --> 00:14:30,303
[cheers and applause]
354
00:14:30,337 --> 00:14:31,871
- Yeah! Let's go!
355
00:14:31,905 --> 00:14:34,574
- Well, now he's facing
a choice at Split Decision.
356
00:14:34,607 --> 00:14:36,543
The balance obstacle,
Diving Boards,
357
00:14:36,576 --> 00:14:38,812
or the upper body tester,
Flipped Around.
358
00:14:38,845 --> 00:14:40,880
And he's going straight
to Flipped Around.
359
00:14:40,914 --> 00:14:43,717
- Look at all his boys there
in Atlanta watching.
360
00:14:43,750 --> 00:14:45,952
- This will really
test that grip.
361
00:14:45,985 --> 00:14:49,222
5'4", not a big wingspan,
but only 114 pounds.
362
00:14:49,255 --> 00:14:51,658
Got to climb to the top,
flip the board over,
363
00:14:51,691 --> 00:14:54,761
and lock it in place.
- I love the confidence.
364
00:14:54,794 --> 00:14:57,097
He didn't hesitate
to attack this obstacle.
365
00:14:57,097 --> 00:14:58,732
He went right at it.
366
00:14:58,765 --> 00:15:00,433
The future music producer
367
00:15:00,467 --> 00:15:02,702
has hit all the right notes
tonight.
368
00:15:02,736 --> 00:15:05,038
- But he's struggling to get
that lower body locked in.
369
00:15:05,038 --> 00:15:08,174
Really relying
on the upper body there.
370
00:15:08,208 --> 00:15:09,642
See if he can lock it in.
371
00:15:09,676 --> 00:15:11,444
- That board is about half
his body weight, Matt,
372
00:15:11,478 --> 00:15:13,780
so he's gonna really have
to get that momentum
373
00:15:13,813 --> 00:15:15,048
to lock it in.
374
00:15:15,048 --> 00:15:17,617
crowd: You can do it!
[rhythmic clapping]
375
00:15:17,650 --> 00:15:19,652
- He's getting so close!
376
00:15:19,686 --> 00:15:21,521
- And switching that grip.
377
00:15:21,554 --> 00:15:23,056
You can see he's running
out of steam here.
378
00:15:23,056 --> 00:15:26,126
- Oh, yeah, but he's
17 years old, 114 pounds.
379
00:15:26,159 --> 00:15:29,295
He should have enough energy.
Just needs the body weight.
380
00:15:29,329 --> 00:15:33,333
He's trying to swing
before he locks it in.
381
00:15:33,366 --> 00:15:35,769
- Your fulcrum point is
actually shifting on you,
382
00:15:35,802 --> 00:15:37,303
and now he's gone backwards.
383
00:15:37,337 --> 00:15:38,605
- This kid's got
a lot of moxie,
384
00:15:38,638 --> 00:15:40,774
and he has no quit--
both: Oh!
385
00:15:40,807 --> 00:15:42,642
[crowd groans]
[air horn blares]
386
00:15:44,511 --> 00:15:46,846
- Well, he got
flipped around there,
387
00:15:46,880 --> 00:15:49,582
but not before making it
to that ninth obstacle.
388
00:15:49,616 --> 00:15:52,452
- I got this far.
I'm so proud of how I did.
389
00:15:52,485 --> 00:15:54,688
That was insane.
390
00:15:54,721 --> 00:15:57,857
- This music producer
can definitely entertain.
391
00:15:57,891 --> 00:16:01,461
Played a little rock, paper,
scissors, threw in a backflip,
392
00:16:01,494 --> 00:16:03,396
and made it
to the ninth obstacle
393
00:16:03,430 --> 00:16:07,300
where he tried hard
but couldn't get it locked in.
394
00:16:07,334 --> 00:16:09,869
- I'm so proud of you. Mwah.
395
00:16:09,903 --> 00:16:11,838
- Well, it's early,
but I think that might earn
396
00:16:11,871 --> 00:16:14,874
the music man a gig in Vegas.
397
00:16:14,908 --> 00:16:19,112
Coming up, his dying father
taught him to live wide.
398
00:16:19,145 --> 00:16:22,916
And Christopher Harding Jones
has lived up to that legacy.
399
00:16:22,949 --> 00:16:25,285
[buzzer blares]
- For Father!
400
00:16:25,318 --> 00:16:28,054
- This inspirational teenager
is up next...
401
00:16:28,054 --> 00:16:29,556
- Yes! Living wide!
402
00:16:29,589 --> 00:16:31,758
- On "American Ninja Warrior."
403
00:16:37,731 --> 00:16:39,599
- Welcome back to
"American Ninja Warrior."
404
00:16:39,632 --> 00:16:42,802
Moments ago, Mohawk
39-year-old Mark Farrell
405
00:16:42,836 --> 00:16:46,339
got the party started with
some interesting dance moves
406
00:16:46,373 --> 00:16:49,075
at the start line.
- He's hyped! He's hyped!
407
00:16:49,075 --> 00:16:52,212
- Wearing jean shorts and
weighing almost 200 pounds,
408
00:16:52,245 --> 00:16:54,414
the Utah dad
and software engineer
409
00:16:54,447 --> 00:16:57,117
was still able
to pull off some big moves.
410
00:16:57,150 --> 00:16:58,651
- Okay!
411
00:16:58,685 --> 00:17:00,020
- And he brought
some big energy.
412
00:17:00,053 --> 00:17:02,422
- Ahh!
413
00:17:02,455 --> 00:17:03,590
- Shirt's coming off.
414
00:17:03,623 --> 00:17:05,025
- After going bare-chested,
415
00:17:05,025 --> 00:17:07,227
he went out
in a blaze of glory.
416
00:17:07,260 --> 00:17:09,429
- Oh! Oh!
417
00:17:09,462 --> 00:17:11,031
- No!
418
00:17:11,064 --> 00:17:13,433
- Whoo!
That was beautiful.
419
00:17:13,466 --> 00:17:15,735
[cheers and applause]
420
00:17:15,769 --> 00:17:19,039
- There was money on the line
for Atlanta's Brad Giles.
421
00:17:19,039 --> 00:17:21,041
- He's about to make it rain
on this Ninja course.
422
00:17:21,074 --> 00:17:23,176
- Giles, the Give-Back Ninja,
423
00:17:23,209 --> 00:17:27,047
donates $500 to charity for
every obstacle he completes.
424
00:17:27,047 --> 00:17:28,415
- Yeah, here we go!
425
00:17:28,448 --> 00:17:30,617
- At 39, the healthcare
company owner
426
00:17:30,650 --> 00:17:32,352
is one of our
older competitors.
427
00:17:32,385 --> 00:17:35,555
- All right, here comes
$1,000 right here.
428
00:17:35,588 --> 00:17:37,223
- And though his run
ended earlier
429
00:17:37,257 --> 00:17:39,359
than he would've liked...
- Ooh! No!
430
00:17:39,392 --> 00:17:42,195
- He still donated
$1,000 to charity.
431
00:17:42,228 --> 00:17:43,596
- It happens.
Best y'all heard.
432
00:17:43,630 --> 00:17:46,266
I love Ninja. Let's go.
433
00:17:46,299 --> 00:17:48,201
- Our next competitor
had one of the most
434
00:17:48,234 --> 00:17:51,438
emotional runs we've ever had
a few weeks ago in qualifying.
435
00:17:51,471 --> 00:17:54,207
- This is so amazing!
436
00:17:54,240 --> 00:17:55,775
Let's go!
437
00:17:55,809 --> 00:17:58,878
- This is Georgia teenager
Christopher Harding Jones.
438
00:17:58,912 --> 00:18:02,282
His shirt says "Living Wide,"
the motto of his dad,
439
00:18:02,315 --> 00:18:03,883
who died from cancer.
440
00:18:03,917 --> 00:18:06,753
But that's not all this
17-year-old has had to face.
441
00:18:08,221 --> 00:18:10,223
[soft piano music]
442
00:18:10,256 --> 00:18:12,025
- I think the thing
that makes me proudest
443
00:18:12,025 --> 00:18:14,060
is that I've had
to overcome a lot of things
444
00:18:14,094 --> 00:18:17,063
to even get to the start line.
445
00:18:17,097 --> 00:18:20,033
I lost my dad to lung cancer.
446
00:18:20,033 --> 00:18:23,370
And I was diagnosed with
sensory processing disorder
447
00:18:23,403 --> 00:18:24,904
when I was in the second grade.
448
00:18:26,606 --> 00:18:29,609
I struggled know where I am
and how my body interacts
449
00:18:29,642 --> 00:18:31,344
with the space around me.
450
00:18:31,378 --> 00:18:34,047
Good, good. Good.
451
00:18:34,047 --> 00:18:38,184
I'm very clumsy, and it
makes anything physical
452
00:18:38,218 --> 00:18:39,819
very difficult for me.
453
00:18:41,521 --> 00:18:43,456
- After Christopher
got diagnosed,
454
00:18:43,490 --> 00:18:47,360
they said, try things like
gymnastics and dancing.
455
00:18:47,394 --> 00:18:50,497
They didn't really
make any difference.
456
00:18:50,530 --> 00:18:54,300
- When I found "American Ninja
Warrior," everything changed.
457
00:18:56,136 --> 00:19:01,107
Before he died, my dad built a
whole Ninja course in my yard.
458
00:19:01,141 --> 00:19:03,009
- He started to do
better in school,
459
00:19:03,009 --> 00:19:06,146
he became more athletic
and more confident.
460
00:19:06,179 --> 00:19:08,415
- Ninja requires
so much coordination
461
00:19:08,448 --> 00:19:10,316
and spatial awareness.
462
00:19:10,350 --> 00:19:13,153
You have to grab things
precisely.
463
00:19:13,186 --> 00:19:16,322
- Boy, he is moving
with speed.
464
00:19:16,356 --> 00:19:20,026
- Sometimes, I'll still stumble
or struggle a little bit more
465
00:19:20,026 --> 00:19:23,496
than other people, but hitting
a buzzer just shows
466
00:19:23,530 --> 00:19:26,533
how far Ninja
has helped me come.
467
00:19:26,566 --> 00:19:28,868
If my dad taught me anything,
it was to never
468
00:19:28,902 --> 00:19:30,403
let challenges hold you back.
469
00:19:30,437 --> 00:19:32,706
Tonight, no matter
how I do, I know
470
00:19:32,739 --> 00:19:34,908
he will be so
incredibly proud of me
471
00:19:34,941 --> 00:19:37,043
just for getting out there
and being here.
472
00:19:40,313 --> 00:19:42,048
[cheers and applause]
473
00:19:42,082 --> 00:19:43,616
- Such an impressive kid.
474
00:19:43,650 --> 00:19:47,053
He'll have his mom and sister
on the sideline
475
00:19:47,053 --> 00:19:48,788
along with other
Georgia ninjas.
476
00:19:50,390 --> 00:19:52,058
And that group of
Atlanta training partners
477
00:19:52,058 --> 00:19:54,794
we saw earlier will
also be cheering him on.
478
00:19:54,828 --> 00:19:58,064
[countdown clock beeping]
479
00:19:58,064 --> 00:20:00,400
We see a lot of potential
in this young man.
480
00:20:00,433 --> 00:20:03,470
Full name
Christopher Harding Jones,
481
00:20:03,503 --> 00:20:06,172
but his friends
just call him Topher.
482
00:20:06,206 --> 00:20:08,575
- You can hear the
"living wide" chant.
483
00:20:08,608 --> 00:20:11,211
Everyone here tonight
wants to see this kid succeed.
484
00:20:11,244 --> 00:20:13,113
- And if you missed
his run in qualifying,
485
00:20:13,146 --> 00:20:15,548
"living wide" was
the motto of his dad
486
00:20:15,582 --> 00:20:17,484
who was given
four months to live.
487
00:20:17,517 --> 00:20:19,552
It means you can't control
how long you live,
488
00:20:19,586 --> 00:20:21,588
but you can control
how wide you live,
489
00:20:21,621 --> 00:20:23,723
so live it to the fullest.
490
00:20:23,757 --> 00:20:25,925
Now on to Air Surfer.
491
00:20:25,959 --> 00:20:27,594
This is an easy one
to make a mistake,
492
00:20:27,627 --> 00:20:29,262
get too energized
and overshoot.
493
00:20:31,131 --> 00:20:33,166
- Ooh!
- Watch it! Good correction!
494
00:20:33,199 --> 00:20:35,001
- And just as you were talking
about overshooting,
495
00:20:35,035 --> 00:20:36,569
almost overshot that one.
496
00:20:36,603 --> 00:20:38,638
And you see the landing pads
are getting smaller.
497
00:20:38,672 --> 00:20:41,808
- And perfect right there.
Now 4-foot gap.
498
00:20:41,841 --> 00:20:45,011
- Big gap. Overcome it. Nice.
- Nice launch.
499
00:20:45,045 --> 00:20:47,580
A lot of good, young ninjas
have come out of Atlanta.
500
00:20:47,614 --> 00:20:49,282
Guys like Vance Walker.
501
00:20:49,315 --> 00:20:51,351
Christopher Harding Jones
was kind of unheralded,
502
00:20:51,384 --> 00:20:53,186
but he is impressing us.
503
00:20:53,219 --> 00:20:54,654
- Yes, he is.
504
00:20:54,688 --> 00:20:57,424
He's living wide out here,
enjoying every moment.
505
00:20:57,457 --> 00:20:59,059
- But his sensory
processing disorder
506
00:20:59,092 --> 00:21:01,661
could make this
balance obstacle challenging.
507
00:21:01,695 --> 00:21:03,797
Watch the footwork.
- Nice, nice. Ooh!
508
00:21:03,830 --> 00:21:06,166
Tripped up, but he's
still able to recover.
509
00:21:06,199 --> 00:21:09,302
Great job there
by Christopher Harding Jones.
510
00:21:09,336 --> 00:21:11,838
All right, he's living wide,
and that's a great motto
511
00:21:11,871 --> 00:21:13,340
to have here on Kaleidoscope
512
00:21:13,373 --> 00:21:14,908
as he's starting
to make that turn.
513
00:21:14,941 --> 00:21:16,843
There you go,
wide reach right there.
514
00:21:16,876 --> 00:21:19,746
That's the most efficient way
there on Kaleidoscope.
515
00:21:22,482 --> 00:21:26,286
- Lands softly on the
first one, only 137 pounds.
516
00:21:26,319 --> 00:21:27,520
- Ooh, he's got his hair
in his face.
517
00:21:27,554 --> 00:21:28,988
He's got to blow that hair
out his face,
518
00:21:29,089 --> 00:21:30,423
I don't know what that's like.
519
00:21:30,457 --> 00:21:32,258
Look at him, he's shaking
his head back and forth.
520
00:21:32,292 --> 00:21:34,994
- I'm not sure he can even see
as he makes these moves.
521
00:21:35,095 --> 00:21:36,663
- These obstacles
are hard enough.
522
00:21:36,696 --> 00:21:38,865
If you've got your hair
obstructing your view,
523
00:21:38,898 --> 00:21:40,433
that's almost impossible.
524
00:21:40,467 --> 00:21:41,868
Nice!
525
00:21:41,901 --> 00:21:44,804
- And the impressive run of
Christopher Harding Jones.
526
00:21:44,838 --> 00:21:47,841
- Ah, get out of here,
Christopher Harding Jones.
527
00:21:47,874 --> 00:21:49,309
- Got it.
- Okay.
528
00:21:49,342 --> 00:21:51,945
- Back to the Warped Wall.
529
00:21:51,978 --> 00:21:55,582
- Good job, man! Good job!
- Whoo!
530
00:21:55,615 --> 00:21:56,649
- He might want
to put that hair
531
00:21:56,683 --> 00:21:58,284
in a ponytail or something.
532
00:21:58,318 --> 00:21:59,786
- Problems we don't
have to worry about.
533
00:21:59,819 --> 00:22:01,621
- Just take your time!
- All day!
534
00:22:01,654 --> 00:22:03,056
- Just needs the Warped Wall,
535
00:22:03,056 --> 00:22:05,191
and he'll be headed
to the back half.
536
00:22:05,225 --> 00:22:06,793
- Nice!
- Got it.
537
00:22:06,826 --> 00:22:08,962
[cheers and applause]
538
00:22:09,062 --> 00:22:11,064
And look at the celebration.
- There you go.
539
00:22:11,064 --> 00:22:12,766
- This is so sick!
- Yeah.
540
00:22:12,799 --> 00:22:14,100
- Living wide, baby.
541
00:22:14,134 --> 00:22:16,803
both: Living wide!
- This kid is having a blast.
542
00:22:16,836 --> 00:22:19,272
I'm sure his dad
is watching from up above
543
00:22:19,305 --> 00:22:21,708
and just so proud
of this young man.
544
00:22:21,741 --> 00:22:24,144
So many of these athletes,
the obstacles on the course
545
00:22:24,177 --> 00:22:25,845
are nothing compared
to the obstacles
546
00:22:25,879 --> 00:22:27,614
they've overcome to get here.
547
00:22:27,647 --> 00:22:30,350
- It's already been an
amazing rookie year for him.
548
00:22:30,383 --> 00:22:33,386
If he can get
another buzzer, wow.
549
00:22:33,420 --> 00:22:35,155
- First time
on the Salmon Ladder.
550
00:22:36,756 --> 00:22:38,558
- Nice! Whoo!
551
00:22:38,591 --> 00:22:40,560
Look at that!
- Reverse grip.
552
00:22:40,593 --> 00:22:41,928
- Nice, even pace.
553
00:22:41,961 --> 00:22:44,097
- You got this!
554
00:22:44,130 --> 00:22:45,432
- I think he's got
a full tank.
555
00:22:45,465 --> 00:22:47,701
- Now, we saw him almost
overshoot on Air Surfer,
556
00:22:47,734 --> 00:22:50,570
so watch it here.
Possible to pop this bar out.
557
00:22:50,603 --> 00:22:52,405
- Breathe! Whoo!
558
00:22:52,439 --> 00:22:54,441
- Get that swing! Good job.
559
00:22:54,474 --> 00:22:55,608
- Nice!
560
00:22:55,642 --> 00:22:57,177
- Just graduated
from high school.
561
00:22:57,210 --> 00:22:59,112
With his sensory disorder,
he could
562
00:22:59,112 --> 00:23:00,680
never do traditional sports,
563
00:23:00,714 --> 00:23:02,916
but he has found a home
in Ninja.
564
00:23:02,949 --> 00:23:05,318
18 inches up,
needs some power here.
565
00:23:05,352 --> 00:23:06,853
- Big up!
566
00:23:06,886 --> 00:23:08,188
- Looked like he was going
for it and thought again.
567
00:23:08,221 --> 00:23:09,789
- Oh, nice!
- Got it!
568
00:23:09,823 --> 00:23:11,691
- He's said, "I'm not about
to make the rookie mistake."
569
00:23:11,725 --> 00:23:14,361
- Teenager Ethan Bartnicki
got through this earlier.
570
00:23:14,394 --> 00:23:16,563
Topher trying
to be the second.
571
00:23:16,596 --> 00:23:19,466
The teen invasion continuing.
572
00:23:19,499 --> 00:23:21,501
And this amazing run
continuing.
573
00:23:21,534 --> 00:23:23,770
He's reached
the ninth obstacle.
