(MYSTICAL MUSIC)
(MEN CHANTING IN RHYTHM)
LEILA McKINNON: Over five seasons...
BEN FORDHAM: On the top of Mount Midoriyama, Ben Polson!
..the Ninja phenomenon created legends.
REBECCA MADDERN: Olivia Vivian!
But, in 2022, the world's toughest obstacle course is reborn.
(DYNAMIC MUSIC)
Hoo! (CHANTS)
A new generation of ninjas...
I'm 16.
I'm a year 12 student.
..will take on their heroes.
These are kids which grew up watching me
and now they're competing alongside me.
To be honest, I'm absolutely terrified.
The older guys, it's just time for them to leave.
Like, see ya.
The fastest obstacles...
JIM COURIER: The Anaconda is ready to put the squeeze.
..crank up the speed.
It's a long way down. Grab on, hold on!
That is unbelievable!
A new commentary team.
I'm journalist and presenter Leila McKinnon
together with former world tennis number one Jim Courier...
That's some Ninja magic on display right there!
Make some noise, kids!
..and KIIS FM's national drive hosts Will and Woody...
(BOTH EXCLAIM)
..will lead the evolution.
Oh, my goodness. Oh, my goodness!
Oh! Oh, my god!
The intensity doubles...
..when ninjas race head to head in sudden-death showdowns.
(KLAXON RINGS)
Going head to head on a course is absolutely insane.
This has never been done anywhere in the world.
It's gonna be really cutthroat.
New endgames...
If you don't respect the course, you're finished.
This is high.
I don't really want to be falling down from that.
(GROANS)
..and a new era of ninjas...
This course has never seen a ninja like me.
..take the beast to uncharted territory.
Hey!
And celebrities compete for charity...
Remember, these are the Sprinting Steps.
..in a half-time special event.
Oh, no! What a start!
Look at him twerking!
Not often seen on Ninja but we welcome it.
I like his style.
But the ultimate quest still remains.
This is my year.
Win back to back, that is my ultimate goal.
Reach the summit of Mount Midoriyama to win $200,000...
I'm the youngest ninja on this course
and I'm gonna come for you, Mount Midoriyama.
..and be crowned the next Australian Ninja Warrior.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Hello and welcome to a brand-new blockbuster season
of Australian Ninja Warrior.
I'm Jim Courier.
And I'm Leila McKinnon.
We are here at Sydney Olympic Park
primed for what promises to be the fastest,
the most spectacular and the most thrilling season of Ninja ever.
And it's also going to be the most unpredictable, Leila,
because this year we're doing something
that's absolutely incredible, something we've never done before.
We're introducing a whole new breed of ninjas to the competition.
They're the young guns of the sport,
just 16 and 17 years old.
They're the next generation of Ninja.
They've grown up watching Australian Ninja Warrior.
Now these fresh-faced rookies
are ready to beat the stars at their own game,
and I'm talking names like Ashlin Herbert and Ben Polson
who are both running tonight.
They'll need to watch their backs.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Now, also new to this season, you may have noticed some new hosts.
Very happy new hosts.
We're thrilled to be here.
Big fans of the show.
And some other big fans are on the sidelines.
For the first time on Australian Ninja Warrior,
it's a massive welcome to Will and Woody.
Thanks, Jim and Leila.
Honestly, guys, we're just thrilled to be down here.
We have watched so much Ninja Warrior before tonight
and just to be on the course, having a look at the size of it,
the scope of it, the height, the difficulty and check out the crowd.
They are going absolute bananas back there, Woods.
We are super pumped to have front-row seats
to the best live action in Australia.
This year's course is the fastest,
most dynamic, most exciting course ever built.
So, if you want to make the semis,
the need for speed has never been more important.
Here are the obstacles our ninjas will be facing tonight.
First up, it's the hardest starting obstacle we've ever had made harder.
Five Shrinking Steps have become eight,
each one smaller and higher as they go.
Lose your balance here and it's almost impossible to recover.
Then, for the first time on Australian Ninja Warrior,
the Eagles Claw.
It's a massive 2.8-metre jump to the first of two claws.
The claws are much heavier than the ninjas
and generating swing can be tricky.
Plus, the transfer to the second claw isn't straightforward.
They're offset by one metre, making that lache even tougher.
Obstacle three is the Domino Effect
and it's another test of speed and balance.
Ninjas must attack the five dominoes but do it delicately.
The gaps and heights vary and the dominoes spin.
If ninjas lean back, their number will be up.
Obstacle four is a world first, designed to test mind and body.
It's the Anaconda.
There are two ways to tackle it.
Ninjas can use the 27 grip-killing doorknobs
that snake their way up and down the Anaconda.
They can also use any or all of the three lache bars.
It's a faster but riskier option because, at three metres,
it's the longest lache we've ever had in the heats.
(GROANS)
Obstacle five sees the return of the Ring Chaser.
Ninjas race a ring along six bars.
If they're too slow, they'll miss or drop the ring,
bringing the second-chance ring into play, but it's much, much smaller.
Four skyhooks then need to be navigated.
Too much backswing can dislodge the ring and precision is the key.
And then, standing in the way of every ninja's goal,
the 4.35-metre Warped Wall.
They have three attempts to make it up the wall
to hit that coveted buzzer.
Tonight is the first of four heats
with only our top 18 ninjas moving onto the Semi-Finals stage.
And, in each of these four heats,
the four ninjas who go furthest fastest
will grab the chance to win a unique advantage in the Semi-Finals.
Last year, our ninjas clashed in the Power Tower.
This year, they'll face off in the Power Pool.
Tonight, this is the ninjas' endgame.
The four fastest will compete head to head across and five metres above
the water with the victor grabbing a Semi-Final advantage.
This pool is epic in size and prize.
Conquer the Power Pool
and the path to the Grand Final becomes a whole lot easier.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
OK, this is it.
Australia, hold on tight.
Let's bring out our very first ninja for 2022.
Let him hear it. It's Kahil Evans.
Alright, we got Kahil Evans here, the rock god!
Pump up for it.
Good. Alright, let's go.
(GUITAR RIFF)
I've always liked rock'n'roll music, growing up on it,
you know, my dad showed me all his old records and stuff.
You know, your AC/DCs, your Guns N' Roses, the classics.
(STRUMMING ALONG WITH DRUM BEAT)
Oh, these are cool.
And then I set myself a task of making a guitar.
Now I just make 'em for fun. I love it.
Yeah, just rock'n'roll, man.
Never done Ninja Warrior before
but I'm gonna do it in jeans and give her a whirl.
(CHUCKLES)
It sorta goes with the rock'n'roll, I suppose.
I've been watching Ninja Warrior since season one
and I'm more than ready to give her a right hot go.
I'm the Rock'n'Roll Ninja and I'm here to climb Mount Midoriyama.
Is this guy a ninja or a lead singer?
Well, he certainly knows how to put on a show, Jim.
Wow, he's getting the crowd going. Oh!
Jeez, he's got some presence, doesn't he?
Does wear jeans.
Why do you wear the jeans?
Just come from uni.
Nice.
Jeans will be interesting.
OK, get ready, Australia.
The first ninja of 2022 is about to tear up this course.
Go get 'em, Kahil.
(KLAXON RINGS)
And here we go.
This year, we've added an extra couple of steps just to keep
our ninjas on their toes, and Kahil shreds the Shrinking Steps.
That's the first obstacle out of the way and he's loving it.
Alright.
The Eagles Claw here.
This one, you've gotta hit a launch button
when you get to the end of this ramp and then grab on, hold on!
That was just like a 2.8-metre stage dive
but now he has to go sideways, yes.
That's one metre across and he just nailed it.
He's putting on a show.
What are we seeing here?
That looked really smooth for this first timer.
He really pumps up the crowd, this bloke.
Alright. Two down.
Now comes the Domino Effect. Here he goes.
Come on, here we go, the dominoes, and he's over!
Where did this kid come from?
How's he doing this in jeans? That's the question I've got for you.
Outrageous! Now the Anaconda.
Never been seen anywhere in the world.
Is he gonna lache or use the doorknobs?
He's gonna go the knobs.
The longest lache we've ever had in the heats, too long for Kahil.
He can change his mind at any time.
He's got some serious grip strength on display here.
Keep going!
Looks like he's gonna go for the lache for his dismount.
Kicking it up and Kahil Evans
will be the first ninja to complete the Anaconda!
Great army roll.
Gee, the headband's off. Oh, the headband's off.
He's burning time getting his headband going
but he's got a nice Axl Rose groove there, doesn't he?
He does and he could soon be in Paradise City
because the Ring Chaser is the second-last obstacle.
Then it's the Warped Wall.
How much grip strength has he got left after the doorknobs
because he needs to catch that rolling ring.
It's gonna trigger once he hits the first monkey bar, there it goes.
One, two, three.
He didn't get it. Oh, no! No, no!
He's dropped the ring.
Second-chance ring.
Don't forget, smaller hole than the bigger one.
Oh, this makes it tricky.
But it's not over for Kahil.
He has another shot.
He's just gotta use the smaller second-chance ring.
It takes finesse, it takes accuracy.
Now he's gotta generate some momentum.
Oh, he's got the sideways swing.
He's gotta reset.
But this is smart.
He's using the bar to correct the swing and he's winding up.
Here he goes.
Oh, he's missed it! Oh!
He's in the pool but what a performance.
What a star.
(CHEERING)
He's saying he's missed it by that much.
Kahil showed skill and strength over the course
but the doorknobs really punished his arms and he would feel those
on the Ring Chaser with that ring just bouncing out of his hand.
But, boy, did he get close with the second-chance ring.
Just missing it by a whisker.
Unlucky, Kahil, but what a debut.
Kahil, mate, you gotta be chuffed with that.
