1 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:06,172 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:06,206 --> 00:00:08,908 - Welcome to Universal Studios Hollywood, 3 00:00:08,942 --> 00:00:11,344 our home for qualifying, and tonight, 4 00:00:11,378 --> 00:00:13,480 we've got a special double episode 5 00:00:13,513 --> 00:00:15,715 of "American Ninja Warrior." 6 00:00:15,749 --> 00:00:17,183 - Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 7 00:00:17,217 --> 00:00:18,184 I'm Matt Iseman. 8 00:00:18,218 --> 00:00:20,020 - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 9 00:00:20,053 --> 00:00:22,188 Matt, these qualifying competitions 10 00:00:22,222 --> 00:00:24,524 are intense, as these ninjas try 11 00:00:24,557 --> 00:00:26,026 to keep their season alive. 12 00:00:26,059 --> 00:00:28,695 - Absolutely, big man, and we've got another star-studded 13 00:00:28,728 --> 00:00:30,330 group on tap for tonight. 14 00:00:30,363 --> 00:00:32,799 For a preview, let's go down to Zuri Hall. 15 00:00:32,832 --> 00:00:35,001 - Yeah, guys, we've got a lot of fan favorites 16 00:00:35,035 --> 00:00:37,037 who are ready to hit the course tonight. 17 00:00:37,070 --> 00:00:40,240 We'll see two groups of ninjas in this double feature. 18 00:00:40,273 --> 00:00:43,943 Our first group includes the 5'2" superstar 19 00:00:43,977 --> 00:00:47,480 "Gnarly Nate" Hansen and his training partner, 20 00:00:47,514 --> 00:00:50,350 the two-time runner-up Austin Gray. 21 00:00:50,383 --> 00:00:54,054 Plus, she had the best first season ever for a woman. 22 00:00:54,087 --> 00:00:56,623 - And Greene is golden! 23 00:00:56,656 --> 00:00:59,626 - Now, teenage sensation Taylor Greene is back. 24 00:00:59,659 --> 00:01:02,328 And later, we'll see The Weatherman, 25 00:01:02,362 --> 00:01:04,898 Connecticut dad Joe Moravsky. 26 00:01:04,931 --> 00:01:07,200 All right, guys, release the ninjas. 27 00:01:07,233 --> 00:01:09,969 - And oh, mama, leading us off is 28 00:01:10,070 --> 00:01:12,072 the matriarch of the Beckstrand ninja 29 00:01:12,072 --> 00:01:14,140 dynasty, Holly Beckstrand. 30 00:01:14,174 --> 00:01:16,776 This 44-year-old Utah mother of five 31 00:01:16,810 --> 00:01:19,279 is competing with two of her sons tonight. 32 00:01:19,312 --> 00:01:22,315 She also helps to run two gyms, while somehow 33 00:01:22,349 --> 00:01:25,085 finding time to be a ninja, too. 34 00:01:25,118 --> 00:01:28,488 [gentle music] 35 00:01:28,521 --> 00:01:32,292 - Being a mom of five kids means I'm really busy. 36 00:01:32,325 --> 00:01:34,894 [music intensifies] 37 00:01:34,928 --> 00:01:37,197 Making appointments-- orthodontist, 38 00:01:37,230 --> 00:01:41,301 dermatologist, dentist, doctors, Kai's diabetes, 39 00:01:41,334 --> 00:01:43,336 taking them to school. 40 00:01:43,370 --> 00:01:44,804 The girls have dance. 41 00:01:44,838 --> 00:01:47,007 The boys have work, as well as running two gyms. 42 00:01:47,107 --> 00:01:48,274 [phone rings] 43 00:01:48,308 --> 00:01:49,743 Thanks for calling The Grip in Green Valley. 44 00:01:49,776 --> 00:01:52,912 Can I help you? 45 00:01:52,946 --> 00:01:55,348 It all falls on me to take care of dinner 46 00:01:55,382 --> 00:01:57,250 and keeping the house clean. 47 00:01:57,283 --> 00:01:59,352 Sometimes my needs and wants come last, for sure. 48 00:01:59,386 --> 00:02:02,055 - Let's go, Mom. You got it. Big jump. 49 00:02:02,055 --> 00:02:04,257 There you go. 50 00:02:04,290 --> 00:02:05,859 - Big on the back chain. 51 00:02:05,892 --> 00:02:07,227 - There you go. 52 00:02:07,260 --> 00:02:08,561 - Whoo! - Good, good. 53 00:02:08,595 --> 00:02:11,064 - My mom is just absolutely superhuman. 54 00:02:11,064 --> 00:02:12,799 And dismount to the domino. - Nice job. 55 00:02:12,832 --> 00:02:14,100 - Whoa. 56 00:02:14,134 --> 00:02:15,301 - Nice. 57 00:02:15,335 --> 00:02:17,370 - I honestly don't know how she has 58 00:02:17,404 --> 00:02:20,740 time and energy to compete and do everything that she 59 00:02:20,774 --> 00:02:22,108 does in her daily life. 60 00:02:22,142 --> 00:02:24,878 * * 61 00:02:24,911 --> 00:02:27,781 - To be able to compete on "American Ninja Warrior" 62 00:02:27,814 --> 00:02:31,251 season 16 with my two sons is pretty freaking awesome. 