574
00:23:23,803 --> 00:23:25,638
What will he do
at Split Decision?
575
00:23:25,672 --> 00:23:27,640
- He's walking straight
to Flipped Around.
576
00:23:27,674 --> 00:23:29,275
- Go for it.
Swing into it.
577
00:23:29,309 --> 00:23:30,610
Make sure it locks.
578
00:23:30,643 --> 00:23:32,078
- Ethan Bartnicki,
who fell on this
579
00:23:32,112 --> 00:23:33,880
minutes ago giving advice.
580
00:23:33,913 --> 00:23:36,483
Got to love how the ninjas
support each other.
581
00:23:36,516 --> 00:23:38,385
- This right here
is an upper-body test.
582
00:23:38,418 --> 00:23:39,686
What does he have left?
583
00:23:39,719 --> 00:23:41,788
- Get that lower body
locked in.
584
00:23:41,821 --> 00:23:44,391
- He needs to use his legs.
Wrap them around.
585
00:23:44,424 --> 00:23:45,625
There you go. Okay!
586
00:23:45,658 --> 00:23:47,827
- Did he learn
from watching Bartnicki?
587
00:23:47,861 --> 00:23:49,629
Will he be able
to lock the board in place?
588
00:23:49,662 --> 00:23:52,665
- You got it, Topher! Whoo!
589
00:23:52,699 --> 00:23:54,834
- Gotta generate the power.
590
00:23:54,868 --> 00:23:56,903
Locked in, and good job.
591
00:23:56,936 --> 00:24:00,540
[cheers and applause]
592
00:24:00,573 --> 00:24:02,575
And on to that second board.
593
00:24:02,609 --> 00:24:05,045
And got the foot on the cleat.
He's learning.
594
00:24:05,045 --> 00:24:07,514
He's improving from first
board to the second board.
595
00:24:07,547 --> 00:24:09,349
- Wow, look at that.
596
00:24:09,382 --> 00:24:10,850
Here we go.
Gotta get up there.
597
00:24:10,884 --> 00:24:12,419
- Give it all you got!
598
00:24:12,452 --> 00:24:14,954
- Matt, where did
this kid come from?
599
00:24:15,055 --> 00:24:18,091
He wasn't on "Ninja Junior,"
we didn't know much about him
600
00:24:18,124 --> 00:24:21,194
before the season,
but he continues to amaze us.
601
00:24:21,227 --> 00:24:22,729
He may be
our rookie of the year.
602
00:24:22,762 --> 00:24:26,933
- Just needs the dismount.
If he can hold on.
603
00:24:26,966 --> 00:24:28,335
And he holds on!
604
00:24:28,368 --> 00:24:30,904
And look at this,
Christopher Harding Jones.
605
00:24:30,937 --> 00:24:32,772
- Okay!
- And he's gonna do it.
606
00:24:32,806 --> 00:24:35,842
[cheers and applause]
607
00:24:41,614 --> 00:24:43,083
crowd: [chanting]
Living wide! Living wide!
608
00:24:43,116 --> 00:24:46,786
- 35 feet away from getting
his second buzzer.
609
00:24:46,820 --> 00:24:49,889
Big man, first person
to take on the Spider Trap.
610
00:24:49,923 --> 00:24:52,959
Three sets of doors,
each side weighing 50 pounds.
611
00:24:52,992 --> 00:24:54,427
crowd: [chanting]
Living wide! Living wide!
612
00:24:54,461 --> 00:24:57,097
- And this entire crowd
chanting "living wide."
613
00:24:57,097 --> 00:24:59,099
That's what this kid is doing.
614
00:24:59,099 --> 00:25:01,067
What a way to honor his dad.
615
00:25:01,101 --> 00:25:03,536
- His dad started this
"Living Wide" movement,
616
00:25:03,570 --> 00:25:05,939
what a legacy to leave behind.
617
00:25:06,039 --> 00:25:09,242
- And his son is showing
what it's all about.
618
00:25:09,275 --> 00:25:12,545
This young man with
sensory processing disorder
619
00:25:12,579 --> 00:25:15,849
has figured out how to handle
the bright lights here.
620
00:25:15,882 --> 00:25:17,884
One more set of doors.
621
00:25:17,917 --> 00:25:19,853
- Matt, no other rookie
this season
622
00:25:19,886 --> 00:25:22,922
has hit a buzzer
in qualifying and semifinals,
623
00:25:22,956 --> 00:25:26,693
but Christopher Harding Jones
is about to do it!
624
00:25:26,726 --> 00:25:29,763
- And a storybook ending
for this emotional journey.
625
00:25:29,796 --> 00:25:32,632
- Come on. Get it.
626
00:25:34,668 --> 00:25:36,236
- Putting his shoulder
into it.
627
00:25:36,269 --> 00:25:38,171
- There you go. Yeah!
628
00:25:38,204 --> 00:25:42,509
- And Christopher Harding
Jones continues to live wide
629
00:25:42,542 --> 00:25:45,545
and enjoy the high life 35 up.
630
00:25:45,578 --> 00:25:47,647
[buzzer blares]
631
00:25:47,681 --> 00:25:50,517
Getting the first buzzer
of the night!
632
00:25:50,550 --> 00:25:53,119
[cheers and applause]
633
00:25:55,722 --> 00:25:58,091
And overcome with emotion.
634
00:26:01,695 --> 00:26:05,198
- Let's go!
635
00:26:05,231 --> 00:26:08,401
- [laughs]
- Absolutely, Christopher.
636
00:26:08,435 --> 00:26:09,836
You did it, buddy.
637
00:26:09,869 --> 00:26:13,907
- I can't even believe it, bro.
35 feet closer to my dad.
638
00:26:13,940 --> 00:26:15,542
- Aww. Oh, wow.
- Oh, man.
639
00:26:15,575 --> 00:26:16,910
- Oh, my gosh.
640
00:26:16,943 --> 00:26:19,512
- Christopher,
that is so beautiful.
641
00:26:19,546 --> 00:26:20,947
- Well said.
642
00:26:21,047 --> 00:26:22,449
- What do you think your dad
would be thinking
643
00:26:22,482 --> 00:26:25,251
right now seeing you
living wide?
644
00:26:25,285 --> 00:26:27,053
- I don't even know, bro.
He'd be so proud,
645
00:26:27,053 --> 00:26:29,489
I can't even, like,
express it with words.
646
00:26:29,522 --> 00:26:30,790
- Well, Topher, let me
tell you something.
647
00:26:30,824 --> 00:26:32,592
I can some express
some words to you, man.
648
00:26:32,625 --> 00:26:34,961
You're going to Las Vegas.
649
00:26:35,061 --> 00:26:37,831
- Oh, my gosh,
thank you so much!
650
00:26:37,864 --> 00:26:41,301
[cheers and applause]
651
00:26:41,334 --> 00:26:44,404
- He honors his dad
every time he hits the course,
652
00:26:44,437 --> 00:26:47,507
and Christopher Harding Jones
lived wide tonight.
653
00:26:47,540 --> 00:26:49,809
The first to conquer
the ninth obstacle
654
00:26:49,843 --> 00:26:52,379
and our first finisher
of the night.
655
00:26:53,813 --> 00:26:56,483
- And he's gonna share
a big hug with Mom.
656
00:26:56,516 --> 00:26:58,084
How can you not love this kid?
657
00:27:00,353 --> 00:27:03,123
- Don't let anyone tell you
you can't do something.
658
00:27:12,032 --> 00:27:14,034
- Welcome back to
"American Ninja Warrior."
659
00:27:14,034 --> 00:27:16,336
A couple of athletes
from other sports
660
00:27:16,369 --> 00:27:18,204
hit the course minutes ago.
661
00:27:18,238 --> 00:27:20,473
Basketball coach
Liv Hackmann showed off
662
00:27:20,507 --> 00:27:22,542
her impressive handles
at the start line.
663
00:27:22,575 --> 00:27:24,844
- Matt, she's got hoop dreams,
she's ready for it.
664
00:27:24,878 --> 00:27:26,179
- Hackmann played
college hoops
665
00:27:26,212 --> 00:27:27,914
at Southeast Missouri State.
666
00:27:27,947 --> 00:27:30,517
And she got some big air
on Over Under.
667
00:27:30,550 --> 00:27:32,786
- Oh, was able
to slam it through!
668
00:27:32,819 --> 00:27:34,554
- The 5'9" rookie was making
669
00:27:34,587 --> 00:27:36,489
all the right moves
on Air Surfer.
670
00:27:36,523 --> 00:27:39,793
- Come on, come on. Ooh!
- No!
671
00:27:39,826 --> 00:27:42,062
Until she came up short
on the dismount.
672
00:27:42,095 --> 00:27:43,396
- That's a bummer.
673
00:27:43,430 --> 00:27:46,066
- Professional wrestler
Sem Garay was ready
674
00:27:46,099 --> 00:27:48,835
to drop the hammer
on the semifinals.
675
00:27:48,868 --> 00:27:50,837
- Well, let's see if
Sem Garay is gonna
676
00:27:50,870 --> 00:27:52,305
huff and blow
this course down.
677
00:27:52,339 --> 00:27:54,074
- He's been
entertaining audiences
678
00:27:54,107 --> 00:27:56,543
in the Chicago area
for five years.
679
00:27:56,576 --> 00:27:57,777
- Nice!
680
00:27:57,811 --> 00:27:59,479
- And he put on
a show tonight.
681
00:27:59,512 --> 00:28:02,315
- All right, come on. Whoo!
682
00:28:02,349 --> 00:28:04,818
Like Ric Flair! Whoo!
683
00:28:04,851 --> 00:28:06,786
- The four-time
Ninja veteran was wrestling
684
00:28:06,820 --> 00:28:08,888
his way across Kaleidoscope...
685
00:28:08,922 --> 00:28:10,156
- Oh!
686
00:28:10,190 --> 00:28:11,858
- When he went down
for the count.
687
00:28:11,891 --> 00:28:14,427
- One, two, three.
688
00:28:14,461 --> 00:28:15,829
[bell dinging]
And you're out!
689
00:28:17,130 --> 00:28:19,766
- Well, you can never
count out our next athlete.
690
00:28:19,799 --> 00:28:24,270
It's the legendary ninja
James "The Beast" McGrath.
691
00:28:24,304 --> 00:28:26,439
After injuries
kept him out for years,
692
00:28:26,473 --> 00:28:28,742
the veteran returned
a few weeks ago in qualifying
693
00:28:28,775 --> 00:28:31,144
and had a life-changing run.
694
00:28:32,612 --> 00:28:35,615
And James McGrath is
going for the 10,000.
695
00:28:35,648 --> 00:28:38,151
crowd: [chanting]
Beat that wall! Beat that wall!
696
00:28:38,184 --> 00:28:40,954
both:
Oh!
697
00:28:41,054 --> 00:28:42,622
[buzzer blares]
- Yeah!
698
00:28:42,655 --> 00:28:46,760
- The Beast conquered the
Mega Wall, winning $10,000.
699
00:28:46,793 --> 00:28:49,129
The Beast is back!
700
00:28:49,162 --> 00:28:51,865
And then proposed to his
long-time girlfriend,
701
00:28:51,898 --> 00:28:53,933
fellow ninja Allyssa Beird.
702
00:28:53,967 --> 00:28:56,069
He's dropping to one knee!
703
00:28:56,069 --> 00:28:57,971
She said yes!
- She said yes!
704
00:28:58,071 --> 00:29:00,440
Oh, she said yes!
- She said yes!
705
00:29:02,575 --> 00:29:05,078
Allyssa won't be
on the sideline tonight.
706
00:29:05,111 --> 00:29:07,313
She's watching
from back in Massachusetts.
707
00:29:07,347 --> 00:29:09,015
- You got this.
I love you.
708
00:29:09,049 --> 00:29:10,483
- I love you.
709
00:29:10,517 --> 00:29:12,519
- Aww, look at that, Matt.
- Love is in the air.
710
00:29:12,552 --> 00:29:14,154
[countdown clock beeping]
711
00:29:14,187 --> 00:29:17,023
McGrath first competed
way back in season two.
712
00:29:17,057 --> 00:29:18,725
I nicknamed him
"The Beast" because
713
00:29:18,758 --> 00:29:20,326
he was a dominant figure.
714
00:29:20,360 --> 00:29:21,528
He was one
of the sport's elites.
715
00:29:21,561 --> 00:29:22,929
- Nice. Yes.
716
00:29:23,029 --> 00:29:24,397
- He missed
three seasons because
717
00:29:24,431 --> 00:29:26,166
of multiple
shoulder surgeries.
718
00:29:26,199 --> 00:29:28,034
Returned with a vengeance
in qualifying,
719
00:29:28,034 --> 00:29:31,104
got that Mega Wall,
and hasn't missed a beat.
720
00:29:31,137 --> 00:29:33,373
Wants to show these
young bucks that an old hand
721
00:29:33,406 --> 00:29:34,941
like him can still do it.
722
00:29:35,041 --> 00:29:37,243
- Ooh, he was rushing right
there and fell backwards.
723
00:29:37,277 --> 00:29:40,113
Now he's got
to make this big lache.
724
00:29:40,146 --> 00:29:42,482
You know that extra work
can catch up to you.
725
00:29:42,515 --> 00:29:44,484
[cheers and applause]
726
00:29:44,517 --> 00:29:46,152
- He's got friends
and fellow ninjas
727
00:29:46,186 --> 00:29:49,122
from Massachusetts
on the sideline.
728
00:29:49,155 --> 00:29:51,658
The Beast's always been
a fan favorite.
729
00:29:51,691 --> 00:29:54,594
Been to the National Finals
seven times in his career,
730
00:29:54,627 --> 00:29:56,796
including making it
as far as stage three.
731
00:29:56,830 --> 00:29:59,366
- Nice and precise here.
You've got this.
732
00:29:59,399 --> 00:30:02,068
- James is really looking
to complete his comeback
733
00:30:02,102 --> 00:30:05,138
by getting back to the
National Finals this year.
734
00:30:05,171 --> 00:30:07,040
- Just an explosive athlete.
735
00:30:07,073 --> 00:30:09,409
Track, football,
really came into his own
736
00:30:09,442 --> 00:30:11,611
in "Ninja Warrior."
737
00:30:11,644 --> 00:30:13,813
And looks like he's gonna
get through Air Surfer.
738
00:30:13,847 --> 00:30:16,549
- Whoo! Yes!
739
00:30:16,583 --> 00:30:18,852
- All right, let's see him
sprint through Diamond Dash.
740
00:30:18,885 --> 00:30:20,220
Let's see that
track form here.
741
00:30:20,253 --> 00:30:21,388
Nice form.
- Perfect.
742
00:30:21,421 --> 00:30:23,623
[cheers and applause]
743
00:30:23,656 --> 00:30:26,559
At Kaleidoscope now.
744
00:30:26,593 --> 00:30:29,729
He's worked so hard to recover
from those shoulder injuries.
745
00:30:29,763 --> 00:30:32,899
Years of rehab and training
to rebuild his strength.
746
00:30:32,932 --> 00:30:36,369
You can see him using
those lats just to elevate,
747
00:30:36,403 --> 00:30:37,671
make those power moves.
748
00:30:37,704 --> 00:30:39,906
- He's showing some good
upper-body strength there.
749
00:30:39,939 --> 00:30:42,308
- 6'2", one of
our taller ninjas,
750
00:30:42,342 --> 00:30:43,510
so he's got good reach.
751
00:30:43,543 --> 00:30:46,179
Making a comeback
at 35 years old.
752
00:30:46,212 --> 00:30:48,715
That's how dedicated
he is to Ninja.
753
00:30:48,748 --> 00:30:50,984
You can just see
how calm he looks.
754
00:30:51,017 --> 00:30:53,753
That's where that height
comes into play for him,
755
00:30:53,787 --> 00:30:56,556
making those reaches.
756
00:30:58,591 --> 00:31:01,761
Now this quarter-inch lip.
757
00:31:01,795 --> 00:31:03,930
Lot of falls right here.
758
00:31:03,963 --> 00:31:05,765
Oh, no!
759
00:31:05,799 --> 00:31:07,734
- No! No!
760
00:31:07,767 --> 00:31:10,537
- Oh, man,
he's devastated, Matt.
761
00:31:10,570 --> 00:31:14,374
Well, three years away,
was so strong in qualifying,
762
00:31:14,407 --> 00:31:17,077
and it just comes
to a shocking end.
763
00:31:17,077 --> 00:31:19,612
The Beast bested
by the Kaleidoscope.
764
00:31:19,646 --> 00:31:21,715
- It's okay.
765
00:31:21,748 --> 00:31:24,651
- He had to make
a few extra moves early,
766
00:31:24,684 --> 00:31:26,319
and that may have
caught up to him.
767
00:31:26,353 --> 00:31:28,822
On Kaleidoscope,
he just didn't get a grip
768
00:31:28,855 --> 00:31:30,123
on that final ledge,
769
00:31:30,156 --> 00:31:32,492
and his fingers
slipped right off.
770
00:31:32,525 --> 00:31:34,627
And years of fighting
his way back,
771
00:31:34,661 --> 00:31:36,896
you can feel his frustration.
772
00:31:39,232 --> 00:31:41,468
- Ah, look at him,
his boys coming out.
773
00:31:41,501 --> 00:31:43,203
That's what friends are for.
774
00:31:43,236 --> 00:31:46,373
Not the way James McGrath
wanted his comeback to end,
775
00:31:46,406 --> 00:31:50,377
but hopefully, we'll see him
and Allyssa back next year.
776
00:31:50,410 --> 00:31:53,747
Coming up,
he's amazed us before.
777
00:31:53,780 --> 00:31:55,515
- Oh, he just 360'ed!
778
00:31:55,548 --> 00:31:58,151
- What's the Classy Ninja,
Donovan Metoyer,
779
00:31:58,184 --> 00:31:59,853
gonna pull out tonight?
780
00:31:59,886 --> 00:32:03,056
Plus, wait till you see
who's running the course next.
781
00:32:03,089 --> 00:32:05,425
It's gonna be
a jolly good time.
782
00:32:05,458 --> 00:32:07,527
- Ho ho ho ho!
783
00:32:14,234 --> 00:32:16,836
- Christmas came early
here at Universal Studios.
784
00:32:16,870 --> 00:32:19,539
When Tristan Wyman
from North Pole, Alaska,
785
00:32:19,572 --> 00:32:21,241
hit the start line
minutes ago,
786
00:32:21,274 --> 00:32:24,210
that other guy from the
North Pole hit our booth.
787
00:32:24,244 --> 00:32:25,712
- Oh, hey, what's up, Santa?
788
00:32:25,745 --> 00:32:27,714
- Oh, my,
he's brought us gifts.
789
00:32:27,747 --> 00:32:30,316
What did you get, Akbar?
- Oh, I got a candy cane.
790
00:32:30,350 --> 00:32:32,686
What'd he bring you?
- I don't know, it feels heavy.
791
00:32:32,719 --> 00:32:34,154
- Oh, boy.
792
00:32:34,187 --> 00:32:35,555
[laughs]
793
00:32:35,588 --> 00:32:36,856
- A lump of coal.
794
00:32:36,890 --> 00:32:38,558
- Oh, man.
795
00:32:38,591 --> 00:32:40,260
- On the course,
Wyman was hoping
796
00:32:40,293 --> 00:32:42,896
for the best gift of all,
a trip to Vegas.