Congratulations. How good is that?
If we get the music going again,
can I see a bit of air guitar on the second-chance ring?
Let's have a look.
Bang!
(LAUGHS)
Great stuff, mate. Hey, how are you feeling?
I missed it by that much but, you know,
gave her a go, can't do much more than that.
Yeah, buddy!
Hey, great job, Kahil. Hopefully, see you in the semis, mate.
Yeah, mate, hope so, too. All the best, brother.
Cheers, mate. Round of applause for Kahil!
Will poolside there with the ninja of the moment, Kahil Evans.
That was an absolutely stellar performance
from one of our newcomers.
Now let's see how a veteran handles this 2022 course.
One of just three women to compete in every season of Ninja Warrior,
our next ninja always sizzles.
Back to bring home the bacon, it's Celeste Dixon.
(DYNAMIC MUSIC)
I've been lucky enough
to do all five seasons of Ninja, one of three girls.
An elite gymnast for ten years.
Yes!
I also want to inspire anyone who's young
to actually try out for the show.
I feel like the teens this year are gonna show Australia what's next.
You ripper!
Tonight, my cheerleaders on the sideline
are gonna be my dad, of course.
Bring home the bacon.
I love my dad's get-up.
I mean, he loves to be recognised as the bacon man.
Sizzle, sizzle, bacon on the griddle!
But, in the same instance, I'm like, oh, god.
So, whatever.
Now, that's what I'm talking about!
Bring home the bacon!
It's time for me to bring home that bacon.
You can do this!
You've done it before!
Dad Steven bringing home the bacon and not just the bacon, Jim.
He's topped with an egg this year.
He's an egghead.
If your parents ever embarrassed you on the sidelines at sport,
you're probably feeling better about yourself now.
Sizzle, sizzle, bacon on the griddle!
Oh, he's still got the energy, there's no doubt,
and what about her, 36 years old, she's in marvellous condition.
This is amazing to see her tackle this one more time.
Bring home the bacon!
(KLAXON RINGS)
And here she is on the Shrinking Steps.
Great balance there.
Too easy.
Alright, now it's the Eagles Claw.
It's a big jump, 2.8 metres, Celeste just 1.68 metres,
and, to get some swing going, she'll need to hit it with speed.
Bring home the bacon!
We know from past seasons
Celeste has terrific technique and she's generating good momentum,
getting plenty of speed, but she's gonna have to go sideways.
Yeah, she should've gone there, Jim. Come on!
(GROANS)
Oh, no! No, no!
I thought she was gonna really crush that.
You're a champ!
You're a champ, Celeste!
Oh, that's a huge shock.
I don't think anyone expected that.
I don't know if you can see this at home
but the eagle claws are angled, so it's actually a lot harder
than you think to lache from one to the other.
Like, you're on an angle which makes it really difficult.
The Eagles Claw is a tough obstacle, especially for our smaller ninjas.
Celeste probably should've gone on her second swing
because the third robbed her of distance
and she only just got her fingertips to it and couldn't hang on.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
A tough break for Celeste Dixon, one of the Ninja veterans,
and that should serve as a warning
to the new breed of ninjas who are itching to get on this course.
Yes, Jim, it's now time to find out
whether our 16- and 17-year-olds have what it takes.
They've been working with some Ninja legends
and will compete against them tonight.
Here's Will and Woody.
We are here with two Ninja Warrior legends
in Ben Polson and Flashlin Ashlin who are here with their mini-mes.
Alright, I've got Flashlin Ashlin over here.
Ashlin, what's it like to have somebody
who's also changed their name,
we've got Ash who's your mini-me, to be just like you?
Yeah, look, it's good.
He's an absolute weapon
so I'm really looking forward to how he's gonna go on the course tonight.
Yeah, beautiful.
Now, Ashlin's normally a man of few words.
Ash, I heard you're quite eloquent.
Oh, well, yeah, it's great to be standing here next to
one of the biggest role models, I think, in Australian Ninja Warrior.
It's gonna be pretty good to run the same course as him
and give him a bit of a challenge.
Can you beat him?
Oh, I think I'd have to give it a fair old go.
Wow, boy! Gee!
So, we've got mini-me Ben Polson.
Saxon, what does it mean
to be standing next to your role model here?
He's an absolute inspiration.
It means a lot to be standing here with him.
What's your main piece of advice for Saxon tonight?
It's awesome.
You know, these guys are obviously very young
but they can't be underestimated.
I know what he's capable of and it's terrifying.
Wowee, can you beat Ben? Oh, definitely.
Oh, wow. Gee whiz.
He's right here. Dude, thanks a lot.
I mean, it is the attack of the teens. It's gonna be red hot.
So, this is my mini-me, Saxon, who's only 17 years old.
And this is my big-me, Ben Polson, who's 29 years old.
You're the man.
Ever since season one of Australian Ninja Warrior,
Ben Polson's always been my idol.
And I'm hoping that I can try and follow in his footsteps.
I built this obstacle course
to practice climbing and running and jumping and balance.
I started a Ninja Warrior-style bootcamp in my backyard.
Since then, fell in love with Ninja.
And that's Ninja Warrior Saxon.
Me and Mum have always been really close.
We always used to do sports together, but...
..she developed an auto-immune disease.
I've watched Mum go from her fit, healthy self
running half-marathons to now occasionally in a wheelchair.
Let's go, Saxon!
It's inspired me to keep going and do what she now can't,
and that's why I feel like, tonight, I'm here,
I'll be running the course for both of us.
Definitely very nervous to go up against some of the top guns,
but my goal tonight in the heats
is to get up that wall and hit that buzzer.
So, move over, Ben Polson, I'm comin' for ya.
OK.
Here he is, the youngest ninja to ever take the course.
These next-gen ninjas are fast and fearless and they're light.
Their power-to-weight ratio is a big advantage.
Will he get to hit the buzzer?
He's got the right mentors, Ben Polson there on the sideline.
He's given them all the tips.
Got his mum, his dad, his sister there, as well.
But one thing we always have to be mindful of,
it's his first time on the course.
He's gotta be a little anxious, a little nervous.
How does that affect him?
I mean, you can tell by looking at him, he is a mini Ben Polson.
This is...
Oh, bit of a gun show from you, Saxon.
Here we go. Mini Ben Polson, let's see if he can beat him.
Send it, Saxon.
(KLAXON RINGS)
Alright, there's the buzzer.
Here he comes for the first time.
And that was flawless.
That's some Ben Polson style right there.
Go, Saxon!
Over to the claw!
Great momentum, great strength, great control.
Onto the second one.
The 17-year-old nailing obstacle two, the Eagles Claw.
Work it out. You got it. You got it.
This kid is special.
There's a real confidence, a real air about him.
Can he get across the dominoes?
Oh, oh!
His foot hit the pad, not the water, so he's good.
He's gonna make it. Yes, he's going to.
Keep going, keep going.
Oh, that was so close!
What a save! That was so close.
No more scares, please, Saxon.
Alright, no rest for the weary. I'm still recovering!
Back...oh, he's not.
He's onto obstacle four, the Anaconda,
and he's gonna bypass the faster lache option,
taking the safer route.
He must really want that buzzer.
Saxon says he can hang onto a bar for 25 minutes.
He's match-fit but this gap is one of two tough transitions, Jim.
He's got good technique, too,
keeps those arms fairly locked on the Anaconda,
uses the legs for swing.
Saxon! (CHANTING)
We're seeing something special here.
This teen is bringing it here on Ninja.
Look at the crossover move!
And listen to the crowd getting behind him.
Make sure of it!
And he's got it. Oh, yes!
Nice work.
He is powering through this course.
But he'll be fatigued after that, though.
One obstacle to go before the Warped Wall.
The Ring Chaser, he's gotta get onto that first monkey bar,
that triggers the ring in motion
and then you gotta chase it, get down to the bottom and get it, go!
Race it down. Has he got it?
With his foot!
Oh! He got it with his foot!
That is unbelievable!
That was extraordinary!
He is 17 and that is one of the greatest saves
in Australian Ninja Warrior history!
That's a new one.
He did not just get that with his foot.
These teens, they're creative and that was a dominant move.
They are doing it their way.
I've never seen Ben Polson do that.
He's gonna make it, Leila. Come on!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
This is history right here, the first teen to get up the wall?
Is he gonna do it?
Come on. Come on, Saxon.
Let's go, Saxon. Come on, Saxon.
He's done it. What an incredible moment.
The attack of the teens! Yes, baby!
He's up here! Whoo!
Wowee, that is huge.
Saxon making history tonight.
The first 17-year-old up the Warped Wall!
What a run!
What a ninja!
Saxon Johnstone.
The first teen to tackle this course
becomes the first ninja to hit the buzzer in 2022.
And what about this recovery?
Unbelievable reflexes and presence of mind to stick out his foot.
If he was holding on with his left hand,
he wouldn't have had his back to the ring but, somehow, someway,
he has pulled off one of the all-time great Ninja saves.
There was no way he wasn't gonna make it to the top.
Well done, Saxon Johnstone.
You've been dreaming about this moment for years.
You've pictured this in your mind, you've watched it on TV.
You're here.
You've finally hit the buzzer.
What does that feel like?
It's amazing. I can't explain it.
It's just...
This feeling inside that I've been waiting four years now to get to.
It just feels awesome.
Yeah, you're shaking with excitement.
That's the good stuff, man, that's what sport is all about.
You dream it and then you do it.
Talk us through the course here.
Got lucky on the skyhook there.
Oh!
Caught it in my foot which...
That was an amazing save.
Let's see if we can get it on the screen.
Tell us what's going on here.
I couldn't see the ring,
I was hoping that I'd make it there, and...
Oh! (CROWD EXCLAIMS)
Feels crazy to watch.