63 00:02:31,284 --> 00:02:32,585 Season 16. - Let's go. 64 00:02:32,619 --> 00:02:35,422 - Let's go. 65 00:02:35,455 --> 00:02:37,490 - Yeah! 66 00:02:37,524 --> 00:02:40,894 - Whether I fall in the first obstacle or hit that buzzer, 67 00:02:40,927 --> 00:02:43,530 I'm just super excited to be out here with them. 68 00:02:43,563 --> 00:02:47,467 * * 69 00:02:47,500 --> 00:02:49,269 [cheers and applause] 70 00:02:49,302 --> 00:02:51,371 - Holly is a Ninja supermom. 71 00:02:51,404 --> 00:02:53,506 - Come on, Mom. - Come on, Mom. 72 00:02:53,540 --> 00:02:55,408 - She's going to lead it off for this family. 73 00:02:55,442 --> 00:02:57,377 Her two sons will run later. 74 00:02:57,410 --> 00:02:59,112 She's got a big group of supporters 75 00:02:59,112 --> 00:03:01,047 back at the gym she runs. 76 00:03:01,047 --> 00:03:03,817 [cheers and applause] 77 00:03:03,850 --> 00:03:06,186 [countdown clock beeping] 78 00:03:06,219 --> 00:03:07,787 Well, her husband, Brian, and son, Kai, 79 00:03:07,821 --> 00:03:11,458 made history a few years ago as the first father-son duo 80 00:03:11,491 --> 00:03:13,059 to hit buzzers together. 81 00:03:13,059 --> 00:03:15,862 Could Holly be the first mom to do it with her kids? 82 00:03:15,895 --> 00:03:17,297 [cheers and applause] 83 00:03:17,330 --> 00:03:18,965 - Let's go, Mom. 84 00:03:19,065 --> 00:03:20,500 - Climb up to face Ring Chaser. 85 00:03:20,533 --> 00:03:22,302 She needs to catch that rolling ring, 86 00:03:22,335 --> 00:03:24,971 then swing over to the hooks. 87 00:03:25,071 --> 00:03:26,439 - There we go. There we go. 88 00:03:26,473 --> 00:03:28,341 There we go. Nice. Get it, get it, get it, get it. 89 00:03:28,375 --> 00:03:32,178 Nice. Nice grab. 90 00:03:32,212 --> 00:03:34,814 - Makes it so much easier when you get that ring. 91 00:03:34,848 --> 00:03:38,585 - Holly's got to make this transfer. 92 00:03:38,618 --> 00:03:40,320 - Got it. 93 00:03:40,353 --> 00:03:42,589 Now needs to get her swing going in the right direction. 94 00:03:42,622 --> 00:03:44,991 - Pull. Pull. - There you go. 95 00:03:45,091 --> 00:03:46,526 - The top four women from this group move 96 00:03:46,559 --> 00:03:48,161 on to the semifinals. 97 00:03:48,194 --> 00:03:50,630 Will probably need to get to that fourth of fifth obstacle 98 00:03:50,663 --> 00:03:52,565 to be one of them. 99 00:03:52,599 --> 00:03:56,302 Taking a lot of swings. 100 00:03:56,336 --> 00:03:58,972 But Holly Beckstrand survives. 101 00:03:59,005 --> 00:04:00,607 - Let's go. Let's go. - Come on, Mom. You got this. 102 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:04,744 - Now faces tonight's balance obstacle, Spinning Bridge. 103 00:04:04,778 --> 00:04:05,945 - Here we go, Matt. 104 00:04:06,046 --> 00:04:07,047 Holly gets through this one, man, 105 00:04:07,047 --> 00:04:08,181 she's got a legitimate shot. 106 00:04:08,214 --> 00:04:09,182 She's got a legitimate shot! 107 00:04:09,215 --> 00:04:11,217 Oh, look at this. 108 00:04:11,251 --> 00:04:15,055 - There's the smile, looking at her family. 109 00:04:15,088 --> 00:04:17,724 5'2", 115. 110 00:04:17,757 --> 00:04:20,960 Now the upper-body test commences. 111 00:04:21,061 --> 00:04:23,163 - I think we've got another Ninja star on our hands. 112 00:04:23,196 --> 00:04:24,931 - Well, when you own two gyms and you 113 00:04:24,964 --> 00:04:29,102 have a family full of ninjas, you absorb some stuff. 114 00:04:29,135 --> 00:04:32,339 - Ooh, and this is a heavy one, Heavy Metal. 115 00:04:32,372 --> 00:04:34,240 - Come on, Mom. - Oh, come on, come on. 116 00:04:34,274 --> 00:04:35,508 She's trying to-- - And she's not sure. 117 00:04:35,542 --> 00:04:36,876 Come on, Holly. 118 00:04:36,910 --> 00:04:38,912 Dig deep. Mama strong. - Yeah! 119 00:04:38,945 --> 00:04:40,213 - She's shocked us. She's shocked us. 120 00:04:40,246 --> 00:04:42,315 - She was surprised. - Look at that. 121 00:04:42,349 --> 00:04:44,451 She didn't know she could do it. 122 00:04:44,484 --> 00:04:45,952 Believe from within. 