797
00:32:42,929 --> 00:32:45,365
- This obstacle right here,
this thing can be naughty.
798
00:32:45,398 --> 00:32:47,233
- The 21-year-old
college student
799
00:32:47,267 --> 00:32:50,003
who trains in sub-zero
temperatures in Alaska
800
00:32:50,103 --> 00:32:51,971
made it to the semifinals
as a rookie.
801
00:32:52,005 --> 00:32:54,541
- Oh, no! He slipped!
802
00:32:54,574 --> 00:32:56,376
- But his holiday
in Hollywood ended
803
00:32:56,409 --> 00:32:58,345
after just three obstacles.
804
00:32:58,378 --> 00:33:00,880
Well, back to the North Pole
with you, my friend.
805
00:33:00,914 --> 00:33:02,482
- Bye, Santa.
806
00:33:02,515 --> 00:33:06,786
- Atlanta actor DeShawn Harris
was ready for his closeup
807
00:33:06,820 --> 00:33:08,955
and showed
his range of emotions.
808
00:33:10,056 --> 00:33:11,725
- That's right, baby.
Let's get this course, baby!
809
00:33:11,758 --> 00:33:13,860
- That earned him
a round of applause.
810
00:33:13,893 --> 00:33:17,130
And his performance on the
course also showed promise.
811
00:33:17,163 --> 00:33:18,865
[cheers and applause]
812
00:33:18,898 --> 00:33:20,667
- Matt, he's got
so much energy.
813
00:33:20,700 --> 00:33:23,603
- The five-time veteran
was trying to get to Vegas
814
00:33:23,636 --> 00:33:25,572
for the second year in a row.
815
00:33:25,605 --> 00:33:28,108
- Oh!
816
00:33:28,141 --> 00:33:31,177
- His fall on Kaleidoscope
left his hopes in doubt,
817
00:33:31,211 --> 00:33:33,580
but he went out
with a showstopper.
818
00:33:33,613 --> 00:33:34,981
Oh!
819
00:33:35,081 --> 00:33:38,118
- Oh, he's having fun.
Go out with a splash.
820
00:33:38,151 --> 00:33:40,420
- Avid outdoorsman
Parker Hewes
821
00:33:40,453 --> 00:33:43,223
cooked up some campfire
s'mores before his run.
822
00:33:43,256 --> 00:33:45,158
- That'll give him
some energy!
823
00:33:45,191 --> 00:33:46,926
- Hewes gets his
Ninja training out
824
00:33:46,960 --> 00:33:48,962
in the mountains of Wyoming.
825
00:33:48,995 --> 00:33:51,631
But he wore a Hawaiian shirt
for his run tonight.
826
00:33:51,664 --> 00:33:54,134
- Out there looking like
Magnum PI!
827
00:33:54,167 --> 00:33:56,836
- He was looking good
when he reached Air Surfer,
828
00:33:56,870 --> 00:33:59,706
but the chiropractor couldn't
make the right adjustments.
829
00:33:59,739 --> 00:34:01,408
- Oh!
830
00:34:01,441 --> 00:34:04,544
[air horn blares]
He just hit the wall, Matt.
831
00:34:06,112 --> 00:34:07,514
- On the course right now,
832
00:34:07,547 --> 00:34:10,150
the Classy Ninja,
Donovan Metoyer.
833
00:34:10,183 --> 00:34:12,352
Wears a suit
every time he runs.
834
00:34:12,385 --> 00:34:13,553
- Oh, check him out.
835
00:34:13,586 --> 00:34:15,055
He looks good tonight,
don't he?
836
00:34:15,088 --> 00:34:16,690
Nice, nice, nice, keep going.
837
00:34:16,723 --> 00:34:18,291
- A great pace.
838
00:34:18,324 --> 00:34:19,859
- Let's do it!
839
00:34:19,893 --> 00:34:22,062
- Everybody loves
to watch the Classy Ninja,
840
00:34:22,062 --> 00:34:25,231
especially that guy.
He's got a suit too.
841
00:34:25,265 --> 00:34:27,267
[cheers and applause]
842
00:34:27,300 --> 00:34:30,136
- Well, fans know, not only
does Donovan look good,
843
00:34:30,170 --> 00:34:34,140
he does crazy moves like
going 360 on the Warped Wall.
844
00:34:34,174 --> 00:34:38,078
I just don't know how you
have the reach in this jacket.
845
00:34:38,078 --> 00:34:39,679
I mean, my jacket's
got a little stretch.
846
00:34:39,713 --> 00:34:42,716
I'm not doing Kaleidoscope
in a three-piece suit.
847
00:34:42,749 --> 00:34:44,217
- All right,
he means business, Matt.
848
00:34:44,250 --> 00:34:45,685
All he needs is a briefcase.
849
00:34:45,719 --> 00:34:47,620
- He is a businessman.
850
00:34:47,654 --> 00:34:50,790
Runs the biggest Ninja gym
in the Kansas City area.
851
00:34:50,824 --> 00:34:52,492
Started competing
in season five,
852
00:34:52,525 --> 00:34:55,395
but had his best success
the past two years.
853
00:34:55,428 --> 00:34:56,830
And gets through.
854
00:34:56,863 --> 00:34:59,833
Known for doing 360s
on the Warped Wall.
855
00:34:59,866 --> 00:35:01,901
He's done it
a couple of times.
856
00:35:01,935 --> 00:35:03,436
Is he going to do it,
you think?
857
00:35:08,742 --> 00:35:10,143
- No trick. Straight up.
858
00:35:10,176 --> 00:35:13,046
- No tricks tonight.
He just wants a buzzer.
859
00:35:13,046 --> 00:35:15,715
[cheers and applause]
860
00:35:15,749 --> 00:35:18,051
Now on to the back half,
jacket's coming off.
861
00:35:18,051 --> 00:35:19,452
- Oh, okay.
862
00:35:19,486 --> 00:35:21,688
- They call him the Classy
Ninja for a good reason.
863
00:35:21,721 --> 00:35:23,289
Take a look at his suits
864
00:35:23,323 --> 00:35:25,291
he's run the course in
over the years.
865
00:35:25,325 --> 00:35:27,894
- I like the white one.
That was sharp.
866
00:35:27,927 --> 00:35:29,863
Somebody needs
to get him a suit dealer.
867
00:35:29,896 --> 00:35:31,731
- See if he can keep
that suit dry
868
00:35:31,765 --> 00:35:33,700
for these
final four obstacles.
869
00:35:33,733 --> 00:35:35,468
- All right, here we go.
870
00:35:35,502 --> 00:35:38,805
- Click-clack.
Right up on the Salmon Ladder.
871
00:35:38,838 --> 00:35:41,207
[cheers and applause]
872
00:35:41,241 --> 00:35:43,877
Oh, had a decent pace
to this point, Akbar.
873
00:35:43,910 --> 00:35:45,345
If he gets through Ghost Town,
874
00:35:45,378 --> 00:35:47,681
he'll have done a good job
of positioning himself
875
00:35:47,714 --> 00:35:48,815
to return to Vegas.
876
00:35:48,848 --> 00:35:50,550
crowd: [chanting]
Donovan! Donovan!
877
00:35:50,583 --> 00:35:53,286
- And listen to the crowd,
they're chanting his name.
878
00:35:53,319 --> 00:35:55,522
They love this guy.
879
00:35:55,555 --> 00:35:57,123
- Up 18 inches here.
880
00:35:57,157 --> 00:35:59,159
Got to launch it.
- All right, here we go.
881
00:35:59,192 --> 00:36:00,894
Go up. Up and over.
882
00:36:00,927 --> 00:36:03,096
Just like
a double Windsor tie.
883
00:36:06,232 --> 00:36:08,268
- And Donovan Metoyer
is through.
884
00:36:08,301 --> 00:36:11,438
Only the third person tonight
to reach Split Decision.
885
00:36:11,471 --> 00:36:13,540
Remember, last year,
he made it here
886
00:36:13,573 --> 00:36:16,242
and chose the Diving Boards,
and it did not end well.
887
00:36:16,276 --> 00:36:19,779
- Oh! He was so close!
888
00:36:19,813 --> 00:36:21,247
What's he gonna do tonight?
889
00:36:21,281 --> 00:36:24,184
Oh, headed towards
Flipped Around.
890
00:36:24,217 --> 00:36:26,252
- No, going back
to Diving Boards.
891
00:36:26,286 --> 00:36:28,254
- He's like,
"I'm coming back for you."
892
00:36:28,288 --> 00:36:29,522
- It's revenge!
893
00:36:29,556 --> 00:36:31,057
- He said,
"Oh, you think I forgot?"
894
00:36:31,057 --> 00:36:33,626
- Maybe this is the trick
he was saving up for.
895
00:36:33,660 --> 00:36:35,128
- Go! You got this!
896
00:36:35,161 --> 00:36:37,564
- Maybe he'll try a different
technique this year.
897
00:36:37,597 --> 00:36:41,067
- Ooh, oh, oh, oh!
both: Oh!
898
00:36:41,067 --> 00:36:42,602
- Again.
899
00:36:42,635 --> 00:36:44,070
- But his fans loved it,
900
00:36:44,104 --> 00:36:46,473
and he's almost assured
himself a spot in Vegas,
901
00:36:46,506 --> 00:36:49,075
but done in again
by the Diving Boards.
902
00:36:49,075 --> 00:36:51,845
- Last year, he led off
with his right foot.
903
00:36:51,878 --> 00:36:54,080
This year, he started
with his left.
904
00:36:54,080 --> 00:36:56,082
But the result was the same.
905
00:36:56,116 --> 00:36:59,452
Came up short and slammed
right into the pad.
906
00:36:59,486 --> 00:37:01,755
- Coming up, at only 5'2",
907
00:37:01,788 --> 00:37:05,058
he's become one of Ninja's
biggest stars.
908
00:37:05,091 --> 00:37:06,726
[buzzer blares]
- Whoo!
909
00:37:06,760 --> 00:37:07,761
- Hey! No, wait!
910
00:37:07,794 --> 00:37:09,029
- But it's his big family
911
00:37:09,029 --> 00:37:10,897
that made Nate so gnarly.
912
00:37:10,930 --> 00:37:13,299
[laughter]
- No. No, no, no.
913
00:37:13,333 --> 00:37:16,569
- And we'll meet them next
on "American Ninja Warrior."
914
00:37:21,141 --> 00:37:22,842
- Welcome back to
Universal Studios, Hollywood,
915
00:37:22,876 --> 00:37:26,046
where we're midway through
our last night of semifinals.
916
00:37:26,079 --> 00:37:28,748
- This is your last chance
to punch your ticket to Vegas,
917
00:37:28,782 --> 00:37:31,685
and these ninjas
are going all out.
918
00:37:31,718 --> 00:37:33,486
Moments ago, Jacob Arnstein
919
00:37:33,520 --> 00:37:35,622
was carrying the flag
of Guatemala,
920
00:37:35,655 --> 00:37:37,624
the country
he was adopted from.
921
00:37:37,657 --> 00:37:39,159
- How cool is it?
922
00:37:39,192 --> 00:37:41,061
- Kids from the orphanage
where Arnstein once lived
923
00:37:41,094 --> 00:37:43,063
were watching, and his family,
924
00:37:43,063 --> 00:37:46,066
including his little brother,
were on the sidelines
925
00:37:46,066 --> 00:37:50,170
as the 5'3" teenager rolled
through the early obstacles.
926
00:37:50,203 --> 00:37:52,339
- Good power. Wow.
927
00:37:52,372 --> 00:37:54,808
- His brother and Jacob
both asked
928
00:37:54,841 --> 00:37:57,077
for some help from above
before Diamond Dash,
929
00:37:57,077 --> 00:37:59,913
and their prayers
were answered.
930
00:38:00,013 --> 00:38:03,016
The high school student
hit a buzzer in qualifying,
931
00:38:03,016 --> 00:38:04,884
and he made it
up the wall again.
932
00:38:04,918 --> 00:38:06,753
Hey, show me them muscles.
933
00:38:06,786 --> 00:38:08,188
Show me them muscles!
934
00:38:08,221 --> 00:38:11,291
At only 113 pounds,
he was able to fly
935
00:38:11,324 --> 00:38:12,926
through Ghost Town.
936
00:38:13,026 --> 00:38:14,394
- Got it.
937
00:38:14,427 --> 00:38:17,263
- At 15, Arnstein is the
night's youngest competitor.
938
00:38:17,297 --> 00:38:21,034
But he made it all the way
to the ninth obstacle--
939
00:38:21,034 --> 00:38:22,869
- Oh, no!
940
00:38:22,902 --> 00:38:26,039
- And he's almost assured
of moving on to Vegas.
941
00:38:27,640 --> 00:38:30,577
The Maker, obstacle designer
Kevin Carbone,
942
00:38:30,610 --> 00:38:32,312
came out running
like he wanted
943
00:38:32,345 --> 00:38:33,680
to get to the Power Tower.
944
00:38:33,713 --> 00:38:36,249
- Running with
an urgency here, Akbar.
945
00:38:36,282 --> 00:38:38,785
- The 26-year-old
kept up the fast pace
946
00:38:38,818 --> 00:38:40,687
and powered through
Ghost Town.
947
00:38:40,720 --> 00:38:42,255
- Here he is,
the ninth obstacle,
948
00:38:42,288 --> 00:38:44,190
and a great pace
to this point.
949
00:38:44,224 --> 00:38:46,126
And when he reached
Split Decision,
950
00:38:46,159 --> 00:38:48,061
he waved off Flipped Around
951
00:38:48,094 --> 00:38:50,397
and went with the
quicker option, Diving Boards.
952
00:38:50,430 --> 00:38:53,266
- I think he's going
for the Power Tower.
953
00:38:53,299 --> 00:38:55,568
No!
[air horn blares]
954
00:38:55,602 --> 00:38:58,638
The Maker Ninja couldn't
make it work on Diving Boards.
955
00:38:58,672 --> 00:39:01,041
- But with his speed,
he's got a good chance
956
00:39:01,074 --> 00:39:03,610
at moving on
to the National Finals.
957
00:39:04,911 --> 00:39:07,380
- He is only 5'2",
but Nate Hansen
958
00:39:07,414 --> 00:39:11,017
is quickly becoming one
of the biggest stars in Ninja.
959
00:39:11,017 --> 00:39:12,886
And he blew us away
with the fastest time
960
00:39:12,919 --> 00:39:14,854
in qualifying a few weeks ago.
961
00:39:14,888 --> 00:39:17,624
And tonight,
Nate's got extra motivation.
962
00:39:17,657 --> 00:39:20,527
His entire family
is on the sideline
963
00:39:20,560 --> 00:39:22,228
for the very first time.
964
00:39:23,596 --> 00:39:25,699
- You ready to go?
- Yeah.
965
00:39:25,732 --> 00:39:28,301
[laughter]
- Please don't hurt each other.
966
00:39:28,335 --> 00:39:31,705
- Growing up in a large family
made me who I am today.
967
00:39:31,738 --> 00:39:33,573
- You got socks on, bro,
you're about to die.
968
00:39:33,606 --> 00:39:35,108
Ahh!
969
00:39:35,141 --> 00:39:36,276
- Our house is loud.
970
00:39:36,309 --> 00:39:38,345
Stop playing with the avocados!
- Hey!
971
00:39:38,378 --> 00:39:40,947
- Very loud.
- Very loud and very crazy.
972
00:39:41,047 --> 00:39:44,384
- No. No, no, no.
[laughter]
973
00:39:44,417 --> 00:39:46,119
- He's drinking milk
in the corner.
974
00:39:46,152 --> 00:39:48,254
- Is there no other place
to sit in the kitchen?
975
00:39:48,288 --> 00:39:50,056
- I'm the oldest of five.
976
00:39:50,090 --> 00:39:51,891
I have two biological brothers
977
00:39:51,925 --> 00:39:54,794
and two adopted brothers
as well.
978
00:39:54,828 --> 00:39:57,263
- Hey, no, wait.
- Give me that.
979
00:39:57,297 --> 00:40:00,200
- And we go through a lot
of food and a lot of laundry.
980
00:40:00,233 --> 00:40:03,036
About 17 loads a week.
981
00:40:03,069 --> 00:40:04,204
- A lot of laughs, though.
982
00:40:04,237 --> 00:40:05,805
- Yes. A lot of laughs.
983
00:40:05,839 --> 00:40:07,874
- * Watch us, watch us fly *
984
00:40:07,907 --> 00:40:10,010
* Let life take us *
985
00:40:10,043 --> 00:40:12,045
[upbeat music]
986
00:40:12,078 --> 00:40:14,381
- Nathan is an
excellent big brother.
987
00:40:14,414 --> 00:40:18,284
Him off the course, he's more
impressive than on the course.
988
00:40:18,318 --> 00:40:19,686
- Oh, that was better!
989
00:40:19,719 --> 00:40:22,122
- Which, as a parent,
to watch him not only
990
00:40:22,155 --> 00:40:26,693
be a remarkable human but a
remarkable athlete is a gift,
991
00:40:26,726 --> 00:40:29,629
and I don't know that
you could really ask for more.
992
00:40:29,662 --> 00:40:31,931
- Whoa!
- He's taking me out.
993
00:40:31,965 --> 00:40:33,466
- He's definitely
an inspiration.
994
00:40:33,500 --> 00:40:36,936
His work ethic is like no
other person I've ever seen.
995
00:40:36,970 --> 00:40:39,272
Because of his height,
Nathan's always been
996
00:40:39,305 --> 00:40:41,574
the underdog in whatever
he'd do.
997
00:40:41,608 --> 00:40:43,376
But he would do it really,
really well.
998
00:40:43,410 --> 00:40:45,745
* *
999
00:40:45,779 --> 00:40:47,313
- Oh, they are hungry.
1000
00:40:47,347 --> 00:40:49,082
- The fact that my brothers
get to come out here
1001
00:40:49,115 --> 00:40:51,618
and watch me tonight
is absolutely incredible.
1002
00:40:51,651 --> 00:40:54,087
They've never seen me live,
so it's going to be amazing
1003
00:40:54,120 --> 00:40:55,755
to have them there
cheering me on.
1004
00:40:55,789 --> 00:40:57,323
They are my number one fans.
1005
00:40:57,357 --> 00:41:00,360
- * Let love take us high *
1006
00:41:03,596 --> 00:41:06,900
- And you can already hear
the chants of Gnarly Nate.
1007
00:41:06,933 --> 00:41:08,802
- This guy's an inspiration
to his brothers
1008
00:41:08,835 --> 00:41:11,905
and all Ninja fans,
especially underdogs.
1009
00:41:11,938 --> 00:41:14,841
- He was diagnosed with
growth hormone deficiency,
1010
00:41:14,874 --> 00:41:18,945
stopped growing at 5'2",
but never let it stop him.
1011
00:41:18,978 --> 00:41:21,815
Got fans watching back
in Colorado as well.
1012
00:41:21,848 --> 00:41:24,384
[countdown clock beeping]
1013
00:41:24,417 --> 00:41:27,587
Well, Gnarly Ninja Nate
exploded onto the scene
1014
00:41:27,620 --> 00:41:29,222
in season 12 in St. Louis.