I could see the ring falling, I knew I wasn't going to reach it,
so I just thought, stick the foot out, hope for the best.
I don't think Ben can do that. I'm gonna be honest.
I mean, I'd like to see him try.
(LAUGHTER)
Well done.
Alright, Australia, get behind this new Ninja superstar here,
Saxon Johnstone.
Welcome, big guy.
That was awesome.
Amazing to see a 17-year-old conquer the Warped Wall,
and he's laid down a solid marker for Ben Polson who will run soon.
The young guns are just warming up.
Ash Campbell is one to watch.
The sting-ray is on your tail.
This is the next generation.
Up next, it's the ultimate family fight.
It's mum versus son on the course this year.
Careful, I'll friggin' put you in a headlock.
The next generation have one goal - beat the legends at their own game.
I'm a 5-time ninja so let's see if these youngsters can keep up.
I'm just gonna have to rely on, you know, old-man grit and experience.
That's pretty much all I've got.
Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior
where a new generation of ninjas has exploded onto the scene.
And what an amazing start.
Before the break, we witnessed history in the making
as 17-year-old Saxon Johnstone conquered the Warped Wall,
becoming the youngest ninja to hit that buzzer.
That's an achievement that our next ninja
has dreamed of for four long years.
A former NRL player and a 102kg mass of muscle,
tonight, he's determined to finally get a crack at the Warped Wall.
Our heaviest competitor again this year with hands-down the best hair,
it's Eloni Vunakece.
The best thing about being a garbo is...
..that I finish early enough to go and do the funner things in life.
Boop!
Oh, look at the power!
Ninja Warrior, for me, basically,
I see myself as a kindergarten kid trying to jump
to the fourth monkey bar
on a set of monkey bars at school.
I'm the world's biggest kid
and I get to just still be a kid on this show.
Last time I ran the course, unfortunately, I fell again.
So, I've never got to the Warped Wall.
Oh!
Oh, no!
That bloody wall just eludes me.
So, this year, I have to show these young guns how to do it.
I'm more determined than ever to get up that wall and smash a buzzer.
And by smash a buzzer, I mean, actually smash a buzzer.
You guys are gonna have to replace the buzzer when I get up there.
And look at his beautiful family.
We love seeing them here every year and what a thrill if they get to see
their dad make it to the top of the Warped Wall tonight.
My family here and my family.
And, of course, Eloni, Will and Woody
appeared together on 'Celebrity Apprentice'.
We absolutely love this bloke.
This is Loni Vunakece.
The three of us actually call ourselves the Tripod.
ALL: Tripod!
Feeling alright? I'm good. Let's go.
Yeah, he's pumped. Let's go. Send it.
He's massive. Ex-rugby league player.
He is an Adonis, he's a weapon of a man
and he's a beautiful bloke, as well.
We...we're right behind him here, right behind him.
Come on, Loni!
Can he finally, finally get that buzzer?
Go, Dad! Go, Dad!
Here we go, here we go.
(KLAXON RINGS)
Straight across the Shrinking Steps
without a care in the world and onto the Eagles Claw.
He's an experienced ninja, no problem,
gets the lock off of the arms at 90 degrees.
Ooh! He's going for speed here.
11 seconds to the end of the Eagles Claw.
That is lightning fast.
Over the dominoes, he did it!
Massive, massive save.
He just overpowered it, absolutely overpowered it,
but this is not something you can overpower, the Anaconda.
You gotta start on these doorknobs, work your way up,
and the big question is will he go for the lache
'cause no-one's done it yet?
Can he lache?
Well, he's so heavy he's gonna have to lache.
He can't go the knobs the whole time, man, he's just too big.
It's just not his forte, he's gonna have to lache.
You're gonna have to lache, bro, come on.
Now, will he use the lache bars?
No, he's gonna keep going, look at him.
He's taken the hard road
but he clearly thinks this is his best chance, I'm not sure.
He's suffering, Leila, as a result.
Not sure he could make the laches, maybe he's not sure, but you can see
he is in full strain mode here and this is gonna be tough.
No! That was it.
Oh, no! Some splash!
Any water left in the pool?
Oh!
I really wanted to see him get to that wall.
Eloni might not have made it to the buzzer
but he was flying and speed's the name of the game this year.
He raced through the first three obstacles in less than 20 seconds.
We'll have to wait and see
but maybe that speed will get him to the semis.
Tripod!
Sorry, man, I'm so wet. Yeah, I can see that.
You actually already drenched us when you splashed in the pool.
Sorry, man, I'm just disappointed.
Can you make them a little bit bigger next year, please?
The knobs? The knobs, man, the knobs.
It's, yeah, disappointing,
but it is what it is, Ninja, it's just hard and it's bigger
and better this year, so I knew I gotta try and hit things fast.
That's why I was trying to just get through things as quick as I could
so it all comes down to speed in the end.
We love you, bro, hopefully we see you in the semis.
Thank you, my brothers, thank you.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Yes, that's not the last we'll be seeing of Eloni tonight.
He's been moonlighting as a coach
for one of our guests in a very special event.
It's the first Australian Ninja Warrior Celebrity Challenge.
Singer Jack Vidgen has Eloni as his coach.
Soccer legend Archie Thompson
has current Ninja Warrior champion Zak Stolz.
And Olympic gold swimmer Emily Seebohm
has Josh O'Sullivan, joint world record holder on the Warped Wall.
Wicked.
They've been training to take on the course tonight
all in the name of charity.
Oh, so close!
And joining them backstage now is Will and Woody.
Feeling confident, guys? No.
Why not? Why not, Archie? Talk me through it.
Well, I only knew what a lache was about two days ago, and...
You're in trouble. I'm in big trouble.
But, for me, it makes sense,
two elite athletes are going out there which makes sense to me but...
This does not make sense.
What are you doing, Jack?
That's a great question.
OK, well, let's talk to Emily.
Emily, you're a professional athlete.
Yeah.
Obviously, you're normally in the pool,
trying to stay out of the pool tonight.
Exactly. How are you gonna go?
I'm trying to run on water tonight, that's what I'm hoping for.
I'm winging it. OK. Beautiful.
So, we've got female Jesus walking on water.
We've got the lache master.
And singing sensation Jack Vidgin.
These guys are gonna kill it.
Thanks, Woody, we can't wait.
The celebrities will be hitting the course a little later on.
But, first, we have a 17-year-old
whose ninja mum has taught him everything he knows.
Kobe!
Here's Kobe Teede.
I'm Kobe Teede and this is my mum, Emma.
She's 46 and I'm gonna hope...
not hope, I'm gonna beat you tonight.
We'll see.
Next up tonight is Emma Teede.
So, after seeing my mum do Ninja Warrior in season one...
Taylor and Kobe, her kids, are on the sideline.
..just knowing how hard it was
and her not being able to finish the course,
I just had the urge to get over the line and just finish it for her.
Ever since then, I've been training for Ninja Warrior.
To be honest, I'm actually really proud.
Special moments like this don't happen all the time.
I'll be excited for him to experience the whole lot.
There are some pretty big names out tonight,
but it's gonna be pretty cool going against Mum.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Oh, you smarty-pants.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
This is Kobe Teede.
He's inspired by his mum who is also taking on tonight.
She's on the sidelines supporting Kobe.
Kobe! (CHANTING)
Good luck, Kobe.
(KLAXON RINGS)
OK, Kobe, second-generation ninja.
His mum, Emma, is a ninja, too, competing in this season.
Let's see what you've got.
Ninja's in his blood as he comes to the Eagles Claw.
This is a new obstacle and it is cruel, Jim.
Yeah, you gotta get up there on the ledge.
You gotta do the lache. Oh!
He just nailed that one and they are not straight line
but he was able to make a straight move through.
That was brilliant.
Just clinging on with the very tips of his fingers.
The Domino Effect, here we go, come on, Kobe.
You can do this. And is he gonna make it?
Yes! No problem.
Pumps the crowd up.
Oh, the flex to the crowd, he loves it.
And now he's gonna have to pump his arms up
'cause this is where it gets tricky.
Onto the Anaconda.
Yeah, Kobe has a big decision to make now.
There are 27 doorknobs or does he go the way of the 3-metre lache?
The largest we've ever had in the heats.
It's a tough choice.
Lache! Lache!
Yeah, Emma is screaming for Kobe to go with the lache.
Kobe has to decide now
whether he wants to keep up the pace and lache across the Anaconda.
Feet up, feet up!
Oh, he's not taking mum's advice.
Oh! (GROANS)
Oh!
Just slid off the Anaconda.
He should've listened to mum.
Kobe set himself to lache across the Anaconda
but had a change of heart when he saw the distance.
He tried to save time by skipping a few knobs on the way down
but he didn't have the strength, and it was into the pool.
Another powerhouse performance from one of our teens.
Kobe Teede setting the bar high for mum
when she takes the course a little later tonight.
Stick around.
There's plenty more Ninja action right after this.
Still to come...
At first glance, it's like, wow, this is high.
Who will make the all-new Power Pool?
It's definitely intimidating, I'm not gonna lie.
When tonight's four fastest ninjas
face off in knockout races in the most diabolical endgame ever?
I want it bad.
They'll race head to head across, up and back over the pool
a frightening five metres above the water.
You don't really want to be falling down from that.
It's terrifying.
They will have to fight their fear and each other.
(KLAXON BLARES)
Get ready, Australia, the Power Pool is coming.
Thanks to Energizer, who will battle it out in the Power Pool?
The top four ninjas will advance to tonight's endgame
and race for a huge advantage.
Who will win?
Get ready to vote later in the show at:
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Well, welcome back to the thrilling new season
of Australian Ninja Warrior here at Sydney Olympic Park.
This is the fastest and the most technically demanding course
we've ever devised as ninja after ninja is discovering.