123 00:04:45,985 --> 00:04:47,654 - And you can see, trying to correct that bar. 124 00:04:47,687 --> 00:04:49,322 It's favoring the left side. - Come on. 125 00:04:49,356 --> 00:04:50,557 Go into autocorrect. 126 00:04:50,590 --> 00:04:53,593 You better autocorrect like the iPhone. 127 00:04:53,626 --> 00:04:54,627 - Oh! - Nice. 128 00:04:54,661 --> 00:04:56,162 - How did she hang on? 129 00:04:56,196 --> 00:04:57,497 - Oh, my goodness. 130 00:04:57,530 --> 00:05:00,333 - Holly Beckstrand just needs the dismount. 131 00:05:00,367 --> 00:05:01,868 - She can see the promised land. 132 00:05:01,901 --> 00:05:04,604 - And she's got it. 133 00:05:04,637 --> 00:05:06,740 [cheers and applause] 134 00:05:06,773 --> 00:05:08,108 - I see you, Holly. 135 00:05:08,141 --> 00:05:11,044 I see you. 136 00:05:11,044 --> 00:05:15,215 - And she has reached the fifth obstacle, The Cubes. 137 00:05:15,248 --> 00:05:17,050 But, big man, this is a tough one. 138 00:05:17,050 --> 00:05:19,652 Gotta work your way across the spinning blocks. 139 00:05:19,686 --> 00:05:21,154 - There you go. 140 00:05:21,187 --> 00:05:22,889 - She's looking back. She's trying to get advice. 141 00:05:22,922 --> 00:05:24,457 - Turn the other one. - Reach under. 142 00:05:24,491 --> 00:05:27,060 - She's trying to move the wrong side of the cube. 143 00:05:27,093 --> 00:05:28,928 That's why it won't budge. 144 00:05:28,962 --> 00:05:30,397 - Right hand under. 145 00:05:30,430 --> 00:05:32,732 - I promise you, if she gets through this one, Matt, 146 00:05:32,766 --> 00:05:34,634 this place is going nuts. 147 00:05:34,668 --> 00:05:37,070 - She's still fighting. 148 00:05:37,070 --> 00:05:41,207 - Oh. - Oh. 149 00:05:41,241 --> 00:05:43,143 - Can't figure out The Cubes. 150 00:05:43,176 --> 00:05:45,879 But what a run by Holly Beckstrand. 151 00:05:45,912 --> 00:05:48,948 And she may have gone far enough fast enough to move on. 152 00:05:48,982 --> 00:05:50,917 - I'm tired. 153 00:05:50,950 --> 00:05:53,920 - The 44-year-old mom turned back the clock. 154 00:05:53,953 --> 00:05:55,989 Watch this moment on Heavy Metal. 155 00:05:56,089 --> 00:05:59,259 She just closed her eyes and went for it. 156 00:05:59,292 --> 00:06:01,795 And she is just stunned that she landed it. 157 00:06:01,828 --> 00:06:06,299 She set the bar high for the Beckstrand family. 158 00:06:06,332 --> 00:06:07,834 - Oh, you're gonna cry. 159 00:06:07,867 --> 00:06:11,771 - We'll see her sons Luke and Kai run in just a bit. 160 00:06:11,805 --> 00:06:14,174 Our next ninja won over a ton of fans 161 00:06:14,207 --> 00:06:15,775 the last time he hit the course. 162 00:06:15,809 --> 00:06:19,412 This is Michigan teenager Ethan Gardulski. 163 00:06:19,446 --> 00:06:21,514 His memorable run two years ago 164 00:06:21,548 --> 00:06:24,117 was a breakthrough for him, and it inspired 165 00:06:24,150 --> 00:06:28,488 so many others who struggle with mental health. 166 00:06:28,521 --> 00:06:30,223 [gentle music] 167 00:06:30,256 --> 00:06:32,092 - It's OK to not be OK. 168 00:06:32,125 --> 00:06:35,562 To me that means, it's OK to get help. 169 00:06:35,595 --> 00:06:39,499 It's OK to find people that accept you. 170 00:06:39,532 --> 00:06:42,135 That's really big to me. 171 00:06:42,168 --> 00:06:43,770 * * 172 00:06:43,803 --> 00:06:46,373 - Before for "Ninja," Ethan struggled with being bullied 173 00:06:46,406 --> 00:06:48,241 and anxiety and depression. 174 00:06:48,274 --> 00:06:49,776 * * 175 00:06:49,809 --> 00:06:51,644 We pulled him out of school in sixth grade, 176 00:06:51,678 --> 00:06:53,947 because it was so bad. 177 00:06:53,980 --> 00:06:58,151 When he got on the show, it was huge. 178 00:06:58,184 --> 00:07:00,754 - For the millions watching all around the world, 179 00:07:00,787 --> 00:07:02,022 what do you want to say to them? 180 00:07:02,022 --> 00:07:03,890 - It's OK to not be OK. 181 00:07:03,923 --> 00:07:05,558 - Yeah. 182 00:07:05,592 --> 00:07:07,694 - When he hit the buzzer, and he had all the support, 183 00:07:07,727 --> 00:07:09,295 the next day he woke up, 184 00:07:09,329 --> 00:07:11,431 the first thing he said, he goes, "Mom, I made friends. 