1015
00:41:29,255 --> 00:41:32,092
Blew us away not just
with his performance,
1016
00:41:32,092 --> 00:41:35,261
but with that confidence,
that swag.
1017
00:41:35,295 --> 00:41:37,364
- I tell ya,
every time he comes out here,
1018
00:41:37,397 --> 00:41:38,998
you know he means business.
1019
00:41:39,099 --> 00:41:40,567
- And he's studying
business marketing
1020
00:41:40,600 --> 00:41:42,402
at the University of Colorado.
1021
00:41:42,435 --> 00:41:44,204
About to graduate.
1022
00:41:44,237 --> 00:41:45,972
And he is quickly
through Over Under.
1023
00:41:46,006 --> 00:41:49,309
Nate Hansen, confident pace
out of this guy.
1024
00:41:49,342 --> 00:41:51,311
It's the way he attacks life.
1025
00:41:53,813 --> 00:41:56,716
- He knows what he wants.
He believes in his talent.
1026
00:41:56,750 --> 00:41:59,185
This is a young man that's
been doubted his whole life.
1027
00:41:59,219 --> 00:42:01,621
- And you can just see him
eyeing the cradle,
1028
00:42:01,654 --> 00:42:04,791
checking it up,
being so precise.
1029
00:42:04,824 --> 00:42:07,560
Seriously, I want to invest
with this young man.
1030
00:42:07,594 --> 00:42:11,297
'Cause I believe big things
await him, not just in Ninja.
1031
00:42:11,331 --> 00:42:12,499
Great dismount.
1032
00:42:12,532 --> 00:42:14,467
- This business student
means business.
1033
00:42:14,501 --> 00:42:17,070
- Diamond Dash can be a little
trickier for shorter ninjas.
1034
00:42:17,103 --> 00:42:19,739
- Bop, bop, bop, bop, bop!
Nice!
1035
00:42:19,773 --> 00:42:22,075
He's giving the family
a good show.
1036
00:42:22,108 --> 00:42:24,144
crowd: [chanting]
Gnarly Nate! Gnarly Nate!
1037
00:42:24,177 --> 00:42:25,812
- The crowd loves it.
1038
00:42:25,845 --> 00:42:27,681
On to Kaleidoscope.
1039
00:42:27,714 --> 00:42:31,651
Impossible not to be impacted
by this dude's positive energy.
1040
00:42:31,685 --> 00:42:33,920
Really have enjoyed
getting to know Nate.
1041
00:42:33,953 --> 00:42:35,689
Wears 12 on his shirt.
1042
00:42:35,722 --> 00:42:37,390
That was the age when
he was diagnosed
1043
00:42:37,424 --> 00:42:40,827
with growth hormone deficiency.
That was when his life changed.
1044
00:42:42,095 --> 00:42:43,329
- And look at this,
he's starting
1045
00:42:43,363 --> 00:42:44,397
to spin in circles, Matt.
1046
00:42:44,431 --> 00:42:46,733
He needs to straighten it out.
1047
00:42:46,766 --> 00:42:48,601
- Watch it here, though,
Kaleidoscope's a challenge.
1048
00:42:48,635 --> 00:42:50,970
These handles get small.
1049
00:42:51,004 --> 00:42:52,472
Some big reaches.
1050
00:42:52,505 --> 00:42:55,942
- And there's a good look at
him hanging by his fingertips.
1051
00:42:55,975 --> 00:42:59,012
Not easy to hold on.
- Now the final ledge.
1052
00:42:59,112 --> 00:43:00,714
It's only a quarter inch wide.
1053
00:43:00,747 --> 00:43:02,849
Oh, and he lands it!
1054
00:43:02,882 --> 00:43:05,051
And he is through.
1055
00:43:05,051 --> 00:43:08,254
And Nate just effortlessly
down through five obstacles.
1056
00:43:08,288 --> 00:43:11,224
He's calling for the crowd.
He's hyping it up.
1057
00:43:11,257 --> 00:43:15,328
crowd: [chanting]
Beat that wall! Beat that wall!
1058
00:43:15,362 --> 00:43:18,631
- And Nate Hansen on
to the back half again.
1059
00:43:18,665 --> 00:43:21,134
Nate has been training
so hard for this season
1060
00:43:21,167 --> 00:43:22,736
with his roommate Austin Gray.
1061
00:43:22,769 --> 00:43:25,271
They're both planning
to go far in Vegas.
1062
00:43:25,305 --> 00:43:27,607
There's Austin
coming down to join the family
1063
00:43:27,640 --> 00:43:29,476
on the sidelines.
1064
00:43:29,509 --> 00:43:31,311
And Nate keeping it moving.
1065
00:43:31,344 --> 00:43:33,947
Four more obstacles
to go to a buzzer.
1066
00:43:33,980 --> 00:43:35,248
- Here we go.
1067
00:43:35,281 --> 00:43:37,684
- Rat-a-tat,
here on the Salmon Ladder.
1068
00:43:37,717 --> 00:43:40,887
[cheers and applause]
1069
00:43:43,456 --> 00:43:45,592
Now the eighth obstacle,
and Ghost Town
1070
00:43:45,625 --> 00:43:47,794
has spooked
a few ninjas this season.
1071
00:43:47,827 --> 00:43:49,896
You can pop that bar
right out of the cradle.
1072
00:43:49,929 --> 00:43:51,431
Easy mistake to make.
1073
00:43:51,464 --> 00:43:52,732
- Matt, that one wasn't clean,
and this one,
1074
00:43:52,766 --> 00:43:54,701
he's gotta go
18 inches up here.
1075
00:43:54,734 --> 00:43:57,137
So he's gotta make sure
that he has enough power.
1076
00:43:57,170 --> 00:43:58,772
Nice.
- Got it.
1077
00:43:58,805 --> 00:44:01,675
Nate Hansen always rises
to the occasion,
1078
00:44:01,708 --> 00:44:04,244
and he's gonna get
through Ghost Town.
1079
00:44:04,277 --> 00:44:05,912
And right now, he's well ahead
1080
00:44:05,945 --> 00:44:09,416
of Christopher Harding Jones'
time for the fastest finish.
1081
00:44:09,449 --> 00:44:11,551
What will he do
at Split Decision?
1082
00:44:11,584 --> 00:44:13,953
- Being 5'2",
I think he'd be trippin'
1083
00:44:14,054 --> 00:44:16,322
if he tried the Diving Boards.
- Nah!
1084
00:44:16,356 --> 00:44:18,525
- He's not messing
around with Diving Boards.
1085
00:44:18,558 --> 00:44:21,528
- Come on, Nate.
- You got this, Nate.
1086
00:44:21,561 --> 00:44:24,230
- For some of these smaller,
lighter athletes,
1087
00:44:24,264 --> 00:44:26,499
it's a challenge
to get this big board
1088
00:44:26,533 --> 00:44:28,435
flipped around and locked in.
1089
00:44:28,468 --> 00:44:30,170
But look at the power
he's already getting.
1090
00:44:30,203 --> 00:44:31,705
- Yeah, and Matt,
you know what's so hard?
1091
00:44:31,738 --> 00:44:33,606
This thing is rocking him
like a baby,
1092
00:44:33,640 --> 00:44:35,475
and that makes it
hard to find that grip.
1093
00:44:35,508 --> 00:44:38,878
- There! That's power!
- Nice!
1094
00:44:38,912 --> 00:44:41,348
- Nate Hansen
always finds a way.
1095
00:44:41,381 --> 00:44:43,216
Got to do it again.
- Nice! Oh!
1096
00:44:43,249 --> 00:44:44,551
- Get those feet on!
1097
00:44:44,584 --> 00:44:47,821
- You gotta get your feet on
and wrap around.
1098
00:44:47,854 --> 00:44:49,089
That's it, wrap it around
1099
00:44:49,122 --> 00:44:50,590
and then you gotta
make your start
1100
00:44:50,623 --> 00:44:52,158
marching towards
the top there,
1101
00:44:52,192 --> 00:44:54,260
but again, that board starts
to swivel back and forth,
1102
00:44:54,294 --> 00:44:56,229
can be a little disruptive.
1103
00:44:56,262 --> 00:44:57,464
He's trying to--
ooh, don't jump--
1104
00:44:57,497 --> 00:44:58,631
he's trying to jump for it,
Matt.
1105
00:44:58,665 --> 00:44:59,933
- You can see--
oh, he's slipping.
1106
00:45:01,768 --> 00:45:04,104
And now locked in.
1107
00:45:04,137 --> 00:45:06,106
Big move. Got it!
- Nice.
1108
00:45:10,777 --> 00:45:12,245
Hold on!
1109
00:45:12,278 --> 00:45:15,315
[cheers and applause]
1110
00:45:16,950 --> 00:45:18,818
- And Gnarly Ninja Nate,
1111
00:45:18,852 --> 00:45:23,323
35 feet away from his second
straight semifinals buzzer.
1112
00:45:23,356 --> 00:45:24,891
- Oh, this is
gonna be impressive.
1113
00:45:24,924 --> 00:45:26,159
- Here we go!
1114
00:45:27,460 --> 00:45:29,696
And he should have
a very fast time.
1115
00:45:29,729 --> 00:45:31,831
And with his roommate
Austin Gray coming up later,
1116
00:45:31,865 --> 00:45:34,601
we could see best friends
on the Power Tower.
1117
00:45:34,634 --> 00:45:36,870
- Well, Nate fell
on stage one last year,
1118
00:45:36,903 --> 00:45:38,805
so he'd love
to have a Safety Pass.
1119
00:45:38,838 --> 00:45:41,274
- What a gnarly performance.
1120
00:45:41,307 --> 00:45:43,343
135 pounds, and he is moving
1121
00:45:43,376 --> 00:45:46,579
these 100-pound door sets
very easily.
1122
00:45:46,613 --> 00:45:48,248
- That's why they
call him Gnarly Nate.
1123
00:45:48,281 --> 00:45:50,550
- Look at this! Look at this!
- Get that buzzer!
1124
00:45:50,583 --> 00:45:54,654
- Gnarly Ninja Nate
coming up big once again.
1125
00:45:54,688 --> 00:45:56,089
- Oh, look at him!
1126
00:45:56,089 --> 00:45:58,892
- He gets his second buzzer
in the season
1127
00:45:58,925 --> 00:46:01,194
and is the fastest time
of the night so far!
1128
00:46:01,227 --> 00:46:06,132
- Let's go!
[cheers and applause]
1129
00:46:06,166 --> 00:46:10,937
- * Top of the mountain,
ready to fly *
1130
00:46:11,037 --> 00:46:13,940
* Let life take us,
let life take us *
1131
00:46:14,040 --> 00:46:16,276
- Nate Hansen.
Never a doubt, buddy.
1132
00:46:16,309 --> 00:46:17,477
Never a doubt.
1133
00:46:17,510 --> 00:46:19,913
But what's it like having
your family here
1134
00:46:19,946 --> 00:46:22,449
watching you dominate again,
my friend?
1135
00:46:22,482 --> 00:46:25,685
- Yeah, you know, without them,
I wouldn't be who I am today.
1136
00:46:25,719 --> 00:46:28,188
And having my family here
in person
1137
00:46:28,221 --> 00:46:30,957
to watch me hit a buzzer,
it means everything to me.
1138
00:46:31,057 --> 00:46:34,361
[cheers and applause]
1139
00:46:34,394 --> 00:46:37,197
crowd: [chanting]
Gnarly Nate! Gnarly Nate!
1140
00:46:37,230 --> 00:46:39,399
- They love you out here
in Los Angeles.
1141
00:46:39,432 --> 00:46:41,601
Congratulations,
you're going to Las Vegas.
1142
00:46:41,634 --> 00:46:43,069
- Yes, sir!
1143
00:46:43,069 --> 00:46:44,838
- We may see you
on the Power Tower
1144
00:46:44,871 --> 00:46:46,906
because you got the
fastest time so far!
1145
00:46:46,940 --> 00:46:48,174
Go celebrate, man.
Great job.
1146
00:46:48,208 --> 00:46:49,709
- That's right! Here we go!
[buzzer blares]
1147
00:46:49,743 --> 00:46:53,079
- Gnarly Ninja Nate
rollin' into Vegas!
1148
00:46:56,983 --> 00:46:58,885
Coming up, last season,
1149
00:46:58,918 --> 00:47:01,554
she had a run to remember
on stage one.
1150
00:47:01,588 --> 00:47:03,623
- Oh, wow! Strong!
1151
00:47:03,656 --> 00:47:05,492
- Isabella Wakeham
will try to punch
1152
00:47:05,525 --> 00:47:07,093
her return trip to Vegas
1153
00:47:07,127 --> 00:47:10,196
when "American Ninja Warrior"
returns.
1154
00:47:14,334 --> 00:47:16,269
- Welcome back to
"American Ninja Warrior"
1155
00:47:16,302 --> 00:47:18,304
at Universal Studios,
Hollywood,
1156
00:47:18,338 --> 00:47:20,874
where you can soar
over Hogwarts Castle,
1157
00:47:20,907 --> 00:47:23,043
journey into Jurassic World,
1158
00:47:23,043 --> 00:47:24,477
or let loose on Illumination's
1159
00:47:24,511 --> 00:47:27,380
The Secret Life Of Pets:
Off the Leash.
1160
00:47:27,414 --> 00:47:30,483
- And let's not forget
the world-famous studio tour,
1161
00:47:30,517 --> 00:47:32,252
where you'll go
behind the scenes
1162
00:47:32,285 --> 00:47:34,154
of your favorite film sets.
1163
00:47:34,187 --> 00:47:37,190
Make it your best day in LA.
1164
00:47:37,223 --> 00:47:40,060
- The shark from "Jaws"
is also at Universal,
1165
00:47:40,093 --> 00:47:42,796
and minutes ago,
we had our own shark attack
1166
00:47:42,829 --> 00:47:45,065
as Mark "The Shark" Antioquia
1167
00:47:45,065 --> 00:47:47,867
sent the crowd
into a feeding frenzy.
1168
00:47:47,901 --> 00:47:49,502
crowd: [chanting]
Mark the Shark!
1169
00:47:49,536 --> 00:47:51,938
- Mark the Shark has got to
smell that blood in the water.
1170
00:47:51,971 --> 00:47:53,873
- The 35-year-old
from Massachusetts
1171
00:47:53,907 --> 00:47:56,409
hit his first buzzer
back in qualifying.
1172
00:47:56,443 --> 00:47:58,144
- Nice!
1173
00:47:58,178 --> 00:48:00,680
- But tonight, when he
reached Air Surfer...
1174
00:48:00,714 --> 00:48:02,048
- Oh!
[air horn blares]
1175
00:48:02,082 --> 00:48:04,017
- He bit off more
than he could chew.
1176
00:48:04,050 --> 00:48:06,386
- Mark the Shark
missed the mark.
1177
00:48:06,419 --> 00:48:08,054
- Next time, right?
1178
00:48:09,456 --> 00:48:12,592
- 21-year-old Isaiah Wakeham
made it all the way
1179
00:48:12,625 --> 00:48:15,128
to stage two last season.
- Let's go!
1180
00:48:15,161 --> 00:48:16,663
- With his sister
and mom watching,
1181
00:48:16,696 --> 00:48:18,665
the filmmaker
and artist from Texas
1182
00:48:18,698 --> 00:48:21,468
made quick work
of the first few obstacles.
1183
00:48:21,501 --> 00:48:24,137
- Shake 'em off, Wakeham.
1184
00:48:24,170 --> 00:48:26,573
- But he ran into trouble
on Kaleidoscope...
1185
00:48:26,606 --> 00:48:28,308
- He's having a hard time
with the swing.
1186
00:48:28,341 --> 00:48:30,210
Moving around
like a kaleidoscope.
1187
00:48:30,243 --> 00:48:33,346
- And the extra swing
seemed to sap his energy.
1188
00:48:33,380 --> 00:48:36,449
- Oh!
[air horn blares]
1189
00:48:36,483 --> 00:48:39,052
Wow, he's looking up.
He's in shock.
1190
00:48:40,086 --> 00:48:42,055
- Well, now his
younger sister, Isabella,
1191
00:48:42,055 --> 00:48:44,691
gets her turn.
She is a rising star.
1192
00:48:44,724 --> 00:48:47,694
She was our top
female rookie last season,
1193
00:48:47,727 --> 00:48:50,530
and she credits
her success to her faith.
1194
00:48:50,563 --> 00:48:53,533
[serene music]
1195
00:48:53,566 --> 00:48:55,368
* *
1196
00:48:55,402 --> 00:48:56,770
- She is doing it big.
1197
00:48:56,803 --> 00:48:59,472
- Naturally, I'm a super
competitive person.
1198
00:49:00,840 --> 00:49:02,542
And I just want to be the best.
1199
00:49:04,477 --> 00:49:07,414
But faith is a huge,
huge part of my life.
1200
00:49:07,447 --> 00:49:09,349
Father God, we just
thank you for this day,
1201
00:49:09,382 --> 00:49:11,551
for the opportunity
to train with each other.
1202
00:49:11,584 --> 00:49:13,720
My faith has shown me
that it's not
1203
00:49:13,753 --> 00:49:16,022
about winning
every single time,
1204
00:49:16,022 --> 00:49:18,324
it's about the impact you can
have on the people around you
1205
00:49:18,358 --> 00:49:19,693
and the friendships
you get to make.
1206
00:49:19,726 --> 00:49:21,628
all:
Amen! Whoo!
1207
00:49:21,661 --> 00:49:22,729
- Let's go!
1208
00:49:26,466 --> 00:49:28,034
- That's one of the things
I love about Ninja,
1209
00:49:28,068 --> 00:49:31,338
is that my athletic goals
go right alongside my faith.
1210
00:49:31,371 --> 00:49:32,872
- Yes!
1211
00:49:32,906 --> 00:49:34,374
- Even though we're competing
against each other,
1212
00:49:34,407 --> 00:49:36,910
we're a community that wants
to see each other succeed.
1213
00:49:36,943 --> 00:49:38,278
We want to cheer
each other on.
1214
00:49:38,311 --> 00:49:39,946
- Let's go!
1215
00:49:40,046 --> 00:49:42,615
- I hope to be one of the top
competitors for years to come.
1216
00:49:42,649 --> 00:49:44,551
[cheers and applause]
1217
00:49:44,584 --> 00:49:46,386
No matter what happens
on the course,
1218
00:49:46,419 --> 00:49:48,488
I want to set a good example,
and I want people
1219
00:49:48,521 --> 00:49:51,157
to know what I stand for.
1220
00:49:51,191 --> 00:49:52,325
Yeah!
1221
00:49:52,359 --> 00:49:54,794
But hopefully,
I'll still hit a buzzer.
1222
00:49:59,532 --> 00:50:01,234
- One of Isabella's
inspirations
1223
00:50:01,267 --> 00:50:03,636
is the Kingdom Ninja,
Daniel Gil,
1224
00:50:03,670 --> 00:50:05,271
who's always open
about his faith.
1225
00:50:05,305 --> 00:50:08,241
And there he is
with his wife, Abby.
1226
00:50:08,274 --> 00:50:11,878
Isabella's mom and brother
on the sideline.
1227
00:50:11,911 --> 00:50:14,881
[countdown clock beeping]
1228
00:50:14,914 --> 00:50:16,616
So mature for her age.
1229
00:50:16,649 --> 00:50:20,020
Going to Texas A&M this fall.