Proud First Nations Kamillaroi man Clinton Schultz came to conquer.
Bring it, Clinton, bring it.
But his hands let him down on the second obstacle.
Oh, no!
I thought he had it!
He had the distance, just not the grip.
19-year-old outdoor educator Jack Hodgson
unleashed his enthusiasm early.
But, like so many ninjas tonight,
this newcomer met his match on the Anaconda.
Oh! Yeah.
He did so well, it's just fatigue.
20-year-old former elite gymnast Sophie Stuart
had plenty of sideline support.
The gymnasts she coaches encouraged her to hit the Ninja course.
(SQUEALING)
Looks like some espresso beans down there.
She even brought a coach of her own,
her uncle, Ivan Cleary, an NRL Premiership winner,
and Sophie tackled the Eagles Claw with 100% commitment.
She's done it!
Oh, no! Oh, no!
Oh, what a spectacular fall. Wow. Ooh...
And that's a shock but her gymnastics students and uncle Ivan
should be very proud of her tonight.
That was a gutsy performance.
Yes, it's been a tough night so far for our ninjas.
It's time to shake, rattle and roll things up.
And who better to do it than this 20-year-old first-time ninja
who feels right at home
surrounded by the sights and sounds of the 1950s,
so let's fire up the Ninja jukebox because we're playing his tune.
It's Robert Ciccarelli.
(1950s DANCE MUSIC)
Outside of fitness, I've got a huge passion for '50s/'60s music.
And I pretty much blame my nonna.
It's completely her fault.
As soon as I came out of the womb, I was listening to Frank Sinatra,
and incredibly matriarchal, Italian families,
you do what nonna says.
Also growing up, I really loved 'Happy Days'
and none other than Fonzie was my inspiration,
so, hey, I'm outspoken, honest, handsome.
You know, looks can be deceiving.
I think I've always had a natural aptitude
for flying through the air and thought I'd go from sitting
in front of the TV with Mum, Dad and Nonna and Nonno
to swinging through the bars on TV, and I know I'm gonna put on
a great show for Australia and no-one's gonna know what hit 'em.
Go, Robert!
(SQUEALING)
That's my boy!
(LAUGHTER)
Yes, Robert Ciccarelli has done a Fonzie "Eh!" to start, I love it.
He's our 1950s Ninja.
Let's see how he goes on the course.
I'm as curious as Will and Woody and I dig a confident athlete,
but, if you talk it, you better walk it.
(KLAXON RINGS)
OK, here he goes.
And he is walking it, Jim.
He's sneaking his way across the Shrinking Steps,
a little bit wobbly but he made it.
Go, Rob!
I don't think we've seen anyone tiptoe quite like that.
A little cautious on his feet.
Now to test his grip strength.
It's fingertips only up here.
Come on, Robert. Can he hold on?
Yes, he can, and look at the momentum he's generating.
Solid start.
Let's check out the lache.
He's got a pretty good swing and that's a great catch.
It's not the fastest start but he's in total control.
And a classy dismount.
First-time ninja doing some veteran moves out here.
The whole thing's just a show with Ciccarelli.
And I'm buying tickets.
Alright, it's the Domino Effect.
Gotta get past these five dominoes, light and quick if you can.
Yes, no tiptoeing over the dominoes.
He needs to move like greased lightning.
He's across.
He's a bit of a surprise package, the Cicc.
Now, this one's a tricky one.
He gets a choice and he looks like he's not sure what to do.
Lache? Lache?
If you need the lache...
Trust yourself, trust yourself.
I think he's going lache.
He was asking for input from his team down there.
He's got a good eye on that lache bar.
Let's see if he can get up there smoothly.
Ooh, he's hanging low, though, isn't he?
He's going to have to be quick
if he's not gonna fatigue on these knobs.
But will he back himself and go for the lache?
There are no easy choices on the Anaconda.
I think he's gotta lache.
He'll be the first to do it if he does
and it looks like he's going to.
It's the fastest but, at three metres, the riskiest option.
Alright, he's gonna have to launch.
He's getting a bit of momentum.
Go, go!
Ooh! Ooh!
Oh, Robert!
Not so happy days.
Robert Ciccarelli rocked an unorthodox style on the course,
but he was the first ninja to attempt the Anaconda lache.
His decision to use a mixed grip robbed him of power and distance
and, just like that, splish-splash, Robert Ciccarelli was taking a bath.
How about that, eh?
That was a memorable performance from Robert,
but he's not the only ninja who has a knack for putting on a good show.
Every time this next ninja hits the course,
it has been a spectacle to watch.
But, even though he brings the drama,
he has stormed his way to the Grand Final every single year.
Can he make it six out of six?
All the way from WA, it's the Tradie Ninja, Sam Goodall.
Can you see my shirt?
Hey, guys, Tradie Ninja's here and I'm back again, six in a row.
If you look at that camera angle there
and he's not doing this easily, is he?
I'm definitely known for ugly runs on the course.
Have a rest, honey!
I've really developed that need for speed
and I've made the Grand Final every year.
Oh, no! Oh, he rushed it!
But I still haven't won.
BEN FORDHAM: Who doesn't love a tradie?
The nickname Tradie Ninja sorta stuck from season one
when I rocked up in my hi-vis because I'd just come from work
and it's stuck ever since.
This year, I've slipped on a pink shirt for my daughter.
I came home from work one day and she said,
"Daddy, why don't you ever wear my pink shirts?"
So, this year, it's a pink shirt on Ninja.
Oh! What a landing!
For me, coming back year after year, it's been amazing to see
the way we've inspired the younger generation to come on board.
But I'm starting to feel like the old dog on the scene,
so just, please, you know, leave a little bit at the end for us.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Here he is, I love this bloke, his name is Sam Goodall
and he's wearing pink tonight
for his wife and his three daughters, I love it.
Hi, Daddy!
You can see the family there cheering him on.
He'll hopefully be able to use that for this run on the course.
We love you! We know you can go all the way!
You got this!
Alright, what does he have in his bag of tricks for us tonight?
Come on.
Tradie Ninja Sam Goodall, here we go across the Shrinking Steps.
There's a few more there this year but didn't bother him a bit.
Nope, no worries whatsoever.
What about the Eagles Claw?
Off the ramp, nice lock-off with his arms
and generating huge momentum here.
Whoa! Oh!
He had to reach for that one, Leila? Didn't he?
And he's headed off course a little bit but he's made a good recovery.
He's going for speed here.
This is a quick start for the Tradie Ninja.
He's not mucking around...
Oh, no! Oh, no!
He's down!
Oh, no. Oh, that's a...
that's a blunder.
He is down. The Tradie Ninja in the drink.
Oh, I did not see that coming. No, I'm stunned.
He seems stunned, too. Sam Goodall.
Well, this course is all about speed and Sam delivered on that.
He made a great save on the Eagles Claw,
but he couldn't recover after a wobbly start on the dominoes.
A top-18 spot is required in this heat to advance to the Semi-Finals
so it's going to be a nervous wait for Sam Goodall.
He's never missed out on the Grand Finals,
but this could be the year he watches from the stands.
OK, stay with us.
Still to come, some heavyweights of Australian Ninja Warrior.
Flashlin Ashlin is back and he's looking faster than ever.
But, next, 4-time Grand Finalist
and Warped Wall world record holder, the first person
to be crowned Australian Ninja Warrior, Ben Polson.
I'm back for my sixth season
and it's time to show these young guns how it's done.
Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior
where ninjas have been testing themselves
on the road to Mount Midoriyama.
Jobie Wright, a 17-year-old student from Adelaide,
can dead hang for 13 minutes
but his time on the course was a little shorter.
He went left.
You gotta go straight. Oh!
Really tough to correct.
31-year-old Chris Nayna from Melbourne made an early impression.
Splendid legs, Chris.
Oh, a little flex for the boys. Gee whiz.
It was a tentative start for the second-heaviest ninja in this heat,
although he had the muscle to handle the Eagles Claw.
Come on! Yes! Let's go, go!
But you can't outmuscle obstacle number three.
You gotta move on this one, can't take your time.
No!
Another one bites the dust in the Domino Effect.
Emma Teede had one goal when she hit the course tonight,
to beat her 17-year-old son, Kobe, by beating the Anaconda.
But the 46-year-old took a heavy tumble on the dominoes...
Oh, no! You were so close!
..handing her son family bragging rights.
So, from one experienced female ninja to a 16-year-old newbie.
It's time to welcome our youngest ever female ninja.
She's a state-level swimmer
and she's on the Ninja starting blocks ready to rumble.
Here's 16-year-old Chanel Simsic.
I speak a little bit of Slovenian, yes.
(SPEAKS SLOVENIAN)
Hello. Like, my name's Chanel.
My dad's side of the family is all up there,
so we speak it every now and then around the house.
I swim eight times a week.
I've been competing since I was ten.
My swimming skills will probably be a lot of use to me,
just, like, that upper-body strength,
and I'm the youngest female to take on the course,
which is pretty exciting.
Yeah, I just want to do well just to kind of prove, like, you know,
whatever everyone else can do, so can I.
I'm always in the pool but tonight my goal is to stay dry.
Well, Chanel isn't just an elite swimmer,
she's also an accomplished gymnast.
With those skills, I wonder
if she can follow in the footsteps of the legend Olivia Vivian.
This is attack of the teens this year.
She's 16 years old.
She speaks Slovenian, actually, Woods,
and I know you also speak it fluently.
Absolutely.
(SPEAKS SLOVENIAN)
Yeah!
Nailed it! Let's see how she goes.
For our non-Slovenian-speaking viewers tonight,
Woody just wished Chanel good luck.
(KLAXON RINGS)
Here she goes.
Come on, Chanel. Get going, get moving.
Yes, that's one.