185 00:07:11,464 --> 00:07:15,935 I have friends." And it was-- 186 00:07:16,036 --> 00:07:17,771 Finally, he found a group of people 187 00:07:17,804 --> 00:07:20,240 that he felt like he belonged. 188 00:07:20,273 --> 00:07:21,441 - Yeah. 189 00:07:21,474 --> 00:07:22,842 - You're right there. 190 00:07:22,876 --> 00:07:24,244 Having all my friends and the kids I coach 191 00:07:24,277 --> 00:07:25,812 to support me while training really 192 00:07:25,845 --> 00:07:27,747 motivates me to be better-- 193 00:07:27,781 --> 00:07:29,416 Nice, dude, nice-- 194 00:07:29,449 --> 00:07:32,485 and hope I can motivate them to be better. 195 00:07:32,519 --> 00:07:36,756 - * Because I know that it's worth it to love myself * 196 00:07:36,790 --> 00:07:38,658 * Made it out of hell * 197 00:07:38,692 --> 00:07:40,927 * I've come a long way * 198 00:07:40,960 --> 00:07:43,063 - Since last season, I've probably put on like 25 199 00:07:43,096 --> 00:07:45,632 pounds, grown a couple inches. 200 00:07:45,665 --> 00:07:48,101 Going into season 16, I feel way stronger. 201 00:07:48,134 --> 00:07:50,537 And mentally, I feel great. 202 00:07:50,570 --> 00:07:52,605 - I'm forever grateful for-- 203 00:07:52,639 --> 00:07:54,541 I know it's a TV show to some people. 204 00:07:54,574 --> 00:07:57,544 But for him it was life-changing. 205 00:07:57,577 --> 00:08:00,013 * * 206 00:08:00,013 --> 00:08:02,482 - * I've come a long way * 207 00:08:02,515 --> 00:08:06,586 * * 208 00:08:06,619 --> 00:08:09,889 - And there's his biggest supporter, his mom Claire, 209 00:08:09,923 --> 00:08:11,458 with a big group on the sideline. 210 00:08:11,491 --> 00:08:12,792 - Come on, Ethan. 211 00:08:12,826 --> 00:08:15,028 - And he's got his coach, Philip Scott, 212 00:08:15,028 --> 00:08:16,229 watching back in Michigan. 213 00:08:16,262 --> 00:08:17,297 - You got this man. 214 00:08:17,330 --> 00:08:18,431 Whoo! 215 00:08:18,465 --> 00:08:23,169 [countdown clock beeping] 216 00:08:23,203 --> 00:08:25,071 - 5'10", 125. 217 00:08:25,105 --> 00:08:27,607 He's put on 25 pounds since we last saw him. 218 00:08:27,640 --> 00:08:29,409 - Yeah, that's right. 219 00:08:29,442 --> 00:08:31,478 Really been working on that, Matt. 220 00:08:31,511 --> 00:08:33,546 He's grown a little bit. 221 00:08:33,580 --> 00:08:35,949 - Got a buzzer last time we saw him in qualifying. 222 00:08:36,049 --> 00:08:37,584 Had an early exit in the semis. 223 00:08:37,617 --> 00:08:39,185 Really said it was mental game. 224 00:08:39,219 --> 00:08:41,421 So he wasn't worried about his physical skills 225 00:08:41,454 --> 00:08:42,789 coming into it. 226 00:08:42,822 --> 00:08:44,457 He said he wanted to work on his mental game. 227 00:08:44,491 --> 00:08:46,092 - You can do it. 228 00:08:46,126 --> 00:08:47,660 - And he's looking locked in. 229 00:08:47,694 --> 00:08:49,629 - Yeah, and it's been such a confidence booster for him 230 00:08:49,662 --> 00:08:51,297 as well. 231 00:08:51,331 --> 00:08:52,899 And he's talked about how it's helped him with his anxiety 232 00:08:52,932 --> 00:08:54,300 and how he's really starting to mature 233 00:08:54,334 --> 00:08:58,071 and grow in this sport and as a person. 234 00:08:58,104 --> 00:08:59,739 - On to the Spinning Bridge. 235 00:08:59,773 --> 00:09:01,041 Watch the footwork here. 236 00:09:01,074 --> 00:09:02,042 - Let's take this one out for a spin. 237 00:09:02,075 --> 00:09:03,076 - Oh! 238 00:09:03,109 --> 00:09:06,713 [cheers and applause] 239 00:09:06,746 --> 00:09:08,682 - And it was four years ago, his mom took him to a ninja 240 00:09:08,715 --> 00:09:10,250 gym for his birthday. 241 00:09:10,283 --> 00:09:14,354 He said that was the day his life started to change. 242 00:09:14,387 --> 00:09:16,022 - Come on, Ethan. 243 00:09:16,022 --> 00:09:18,024 - It's a good thing he put on some weight, Matt. 244 00:09:18,024 --> 00:09:22,028 This bar, 10 pounds, about 8.5% of his body weight. 245 00:09:22,028 --> 00:09:24,397 - Well, he is rocking out, rotating it. 246 00:09:24,431 --> 00:09:26,132 Now, a reverse lache. 247 00:09:26,166 --> 00:09:27,434 - You can do it. 248 00:09:27,467 --> 00:09:29,936 - This one could be a little awkward. 