1230
00:50:20,053 --> 00:50:23,757
I love her intensity.
5'5", 138.
1231
00:50:23,790 --> 00:50:26,860
And she goes
right into Over Under.
1232
00:50:26,893 --> 00:50:29,129
See if she can generate
the power to go over the top.
1233
00:50:29,162 --> 00:50:30,263
Yep.
1234
00:50:30,296 --> 00:50:31,464
- Matt, she's been doing Ninja
1235
00:50:31,498 --> 00:50:33,466
since she was ten years old.
1236
00:50:33,500 --> 00:50:34,968
She knows her way
around obstacles.
1237
00:50:35,001 --> 00:50:37,470
She's not gonna panic.
1238
00:50:37,504 --> 00:50:39,139
- Whoa! Goes under.
1239
00:50:39,172 --> 00:50:40,640
She's gonna need that
long lache, though.
1240
00:50:40,674 --> 00:50:41,941
She trusts her power.
1241
00:50:41,975 --> 00:50:43,443
- That's a 7-foot lache
right there.
1242
00:50:43,476 --> 00:50:44,811
- You got this!
1243
00:50:44,844 --> 00:50:46,446
- You can hear the support
on the sidelines
1244
00:50:46,479 --> 00:50:49,282
saying she's got this,
and you can tell she's got it.
1245
00:50:49,315 --> 00:50:52,252
- I mean, 18 years old,
but such confidence.
1246
00:50:52,285 --> 00:50:53,787
- Let's go!
1247
00:50:53,820 --> 00:50:55,455
- Headed into Air Surfer.
1248
00:50:55,488 --> 00:50:58,158
Blew us away last year
making it to Vegas.
1249
00:50:58,191 --> 00:50:59,693
She and her brother both did.
1250
00:50:59,726 --> 00:51:02,128
- Feel it out, dude.
Feel it out.
1251
00:51:02,162 --> 00:51:03,897
- She was the top woman
in qualifying
1252
00:51:03,930 --> 00:51:05,365
and the semis last year.
1253
00:51:05,398 --> 00:51:08,201
This year in qualifying
was the second woman.
1254
00:51:08,234 --> 00:51:09,536
Watch that board.
1255
00:51:09,569 --> 00:51:12,072
That left side barely
got on the cradle.
1256
00:51:13,306 --> 00:51:15,675
Even smaller cradle here.
1257
00:51:15,709 --> 00:51:18,712
The top three women from
tonight will move on to Vegas.
1258
00:51:18,745 --> 00:51:21,214
Most expect Isabella Wakeham
to be one of them.
1259
00:51:21,247 --> 00:51:23,416
- Perfect! Come on! Come on!
1260
00:51:23,450 --> 00:51:25,985
- Great technique,
not making any mistakes.
1261
00:51:26,086 --> 00:51:27,387
- And she's through.
1262
00:51:27,420 --> 00:51:30,657
[cheers and applause]
1263
00:51:31,825 --> 00:51:34,094
Her second favorite sport
after Ninja
1264
00:51:34,094 --> 00:51:35,762
is Formula 1 racing.
1265
00:51:35,795 --> 00:51:38,198
Let's see if she can speed
across Diamond Dash.
1266
00:51:38,231 --> 00:51:40,533
- Whoa!
- Just great balance!
1267
00:51:40,567 --> 00:51:42,702
- Did you see that, Matt?
1268
00:51:42,736 --> 00:51:44,637
She just jumped right
over the last diamond
1269
00:51:44,671 --> 00:51:48,308
and barely made the landing.
Teetered right on the edge.
1270
00:51:48,341 --> 00:51:50,010
- That's explosive.
1271
00:51:50,110 --> 00:51:51,745
But now facing Kaleidoscope,
1272
00:51:51,778 --> 00:51:53,546
where her brother fell
minutes ago.
1273
00:51:53,580 --> 00:51:55,148
- And I don't wanna
jinx her,
1274
00:51:55,181 --> 00:51:57,884
but they have a history of
falling on the same obstacle.
1275
00:51:57,917 --> 00:52:00,086
- Well, if she can get
past this obstacle,
1276
00:52:00,120 --> 00:52:02,622
she'll have a very good shot
of getting back to Vegas.
1277
00:52:02,655 --> 00:52:04,524
And remember, last year,
on stage one,
1278
00:52:04,557 --> 00:52:07,460
she went further than any
female rookie in history.
1279
00:52:07,494 --> 00:52:10,230
- Yes! Let's go!
1280
00:52:10,263 --> 00:52:12,065
- You have such a small handle.
1281
00:52:12,065 --> 00:52:13,533
That's three quarters
of an inch.
1282
00:52:13,566 --> 00:52:16,336
- And she may wanna
say a prayer for this one.
1283
00:52:16,369 --> 00:52:17,704
Kaleidoscope is tough.
1284
00:52:17,737 --> 00:52:20,807
- Just love the intensity
and the f--the hand sliding.
1285
00:52:20,840 --> 00:52:22,075
- Uh-oh, uh-oh.
1286
00:52:22,075 --> 00:52:23,576
You can see she's got
to reach up higher.
1287
00:52:23,610 --> 00:52:24,711
Matt, she's got to reach.
1288
00:52:24,744 --> 00:52:26,079
She's slipping,
but she's fighting.
1289
00:52:26,079 --> 00:52:28,314
- Slipping! Good adjustment!
1290
00:52:28,348 --> 00:52:29,716
- Whoa!
1291
00:52:29,749 --> 00:52:31,551
- Now there's just a quarter
inch on this final lip.
1292
00:52:31,584 --> 00:52:33,286
Does she have anything left?
1293
00:52:33,319 --> 00:52:34,454
- Oh!
- No!
1294
00:52:34,487 --> 00:52:35,588
[air horn blares]
1295
00:52:35,622 --> 00:52:38,224
The grip gives out,
she flips out.
1296
00:52:38,258 --> 00:52:43,096
And the Wakehams once again
fall on the same obstacle.
1297
00:52:43,129 --> 00:52:45,999
- You could see she was
struggling to get a grip.
1298
00:52:46,099 --> 00:52:48,234
And when she tried
to generate a swing,
1299
00:52:48,268 --> 00:52:50,904
just slipped off
and did a backflip.
1300
00:52:52,372 --> 00:52:54,507
- It's the third time
she's fallen
1301
00:52:54,541 --> 00:52:55,742
the same place as her brother.
1302
00:52:55,775 --> 00:52:56,943
- We need to stop doing this,
man.
1303
00:53:01,047 --> 00:53:02,582
- We'll have to wait
and see if Isabella
1304
00:53:02,615 --> 00:53:05,352
went far enough, fast enough
to move on.
1305
00:53:05,385 --> 00:53:09,322
Can the Flyboy, Isaiah Thomas,
land a spot in Vegas?
1306
00:53:09,356 --> 00:53:10,857
He's coming up.
1307
00:53:10,890 --> 00:53:12,125
And don't forget,
1308
00:53:12,158 --> 00:53:14,394
our night ends
on the Power Tower,
1309
00:53:14,427 --> 00:53:17,931
a head-to-head race
for a Safety Pass in Vegas
1310
00:53:17,964 --> 00:53:21,234
when "American Ninja Warrior"
returns.
1311
00:53:25,638 --> 00:53:27,474
- Welcome back to
"American Ninja Warrior,"
1312
00:53:27,507 --> 00:53:30,810
coming to you from
Universal Studios, Hollywood.
1313
00:53:30,844 --> 00:53:34,214
Minutes ago, the Muscle Ball,
Tyler Yamauchi,
1314
00:53:34,247 --> 00:53:36,082
survived a scare
on Diamond Dash.
1315
00:53:36,082 --> 00:53:37,650
- Okay, Muscle Ball.
1316
00:53:37,684 --> 00:53:39,486
- But otherwise,
this father of three
1317
00:53:39,519 --> 00:53:41,521
made quick work
of the early obstacles.
1318
00:53:41,554 --> 00:53:43,356
- Yamauchi, looking Gucci.
1319
00:53:43,390 --> 00:53:45,625
- At only 5'1",
the seven-time veteran
1320
00:53:45,658 --> 00:53:48,628
rolled to the back half.
- Nice.
1321
00:53:48,661 --> 00:53:51,264
- Where the former all-
American collegiate gymnast
1322
00:53:51,297 --> 00:53:52,565
flew through Ghost Town.
1323
00:53:52,599 --> 00:53:54,634
- Yamauchi coming in hot!
1324
00:53:54,668 --> 00:53:57,103
- At Split Decision,
the 36-year-old
1325
00:53:57,103 --> 00:53:59,739
factored in his smaller size
and gymnastic skills
1326
00:53:59,773 --> 00:54:03,143
and went with Flipped Around.
- Oh, no!
1327
00:54:03,176 --> 00:54:06,112
W-w-watch yourself! No!
1328
00:54:06,146 --> 00:54:07,847
- But it was over quickly.
1329
00:54:07,881 --> 00:54:10,083
However, he's already
guaranteed a spot
1330
00:54:10,116 --> 00:54:12,719
in the top 15.
He's moving on.
1331
00:54:12,752 --> 00:54:15,055
Then it was another
familiar face,
1332
00:54:15,088 --> 00:54:17,090
13-time veteran Lorin Ball.
1333
00:54:17,123 --> 00:54:19,059
- He's been doing this
for a long time.
1334
00:54:19,059 --> 00:54:20,960
- Whoo! Go, baby, go!
1335
00:54:21,061 --> 00:54:23,530
- With his wife, Elena,
watching back in Colorado,
1336
00:54:23,563 --> 00:54:25,065
the 35-year-old
was trying to get back
1337
00:54:25,098 --> 00:54:27,667
to Vegas for the sixth time.
1338
00:54:27,701 --> 00:54:30,203
- Lorin Ball has finished
in the top five 10 times.
1339
00:54:30,236 --> 00:54:32,439
- Though he's known
for his speed,
1340
00:54:32,472 --> 00:54:35,175
Ball took time to rest on the
first part of the course.
1341
00:54:35,208 --> 00:54:36,676
- [laughs]
Ready to go to bed?
1342
00:54:36,710 --> 00:54:39,813
I think he was saying his
forearms are falling asleep.
1343
00:54:39,846 --> 00:54:41,681
- But then he flipped
a switch on the back half.
1344
00:54:41,715 --> 00:54:43,383
A little style for us.
- Okay, man.
1345
00:54:43,416 --> 00:54:44,718
- That's impressive.
1346
00:54:44,751 --> 00:54:46,152
- I'm breaking my neck
if I tried that.
1347
00:54:46,186 --> 00:54:47,654
- And seemed
to get a second wind
1348
00:54:47,687 --> 00:54:49,356
as he flew through Ghost Town.
1349
00:54:49,389 --> 00:54:51,157
- Don't get ghosted
in Ghost Town.
1350
00:54:51,191 --> 00:54:52,492
Nice.
1351
00:54:52,525 --> 00:54:54,461
- At Split Decision,
the former break dancer
1352
00:54:54,494 --> 00:54:56,996
went opposite
Tyler Yamauchi and chose
1353
00:54:57,097 --> 00:54:58,765
the dangerous Diving Boards.
1354
00:54:58,798 --> 00:55:01,101
- Explosive! Explosive!
- Yes!
1355
00:55:01,134 --> 00:55:03,036
And Lorin Ball does it!
- Whoa!
1356
00:55:03,036 --> 00:55:06,039
- He was the first to get
past Diving Boards tonight,
1357
00:55:06,039 --> 00:55:08,808
and he put up the
second fastest finish so far.
1358
00:55:08,842 --> 00:55:11,378
- What an amazing run
right there.
1359
00:55:12,912 --> 00:55:16,049
- Get ready for one of the
most exciting young ninjas,
1360
00:55:16,082 --> 00:55:18,685
it's the Flyboy,
Isaiah Thomas.
1361
00:55:18,718 --> 00:55:20,220
Lat year, as a rookie,
1362
00:55:20,253 --> 00:55:22,055
he had a breakthrough season
on the course.
1363
00:55:22,088 --> 00:55:24,791
This year, he's had
to step it up at home.
1364
00:55:27,060 --> 00:55:29,095
- Last season was incredible.
1365
00:55:29,129 --> 00:55:30,430
[dramatic music]
1366
00:55:30,463 --> 00:55:32,766
And I got the fastest time
in qualifiers.
1367
00:55:34,901 --> 00:55:37,203
And I made it
all the way to stage two.
1368
00:55:39,739 --> 00:55:41,675
But this year,
there's been some
1369
00:55:41,708 --> 00:55:43,510
unfortunate family issues.
1370
00:55:43,543 --> 00:55:46,079
So are you struggling with
anything in school right now?
1371
00:55:46,079 --> 00:55:48,214
- Figurative language.
- Figurative language.
1372
00:55:48,248 --> 00:55:49,749
- Yes.
1373
00:55:49,783 --> 00:55:51,551
- The last six months have been
so difficult because
1374
00:55:51,584 --> 00:55:54,087
I've been helping
raise my nephews.
1375
00:55:54,087 --> 00:55:56,790
- You see how you brought
that 2X down over here?
1376
00:55:56,823 --> 00:55:58,591
- You can cross that out?
- Yeah.
1377
00:55:58,625 --> 00:56:00,060
My cousins had
a tough home life,
1378
00:56:00,093 --> 00:56:01,461
so they came to live with us.
1379
00:56:01,494 --> 00:56:03,463
We could go work out
after y'all are done.
1380
00:56:03,496 --> 00:56:04,798
Now it's you're time to get it.
You're gonna get it?
1381
00:56:04,831 --> 00:56:06,299
- Mm-hmm.
- Let's go, man.
1382
00:56:06,332 --> 00:56:08,668
Gotta believe in yourself.
1383
00:56:08,702 --> 00:56:10,136
All right, high kick
and a bump forward.
1384
00:56:10,170 --> 00:56:11,671
Chris is 13.
1385
00:56:11,705 --> 00:56:12,806
There you go.
1386
00:56:12,839 --> 00:56:15,408
Oh! You were right there, dude.
1387
00:56:15,442 --> 00:56:17,243
And Junior is 11.
1388
00:56:17,277 --> 00:56:19,412
Ooh. Ooh!
You gotta jump to the blue.
1389
00:56:19,446 --> 00:56:20,847
There you go.
1390
00:56:20,880 --> 00:56:23,149
- Isaiah's been a big help
taking them to the gym,
1391
00:56:23,183 --> 00:56:24,484
taking them to school.
1392
00:56:24,517 --> 00:56:27,053
The boys really
look up to Isaiah.
1393
00:56:27,053 --> 00:56:28,488
- Let go!
1394
00:56:28,521 --> 00:56:30,590
- Isaiah being
a role model to me.
1395
00:56:30,623 --> 00:56:32,692
[all yelling]
1396
00:56:32,726 --> 00:56:34,527
It helps me want to go places.
1397
00:56:37,230 --> 00:56:39,566
- He helps me with everything.
1398
00:56:39,599 --> 00:56:41,968
- Strong kick.
Knees to chest now.
1399
00:56:42,068 --> 00:56:45,238
- Like Ninja and rock climbing
and basketball.
1400
00:56:45,271 --> 00:56:47,874
- Get a lock up now.
1401
00:56:47,907 --> 00:56:50,076
There you go.
[applause]
1402
00:56:50,076 --> 00:56:51,578
You see?
That one looked perfect.
1403
00:56:52,812 --> 00:56:56,216
It means everything to me
to be able to help them out.
1404
00:56:56,249 --> 00:56:58,618
And I like being
a good role model for them.
1405
00:57:05,091 --> 00:57:06,226
I love y'all!
1406
00:57:06,259 --> 00:57:08,261
all:
Let's go, Flyboy, let's go!
1407
00:57:08,294 --> 00:57:10,663
- Isaiah's cousins
watching back in Texas
1408
00:57:10,697 --> 00:57:12,332
with other family members.
1409
00:57:12,365 --> 00:57:14,934
And Mom's down on the sideline
with young ninjas
1410
00:57:15,035 --> 00:57:17,804
Elijah Browning
and Christian Youst.
1411
00:57:17,837 --> 00:57:21,875
- This is what I do!
- This is what I do.
1412
00:57:21,908 --> 00:57:24,744
[countdown clock beeping]
1413
00:57:24,778 --> 00:57:26,379
- He's built for this, Matt.
1414
00:57:26,413 --> 00:57:28,281
He's played basketball,
played football,
1415
00:57:28,314 --> 00:57:32,152
but nothing has called him
more than "Ninja Warrior."
1416
00:57:32,185 --> 00:57:34,254
- On the high school
basketball team
1417
00:57:34,287 --> 00:57:36,623
and also started
his own business designing
1418
00:57:36,656 --> 00:57:40,627
and making obstacles.
This kid is a go-getter.
1419
00:57:40,660 --> 00:57:42,696
And he's through Over Under.
1420
00:57:42,729 --> 00:57:44,564
Now on to the third obstacle.
1421
00:57:44,597 --> 00:57:47,067
He fell on the
Air Surfer in Vegas.
1422
00:57:47,067 --> 00:57:49,302
That was near the end
of stage two.
1423
00:57:49,336 --> 00:57:51,938
Raised by a single mom,
who grew up--
1424
00:57:51,971 --> 00:57:53,840
really had a work ethic,
though,
1425
00:57:53,873 --> 00:57:55,075
that has served him so well.
1426
00:57:55,075 --> 00:57:56,476
This guy trains
seven days a week
1427
00:57:56,509 --> 00:57:58,845
up to four hours a day.
1428
00:57:58,878 --> 00:58:00,747
- Ooh, putting in that work.
- Yeah, he is.
1429
00:58:00,780 --> 00:58:02,415
Watch that left side, though.
1430
00:58:02,449 --> 00:58:04,617
- In his short career so far,
Matt,
1431
00:58:04,651 --> 00:58:06,653
he hasn't had
a semifinals buzzer.
1432
00:58:06,686 --> 00:58:09,923
[cheers and applause]
1433
00:58:10,023 --> 00:58:12,892
- He's keeping it moving,
taking off on Diamond Dash.
1434
00:58:12,926 --> 00:58:14,194
- Nice, nice, nice!
1435
00:58:14,227 --> 00:58:16,396
- Little stumble,
but he's through.
1436
00:58:16,429 --> 00:58:18,164
Ready for Kaleidoscope.
1437
00:58:18,198 --> 00:58:20,800
He's long and lean
but wasn't always that way.
1438
00:58:20,834 --> 00:58:22,802
He had a huge growth spurt.
1439
00:58:22,836 --> 00:58:24,371
The shortest kid
in his middle school,
1440
00:58:24,404 --> 00:58:27,807
now 6'1", only 145.
1441
00:58:27,841 --> 00:58:29,242
- And all of them
are watching him
1442
00:58:29,275 --> 00:58:32,746
here on national television.
What a display.
1443
00:58:32,779 --> 00:58:35,782
What a display of athleticism.
1444
00:58:35,815 --> 00:58:37,584
- And he's gonna go
counter-clockwise here.
1445
00:58:37,617 --> 00:58:39,419
- Yeah.
1446
00:58:39,452 --> 00:58:41,654
- That ledge
in front of him is moving.
1447
00:58:42,922 --> 00:58:45,358
[cheers and applause]
1448
00:58:45,392 --> 00:58:47,193
- All right, he's got to
watch out on that swing.