She's hoping her swimming experience will help her with her strength
and balance, but we don't want to see any swimming here tonight.
That's right, she's gotta stay above the water here
and she needs to get really high.
She needs big speed to get to the Eagles Claw.
Ooh, bit of a false start. Whoa!
It's a big jump, 2.8 metres to the first claw.
She's gotta really send this launch. She's gotta go.
Ooh. You gotta commit!
(GROANS)
Oh, no, Chanel. No.
Oh, I think the nerves got the better of her.
Whoo-hoo!
Chanel found just the right combination of speed and balance
on the Shrinking Steps,
but, approaching the Eagles Claw, keep an eye on her right foot,
she just oversteps the take-off and that robbed her of some distance.
(CHEERING)
Hey, Chanel. How are ya? Lovely to meet you.
Congratulations, mate, you're the youngest ever girl on this course.
Have you got a message for the other women out there
who are thinking of doing it?
Just go for it, you know?
If you want to do it, you can put your mind to it
and achieve anything you want, so, girls rule.
Hey, love that, Chanel, thanks so much, mate, congratulations.
Give it up for Chanel again, everyone!
Yeah, well done, Chanel.
Every ninja's journey has to start somewhere,
just as it did for our next ninja.
Alright, Jim.
Alright, Leila. It's time.
He's the only person to be crowned an Australian Ninja Warrior.
Need we say more?
He's the record-holder on the Rising Mega Warped Wall.
He is feared and utterly fearless.
BOTH: Ben Polson!
Ladies and gentlemen, the Australian Ninja Warrior champion,
the first to conquer Mount Midoriyama and claim the prize.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
I am, honestly, super privileged and proud
to be one of only 11 people to do all six seasons.
Season one, it still feels like it was yesterday.
He's pretty tall. What the...?
He didn't even need a run-up. Holy what?
Because... (BUZZER BLARES)
Season three was my worst season ever.
I unfortunately didn't make the Grand Final.
We know Ben Polson is a machine.
Oh!
But I think I learned a lot from that failure,
which made season four my most successful ever.
Look at the arms pumping!
Look at the legs pumping!
Mount Midoriyama is almost done!
He gets up through the hole! He's done it!
The first Australian Ninja Warrior is Ben Polson!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
I don't know what to expect when it comes to these young guns.
These are kids which grew up watching me
and now they're competing alongside me.
You know, they'll be on my heels.
I'm getting old now, I'm getting wrinkly.
Season six, here we go.
And here he is, Ben Polson, 4-time Grand Finalist
and the first and only Australian to be crowned a Ninja Warrior.
And there's Olivia Vivian supporting as well as 17-year-old
Saxon Johnstone who, earlier, laid down a blistering time of 2:32.
I dare say Ben's gonna want to beat that time and send a strong message
to the young guys, saying the old guard aren't done yet.
(KLAXON RINGS)
Well, we know he's got eyes on the clock.
He's gonna want to get into that Power Pool,
so quickly through the first obstacle.
Deals with the Shrinking Steps, now time for the Eagles Claw.
Well, changes his mind and that'll cost him time.
You've got this. Come on!
Come on, Ben Polson. Show 'em how it's done.
Come on.
This isn't like Ben Polson.
He's taking extra swings.
Are we witnessing a changing of the guard?
Ben's not looking comfortable at the moment.
Ben Polson six seconds slower than Saxon Johnstone at this point.
Now, he needs to pick up the pace.
Now going across these dominoes.
He skips the last one, no problem.
That's smart, I reckon, skipping the last domino.
What's he gonna do on the Anaconda?
No-one has successfully lached across the Anaconda tonight,
but Ben Polson reckons he can do it.
It's risky but, if you're going for speed, it's the smart choice.
Oh, look at that! He's done it!
Ben Polson has once again
done what other ninjas cannot do and he goes again.
He's now overtaken Saxon Johnstone.
Jeez, we've gotta move to keep up with this guy, he's killing it now.
This is exactly how you do it.
This is the Ben Polson we know and love.
He is now 25 seconds faster than Saxon.
At this rate, he could go under two minutes.
Now for the Ring Chaser.
Grab the ring.
Oh, how's the style? So cool, right?
So cool.
Alright, he's getting the swing with two hands?
Can he just do a little Tarzan?
Right, now, the trick here is to control that backswing.
The ring can easily slip off the hook.
Ben needs to generate just enough swing
to make it to the next skyhook, no more, no less.
And he does it.
Ben employed an unusual technique there.
Yeah, it's interesting.
He's going for the double hands on one ring.
That's not the way that we see a lot of ninjas.
That's how you do it! That's how you do it.
He knocked it down and he's up to the wall.
Here he comes, baby, go, go. Beat that wall!
Oh, yes! Beat that wall!
Oh, nice! Smash the buzzer!
Ben Polson lays down the fastest time of the night
and has sent a message - that, young whippersnappers, is how you do it.
Ben didn't find his rhythm straight away but he flew over the dominoes
and, when he reached the Anaconda, he unleashed his formidable lache.
He did those two obstacles 30 seconds faster than Saxon,
and his time puts him well in the running
for a spot in the Power Pool.
Wowee.
Benny Polson, I feel so small and insignificant
next to you, my friend.
Hey, can I just talk a little bit about this Warped Wall?
'Cause, I mean, this thing's 4.35 metres
and you went up it like you were going up your front doorstep.
Woody and I have a theory
that you could walk up the wall and still get your hand on the bar.
Make him show you. Make him do it right now, do it.
Are you willing to show us that? Should we make him do it?
Do we think Ben can walk up the Warped Wall?
Here we go!
(OLIVIA LAUGHS)
We're about to see the first ever walking Warped Wall.
Ever.
Beat the wall! Beat the wall! (CHANTING)
(WOODY LAUGHS)
Oh, my god.
Whoo!
Unbelievable! Unbelievable!
Ben Polson, everybody!
Wowee, that is wild. Yeah.
He just walked up the Warped Wall.
That's one for the history books.
Both Ben and protege Saxon have made it up the Warped Wall.
And who knows?
They could well be competing in the Power Pool
if they remain in the top four.
Let's look at the leader board.
Remember, the fastest four at the end of the night
will fight it out in tonight's main event, the Power Pool.
Ben's time of 1:55 is quick, 37 seconds quicker than Saxon.
Will they survive at the top of the table?
On the strength of that performance, Leila, it's probably safe to say
that, to get to the Power Pool, not only
do you have to complete the course, you have to do it with some speed.
Stay with us, Ninja fans.
Next, the Australian Ninja Warrior Celebrity Challenge.
And here's a sneak peek of their journey so far.
If you can get your belly up here...
I've learned, with my time of training with Ninja...
I've got no strength.
..that I'm never, ever gonna be a ninja.
(GROANS)
It's tough, aye? It is.
And Josh is superhuman.
That didn't even move.
Oh, my greatest fear is probably how badly I fall and stack meself.
(GRUNTS)
Or even that I might be a meme.
Man, that's, uh, that's a fair jump.
Because, everything that I do, it always seems to end up in a meme.
So, with a lache, you want to rip through with your hands.
Yeah.
A couple of days ago, I didn't even know the word lache existed.
(HEAVY BREATHING)
This is completely out of my comfort zone.
I've been training with Eloni, who is awesome,
so, hopefully, I am up to par.
I'm not too sure if I am but fingers crossed.
(ELONI LAUGHS)
All good.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior.
We have something a little bit different planned for you,
but it's gonna be tons of fun.
It is the first Australian Ninja Warrior Celebrity Challenge.
Yeah, we're gonna let the regular ninjas
just take a break for a minute,
and we're gonna unleash these celebrities on the course, Leila,
and they're gonna do it for charity.
The winner's gonna get $10,000 to their charity.
Are they crazy? Are they brave?
Should we bring them on? Let's bring 'em on, shall we?
Alright, here they come.
And there is Jack Vidgin, singer-songwriter.
We have Olympian, gold medallist Emily Seebohm.
And there's the legend himself, the Socceroo Archie Thompson.
Welcome, gang.
And welcome to the coaches, Eloni Vunakece,
an injured Josh O'Sullivan and the Zak attack, Zak Stolz.
You guys got some great, great help there.
Good on you, guys, for coming out here.
Someone's gonna take home 10,000 for their charity.
We wish you all the best of luck with this.
You're gonna need it.
Go, Jack, let's get it! Whoo! Yeah!
Jack, are you ready? It's go time. Go, Jack.
I'm not sure.
Alright, well, we're gonna go anyway.
Let's do it. First up is Jack.
Let's get ready to rumble.
Our celebrities will face the same punishing course
as our regular ninjas but, in the spirit of fair play,
we're letting them bypass one of the hardest obstacles,
the Eagles Claw.
Now, the ninja who goes furthest on the course
will bank $10,000 for the charity of their choice.
In the event of a draw, we'll go to a tiebreaker at the Warped Wall.
(CHEERING)
Yeah!
OK, here we go.
Our first celebrity is singer-songwriter Jack Vidgin
who's up here.
Jacko, get over here.
Are they children's shorts or are they adult shorts?
These are adult shorts. Are they?
We're not sure. They are. Do you like them?
I do like them, actually, they do look good.
Alright, boys, stop flirting, let's get into it, shall we?
Here we go, Jack Vidgin.
Come on, Jack.
Jack's charity is the Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Association,
and Jack's dad suffers from MS,
so he's plenty motivated to win tonight.
Jack Vidgin is off. He's on the Shrinking Steps.
ELONI: Beautiful, beautiful.
And he hits a high note straight off the bat.
That is as good a start as we've seen all night.
Beautiful!
He's happy with that. Look at him twerking!
Not often seen on Ninja but we welcome it.
I like his style.
That guy definitely has got some Ninja talent.