249 00:09:30,036 --> 00:09:31,671 There we go. 250 00:09:31,705 --> 00:09:32,672 Nice. 251 00:09:32,706 --> 00:09:35,408 That looked easy for Ethan. 252 00:09:35,442 --> 00:09:36,676 - Real smooth. 253 00:09:36,710 --> 00:09:38,411 I got to say, what I like is Ethan, 254 00:09:38,445 --> 00:09:40,647 you could see him using his whole body to generate 255 00:09:40,680 --> 00:09:43,583 power to move that bar, really get a strong lache 256 00:09:43,616 --> 00:09:46,353 and lock it in. 257 00:09:46,386 --> 00:09:48,321 - Let's go. 258 00:09:48,355 --> 00:09:50,957 - Gardulski looking strong, and Philip Scott 259 00:09:51,057 --> 00:09:52,659 likes what he sees. 260 00:09:52,692 --> 00:09:54,961 - Up now on The Cubes. 261 00:09:55,061 --> 00:09:57,530 He's got to fly across these three spinning blocks. 262 00:09:57,564 --> 00:09:59,432 They all move in a different direction. 263 00:09:59,466 --> 00:10:03,236 It's an upper-body test. 264 00:10:03,269 --> 00:10:05,405 Trying to figure out how to rotate 265 00:10:05,438 --> 00:10:09,009 this front half of the cube. 266 00:10:09,042 --> 00:10:10,944 - Yeah, a lot of these kids, they play video games. 267 00:10:10,977 --> 00:10:12,946 They don't play Rubik's cubes anymore. 268 00:10:12,979 --> 00:10:14,981 This is our version, The Ninja Cubes. 269 00:10:15,015 --> 00:10:16,850 - We talked about him putting on weight. 270 00:10:16,883 --> 00:10:18,251 He's still 125. 271 00:10:18,284 --> 00:10:21,821 So it doesn't seem to be taxing him too much. 272 00:10:21,855 --> 00:10:23,356 - Big turn, Ethan, big turn. 273 00:10:23,390 --> 00:10:25,492 - Got to rotate it now 180 degrees. 274 00:10:25,525 --> 00:10:27,494 - Matt, we've never seen anyone do it this way 275 00:10:27,527 --> 00:10:29,829 with both hands on the same side. 276 00:10:29,863 --> 00:10:31,164 He's making it work, though. 277 00:10:31,197 --> 00:10:33,533 - Getting it locked in, trying to reposition 278 00:10:33,566 --> 00:10:36,770 the hands for the transition to the final cube. 279 00:10:36,803 --> 00:10:38,204 This last one is tough. 280 00:10:38,238 --> 00:10:42,308 It's easy to slip off. 281 00:10:42,342 --> 00:10:43,309 But he lands it. 282 00:10:43,343 --> 00:10:44,644 - Get the heck out of here. 283 00:10:44,678 --> 00:10:47,247 - The top 12 men in this group will move on. 284 00:10:47,280 --> 00:10:49,649 With this run, he's got a good chance 285 00:10:49,683 --> 00:10:51,384 of being one of them. 286 00:10:51,418 --> 00:10:53,053 This is amazing. 287 00:10:53,086 --> 00:10:56,022 And Ethan Gardulski, he's looking OK. 288 00:10:56,056 --> 00:10:57,223 - Yeah. Yeah, buddy. 289 00:10:57,257 --> 00:10:58,258 - OK. 290 00:10:58,291 --> 00:11:00,827 - Yeah. 291 00:11:00,860 --> 00:11:02,495 - There's the personality shining now. 292 00:11:02,529 --> 00:11:08,068 - Oh, my, Ethan Gardulski back atop the Warped Wall. 293 00:11:08,068 --> 00:11:10,337 Oh! 294 00:11:10,370 --> 00:11:11,404 - Yeah! - Yeah! 295 00:11:11,438 --> 00:11:12,906 - I see you, baby. - Yeah, buddy. 296 00:11:12,939 --> 00:11:15,575 - I see you, baby. - Come on, Ethan. 297 00:11:15,608 --> 00:11:17,677 [cheers and applause] 298 00:11:17,711 --> 00:11:19,679 - Yeah, buddy. 299 00:11:19,713 --> 00:11:22,415 - Ethan, I love that you share this message, 300 00:11:22,449 --> 00:11:24,818 it's OK not to be OK. 301 00:11:24,851 --> 00:11:26,920 I know so many people benefit from hearing it. 302 00:11:26,953 --> 00:11:29,155 But right now I got to ask, are you feeling 303 00:11:29,189 --> 00:11:30,223 pretty OK right now, buddy? 304 00:11:30,256 --> 00:11:32,492 - Yes, sir. 305 00:11:32,525 --> 00:11:34,794 - Now, I know you put on some muscle. 306 00:11:34,828 --> 00:11:36,596 Let me see the muscles. 307 00:11:36,629 --> 00:11:38,098 Let me see the muscles. 308 00:11:38,098 --> 00:11:40,433 - Yeah. - Yeah, baby. 309 00:11:40,467 --> 00:11:42,235 Oh, the shirt's coming off. - Oh, come on. 310 00:11:42,268 --> 00:11:43,336 - The shirt's coming off. 311 00:11:43,370 --> 00:11:44,804 Ahh! - Boom. 312 00:11:44,838 --> 00:11:47,941 - Yeah. - Yeah. 313 00:11:47,974 --> 00:11:50,477 - Yeah, baby. 314 00:11:50,510 --> 00:11:51,678 - Yeah. 315 00:11:51,711 --> 00:11:53,246 - Matt, I love it. 316 00:11:53,279 --> 00:11:54,714 He worked hard for the muscles. 