1449
00:58:47,227 --> 00:58:49,429
He's got that long body. Nice.
1450
00:58:49,462 --> 00:58:51,164
- Isaiah Thomas
is through!
1451
00:58:51,197 --> 00:58:53,767
[cheers and applause]
1452
00:58:53,800 --> 00:58:55,902
- Get up there!
1453
00:58:55,935 --> 00:58:59,072
- And right up it!
1454
00:58:59,072 --> 00:59:02,042
- That's a bad boy right there.
That's a bad boy.
1455
00:59:02,075 --> 00:59:03,576
- Just a point.
1456
00:59:03,610 --> 00:59:06,012
That kid is cool, man.
- Yeah, he is.
1457
00:59:06,012 --> 00:59:08,114
- You think those cousins
don't look up to him?
1458
00:59:08,148 --> 00:59:11,418
crowd: [chanting]
Flyboy! Flyboy! Flyboy!
1459
00:59:11,451 --> 00:59:14,821
- This crowd's behind him.
They're chanting "Flyboy."
1460
00:59:14,854 --> 00:59:16,756
Made it to the semifinals
last year,
1461
00:59:16,790 --> 00:59:18,391
went out
on the ninth obstacle.
1462
00:59:18,425 --> 00:59:21,127
- Ooh! Okay!
- It's all right!
1463
00:59:21,161 --> 00:59:24,097
- He said, "I ain't scurred.
I got this."
1464
00:59:24,130 --> 00:59:27,033
- Rat-a-tat-tat.
Now on to Ghost Town.
1465
00:59:27,033 --> 00:59:28,835
This is one of
the many obstacles
1466
00:59:28,868 --> 00:59:31,371
that came from our
obstacle design challenge.
1467
00:59:31,404 --> 00:59:32,772
Now, if you have
an obstacle idea,
1468
00:59:32,806 --> 00:59:36,176
go to
anwobstacledesignchallenge.com
1469
00:59:36,209 --> 00:59:39,079
to submit your ideas
for next year.
1470
00:59:39,112 --> 00:59:40,513
- All right, come on.
1471
00:59:40,547 --> 00:59:43,316
- And then elevate,
an 18-inch ascension here,
1472
00:59:43,350 --> 00:59:45,051
the second to third cradle.
1473
00:59:45,051 --> 00:59:46,252
- You got a name like Flyboy,
1474
00:59:46,286 --> 00:59:48,054
you know you can fly up
18 inches.
1475
00:59:48,088 --> 00:59:50,824
Nice.
Nice power, nice technique.
1476
00:59:50,857 --> 00:59:52,792
- Well, we've had
three finishers so far
1477
00:59:52,826 --> 00:59:55,462
on this unrelenting
semifinals course.
1478
00:59:55,495 --> 00:59:57,697
- You're good, you're good,
you're good!
1479
00:59:57,731 --> 00:59:59,099
- And he's through!
1480
00:59:59,132 --> 01:00:00,700
[cheers and applause]
1481
01:00:00,734 --> 01:00:02,936
Stopping to look down
at Split Decision.
1482
01:00:04,571 --> 01:00:05,839
- He says "Which one?"
1483
01:00:05,872 --> 01:00:07,741
- Mom's pointing
at Flipped Around.
1484
01:00:07,774 --> 01:00:09,709
- Well, he's got a chance
to beat Nate Hansen
1485
01:00:09,743 --> 01:00:11,211
for the fastest time,
1486
01:00:11,244 --> 01:00:13,546
and the quicker option
is Diving Boards.
1487
01:00:13,580 --> 01:00:15,348
- He went out
on a balance obstacle
1488
01:00:15,382 --> 01:00:18,118
last year in the semifinals.
It was Tuning Forks.
1489
01:00:18,151 --> 01:00:20,253
But he may still
be thinking about it.
1490
01:00:20,286 --> 01:00:21,855
- Oh, yeah,
he's going Flipped Around.
1491
01:00:21,888 --> 01:00:24,891
So he'll have to hurry
if he wants the fastest time.
1492
01:00:28,228 --> 01:00:31,431
Only 145, but at 6'1",
has a little more leverage.
1493
01:00:31,464 --> 01:00:33,833
- Anticipate the drop
before you let your feet go.
1494
01:00:33,867 --> 01:00:35,669
Nice. Get a hold. Nice.
1495
01:00:37,303 --> 01:00:39,472
- Got it locked.
- Nice.
1496
01:00:39,506 --> 01:00:41,474
- Now got to do it
all over again.
1497
01:00:41,508 --> 01:00:44,411
- Matt, he told me
he was gonna do this.
1498
01:00:44,444 --> 01:00:46,279
Oh! Almost missed that.
1499
01:00:46,312 --> 01:00:48,214
- But he got that foot
on that cleat,
1500
01:00:48,248 --> 01:00:49,482
that might've saved him.
1501
01:00:49,516 --> 01:00:51,051
- Yeah, all right,
before you let go,
1502
01:00:51,084 --> 01:00:54,187
make sure you secure it.
Nice.
1503
01:00:54,220 --> 01:00:56,056
- Well, just gotta get
the dismount.
1504
01:00:56,089 --> 01:00:59,125
[cheers and applause]
1505
01:01:03,229 --> 01:01:05,432
And he's through.
1506
01:01:05,465 --> 01:01:08,668
- Yes! Come on!
1507
01:01:08,702 --> 01:01:10,737
- Still has a shot
at the top time,
1508
01:01:10,770 --> 01:01:12,472
but it is gonna be close.
1509
01:01:12,505 --> 01:01:16,543
Just 35 feet away from his
first semifinals buzzer.
1510
01:01:16,576 --> 01:01:19,079
- He is looking tired.
1511
01:01:19,079 --> 01:01:20,547
How fast can he get up
the Spider Trap?
1512
01:01:20,580 --> 01:01:22,949
Speed could get him
to the Power Tower.
1513
01:01:22,982 --> 01:01:24,984
- Oh, this is gonna
come down to the wire.
1514
01:01:25,085 --> 01:01:27,821
Can he push through
these last few seconds?
1515
01:01:27,854 --> 01:01:30,457
10 seconds left
to get that top time.
1516
01:01:30,490 --> 01:01:32,992
- Oh, one more!
- Lot of ninjas still to come.
1517
01:01:33,093 --> 01:01:35,395
It's gonna be close.
- If he can just get it!
1518
01:01:35,428 --> 01:01:37,997
Oh, my goodness,
hurry, hurry up top!
1519
01:01:38,098 --> 01:01:40,100
Hurry up top! Hurry!
1520
01:01:40,100 --> 01:01:41,468
- Not gonna be
the fastest,
1521
01:01:41,501 --> 01:01:43,970
but still gets
his first semis buzzer!
1522
01:01:44,004 --> 01:01:45,739
[buzzer blares]
1523
01:01:45,772 --> 01:01:48,808
[cheers and applause]
1524
01:01:49,776 --> 01:01:51,111
- Oh, boy.
1525
01:01:51,111 --> 01:01:53,747
- And the Flyboy
overcome with emotion.
1526
01:01:53,780 --> 01:01:58,151
- I'm built different!
1527
01:01:58,184 --> 01:01:59,386
- Let's go!
1528
01:01:59,419 --> 01:02:01,388
- Let's go!
1529
01:02:01,421 --> 01:02:03,156
- That gives me chills, man.
1530
01:02:03,189 --> 01:02:06,760
- I love you!
- I love you, Isaiah!
1531
01:02:06,793 --> 01:02:09,062
- He wanted to set
an example for his cousins,
1532
01:02:09,095 --> 01:02:10,764
and he did that.
1533
01:02:10,797 --> 01:02:13,433
Took down these difficult
back half obstacles
1534
01:02:13,466 --> 01:02:17,537
and then climbed to the buzzer
with the second fastest time.
1535
01:02:17,570 --> 01:02:20,940
And he's still got a shot
at the Power Tower.
1536
01:02:20,974 --> 01:02:23,543
You told me you were gonna get
1537
01:02:23,576 --> 01:02:26,079
that semifinals buzzer,
and you did it!
1538
01:02:26,079 --> 01:02:28,782
- Bro, I worked
for this every day.
1539
01:02:28,815 --> 01:02:30,083
If it wasn't for my mom
taking me to the gym,
1540
01:02:30,116 --> 01:02:31,551
I don't know
what I would do, bro.
1541
01:02:31,584 --> 01:02:32,719
I love everyone down there,
1542
01:02:32,752 --> 01:02:33,887
I love everyone
cheering for me.
1543
01:02:33,920 --> 01:02:35,288
- I love you!
1544
01:02:35,321 --> 01:02:37,190
- Hey, you got to do
this one with us, all right?
1545
01:02:37,223 --> 01:02:38,291
Here we go, on three,
we're gonna
1546
01:02:38,324 --> 01:02:39,559
do that "built different."
1547
01:02:39,592 --> 01:02:40,894
One, two, three.
1548
01:02:40,927 --> 01:02:45,165
all:
I'm built different!
1549
01:02:45,198 --> 01:02:47,334
- Let's go!
1550
01:02:47,367 --> 01:02:50,170
- Coming up, her last run
brought me to tears.
1551
01:02:50,203 --> 01:02:52,639
What's the Sparkly Ninja,
Barclay Stockett,
1552
01:02:52,672 --> 01:02:53,907
going to do tonight?
1553
01:02:53,940 --> 01:02:57,544
She is coming up on
"American Ninja Warrior."
1554
01:03:02,048 --> 01:03:03,550
- Welcome back.
1555
01:03:03,583 --> 01:03:06,286
Minutes ago, an old friend
and a couple of new faces
1556
01:03:06,319 --> 01:03:09,489
took their shot
at our semifinals course.
1557
01:03:09,522 --> 01:03:11,658
Illinois firefighter
Dan Polizzi
1558
01:03:11,691 --> 01:03:13,827
looked good for 40.
- Flex on them!
1559
01:03:13,860 --> 01:03:15,762
- With his mom
and his fiancée,
1560
01:03:15,795 --> 01:03:18,131
fellow ninja
Heather Wysinger watching,
1561
01:03:18,164 --> 01:03:20,467
the ten-time Ninja veteran
was trying
1562
01:03:20,500 --> 01:03:21,935
to blaze a trail
back to Vegas.
1563
01:03:21,968 --> 01:03:23,370
- I see you, big boy.
1564
01:03:23,403 --> 01:03:25,939
- Polizzi fell on
Diamond Dash two years ago,
1565
01:03:25,972 --> 01:03:27,941
and he made it
interesting tonight.
1566
01:03:27,974 --> 01:03:29,843
- Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa!
1567
01:03:29,876 --> 01:03:31,945
Almost had déjà vu.
1568
01:03:31,978 --> 01:03:33,279
- But one obstacle later,
1569
01:03:33,313 --> 01:03:35,448
he went into a tail spin
on Kaleidoscope...
1570
01:03:35,482 --> 01:03:37,317
- Everything you got!
Hang in there!
1571
01:03:37,350 --> 01:03:39,219
- And couldn't recover.
1572
01:03:39,252 --> 01:03:42,122
both: Oh!
[air horn blares]
1573
01:03:42,155 --> 01:03:44,357
- 20 years younger,
Brooklyn, New York,
1574
01:03:44,391 --> 01:03:46,826
Zack Eichenstein
came out charging.
1575
01:03:46,860 --> 01:03:49,896
- Boy, he is hustling.
Hustling, hustling.
1576
01:03:49,929 --> 01:03:52,632
- The Orthodox Jew
wears a yarmulke when he runs,
1577
01:03:52,665 --> 01:03:56,436
and it stayed on even as he
sprinted through the course.
1578
01:03:56,469 --> 01:03:58,872
- Boy, he is not even
taking a break in between,
1579
01:03:58,905 --> 01:04:00,073
he's just going.
1580
01:04:00,106 --> 01:04:01,474
- In only his second season,
1581
01:04:01,508 --> 01:04:03,510
the 20-year-old
was impressive,
1582
01:04:03,543 --> 01:04:05,045
making it to the
Salmon Ladder.
1583
01:04:05,045 --> 01:04:06,413
- Oh!
[air horn blares]
1584
01:04:06,446 --> 01:04:07,814
- But his speed to that point
1585
01:04:07,847 --> 01:04:10,450
guaranteed him a spot
in the top 15.
1586
01:04:10,483 --> 01:04:11,918
- Whoo!
1587
01:04:11,951 --> 01:04:13,687
- Rookie Jaelyn Bennett
was trying to earn
1588
01:04:13,720 --> 01:04:16,222
her first trip
to the National Finals.
1589
01:04:16,256 --> 01:04:18,958
She's a full-time mechanical
engineering student,
1590
01:04:19,059 --> 01:04:21,061
a waitress,
a gymnastics coach,
1591
01:04:21,094 --> 01:04:24,431
and girlfriend
to Ninja great Austin Gray.
1592
01:04:24,464 --> 01:04:27,534
The 22-year-old is getting
a minor in aerospace,
1593
01:04:27,567 --> 01:04:29,736
and she flew
through Air Surfer.
1594
01:04:29,769 --> 01:04:31,071
- Nice! Good job!
1595
01:04:31,104 --> 01:04:33,406
- But Diamond Dash
was a different story.
1596
01:04:33,440 --> 01:04:35,275
- Oh!
[air horn blares]
1597
01:04:35,308 --> 01:04:39,746
- She's now in third among the
women with one more to run.
1598
01:04:39,779 --> 01:04:41,381
And that final woman athlete
1599
01:04:41,414 --> 01:04:43,216
is one of our
most popular ninjas,
1600
01:04:43,249 --> 01:04:46,353
it's the Sparkly Ninja,
Barclay Stockett.
1601
01:04:46,386 --> 01:04:48,254
She has had a couple
of tough years,
1602
01:04:48,288 --> 01:04:50,357
including losing her mom
to cancer.
1603
01:04:50,390 --> 01:04:52,158
But as we told you
in qualifying,
1604
01:04:52,192 --> 01:04:53,927
her fiancée, Tee, has helped
1605
01:04:53,960 --> 01:04:55,628
put Barclay
on the comeback trail.
1606
01:04:55,662 --> 01:04:57,731
- Let's go, babe!
- Let's go, Barclay!
1607
01:04:57,764 --> 01:05:01,434
- * When it gets hard
to breathe *
1608
01:05:01,468 --> 01:05:05,038
* I gotta dig down deep *
1609
01:05:05,038 --> 01:05:08,174
- Qualifying was a very
emotional run for me.
1610
01:05:08,208 --> 01:05:11,177
- She's got that sparkle
in her eyes, Matt.
1611
01:05:11,211 --> 01:05:13,813
- Seeing Tee on the sideline
is just magic.
1612
01:05:13,847 --> 01:05:15,548
The victories are
so much sweeter
1613
01:05:15,582 --> 01:05:17,050
when you have someone
to share them with
1614
01:05:17,050 --> 01:05:20,353
and who has seen how hard
you've been working.
1615
01:05:20,387 --> 01:05:23,223
- * I finally feel like *
1616
01:05:23,256 --> 01:05:27,260
* Someone new *
1617
01:05:27,293 --> 01:05:31,197
Tee and I realized that
we were in love back in 2019,
1618
01:05:31,231 --> 01:05:35,068
and we're just now
sharing our love publicly.
1619
01:05:35,068 --> 01:05:36,369
Once our story aired,
1620
01:05:36,403 --> 01:05:38,271
I couldn't believe
the response.
1621
01:05:38,304 --> 01:05:42,542
- And you can see the joy
back on her face once again.
1622
01:05:42,575 --> 01:05:44,077
- Barclay!
1623
01:05:47,614 --> 01:05:49,983
I'm so proud of you.
1624
01:05:50,083 --> 01:05:52,185
- Tee and I have had
so much support,
1625
01:05:52,218 --> 01:05:56,089
not only from the public,
but from our Ninja family.
1626
01:05:56,089 --> 01:05:59,526
It's already been such a
great comeback season for me,
1627
01:05:59,559 --> 01:06:02,028
but hitting a buzzer,
1628
01:06:02,028 --> 01:06:04,064
that would be icing
on the cake.
1629
01:06:04,097 --> 01:06:07,267
- * Someone new *
1630
01:06:10,103 --> 01:06:12,372
- A buzzer tonight
would be amazing.
1631
01:06:12,405 --> 01:06:15,408
Getting a return to Vegas
would be pretty good too.
1632
01:06:15,442 --> 01:06:16,876
- Come on, B! You got this!
1633
01:06:16,910 --> 01:06:18,278
- Tee is gonna be
cheering for her
1634
01:06:18,311 --> 01:06:19,579
along with other
Ninja friends.
1635
01:06:19,612 --> 01:06:21,081
- Let's go, babe!
- Let's go, B!
1636
01:06:21,114 --> 01:06:23,083
- Everybody loves Barclay.
1637
01:06:23,116 --> 01:06:25,719
[countdown clock beeping]
1638
01:06:25,752 --> 01:06:27,487
Well, running last
among the women,
1639
01:06:27,520 --> 01:06:29,055
she knows what
she needs to do.
1640
01:06:29,089 --> 01:06:32,559
If she gets to Kaleidoscope,
she's going to Vegas.
1641
01:06:32,592 --> 01:06:35,695
- Yes! Let's go! You got this!
- Come on! Come on!
1642
01:06:35,729 --> 01:06:37,664
- She's the smallest athlete
out here tonight,
1643
01:06:37,697 --> 01:06:39,099
but she's a gamer.
1644
01:06:39,132 --> 01:06:41,801
[cheers and applause]
1645
01:06:41,835 --> 01:06:44,537
- And Barclay just attacking.
That's impressive.
1646
01:06:44,571 --> 01:06:47,841
5'0", 117,
and she went over the top.
1647
01:06:47,874 --> 01:06:51,411
- Nice.
- Again, good power.
1648
01:06:51,444 --> 01:06:52,879
She is through.
1649
01:06:52,912 --> 01:06:55,949
[cheers and applause]
1650
01:07:00,787 --> 01:07:02,555
She's used to
flying through the air.
1651
01:07:02,589 --> 01:07:05,692
She'll need to do that
again here on Air Surfer.
1652
01:07:05,725 --> 01:07:08,728
She was a high-level gymnast
and made it to level 10,
1653
01:07:08,762 --> 01:07:11,598
the highest level
for the amateurs.
1654
01:07:11,631 --> 01:07:13,333
That's why
she looks so comfortable
1655
01:07:13,366 --> 01:07:14,634
making these big moves.
1656
01:07:14,668 --> 01:07:17,037
- This is the old Barclay,
only better.
1657
01:07:17,070 --> 01:07:20,573
Now a big lache here,
about 4 feet.
1658
01:07:20,607 --> 01:07:21,675
No problem.
1659
01:07:21,708 --> 01:07:23,109
- She's made it
to the back half
1660
01:07:23,143 --> 01:07:26,246
three times in her career.
We know she can go far.
1661
01:07:27,947 --> 01:07:31,217
- And she's through.
- And look at the smiles.
1662
01:07:31,251 --> 01:07:32,719
She's having fun.
1663
01:07:32,752 --> 01:07:35,789
- Yeah!
1664
01:07:35,822 --> 01:07:38,425
- Well, now, if she can get
through Diamond Dash,
1665
01:07:38,458 --> 01:07:40,593
she'll be assured
a spot in Vegas.