And there's his coach on the sideline.
Fast.
Jack, start right at the back.
Eloni's just telling him, give it a full send.
Just let it rip.
Jack Vidgin on the dominoes.
Look at...(GASPS) What?
Wow, look at Jack go! What?
And Eloni is loving this.
I did not see that one coming.
But the Anaconda is going to test him.
Oh, he just couldn't hold on.
That one was a little bit more predictable.
That is a brutal one for us mortals. Oh!
Well done, Jack Vidgin.
Look how happy he is.
Well done, Eloni.
That was some nice coaching,
if he could've just let him borrow a little bit of hang time.
Yeah, plenty of ninjas struggle on the dominoes.
Big-time. And Jack Vidgin just flew over them.
That was incredible.
And he didn't even need that final domino to make it across.
Super impressive and so, too, his victory twerk.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Jump up here. Turn around, come here, come here, quick.
Jump up. There we go.
Jack'll be a tough act to follow
but, if anyone can do it, it's our next celebrity ninja.
Let's bring him out, our Socceroo,
Australian football royalty Archie Thompson.
Oh, yeah, he got fouled on the way out.
Aye!
Archie's charity is Team Sport 4 All, an organisation
that helps disadvantaged kids participate in sport.
Watch your feet, mate, you're good.
You know this one.
Some good words of encouragement from coach Zak.
Let's go, mate, come on. Here we go.
Let's see if Archie Thompson's footwork gets him through.
It certainly got him through the Shrinking Steps.
Well done, Archie.
And he's even got the twerk moves!
(CHEERING)
Archie Thompson, what a star.
Fast, fast, fast.
Here we go. That's it!
He's over the dominoes just like that, and, boy, is he happy.
Another celebrity sending it.
And can he send it a little further than the others?
If he does, all of that money goes to his charity of choice.
Alright, what have you got?
You're gonna need plenty of arm strength.
Come on, Archie.
(GROANS) Oh!
Archie Thompson don't want none of that Anaconda.
Awesome.
A mighty fine effort from Archie,
but he came off at exactly the same spot as Jack.
So, right now, we have a tie
and it all comes down to our final celebrity.
She's a 3-time gold medallist and a current Olympian.
It's Emily Seebohm.
Let's go, Em.
Emily Seebohm's charity tonight is endED,
a support service for people struggling with eating disorders.
(KLAXON RINGS)
Alright, Shrinking Steps time, here she goes.
Emily going for gold tonight.
Yeah! Whoo!
And she's pumped.
No problem.
No twerking but no problem.
Onto the Domino Effect now. This'll really test her balance.
Real fast?
Go up the middle, nice and slow, not too fast.
Coach Josh O'Sullivan offering some tips from the sideline.
That's good advice.
Getting that last-minute coaching.
Here we go, here we go! She's over!
Our celebrities are incredible!
We might just drop the 'celebrity'
and put 'em right into the regular Ninja, this is impressive.
This crowd is pumping me up.
My heart is racing.
Hell, yeah, get around 'em!
LEILA: OK, now for the Anaconda. She could win it right here.
Two hands. Two hands.
JIM: She's getting a little advice to figure out which hand to start on
and which doorknobs.
So she's gonna start on the second with the left hand. Good thinking.
And up she goes. Look at the grip...
(BUZZER) No! No!
When you see an Olympic gold medallist struggle on an obstacle,
you really appreciate the skill it takes to get through this course.
Oh, she's doing a bit of backstroke in the pool.
In her natural habitat in the water.
What a star!
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
Emily's fallen at the same obstacle as Jack and Archie,
so we have a three-way tie.
And they're going to the iconic warped wall for a tie-breaker.
Someone's gotta win this thing, Leila.
The Warped Wall is a challenge even for experienced Ninjas,
but are celebrities are ready to give it a go for their charity.
It's sudden death.
They only get one attempt.
First up, Emily Seebohm.
She's six foot tall, so she's got the height,
but does she have the technique?
JIM: Alright, here comes Emily.
(CROWD THUMPS AND CHANTS)
Crowd's behind her. Let's see it.
She's off and running!
CROWD: Beat the wall!
No! No!
Not quite! No! Oh!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
So we're down to two now.
It's Archie or Jack.
Who'll bring the cash home for their charity?
Come on, mate! Let's go.
Well, rumour has it that Archie's done the Warped Wall in training.
Now we're in finesse!
You got it. Watch your feet.
Alright, this is it.
This is the final penalty shot.
It's all or nothing here.
Archie's feeling the pressure right now.
He wants this money for his charity.
It's all riding on this.
Here he goes!
Drive, Archie! Go, go, go! Archie!
BOTH: Ooh. No.
Didn't have the traction, did he?
So it comes down to Jack Vidgen,
and this is his to win now.
And he's doing this for his dad, so he has plenty of motivation.
Let's go, Jack. You got this!
Just a little reminder -
Jack is not an athlete and the Warped Wall is 4.35m high.
(CHANTING)
Come on! The crowd's behind him.
He's ready to go.
He's heading for the Wall. This is it.
(CHEERING) (LEILA SCREECHES)
Kick it, baby. Come on!
Come on! Oh no! Jack Vidgen!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
He's up the wall! You legend!
(WHOOPS)
And the celebratory twerk.
Faster!
(SIREN BLARES)
(BOTH LAUGH)
(TRIUMPHANT MUSIC) (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Who would've thought in Ninja world
we'd be getting a surprise like this tonight.
Incredible stuff from Jack Vidgen.
Jack Vidgen, it is with great honour that I give to you
the Australian Ninja Warrior Celebrity Challenge winner!
There you go! Get it on! (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Get it on, mate!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Jack, you get $10,000
that goes towards the Trish MS Research Foundation.
I know your dad has MS, so what does the money mean for you, mate?
Where's it gonna go? Oh, it's just, it's...
I don't wanna get emotional.
It just means a lot. My dad has MS
so just raising awareness and, yeah, it just means the world.
I can't believe it. Oh, mate!
Congratulations!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)
Well done to our celebrities and a big congratulations to Jack,
who twerked his way up the Warped Wall
and won $10,000 for the Trish MS Research Foundation.
That was incredible.
But don't go away. We'll catch our breath
and then the Ninjas will be back on the course right after the break.
Next - one of our fastest Ninjas of all time
will be bringing more than speed to the course.
Ashlin Herbert has a teenage protege.
This is Ash. This is Ash.
This is Stingray Ninja. This is Flashlin.
And he's 16. He is 26.
And tonight we'll be doing the course.
(CHUCKLES)
It's cute as.
(LAUGHTER)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,
where some of our teens are learning the path to Mount Midoriyama is hard.
LEILA: 16-year-old Kai James got a tough introduction to the course...
Ooh! Whoo!
He shook it off and flew to the Domino Effect
but it was here this number was up.
No! Dominoes!
16-year-old Lis Andres was slow and steady
until she hit the Eagle's Claw, where she launched...
and splashed down just as quickly. (BUZZER)
Oh no! No! No!
17-year-old Troy Sitkowski, an Australian trampolining rep,
looked good on the Eagle's Claw
but hung around longer than he needed to.
He's gotta get moving here.
Gotta get those legs out and go.
It didn't cause a problem on the Domino Effect
but it was a different story on the Anaconda.
The doorknobs required more grip strength than he had in the tank.
Oh!
So far, only two Ninjas have made it to the top of the Warped Wall -
legend Ben Polson...
and 17-year-old Saxon Johnstone.
The attack of the teens! Yes, baby!
He's up here! Whoo!
They hold the top two spots but for how long?
Because we are about to unleash some of the fastest Ninjas...
on our fastest course.
And the need for speed is real
because what everyone has their sights set on tonight
is the Power Pool.
The fastest four will battle it out
to win a crucial semifinal advantage.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
And our next Ninja knows all about speed.
He's inspired a generation of young Ninjas
but now, those very same Ninjas are coming for him.
This guy is the original speedster.
Here he is. It's Ashlin 'Flashlin' Herbert!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
I know there's a lot of really good up-and-comers coming through.
I've done six years in my Ninja career.
REBECCA: Oh, he flies into the net.
I love the sport. It's a really great sport to get into.
And if I can inspire them any more, that's amazing.
I'm stoked to have a little Ash.
I've trained with him a bit
and he's got what it takes to sort of go the whole way, I think.
I'm not ready to hand over the Ash name yet.
If he can come up and take it, then good on him.
But tonight, I'm sort of feeling a bit...iffy.
We're two days out from me competing on Ninja
and got some nice grazing.
Recently I came off my skateboard.
Did a bit of damage, especially with the hands and stuff.
And that's gonna be a bit tough.
So hopefully the course will go alright tonight.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
LEILA: OK, get ready, Australia, because here he is!
If you want to know how good and how fast Ashlin is,
this says it all.
He's won every heat he's ever competed in
here on Australian Ninja Warrior.
There's Ash Campbell with Ashlin's good mate, Alex, and partner Sarah.
JIM: Yeah, if Flashlin Ashlin's to be believed,
he reckons Ash is a legit contender.
Jim, if that's true,
tonight could be the night Ashlin loses his winning streak.
We're just gonna pull down the curtain for you guys very quickly
because Ashlin's just stacked off his skateboard a couple of days ago
and he's ripped all sort of skin off his body.
I'll see if he can give us a look.
Turn around. Ash, can we have a look, mate?
(AUDIENCE GASPS) Have a look at that. Ooh!
His hands took a little bit of a beating as well.
Might that impact anything when he gets to the Anaconda
and a kind of a grip issue would be concerning for him.
(BUZZER)
Alright, start your engines and start your watches
because this guy is on a flyer.
Flashlin Ashlin, he doesn't hang around.
Oh, look at that!
God, he just... He's reckless!