317 00:11:54,748 --> 00:11:58,118 - And he has worked hard to be OK to be able to perform. 318 00:11:58,118 --> 00:12:00,920 And moments like this, absolutely beautiful. 319 00:12:00,954 --> 00:12:05,125 And we'll see him in the semis in a few weeks. 320 00:12:05,158 --> 00:12:07,961 Tonight, our two-hour special edition 321 00:12:08,061 --> 00:12:10,263 features ninja favorites, 322 00:12:10,296 --> 00:12:12,832 including The Weatherman, Joe Moravsky, 323 00:12:12,866 --> 00:12:15,135 The Beast, James McGrath, 324 00:12:15,168 --> 00:12:18,571 and the Little Big Man, Gnarly Nate Hansen. 325 00:12:18,605 --> 00:12:21,841 Plus, young talents like the history-making teenager 326 00:12:21,875 --> 00:12:25,679 Taylor Greene and the speedy Kai Beckstrand. 327 00:12:25,712 --> 00:12:28,114 - Fasten your seat belt for this one. 328 00:12:28,148 --> 00:12:31,284 - And up next, Yari Breunig's a social media 329 00:12:31,317 --> 00:12:34,454 star featured on billboards across the country. 330 00:12:34,487 --> 00:12:36,923 But that's not her only talent. 331 00:12:36,956 --> 00:12:40,226 - [vocalizing] 332 00:12:40,260 --> 00:12:42,896 - All that and so much more 333 00:12:42,929 --> 00:12:46,966 when "America Ninja Warrior" returns. 334 00:12:52,539 --> 00:12:54,240 - We got a taste of Australia while we were away 335 00:12:54,274 --> 00:12:56,943 as Kadeem Aarons threw a shrimp on the barbie 336 00:12:56,976 --> 00:12:59,112 and brought us a snack. 337 00:12:59,112 --> 00:13:01,748 The greatest cookie on the planet Tim Tams. 338 00:13:01,781 --> 00:13:04,384 - Tim Tams. 339 00:13:04,417 --> 00:13:05,885 This is good. 340 00:13:05,919 --> 00:13:08,555 - Aarons is a U.S. citizen who lives Down Under. 341 00:13:08,588 --> 00:13:11,591 And after missing the big ring, he had to survive 342 00:13:11,624 --> 00:13:12,625 with the smaller one. 343 00:13:12,659 --> 00:13:14,861 - Whoa. 344 00:13:14,894 --> 00:13:17,130 - At 5'2", he made the walkabout 345 00:13:17,163 --> 00:13:18,798 across Spinning Bridge. 346 00:13:18,832 --> 00:13:19,799 - Barely made it. 347 00:13:19,833 --> 00:13:21,468 That was incredible. 348 00:13:21,501 --> 00:13:23,570 - But couldn't handle Heavy Metal. 349 00:13:23,603 --> 00:13:25,071 - Oh! [air horn blares] 350 00:13:25,071 --> 00:13:26,473 - Bloody hell. 351 00:13:29,576 --> 00:13:32,846 - Hockey coach Ron Zaagman had some fancy stickwork 352 00:13:32,879 --> 00:13:35,882 at the start. 353 00:13:35,915 --> 00:13:38,184 The 37-year-old father of three had his family 354 00:13:38,218 --> 00:13:40,987 cheering as he took on the course for the first time 355 00:13:41,087 --> 00:13:42,889 in five years. 356 00:13:42,922 --> 00:13:45,091 - Ooh. Nice, OK. 357 00:13:45,091 --> 00:13:48,094 - Zaagman drives a Zamboni at his ice rink. 358 00:13:48,094 --> 00:13:51,164 And he skated over Spinning Bridge. 359 00:13:51,197 --> 00:13:52,165 - He's got a power play going. 360 00:13:52,198 --> 00:13:53,767 - Yes! 361 00:13:53,800 --> 00:13:58,104 - But his dreams of a buzzer melted away on Heavy Metal. 362 00:13:58,104 --> 00:13:59,339 - Oh. [air horn blares] 363 00:13:59,372 --> 00:14:01,841 - Straight to the penalty box. 364 00:14:01,875 --> 00:14:04,811 - Another Michigan native, teenager Riley Porter, 365 00:14:04,844 --> 00:14:07,380 made it to the national finals last season 366 00:14:07,414 --> 00:14:09,783 and started strong tonight. 367 00:14:09,816 --> 00:14:14,888 - Oh, she made that look easy, hooked it with authority. 368 00:14:14,921 --> 00:14:16,756 - The high school track athlete rolled 369 00:14:16,790 --> 00:14:18,425 across Spinning Bridge-- 370 00:14:18,458 --> 00:14:19,893 - She sprinted across, Matt. 371 00:14:19,926 --> 00:14:21,094 She sprinted. 372 00:14:21,127 --> 00:14:23,163 - --and rocked Heavy Metal. 373 00:14:23,196 --> 00:14:25,065 - I see you, Riley Porter. 