1666
01:07:40,627 --> 01:07:42,962
- You know she wants this
so bad.
1667
01:07:43,063 --> 01:07:44,597
She's come so far.
1668
01:07:46,933 --> 01:07:49,736
There you go. Nice footwork.
1669
01:07:49,769 --> 01:07:52,472
- She is looking strong,
big man.
1670
01:07:54,107 --> 01:07:55,809
And she can smile now.
1671
01:07:55,842 --> 01:07:58,278
She knows she just
earned a ticket
1672
01:07:58,311 --> 01:08:00,246
to the National Finals.
1673
01:08:00,280 --> 01:08:03,016
And Tee is applauding.
So is this crowd.
1674
01:08:03,016 --> 01:08:04,884
Barclay just a fan favorite.
1675
01:08:06,853 --> 01:08:08,788
- Oh, shirt's coming off!
1676
01:08:08,822 --> 01:08:12,092
You know what that means!
She means business!
1677
01:08:12,125 --> 01:08:16,363
- You can just see how much
happier she is than last year.
1678
01:08:16,396 --> 01:08:18,565
She is the Sparkly Ninja.
1679
01:08:18,598 --> 01:08:20,633
But what a ferocious
competitor.
1680
01:08:20,667 --> 01:08:21,835
- And Matt, you see how fast
1681
01:08:21,868 --> 01:08:23,236
she's turning the Kaleidoscope,
1682
01:08:23,269 --> 01:08:25,038
making sure she gets that
quickly enough,
1683
01:08:25,071 --> 01:08:26,840
and then she's
gonna make her move.
1684
01:08:26,873 --> 01:08:30,777
Calming her body so she can
generate momentum
1685
01:08:30,810 --> 01:08:32,645
and then make that lache.
Nice.
1686
01:08:32,679 --> 01:08:35,281
- Great. Great technique.
1687
01:08:35,315 --> 01:08:37,584
And she's smiling
on the obstacle.
1688
01:08:37,617 --> 01:08:40,153
- She's got sticky fingers.
Look at her, Matt.
1689
01:08:40,186 --> 01:08:42,422
It's like as soon
as she hits it, she sticks.
1690
01:08:44,424 --> 01:08:46,359
- Easily controlling
these windmills,
1691
01:08:46,393 --> 01:08:48,528
but now the quarter inch ledge
1692
01:08:48,561 --> 01:08:50,397
on this fourth
and final window.
1693
01:08:50,430 --> 01:08:53,299
- The Sparkly, Sticky Ninja.
Watch this stick. Stick!
1694
01:08:53,333 --> 01:08:54,834
Ooh!
- Oh, no!
1695
01:08:54,868 --> 01:08:56,603
[crowd groans]
- Ooh! Icky.
1696
01:08:56,636 --> 01:08:58,338
- Didn't get the buzzer
she wanted,
1697
01:08:58,371 --> 01:09:02,809
but she does earn herself
a return trip to Vegas.
1698
01:09:02,842 --> 01:09:04,911
- She looked like
the Barclay of old
1699
01:09:05,011 --> 01:09:06,613
running through
the early obstacles,
1700
01:09:06,646 --> 01:09:08,348
but on Kaleidoscope,
she seemed
1701
01:09:08,381 --> 01:09:11,551
to rush that last one,
her left hand was too low,
1702
01:09:11,584 --> 01:09:13,853
and her right hand
was too high.
1703
01:09:13,887 --> 01:09:15,755
- And she's down with Zuri.
1704
01:09:15,789 --> 01:09:19,025
- Barclay, that was
a great run, girl, so close.
1705
01:09:19,059 --> 01:09:21,227
- Thanks.
- We were one away.
1706
01:09:21,261 --> 01:09:23,063
What happened
on Kaleidoscope here?
1707
01:09:23,096 --> 01:09:24,864
- I think I just should've
taken one more swing,
1708
01:09:24,898 --> 01:09:27,300
I was starting to feel a pump.
1709
01:09:27,334 --> 01:09:29,302
And I probably should've taken,
like,
1710
01:09:29,336 --> 01:09:30,770
a little bit more of a break,
1711
01:09:30,804 --> 01:09:32,906
but I was so excited,
I just, like,
1712
01:09:32,939 --> 01:09:35,041
really wanted to get on it.
- Yeah.
1713
01:09:35,041 --> 01:09:36,276
- But I mean, every time
I come out here,
1714
01:09:36,309 --> 01:09:39,379
I just--I'm so grateful
to be here, so.
1715
01:09:39,412 --> 01:09:41,047
- And to that point,
after everything
1716
01:09:41,047 --> 01:09:42,615
that you've been through,
I mean, it must feel
1717
01:09:42,649 --> 01:09:45,151
like a victory just to get
to the start line today.
1718
01:09:45,185 --> 01:09:46,286
- It does, it does.
1719
01:09:46,319 --> 01:09:48,321
'Cause, um,
1720
01:09:48,355 --> 01:09:51,424
you know, last year--
1721
01:09:51,458 --> 01:09:53,827
it just, uh--
1722
01:09:53,860 --> 01:09:55,628
I didn't even want to be here.
1723
01:09:55,662 --> 01:09:59,065
And actually, like, wanting
to be here and loving it
1724
01:09:59,099 --> 01:10:03,269
and feeling that sense
of accomplishment is just,
1725
01:10:03,303 --> 01:10:05,305
it's priceless to me.
- Wow.
1726
01:10:05,338 --> 01:10:07,674
Well, we are so grateful
to be a part
1727
01:10:07,707 --> 01:10:09,175
of that journey with you.
1728
01:10:09,209 --> 01:10:10,543
It was awesome
to see you celebrate
1729
01:10:10,577 --> 01:10:11,678
out here on the course.
1730
01:10:11,711 --> 01:10:13,313
It was also far enough,
fast enough
1731
01:10:13,346 --> 01:10:15,248
to secure a spot in Las Vegas.
1732
01:10:15,281 --> 01:10:17,150
You're headed
to the National Finals!
1733
01:10:17,183 --> 01:10:20,286
Congratulations!
So happy for you!
1734
01:10:20,320 --> 01:10:22,122
- Thank you so much!
I'm so excited!
1735
01:10:22,155 --> 01:10:25,358
- We'll see you in Vegas, girl.
Guys, back to you.
1736
01:10:25,392 --> 01:10:27,927
- Coming up, his roommate,
Nate Hansen's,
1737
01:10:27,961 --> 01:10:30,063
in line for the Power Tower.
1738
01:10:30,096 --> 01:10:32,399
Can Austin Gray get there too?
1739
01:10:32,432 --> 01:10:35,568
We'll see him next
on "American Ninja Warrior."
1740
01:10:40,573 --> 01:10:42,742
- A big dog,
a junior champ,
1741
01:10:42,776 --> 01:10:44,110
and a flamingo kid
1742
01:10:44,144 --> 01:10:46,646
walked to the start line
while we were away.
1743
01:10:46,680 --> 01:10:49,482
First up was 6'6" Jody Avila,
1744
01:10:49,516 --> 01:10:51,251
who was given
the nickname Big Dog
1745
01:10:51,284 --> 01:10:52,886
by Akbar five years ago.
1746
01:10:52,919 --> 01:10:55,422
- He's lived up to the name.
- Go!
1747
01:10:55,455 --> 01:10:57,057
- With his two kids
watching back home
1748
01:10:57,090 --> 01:10:58,792
and his wife on the sideline,
1749
01:10:58,825 --> 01:11:00,760
the heating and
air-conditioning technician
1750
01:11:00,794 --> 01:11:02,829
was cool early.
1751
01:11:02,862 --> 01:11:04,731
- Balance obstacles
can be trippy for him,
1752
01:11:04,764 --> 01:11:06,232
but not this time.
1753
01:11:06,266 --> 01:11:08,968
- But at 215 pounds,
he's our heaviest competitor,
1754
01:11:09,069 --> 01:11:11,137
and it was tough
to hang at Kaleidoscope.
1755
01:11:11,171 --> 01:11:13,073
- Ooh!
[air horn blares]
1756
01:11:13,106 --> 01:11:14,641
- Oh, man.
1757
01:11:14,674 --> 01:11:16,710
- Ah. It's a rough one.
1758
01:11:16,743 --> 01:11:18,878
- Then it was former
"Ninja Junior" champ
1759
01:11:18,912 --> 01:11:22,882
Vance Walker, who was able
to fly past Kaleidoscope.
1760
01:11:22,916 --> 01:11:25,085
- Look how fast he's moving.
Oh, he's going for that time.
1761
01:11:25,118 --> 01:11:27,821
- The 17-year-old had
a breakout season last year
1762
01:11:27,854 --> 01:11:30,523
when he was one
of the final four ninjas.
1763
01:11:30,557 --> 01:11:33,593
- He's got a lot left
in the tank, Matt, he's ready.
1764
01:11:33,626 --> 01:11:35,395
- Tonight, he had a shot
at the Power Tower
1765
01:11:35,428 --> 01:11:38,598
as he worked his way
across Flipped Around.
1766
01:11:38,631 --> 01:11:41,534
- Easy enough for Vance.
Oh, oh! Oh!
1767
01:11:41,568 --> 01:11:43,770
[air horn blares]
He slid right off!
1768
01:11:43,803 --> 01:11:45,171
- But his fast time
to that point
1769
01:11:45,205 --> 01:11:48,808
guaranteed him a spot
in Vegas.
1770
01:11:48,842 --> 01:11:52,112
Arkansas teenager Owen Dyer
was ready to fly
1771
01:11:52,112 --> 01:11:54,514
with his trademark
pink flamingo hat.
1772
01:11:54,547 --> 01:11:56,950
- Could he hit his first
semifinals buzzer?
1773
01:11:56,983 --> 01:11:58,752
- The 17-year-old
quickly rolled
1774
01:11:58,785 --> 01:12:00,387
his way to the back half.
1775
01:12:00,420 --> 01:12:01,821
[Matt laughs]
1776
01:12:01,855 --> 01:12:03,356
- I think he's
doing a fire drill.
1777
01:12:03,390 --> 01:12:05,725
- The high school senior
sailed past Ghost Town.
1778
01:12:05,759 --> 01:12:06,760
- Nice!
1779
01:12:06,793 --> 01:12:08,495
- That's how you go, baby!
1780
01:12:08,528 --> 01:12:10,864
- And then he dared
to take on Diving Boards.
1781
01:12:10,897 --> 01:12:13,500
- Oh, go, go, go, go, go!
1782
01:12:13,533 --> 01:12:14,934
Oh, hold on!
1783
01:12:14,968 --> 01:12:16,903
Are you serious?
1784
01:12:18,271 --> 01:12:20,073
- Dyer then
scrambled to the top
1785
01:12:20,073 --> 01:12:22,275
to get his first
semifinals buzzer
1786
01:12:22,308 --> 01:12:24,477
and was overcome by emotion.
[buzzer blares]
1787
01:12:24,511 --> 01:12:26,379
- I see you.
1788
01:12:26,413 --> 01:12:28,081
Dreams come true
for Owen Dyer.
1789
01:12:28,081 --> 01:12:29,149
Wow.
1790
01:12:31,284 --> 01:12:33,620
- Dyer's time wasn't
in the top two,
1791
01:12:33,653 --> 01:12:35,855
so right now,
our Power Tower matchup
1792
01:12:35,889 --> 01:12:37,557
would be Gnarly Nate Hansen
1793
01:12:37,590 --> 01:12:39,759
against the Flyboy,
Isaiah Thomas.
1794
01:12:39,793 --> 01:12:42,362
But our final runner may have
something to say about it,
1795
01:12:42,395 --> 01:12:45,465
so Zuri, get him going.
1796
01:12:45,498 --> 01:12:48,101
- Guys, Austin Gray
has to be considered
1797
01:12:48,101 --> 01:12:50,970
one of the favorites to win
the million dollars this year.
1798
01:12:51,004 --> 01:12:55,408
After all, he's been runner up
the past two seasons.
1799
01:12:55,442 --> 01:12:57,977
But he doesn't want
to come in second again.
1800
01:12:58,011 --> 01:12:59,713
So he's been putting in
extra training
1801
01:12:59,746 --> 01:13:01,715
with his roommate, Nate Hansen.
1802
01:13:01,748 --> 01:13:04,684
So far, their hard work
has paid off.
1803
01:13:04,718 --> 01:13:07,320
[upbeat rock music]
1804
01:13:07,354 --> 01:13:09,322
- This season,
we've had a lot of success.
1805
01:13:09,356 --> 01:13:12,425
- Oh, he ain't messing around,
he going for the fastest time.
1806
01:13:12,459 --> 01:13:14,361
- And he's gonna do it!
[buzzer blares]
1807
01:13:14,394 --> 01:13:16,596
- Let's go!
1808
01:13:16,629 --> 01:13:18,531
We were buzzers in qualifying,
1809
01:13:18,565 --> 01:13:21,501
and we were ballin'
'cause we got that fast time.
1810
01:13:21,534 --> 01:13:23,336
- Whoo!
1811
01:13:23,370 --> 01:13:25,972
- Whoo! That's what's up!
1812
01:13:26,072 --> 01:13:27,474
So you know
what the trend says?
1813
01:13:27,507 --> 01:13:29,142
Back to buzzers.
- Right.
1814
01:13:29,175 --> 01:13:30,710
- You see what I'm saying?
1815
01:13:30,744 --> 01:13:32,412
- Let's go!
1816
01:13:32,445 --> 01:13:34,848
Tune in next week for more
stock tips with Nate Hansen.
1817
01:13:34,881 --> 01:13:36,349
- That's right.
1818
01:13:37,751 --> 01:13:39,652
- We're going into
the semifinal round.
1819
01:13:40,987 --> 01:13:42,856
We've been training,
we've been grinding
1820
01:13:42,889 --> 01:13:44,457
till 2:00, 3:00
in the morning.
1821
01:13:44,491 --> 01:13:46,459
- Ah!
- That's what's up.
1822
01:13:46,493 --> 01:13:47,694
With all the training that
1823
01:13:47,727 --> 01:13:49,095
we've been
putting in together,
1824
01:13:49,129 --> 01:13:52,098
we are destined for greatness.
1825
01:13:52,132 --> 01:13:53,400
In "Ninja Warrior,"
1826
01:13:53,433 --> 01:13:56,336
some of the legends
end up on banners.
1827
01:13:56,369 --> 01:13:57,937
People like Jessie Graff,
1828
01:13:57,971 --> 01:14:00,306
Naj, and Jamie Rahn.
1829
01:14:01,775 --> 01:14:03,410
I've gotten second place
twice now,
1830
01:14:03,443 --> 01:14:05,912
and I think it's time
for a banner.
1831
01:14:05,945 --> 01:14:10,050
Nate, he's also been
looking for a banner spot.
1832
01:14:10,050 --> 01:14:11,351
- My left side's my good side,
1833
01:14:11,384 --> 01:14:13,186
so it's got to be
my left side.
1834
01:14:13,219 --> 01:14:15,455
Maybe a little bicep flex.
1835
01:14:15,488 --> 01:14:18,258
Or maybe me
on a Salmon Ladder.
1836
01:14:18,291 --> 01:14:20,260
- Imagine driving
down the highway,
1837
01:14:20,293 --> 01:14:21,895
and you see your face
on a billboard.
1838
01:14:21,928 --> 01:14:24,064
That's basically what
being on a banner is,
1839
01:14:24,097 --> 01:14:26,666
but they better not put us
on the same banner.
1840
01:14:26,700 --> 01:14:27,967
- I'm not--
- Ab--nope.
1841
01:14:28,068 --> 01:14:29,769
- I'm not selfish, but--
- Absolutely not.
1842
01:14:29,803 --> 01:14:31,204
- We already sleep
in the same room.
1843
01:14:31,237 --> 01:14:32,439
- Yeah, no shot.
1844
01:14:32,472 --> 01:14:34,908
There's only room for one
of us on a banner.
1845
01:14:34,941 --> 01:14:37,444
[upbeat music]
1846
01:14:37,477 --> 01:14:40,246
[cheers and applause]
1847
01:14:40,280 --> 01:14:42,082
- Oh, I think
he's ready, Matt.
1848
01:14:42,082 --> 01:14:43,817
- Well, joining Nate
on the sideline
1849
01:14:43,850 --> 01:14:46,586
is Austin's girlfriend,
Jaelyn, who ran earlier.
1850
01:14:46,619 --> 01:14:49,422
[countdown clock beeping]
1851
01:14:49,456 --> 01:14:51,825
Last year, he came so close.
1852
01:14:51,858 --> 01:14:54,961
Fell on the next to last
obstacle on stage three.
1853
01:14:54,994 --> 01:14:56,563
Only Kaden Lebsack
went farther.
1854
01:14:56,596 --> 01:14:58,331
- And the word
on the Ninja street is,
1855
01:14:58,365 --> 01:14:59,532
he's gonna be battling
1856
01:14:59,566 --> 01:15:01,401
for that million dollars
once again.
1857
01:15:01,434 --> 01:15:03,536
- Only 25 years old,
but he's one of the ninjas
1858
01:15:03,570 --> 01:15:05,472
everyone looks up to.
1859
01:15:05,505 --> 01:15:07,107
He's become
a sought-after coach.
1860
01:15:07,140 --> 01:15:09,876
Katie Bone is just one of the
young ninjas he works with.
1861
01:15:09,909 --> 01:15:11,745
And he is running
with an urgency.
1862
01:15:11,778 --> 01:15:14,214
You know he's gunning
for that Power Tower.
1863
01:15:14,247 --> 01:15:17,217
Well, he did it last year,
beat out Jake Murray
1864
01:15:17,250 --> 01:15:19,519
on the Power Tower,
got that Safety Pass.
1865
01:15:19,552 --> 01:15:21,721
Didn't have to use it
because he didn't fall
1866
01:15:21,755 --> 01:15:23,790
on stage one or two,
but he'd love
1867
01:15:23,823 --> 01:15:25,558
to have that
insurance policy again.
1868
01:15:25,592 --> 01:15:28,128
- He's got a nice sense of
urgency like you talked about,
1869
01:15:28,161 --> 01:15:31,931
but he's not rushing
through these obstacles.
1870
01:15:31,965 --> 01:15:34,234
- Taking a breath
before Diamond Dash.
1871
01:15:34,267 --> 01:15:38,071
Wow, effortless.
Skips that final diamond.
1872
01:15:38,104 --> 01:15:40,306
Right into Kaleidoscope.
1873
01:15:40,340 --> 01:15:43,076
- And every time
Austin Gray runs the course,
1874
01:15:43,076 --> 01:15:45,679
he's spreading his message
about organ donation.
1875
01:15:45,712 --> 01:15:48,581
- Yeah, you can see his shirt
says "Share Your Spare."
1876
01:15:48,615 --> 01:15:50,617
A couple years ago,
he donated a kidney
1877
01:15:50,650 --> 01:15:54,154
to his childhood friend Kaylee
Adams and saved her life.
1878
01:15:54,187 --> 01:15:55,588
- Whoo! Let's go!
1879
01:15:55,622 --> 01:15:57,223
- And she's watching
from home with her sister.
1880
01:15:58,625 --> 01:16:00,126
- Look at that,
it's like he's just
1881
01:16:00,160 --> 01:16:01,895
sticking to it like a magnet.