That is classic Flashlin Ashlin.
He earnt that nickname for a reason.
Obstacle three now.
And straight through the Dominoes.
What about this time!
Just 21 seconds to get to the Anaconda
and this is why he always wins his heats.
Is he gonna lache?
(CHUCKLES) Oh, he's definitely lache-ing.
There is no doubt - he only has one gear.
And look at him fly!
He is crushing this Anaconda
and he is done with it,
and he's 24 seconds faster than Polson.
He's done it in half the time anyone else has. This is extraordinary.
His hands seem to be holding up well,
not slowing him down in the slightest -
or does anything slow this guy down?
49 seconds gone and he is on the Ring Chaser.
Racing the ring. Got it.
He had to wait for it!
We've seen Ninjas just scrambling to get to it.
Ashlin had to wait for it to get there.
This guy lost half of the skin on his back. Wow!
But this course has taken no skin off of him.
He is dominating so far.
Yeah, we talk about a time of 2:15 being fast.
This is supersonic.
He's gonna be hitting that buzzer in next to no time. Here he comes!
Is he going straight up the Warped Wall?
Here he comes! Oh!
(AUDIENCE GROANS) What are you doing?
Can you believe it?
Well, gonna give it a second try.
Come on! Here he goes.
He doesn't look that bothered.
There he is.
There he goes.
(BUZZER) Fastest of the night!
Flashlin Ashlin!
That was amazing.
Two attempts at the Warped Wall
and still 29 seconds faster than Ben Polson.
Ashlin takes next to no time on and between obstacles.
He produced a master class on the Eagle's Claw,
releasing on the first swing.
And then attacked the Anaconda with the same attitude.
He just doesn't hang around.
We wondered if his streak would come to an end tonight,
and I think he's answered that question for us,
because that was spectacular and surely he's going to the Power Pool.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Even with his injuries,
Flashlin Ashlin made lightning time of his run tonight,
taking up pole position for furthest fastest.
The four fastest Ninjas of the night
will be competing in the Power Pool
for an all-important advantage in the semifinals.
Saxon Johnstone, the only teen in the mix.
Stay with us, Australia.
There are plenty more Ninjas to run
and any one of them could make it to the Power Pool.
Including a new sensation from last season.
David Lack is back.
LEILA: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,
where the teens have been attacking this course.
They're not having it all their way, though.
There are a few veteran Ninjas who can still show them a trick or two.
JIM: Le Hua was as cool, calm and collected as usual
until the second last Domino.
Oh no!
Ooh, made it! Only just.
But he lached his way across the Anaconda in style.
Oh, what a catch! Oh, yeah!
And was happy to see the Warped Wall.
Yeah, he's pumped too. Yes!
And even happier to hit the buzzer
as he snagged the fourth spot.
James Sayers, AKA 'Twitch',
delivered his usual high-energy run.
He got a little sideways on the Eagle's Claw, but held on.
He was flawless over the Domino Effect
and on the Anaconda, where he lached all the way.
There it is! Oh!
A salute to the crowd on the dismount.
Another happy Ninja to scale the Warped Wall,
beating Le Hua's time by 4 seconds.
(WHOOPS)
And claiming the fourth spot.
Daniel Mason, the 'Barefoot Ninja'
soared through the Eagle's Claw.
He is off to a flyer, Leila!
He dominated the Dominoes.
He's so light. Look at him.
He didn't slow down for the doorknobs either
and powered his way right up the Warped Wall.
Yes, baby! Here we go!
(CHEERING)
Posting the third fastest run of the night
and rearranging the leader board.
There he is! The Barefoot Ninja...
There he is! ..is back!
Putting himself in contention for tonight's ultimate showdown,
the Power Pool.
This is how the top four look right now.
Teenager Saxon Johnstone is still in the mix
but it could be a tough spot to hold
with some rising stars ready to hit this course.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
He got a taste of the grand final in his debut season last year
and he's back for more.
From Brisbane, it's David Lack.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) (APPLAUSE)
On the side, his mentor and boss, Le Hua, Ben Polson and girlfriend Jade.
(CHIMES)
Here we go. We're off and running.
He wants to be in the fastest four tonight for the Power Pool
as he runs straight onto the Eagle's Claw.
Oh, great technique with his legs creating the momentum.
That's nicely done.
Oh, looks like he's going for time.
He is ripping through this course like he designed it himself.
(CHUCKLES)
Come on, come on. Excellent.
We're heading for the Domino Effect.
And look at him fly. This is quick!
Moving fast. We're moving fast.
He's not really stopping between obstacles as he hits the Anaconda.
He's on track for one of the fastest times of the night.
OK, he's gonna lache, just as you'd expect.
And look at the hip swing.
That is one powerful athlete.
Oh, the technique!
It just looks so effortless.
The lache is David Lack's ninja superpower.
Lands it.
48 seconds on the clock.
Just the Ring Chaser to go now
before he gets a crack at the Warped Wall.
This is a very fast time.
Go, go, go, go!
He's trying to get up onto the Power Pool.
He is sending a big message.
Ooh! What a grab!
And crams that thing right onto the sky hook.
This is some serious business from a serious Ninja.
He's heading our way.
He's going to the Warped Wall.
Looking at the clock.
He won't beat Ashlin's time - I doubt anyone will -
but at this rate, it will be the second fastest time tonight.
The race for the Power Pool is well and truly on.
Ben Polson's second at the moment with 1:55.
David is well on track to beat that.
Can he beat the Warped Wall?
Come on, David Lack!
GIRLFRIEND: Up, go, go! He's got this.
He's got this. He's got it.
Yes! Ooh!
Oh no! No!
(GROANS)
It was like 'Cliffhanger'. Yeah!
He just had it!
LE HUA: Breathe, babe.
AUDIENCE: Beat the wall! Arm down!
Breathe. You've got this. Come on.
AUDIENCE: Beat the wall! JIM: OK, he can still beat Ben's time of 1:55.
LEILA: Here we go.
Here we go. Here we go.
AUDIENCE: Beat the wall!
Tell you what - David Lack could be in trouble here.
This is his third and final attempt.
If he doesn't get up this time, it is over
and the Power Pool for David is gone.
Just breathe. Get the time out of your head.
This is his final attempt.
From one of the fastest to possibly failing the Warped Wall.
Come on, David Lack.
This is it. AUDIENCE: Beat the wall!
This is it, up the wall, up the wall!
Yes! Yes!
(CHUCKLES) Oh!
Oh, yes!
LEILA: Slapped that buzzer. Amazing.
David Lack.
He got it. Got it on the third attempt.
Massive.
Good on him. Whoa.
It would be devastating to lose it on the Warped Wall.
I thought he was gone but he has done it the hard way.
He will be one of the fastest four.
Well, this course promised fast and boy are our ninjas delivering.
And now it's a real tussle for one of the four spots in the Power Pool.
JIM: This is how the leaderboard looks.
David Lack has taken third spot,
knocking teenager Saxon Johnstone
out of the running for tonight's in game, the Power Pool.
Daniel Mason is still in with a chance at fourth
but he's at the mercy of the one ninja left to run.
Word is he's a weapon.
Flashlin Ashlin says he's the real deal.
Ash Campbell is next.
(CHEERING)
JIM: Sydney Olympic Park, you are back with Australian Ninja Warrior.
And it's time for our last team and very last ninja for the heat.
They call him Stingray and he's tipped to be the one to watch.
Among the new generation of teenage ninjas,
it's Ash Campbell!
Hi. You're driving.
ASH: I guess I am.
For the last couple of years
my mum's been driving me around everywhere.
Mainly to take me to training
but I am...
I got my Ls.
Good to go. Alright, let's go.
And I think now it's her turn.
Just watch your speed.
But she gets very freaked out with the way I drive.
Mum, I'm on the speed limit. Don't even stress. It's all good.
So, this Ash knows this Ash
from a couple of competitions back in Melbourne
where we competed against each other.
Ash has been a bit of an inspiration.
Oh, thanks, mate.
No problem.
But I think it's gonna be
a very good opportunity to just show him what I've got.
Obviously it would be nice if I get through.
(CHEERING)
You got this, Asho.
You'll be right.
This is Ash Campbell.
He is the Mini Me to Flashlin Ashlin.
You can tell just by looking at him.
He's got the hair. Hopefully he's got the speed.
LEILA: Well, Woody, if Ashlin is coaching him,
I'm sure speed will be part of his arsenal.
JIM: And Flashlin right there ready to give support.
And not only is Ash Campbell chasing Flashlin's time, if he wants a shot
at the Power Pool tonight he's got to beat Daniel Mason's run of 2:16.
Ash looks nervous. It's a lot of pressure for a 16-year-old.
(STARTING BEEP) OK. We're on.
Ash races across the Shrinking Steps and no hesitation.
He's straight up onto the Eagle Claw.
And he's just like Ashlin, he's fast.
And there's that stingray-looking lache.
He looks confident.
(CHEERING) He's out-flashing Flashlin Ashlin.
This is incredible. Look at him go.
Straight over the Domino Effect.
He went over those like hot rocks.
And he's on target for the Power Pool.
He's three seconds faster than Daniel Mason.
Will he take the lache route?
Oh, yes he will.
No teen has successfully lached the Anaconda tonight.
This is the fastest way.
Oh, yes! (CHEERING)
We're seeing the future.
We've seen a couple of these youngsters.
This is another one.
Ash is now faster than Daniel Mason and Ben Polson.
And he's absolutely hammering this course.
He's barely stopped to take a breath.
This is fast by any ninja standard and he's a 16-year-old first timer.
How good would it be to see Ashlin versus Ash in the Power Pool?
Here we go.
Here would go. Got the ring.
Time to spare on the catch.
He was there so fast he had to wait for the ring to get to him.
This is gonna be a fast time.