374 00:14:25,098 --> 00:14:27,400 - She made it all the way to the fifth obstacle, 375 00:14:27,434 --> 00:14:30,537 The Cubes, before her arms gave out. 376 00:14:30,570 --> 00:14:34,240 - Oh. [air horn blares] 377 00:14:34,274 --> 00:14:37,143 - On the course right now, the always exciting 378 00:14:37,177 --> 00:14:40,580 cat daddy, Jackson Twait, the pet sitter from Iowa, 379 00:14:40,613 --> 00:14:42,682 who likes to go fast. 380 00:14:42,716 --> 00:14:46,152 - 6'1", 160. 381 00:14:46,186 --> 00:14:49,089 Cat daddy. 382 00:14:49,122 --> 00:14:50,757 - And good power. Look at him. - Wow. 383 00:14:50,790 --> 00:14:53,093 - Laying back and generating the power 384 00:14:53,093 --> 00:14:54,394 on that first transfer. 385 00:14:54,427 --> 00:14:56,830 - He wasn't messing around with that one. 386 00:14:56,863 --> 00:14:59,299 - Well, cats do not like getting wet. 387 00:14:59,332 --> 00:15:01,034 What's going to happen here? 388 00:15:01,034 --> 00:15:02,602 - Nice. 389 00:15:02,635 --> 00:15:05,705 - Twait always has one of the most energetic sidelines. 390 00:15:05,739 --> 00:15:08,041 His mom's over there, along with friends, 391 00:15:08,041 --> 00:15:12,612 and a cutout of his cat Hashbrown. 392 00:15:12,645 --> 00:15:14,714 - Well, he is licking this course. 393 00:15:14,748 --> 00:15:17,050 Right into The Cubes and a good pace. 394 00:15:17,050 --> 00:15:19,719 - If he finishes in under 1:20, he'll earn a shot 395 00:15:19,753 --> 00:15:21,721 at the 18 1/2 foot Mega Wall. 396 00:15:21,755 --> 00:15:25,058 If he can conquer that, he'll take home 20 grand. 397 00:15:25,091 --> 00:15:27,060 - Three years ago he took on the Mega Wall. 398 00:15:27,093 --> 00:15:28,395 Let's see if he can do it again. 399 00:15:28,428 --> 00:15:30,263 - Well, he's one of the elites. 400 00:15:30,296 --> 00:15:31,664 - Wow. 401 00:15:31,698 --> 00:15:33,933 - Has made it to stage 2 the past two seasons 402 00:15:33,967 --> 00:15:36,236 but got be careful on The Cubes. 403 00:15:36,269 --> 00:15:37,771 - Got it. Real nice. 404 00:15:37,804 --> 00:15:41,641 Cat Daddy is running this course purrfectly. 405 00:15:41,675 --> 00:15:42,676 - Got to get that dismount. 406 00:15:42,709 --> 00:15:43,677 - Nice. 407 00:15:43,710 --> 00:15:45,245 - Hustle up, Jackson. 408 00:15:45,278 --> 00:15:48,415 - 4, 3, 2, 1. 409 00:15:48,448 --> 00:15:50,884 - Oh! - Oh, no. 410 00:15:50,917 --> 00:15:55,321 - Cat daddy. 411 00:15:55,355 --> 00:15:57,290 Meow. 412 00:15:57,323 --> 00:16:00,260 - You busted your butt to get to the top of that wall. 413 00:16:00,293 --> 00:16:01,728 You got the buzzer. 414 00:16:01,761 --> 00:16:02,729 But, Matt-- 415 00:16:02,762 --> 00:16:04,564 - You needed to beat 1:20. 416 00:16:04,597 --> 00:16:09,636 - And, Jackson, by 0.3 of a second, you did it. 417 00:16:09,669 --> 00:16:10,637 - Yeah. 418 00:16:10,670 --> 00:16:13,039 - Get your shot, buddy. 419 00:16:13,073 --> 00:16:15,608 - Get down there. 420 00:16:15,642 --> 00:16:17,143 - Oh, boy. - Can cat daddy 421 00:16:17,177 --> 00:16:19,212 climb 18 1/2 feet? 422 00:16:19,245 --> 00:16:21,548 [together] Mega Wall. 423 00:16:21,581 --> 00:16:23,183 - He's got to have a lot of nerves 424 00:16:23,216 --> 00:16:25,051 going through his body right now. 425 00:16:25,051 --> 00:16:26,753 It's a lot different than when he did it 426 00:16:26,786 --> 00:16:28,288 back in season 13. 427 00:16:28,321 --> 00:16:29,756 It was 6 inches shorter. 428 00:16:29,789 --> 00:16:33,560 - Mega Wall money is up to 20 grand this season. 429 00:16:33,593 --> 00:16:35,762 - That would buy a lot of kitty litter. 430 00:16:35,795 --> 00:16:36,763 - There you go. 431 00:16:36,796 --> 00:16:38,531 You gotta drive. 432 00:16:38,565 --> 00:16:39,799 You don't get 9 lives on this one. 433 00:16:39,833 --> 00:16:41,301 You just get one. 434 00:16:41,334 --> 00:16:44,771 both: Oh! 435 00:16:44,804 --> 00:16:46,106 - And he's OK. Wow. 436 00:16:46,139 --> 00:16:47,807 And you see an 18 1/2 feet. 437 00:16:47,841 --> 00:16:49,576 When you miss-- that can be scary. 438 00:16:49,609 --> 00:16:51,778 But cats always land on their feet. 439 00:16:51,811 --> 00:16:55,782 We'll see him racing in a few weeks in the semifinals. 440 00:16:55,815 --> 00:16:58,084 - Man, look how close he was. 441 00:16:58,118 --> 00:17:00,920 He got his fingers over the top, but at 6 inches 442 00:17:01,021 --> 00:17:04,024 taller than last time, it made a difference. 