1882
01:16:01,928 --> 01:16:04,064
Share Your Spare?
How about sharing your secret
1883
01:16:04,097 --> 01:16:06,032
to beating this obstacle?
1884
01:16:06,032 --> 01:16:07,600
- Great control.
- There we go.
1885
01:16:07,634 --> 01:16:08,768
- Using that lower body.
1886
01:16:08,802 --> 01:16:10,570
- Oh, he is
in full control, Matt.
1887
01:16:10,603 --> 01:16:13,039
- Absolutely. And he's through.
1888
01:16:13,039 --> 01:16:16,109
And that guarantees him
a spot in the top 15,
1889
01:16:16,142 --> 01:16:17,577
but you know
he's aiming higher.
1890
01:16:17,610 --> 01:16:18,645
- Yeah! Come on, Austin!
1891
01:16:18,678 --> 01:16:20,213
- You know Austin
wants a buzzer,
1892
01:16:20,246 --> 01:16:22,282
and he wants that Power Tower.
1893
01:16:22,315 --> 01:16:23,683
- Pace that breathing.
Here we go.
1894
01:16:23,717 --> 01:16:25,318
crowd: [chanting]
Beat that wall! Beat that wall!
1895
01:16:25,352 --> 01:16:27,053
- And right up the Warped Wall.
1896
01:16:27,087 --> 01:16:29,823
On now to the back half
once again.
1897
01:16:29,856 --> 01:16:31,891
Nate's closely watching.
1898
01:16:31,925 --> 01:16:34,060
These two
are such good friends.
1899
01:16:34,094 --> 01:16:36,096
In fact, Nate was the one
who introduced Austin
1900
01:16:36,129 --> 01:16:37,931
to his girlfriend, Jaelyn.
1901
01:16:37,964 --> 01:16:39,566
- Let's go, babe! Come on!
1902
01:16:39,599 --> 01:16:42,068
- Austin versus Nate
on the Power Tower?
1903
01:16:42,068 --> 01:16:44,637
That's the matchup
everybody wants to see.
1904
01:16:44,671 --> 01:16:47,774
- Well, if he can keep
this pace up, it'll happen.
1905
01:16:47,807 --> 01:16:49,843
Right now, he's in good shape
to beat Nate
1906
01:16:49,876 --> 01:16:51,277
for the fastest time
of the night.
1907
01:16:51,311 --> 01:16:54,114
[cheers and applause]
1908
01:16:54,147 --> 01:16:56,483
And no problem
with Salmon Ladder.
1909
01:16:56,516 --> 01:16:57,617
- Nice and easy!
1910
01:16:59,686 --> 01:17:01,021
- Ghost Town here.
1911
01:17:01,021 --> 01:17:03,757
You can see that cradle
is moving horizontally.
1912
01:17:03,790 --> 01:17:05,358
Such a unique movement here.
1913
01:17:05,392 --> 01:17:06,893
- Yeah.
- He's figuring it out.
1914
01:17:06,926 --> 01:17:08,561
- Yeah, he's just got
to get in sync
1915
01:17:08,595 --> 01:17:11,331
with the movement there,
move with it,
1916
01:17:11,364 --> 01:17:13,500
and then as soon as you're
on the top end, move it.
1917
01:17:13,533 --> 01:17:15,101
That's it, right there.
1918
01:17:15,135 --> 01:17:17,037
- And you know he and Gnarly
Ninja Nate were talking,
1919
01:17:17,037 --> 01:17:20,240
and I'm sure Nate was sharing
feedback on this course.
1920
01:17:20,273 --> 01:17:22,742
- Nice!
- Let's go, let's go, come on!
1921
01:17:22,776 --> 01:17:25,345
- What's he gonna do
at Split Decision?
1922
01:17:25,378 --> 01:17:27,213
- He's given himself enough
of a cushion.
1923
01:17:27,247 --> 01:17:29,149
He could still go
with Flipped Around.
1924
01:17:29,182 --> 01:17:31,818
He's taking a long look
at Diving Boards.
1925
01:17:31,851 --> 01:17:33,586
Last season,
he chose Diving Boards
1926
01:17:33,620 --> 01:17:34,954
and made it through.
1927
01:17:35,055 --> 01:17:37,223
- Just like last year, bro,
let's go!
1928
01:17:37,257 --> 01:17:40,527
- You pretty much have to
double step that second board.
1929
01:17:40,560 --> 01:17:42,095
Get on the front
then get up top.
1930
01:17:42,128 --> 01:17:43,797
- He's got to go
boom-bow, boom-bow.
1931
01:17:43,830 --> 01:17:47,334
Nice. Nice! Nice!
- Whoa! I stand corrected!
1932
01:17:47,367 --> 01:17:49,502
He went single-step
on the second
1933
01:17:49,536 --> 01:17:50,870
and double on the third,
1934
01:17:50,904 --> 01:17:53,807
and it worked!
He is through!
1935
01:17:53,840 --> 01:17:57,077
- Great job!
And look at his time, Matt.
1936
01:17:57,077 --> 01:18:01,081
- He is on pace to blow away
Nate Hansen's time.
1937
01:18:01,114 --> 01:18:03,717
And that will push
the Flyboy, Isaiah Thomas,
1938
01:18:03,750 --> 01:18:05,585
out of the top two.
1939
01:18:05,618 --> 01:18:09,022
It looks like it's gonna be
Austin Gray and Nate Hansen.
1940
01:18:09,022 --> 01:18:10,290
- I tell you, Matt,
1941
01:18:10,323 --> 01:18:12,559
Zuri said it
right in his introduction,
1942
01:18:12,592 --> 01:18:15,061
he's got a legitimate shot
at becoming
1943
01:18:15,095 --> 01:18:17,430
the next
American Ninja Warrior.
1944
01:18:17,464 --> 01:18:19,165
Austin Gray!
1945
01:18:19,199 --> 01:18:21,801
[buzzer blares]
- Let's go!
1946
01:18:21,835 --> 01:18:24,871
[cheers and applause]
1947
01:18:33,146 --> 01:18:34,481
- That's what's up!
1948
01:18:34,514 --> 01:18:37,951
- And by almost a minute,
Austin Gray,
1949
01:18:38,051 --> 01:18:40,353
the fastest time of the night.
1950
01:18:40,387 --> 01:18:43,123
So now, you and Nate
are gonna be squaring off
1951
01:18:43,156 --> 01:18:45,725
on the Power Tower, Austin.
- Yes, sir!
1952
01:18:45,759 --> 01:18:47,761
- Safety on the line!
1953
01:18:47,794 --> 01:18:50,130
crowd: [chanting]
Austin! Austin! Austin!
1954
01:18:50,163 --> 01:18:52,932
- Austin, hit that buzzer
one more time, buddy.
1955
01:18:52,966 --> 01:18:54,768
You earned it.
1956
01:18:54,801 --> 01:18:57,771
So these two friends are gonna
get ready for the Power Tower,
1957
01:18:57,804 --> 01:19:00,674
but don't forget
what's coming up next week.
1958
01:19:00,707 --> 01:19:03,009
[dramatic music]
1959
01:19:03,009 --> 01:19:06,713
It's the biggest show
on the Vegas Strip.
1960
01:19:06,746 --> 01:19:08,214
- This is it.
1961
01:19:08,248 --> 01:19:09,716
- Only the best ninjas
are left.
1962
01:19:09,749 --> 01:19:12,018
- They've got
a legitimate shot
1963
01:19:12,052 --> 01:19:14,821
at becoming the next
American Ninja Warrior!
1964
01:19:14,854 --> 01:19:17,824
- And they'll battle
across all four stages...
1965
01:19:17,857 --> 01:19:19,225
- Oh!
1966
01:19:19,259 --> 01:19:20,860
- On a three-week
television event.
1967
01:19:20,894 --> 01:19:23,296
- Nice! Nice! Nice!
Oh, yeah!
1968
01:19:23,329 --> 01:19:25,732
- There's $1 million
up for grabs
1969
01:19:25,765 --> 01:19:30,870
on the National Finals
of "American Ninja Warrior"!
1970
01:19:30,904 --> 01:19:32,105
But don't go away,
1971
01:19:32,138 --> 01:19:34,574
because the Power Tower
is next.
1972
01:19:41,047 --> 01:19:42,215
- Think you're ready
to take on
1973
01:19:42,248 --> 01:19:44,384
the world's toughest
obstacle course?
1974
01:19:44,417 --> 01:19:48,455
Go to anwcasting.com
to see how you can apply.
1975
01:19:48,488 --> 01:19:51,925
We could see you on the course
next season.
1976
01:19:51,958 --> 01:19:55,395
- Well, we've got one more
race tonight in Hollywood.
1977
01:19:55,428 --> 01:19:57,964
It's our final
Power Tower showdown
1978
01:19:58,064 --> 01:20:00,767
with a Safety Pass in Vegas
up for grabs.
1979
01:20:00,800 --> 01:20:03,703
And it features two roommates
and best friends,
1980
01:20:03,737 --> 01:20:05,939
Nate Hansen and Austin Gray.
1981
01:20:05,972 --> 01:20:08,041
Oh, and look at this,
what a sign
1982
01:20:08,074 --> 01:20:09,743
of friendship and respect.
1983
01:20:09,776 --> 01:20:11,544
They're wearing
each other's shirts.
1984
01:20:12,712 --> 01:20:14,881
- One big difference
is Nate's height.
1985
01:20:14,914 --> 01:20:18,518
At only 5'2", he's 8 inches
shorter than Austin.
1986
01:20:18,551 --> 01:20:21,087
But these two train together,
live together,
1987
01:20:21,121 --> 01:20:23,289
so this is personal.
1988
01:20:23,323 --> 01:20:26,659
[dramatic music]
1989
01:20:26,693 --> 01:20:28,261
- Nate and I,
we've joked about being
1990
01:20:28,294 --> 01:20:31,131
on the Power Tower for a while,
and now it's become a reality.
1991
01:20:32,665 --> 01:20:34,668
Tonight, we have
the Safety Pass on the line,
1992
01:20:34,701 --> 01:20:36,102
and that's a big deal.
1993
01:20:36,136 --> 01:20:37,370
- The first time
in Vegas last year,
1994
01:20:37,404 --> 01:20:38,371
struggled
with the Jumping Spider
1995
01:20:38,405 --> 01:20:39,739
and went right in the water.
1996
01:20:39,773 --> 01:20:41,408
- He's been doubted
for a long time, Matt.
1997
01:20:41,441 --> 01:20:42,709
Oh!
- No!
1998
01:20:42,742 --> 01:20:44,244
- Having that Safety Pass
in my pocket
1999
01:20:44,277 --> 01:20:46,179
is gonna be
a nice insurance policy.
2000
01:20:46,212 --> 01:20:47,547
And I intend to get it.
2001
01:20:47,580 --> 01:20:49,082
- We've got another
showdown, Matt.
2002
01:20:49,115 --> 01:20:51,651
Oh, got a slight lead!
He's down!
2003
01:20:51,685 --> 01:20:54,554
[buzzer blares]
It's Austin Gray!
2004
01:20:54,587 --> 01:20:56,589
- I got one last season.
Didn't need it.
2005
01:20:56,623 --> 01:20:58,925
- Come on, Austin!
2006
01:20:58,958 --> 01:21:00,794
[buzzer blares]
2007
01:21:00,827 --> 01:21:02,062
- I'm gonna get it again
this season,
2008
01:21:02,062 --> 01:21:03,163
not gonna need it.
2009
01:21:03,196 --> 01:21:04,497
- This is a roommate showdown.
2010
01:21:04,531 --> 01:21:06,099
Whoever loses the
Power Tower tonight
2011
01:21:06,132 --> 01:21:07,934
will never hear the end of it.
2012
01:21:07,967 --> 01:21:09,736
Let's go!
2013
01:21:09,769 --> 01:21:11,938
- I'm really proud
of Nate for coming this far,
2014
01:21:11,971 --> 01:21:15,608
but I'm sorry, chief,
I'll take it from here.
2015
01:21:15,642 --> 01:21:18,244
- This Power Tower
is gonna be gnarly.
2016
01:21:18,278 --> 01:21:22,148
* *
2017
01:21:22,182 --> 01:21:24,250
- With all the great ninjas
who ran tonight,
2018
01:21:24,284 --> 01:21:27,687
it comes down to the two guys
who live in the same house.
2019
01:21:27,721 --> 01:21:29,723
They're even wearing
each other's shirts.
2020
01:21:29,756 --> 01:21:31,624
That's mutual respect.
2021
01:21:31,658 --> 01:21:33,793
- Two friends squaring off
on the Power Tower
2022
01:21:33,827 --> 01:21:35,462
with safety on the line!
2023
01:21:35,495 --> 01:21:39,132
[countdown clock beeping]
2024
01:21:39,165 --> 01:21:40,633
- Okay, drive, drive, drive,
drive!
2025
01:21:40,667 --> 01:21:42,635
Ooh, look at the speed,
Nate Hansen!
2026
01:21:42,669 --> 01:21:44,404
- And it's dead even.
2027
01:21:45,972 --> 01:21:47,507
And look at this!
2028
01:21:47,540 --> 01:21:49,576
- Uh-oh, and then
Austin Gray's got out!
2029
01:21:49,609 --> 01:21:51,945
- On the lead to the rope.
Watch these transitions.
2030
01:21:51,978 --> 01:21:53,546
- You've got to be
high on the rope,
2031
01:21:53,580 --> 01:21:55,115
and you got to be perfect
on that grab!
2032
01:21:55,115 --> 01:21:56,483
both: Oh! Oh!
- And he missed!
2033
01:21:56,516 --> 01:21:59,219
- Nate Hansen misses,
giving Austin an edge!
2034
01:21:59,252 --> 01:22:01,721
And he is hung out!
- Nate's still swinging!
2035
01:22:01,755 --> 01:22:03,823
This is gonna be tough
to come back from!
2036
01:22:03,857 --> 01:22:06,226
- And Austin Gray
can take his time,
2037
01:22:06,259 --> 01:22:07,761
just needs to avoid a mistake,
2038
01:22:07,794 --> 01:22:09,829
and the Safety Pass
will be his.
2039
01:22:09,863 --> 01:22:11,698
Gonna be almost impossible
for Nate
2040
01:22:11,731 --> 01:22:13,500
because Austin is flying!
2041
01:22:13,533 --> 01:22:16,202
Oh, no!
[crowd gasps]
2042
01:22:16,236 --> 01:22:18,672
- Oh!
- Austin Gray is down!
2043
01:22:18,705 --> 01:22:20,907
An almost certain victory
slips away!
2044
01:22:20,940 --> 01:22:23,810
Now all Nate Hansen
has to do is finish.
2045
01:22:23,843 --> 01:22:26,880
- It's never over
on "American Ninja Warrior"!
2046
01:22:26,913 --> 01:22:29,482
- Well, we've never seen
anything like this!
2047
01:22:29,516 --> 01:22:31,384
Looked like Austin
was gonna run away with it,
2048
01:22:31,418 --> 01:22:33,520
but it changed in an instant.
2049
01:22:33,553 --> 01:22:37,090
But now it's up to Nate Hansen
to avoid a mistake.
2050
01:22:37,090 --> 01:22:40,827
- Wow! Wow.
And just--
2051
01:22:40,860 --> 01:22:44,864
- Oh! That was close!
That was close!
2052
01:22:44,898 --> 01:22:49,135
- Oh, my goodness,
can you believe it?
2053
01:22:49,169 --> 01:22:51,771
- Well, still needs
to survive Falling Shelves,
2054
01:22:51,805 --> 01:22:53,707
but he can take his time.
2055
01:22:53,740 --> 01:22:55,809
[crowd shouting]
2056
01:22:55,842 --> 01:22:58,411
- And you can never
count out Gnarly Nate!
2057
01:22:58,445 --> 01:23:02,615
5'2", but he always
comes up big!
2058
01:23:02,649 --> 01:23:05,752
- So Nate Hansen
is gonna do it!
2059
01:23:05,785 --> 01:23:07,787
He's earned safety!
[buzzer blares]
2060
01:23:07,821 --> 01:23:09,689
- Go! Let's go!
2061
01:23:09,723 --> 01:23:12,058
- And Austin Gray will be
thinking about that one
2062
01:23:12,092 --> 01:23:14,494
for a long time.
2063
01:23:14,527 --> 01:23:16,930
- Austin had the lead
as he reached the ropes,
2064
01:23:16,963 --> 01:23:18,965
and when Nate missed
that first grab
2065
01:23:19,065 --> 01:23:20,667
and had to take extra swings,
2066
01:23:20,700 --> 01:23:23,069
it looked like
it was all over.
2067
01:23:23,069 --> 01:23:25,305
But as Austin was
making the final move
2068
01:23:25,338 --> 01:23:28,475
on the Cliff Hanger,
he just slipped right off.
2069
01:23:28,508 --> 01:23:30,610
A shocking fall!
2070
01:23:30,643 --> 01:23:34,881
That allowed Nate to take
his time and get a buzzer.
2071
01:23:34,914 --> 01:23:37,217
[buzzer blares]
2072
01:23:37,250 --> 01:23:40,487
- Never underestimate
Gnarly Ninja Nate!
2073
01:23:40,520 --> 01:23:42,789
He just delivered
a phenomenal victory,
2074
01:23:42,822 --> 01:23:45,291
and he's got safety in Vegas.
2075
01:23:45,325 --> 01:23:47,660
- Austin!
I love you, brother!
2076
01:23:47,694 --> 01:23:50,463
- And immediately throwing
that love to his brother.
2077
01:23:50,497 --> 01:23:53,099
What a race between these two.
2078
01:23:53,099 --> 01:23:56,102
And joining them in Vegas
will be the other finishers.
2079
01:23:56,102 --> 01:23:58,304
Isaiah "Flyboy" Thomas
2080
01:23:58,338 --> 01:24:00,840
along with Owen Dyer,
Lorin Ball,
2081
01:24:00,874 --> 01:24:02,942
and Christopher Harding Jones.
2082
01:24:03,043 --> 01:24:06,046
Non-finishers moving on
include Georgia teenager
2083
01:24:06,046 --> 01:24:08,448
Ethan Bartnicki
and the Classy Ninja,
2084
01:24:08,481 --> 01:24:10,383
Donovan Metoyer,
who's going back
2085
01:24:10,417 --> 01:24:12,585
for the second straight year.
2086
01:24:12,619 --> 01:24:16,556
Rock climbing teenager Katie
Bone landed in the 13th spot.
2087
01:24:16,589 --> 01:24:18,324
Joining her
in the women's top three
2088
01:24:18,358 --> 01:24:19,659
are Isabella Wakeham
2089
01:24:19,693 --> 01:24:22,729
and the Sparkly Ninja,
Barclay Stockett.
2090
01:24:22,762 --> 01:24:25,098
So that's a wrap
at Universal Studios.
2091
01:24:25,131 --> 01:24:28,668
Next stop, Las Vegas
and the National Finals!
2092
01:24:28,702 --> 01:24:31,738
For Akbar Gbajabiamila and
Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman.
2093
01:24:31,771 --> 01:24:35,809
We'll see you next time
on "American Ninja Warrior"!
2094
01:24:36,509 --> 01:24:39,479
[dramatic music]
2095
01:24:39,512 --> 01:24:46,553
* *