I don't think it'll be faster than Ashlin
but Ben Polson's 1:55 is about to be smashed.
This is crazy.
Ninja legends, these two. They're just...are coming for you.
Now can this 16-year-old get up the 4.35m Warped Wall?
This is huge.
Yes!
(BUZZER BLARES)
(CHEERING) Attack of the teens.
That was Ash on the smash.
He's 16 years old!
WILL AND WOODY: Wow.
He's coming for Flashlin Ashlin.
Amazing performance.
The Stingray up the Warped Wall.
And that's the second fastest time of the night.
I mean, that is incredible.
Ash raced through the course with extraordinary confidence.
Just like his mentor Ashlin,
he chose speed over safety on the Anaconda.
And look at the style with the trailing leg.
That's what gives him the Stingray nickname.
And he attacked this course tonight
heading straight up the Warped Wall on his first attempt.
What a sensational debut performance from Ash Campbell.
Stingray, Ash, congratulations, brother.
Thank you.
Mate, unbelievable stuff there. How are you feeling, bro?
You absolutely blitzed it.
Oh, feeling very tired.
I actually have no feeling in my arms.
And other than that I'm pretty pumped.
Mate, congratulations. Mate, you're through.
The attack of the teens continues. How good's this kid?
Ash Campbell has proven
that these teenagers do have what it takes to tackle the ninja course,
take on our veterans,
and secure their place at the top.
The big question now is can he win the Power Pool?
We'll find out shortly.
But first, let's confirm who's made it through to the semi-finals.
Sam Goodall was fast enough before he fell
and he progresses along with Robert Ciccarelli.
Quite a few teens also progressing.
Kobe Teede out-gunning his mum tonight.
And a brilliant performance
from Saxon Johnstone.
But look at this.
there is no substitute for experience
unless your name is Ash Campbell.
His run knocking Daniel Mason
out of the top four.
And Flashlin Ashlin
remains unbeaten in his heat.
And of course the top four will now
battle it out in the Power Pool for a game-changing advantage.
Use this advantage wisely and they
are one step closer to the grand final and Mount Midoriyama.
Our top four ninjas are about to face off in the Power Pool.
Who do think will win?
Ash Campbell?
Ashlin Herbert?
David Lack?
Or Ben Polson?
Head to nine.com.au/ninjawarrior and vote right now.
It's all thanks to Energizer.
(CHEERING)
Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior.
It's Power Pool time.
That's right. The Power Tower is no more.
Now it's all about the Power Pool.
This is the main event we've all been waiting for,
the ultimate decider.
Ninjas will compete at pace on obstacles high above the water.
The drop is a backslapping 5m.
It is the biggest fall we've ever seen on Australian Ninja Warrior.
Here's how tonight's course works.
Ninjas begin with a high-speed foot race across the Sprinting Steps.
Then it's up a rope and across to the Static Bar.
The slightest error on the transfer here will cost time.
And in a head-to-head race every second counts.
Next up, two huge laches, with the second a massive 3.1m.
Plus a final five-metre dismount.
Then it's a race up the rope to the buzzer.
This pool is epic and so is this showdown.
We've got four amazing ninjas.
The first battle is gonna be Flashlin Ashlin.
He's gonna take on teen sensation Ash Campbell.
And then we have David Lack versus Ben Polson.
The victors of those two thrilling rounds will then meet
for one final face-off for the advantage.
OK, Australia, get set for three explosive races
with tonight's fastest ninjas.
Let's bring out our first two ninjas, Ashlin and Ash.
It's the Master versus the Apprentice
and they're battling it out on the biggest stage imaginable,
the formidable Power Pool.
Flashlin Ashlin holds the Australian
record for the Sprinting Steps
and for the Sonic Shelf Grab
so this course plays to his strengths.
But 16-year-old
Ash, the 'Stingray' Campbell
is also a speedster
and in a head-to-head race,
anything can happen.
Exactly right, Jim.
Ashlin is lightning fast but he takes risks.
And he has injured hands from a skateboarding accident.
BOTH: Here we go.
(STARTER BEEP)
Alright, they're off to a flying start, going toe to toe.
And there is nothing in it.
Ashlin gets his hand to the Static Bar first
and to the Shelf Grab.
Ash is not far behind as he makes a grab for the shelf but oh, no!
He's missed it.
What an upset.
Ashlin Herbert is in the water.
It's not over yet.
Ash still needs to complete this course to win the race.
If he makes the dismount he's beaten his mentor.
Yes. He's done it.
The attack of the teens.
16-year-old Ash Campbell has taken on a legend and he's won.
I don't think Ashlin can quite believe what just happened.
It was neck-and-neck across the Sprinting Steps
and Ashlin leapt higher onto the rope to grab the lead.
But keep your eyes on his left hand.
He just couldn't hold on and down he went.
And that cleared the way for the Stingray
and he flew through the rest of the course,
cruising to the buzzer,
and into the final round of the Power Pool.
So, chalk up one to the new generation of ninjas.
What will happen in round two of the Power Pool?
It's David Lack up against ninja legend Ben Polson.
One of last year's new sensations facing
the man crowned the first and only Australian Ninja Warrior.
This is a David and Goliath battle
but it's also state against state.
David Lack representing Queensland
and Ben Polson for WA.
Alright, let's see who can execute this run perfectly
because mistakes will get punished.
Who's it gonna be? Too tight call, Leila.
We've just seen a ninja legend take a bath.
(STARTER BEEP)
And they're off. Here they go.
Who gets to the rope first? That's dead even.
Who's gonna get up to the bar?
Ben Polson made a grab for it but he missed.
This could be a disaster for Ben.
He's caught up in the rope.
This is big trouble.
Yea. Ben Polson struggling to untangle himself
as David Lack takes the lead.
Ben's free but he's got some work to do here.
And David just has to dismount.
He is there.
He has left Ben Polson in his wake.
The second big upset of the night.
This Power Pool punishes the slightest of errors.
(BUZZER BLARES)
David Lack has beaten the Goliath of Australian Ninja Warrior
to go into the Power Pool final.
A couple of upsets here at the Power Pool.
Ah, what a nice moment there.
(CHEERING)
You couldn't split Ben and David
as they raced across the Sprinting Steps.
But then Ben got his legs tangled up in the rope
as he tried to transfer to the Static Bar.
Look at that, David surged ahead,
hitting the buzzer with time to spare.
Two epic clashes in the Power Pool
have seen Ash Campbell and David Lack emerge victorious.
But only one of them will win that precious advantage.
The two favourites knocked out so it's all on the line.
That crucial advantage to be used in the semi-finals
could be the difference between $100,000 and nothing at all.
We are ready to go.
Let's finish this baby off at the Power Pool.
16-year-old Ash Campbell, second fastest in the heat tonight.
And he's up against David Lack, a man who likes his big laches.
Anything could happen here.
(STARTER BEEP)
And they're off in the attack of the teens.
This is tight. Ash hitting the rope first.
And he reaches and he misses the Static Bar.
But Ash is first onto the Shelf Grab.
The Stingray is about to unleash.
He takes a look over at David.
Knocks down the first lache.
The Stingray is on the precipice of a major upset.
He's gonna get there.
And David is down. Heading up the rope.
He's up the rope. (BUZZER BLARES)
He's hit the buzzer. (CHEERING)
And Ash Campbell has gained that precious advantage
here at the Power Pool.
Ash Campbell triumphs here.
(CHEERING)
That was amazing.
A 16-year-old winning the very first Power Pool.
These young guns have come out firing.
There was nothing in it between these two.
Ash had the slightest advantage on the Shelf, getting away first.
Maybe it was the pressure and trying to play catch up.
David only got his fingertips to the Shelf
and then felt the full force of that 5m drop.
But what a performance from the 16-year-old Ash Campbell.
He's bagged that incredible semi-final advantage
in his first Ninja Warrior outing.
Will and Woody are poolside with him now.
It doesn't get much better than this. We are here with Ash Campbell.
How are you feeling, mate?
Very tired but also very happy.
A 16-year-old kid has just knocked out two ninja legends.
Look out, everyone.
Do you have a message to all the other people
you're taking on in the competition?
Just watch out for the young guns, you know. We're coming.
Love it, mate. Great stuff, Ash, eh?
Another round of applause for Ash Campbell.
Wow, what a performance.
A new ninja star is born.
Ash Campbell triumphing here at the Power Pool
in an absolutely astonishing coup against the ninja legends.
Yeah, what a night.
And that's gonna do it for us here at Sydney Olympic Park
until next time.
We'll have loads more ninja action for you on Australian Ninja Warrior.
Good night, Australia. Good night.
The evolution of the world's toughest obstacle course continues
when teens take on their older siblings.
He loves thinking he can beat me in competitions.
Who will win in a battle of the brothers?
I think I'm the better ninja.
I just don't like to talk myself up.
Yeah. In case he loses. (LAUGHTER)
Plus last season's breakout stars...
This year I've come back to tackle the course again.
I'm here to win this time.
..return to the fastest course.
I have my sights set on the grand finals and know that I can make it.
And attempt to beat Ninja Warrior royalty...
This year I'm absolutely fired up.
..at their own game.
I am so determined to win.
And this season...
Yes! Whoo!
..the fastest course ever...
Come on!
..is sent into overdrive.
Oh!
..when head-to-head showdowns pit ninja against ninja.
(STARTER BEEP)
MAN: The head-to-head race is often huge.
..in heart-stopping battles...
Oh, my goodness. No!
..as ninjas eliminate each other...
MAN: I'm stronger than ever
and I'm going all the way to hit that buzzer.
..in a race to Mount Midoriyama.
MAN: I am so pumped. Game on.
WOMAN: Mount Midoriyama's mine.
Captioned by Ai-Media ai-media.tv