443 00:17:04,024 --> 00:17:05,425 He took a tumble on the way down, 444 00:17:05,458 --> 00:17:07,227 and scared the heck out of me. 445 00:17:07,260 --> 00:17:11,765 Ahh! Ahh! 446 00:17:11,798 --> 00:17:13,533 - Well, this next ninja to hit the course 447 00:17:13,566 --> 00:17:15,402 knows how to hit the high notes. 448 00:17:15,435 --> 00:17:22,275 - [vocalizing] 449 00:17:22,308 --> 00:17:24,477 This is Wisconsin's Yari Breunig. 450 00:17:24,511 --> 00:17:26,613 And not only can she sing opera, 451 00:17:26,646 --> 00:17:30,617 she's a social media star with many talents. 452 00:17:30,650 --> 00:17:33,687 [vocalizing] 453 00:17:33,720 --> 00:17:39,826 - * Ave Maria * 454 00:17:39,859 --> 00:17:43,430 I started getting into opera when I was in middle school. 455 00:17:43,463 --> 00:17:46,433 I love being in the spotlight. 456 00:17:46,466 --> 00:17:48,735 I am a social media influencer. 457 00:17:48,768 --> 00:17:50,603 Yes. Yes! 458 00:17:50,637 --> 00:17:54,107 I have about 235,000 followers. 459 00:17:54,140 --> 00:17:58,912 I am on billboards in New York, LA, Atlanta, Dallas. 460 00:17:58,945 --> 00:18:01,581 And I also create all the obstacles at our gym. 461 00:18:01,614 --> 00:18:04,117 And I'm a mama. 462 00:18:04,150 --> 00:18:07,153 I warn all my viewers that my kids are highly 463 00:18:07,187 --> 00:18:09,222 involved in all my fitness. 464 00:18:09,255 --> 00:18:10,223 I'm ready. 465 00:18:10,256 --> 00:18:11,825 I'm so ready this year. 466 00:18:11,858 --> 00:18:14,527 I got this. 467 00:18:14,561 --> 00:18:16,730 [cheers and applause] 468 00:18:16,763 --> 00:18:18,164 I love you so-- 469 00:18:18,198 --> 00:18:20,367 - Yari's got two daughters at home 470 00:18:20,400 --> 00:18:22,035 watching with her husband. 471 00:18:22,035 --> 00:18:24,204 Also watching some of the fitness 472 00:18:24,237 --> 00:18:26,573 influencers she works with. 473 00:18:26,606 --> 00:18:29,042 [cheers and applause] 474 00:18:29,042 --> 00:18:31,277 She is the real deal and a big deal. 475 00:18:31,311 --> 00:18:34,314 Her live stream get hundreds of thousands of viewers. 476 00:18:34,347 --> 00:18:37,684 [countdown clock beeping] 477 00:18:37,717 --> 00:18:40,353 First test for her is Pole Vault. 478 00:18:40,387 --> 00:18:43,590 - And watch that skirt when she gets down. 479 00:18:43,623 --> 00:18:45,125 Don't want that to dip into the water. 480 00:18:45,158 --> 00:18:46,826 Good acceleration. 481 00:18:46,860 --> 00:18:49,129 - She trains in Wisconsin with the Green twins. 482 00:18:49,162 --> 00:18:51,231 We saw them run a few weeks ago. 483 00:18:51,264 --> 00:18:52,298 - On now to Ring Chaser. 484 00:18:52,332 --> 00:18:53,900 5'5", 118. 485 00:18:53,933 --> 00:18:57,971 - This is her fourth season competing. 486 00:18:58,071 --> 00:18:58,972 - Get it. 487 00:18:59,072 --> 00:19:00,006 Nice. 488 00:19:00,006 --> 00:19:04,411 - What hands out of Breunig. 489 00:19:07,013 --> 00:19:11,551 Singing a good song here. 490 00:19:11,584 --> 00:19:13,520 Well, she said it was the birth of her second child-- 491 00:19:13,553 --> 00:19:15,789 she started with postpartum depression, 492 00:19:15,822 --> 00:19:19,025 found "Ninja Warrior" and said that helped-- that training-- 493 00:19:19,025 --> 00:19:20,026 - Come on. 494 00:19:20,026 --> 00:19:21,161 - --helped get her right. 495 00:19:21,194 --> 00:19:22,629 - Come on. - Nice. 496 00:19:22,662 --> 00:19:23,630 - Yari. 497 00:19:23,663 --> 00:19:25,465 - Yes. 498 00:19:25,498 --> 00:19:29,669 [cheers and applause] 499 00:19:29,703 --> 00:19:31,371 - On now to Spinning Bridge. 500 00:19:31,404 --> 00:19:32,372 - Here we go. 501 00:19:32,405 --> 00:19:33,573 Keep your feet hot. 502 00:19:33,606 --> 00:19:34,741 Keep your feet hot, Mama. - Yes. 503 00:19:34,774 --> 00:19:36,109 - OK. 504 00:19:36,142 --> 00:19:38,511 - And Yari has matched her best performance 505 00:19:38,545 --> 00:19:40,146 ever at "Ninja Warrior." 506 00:19:40,180 --> 00:19:42,916 Now we'll see after a little opera at the start line, 507 00:19:42,949 --> 00:19:46,119 can Yari handle some Heavy Metal? 508 00:19:46,152 --> 00:19:47,320 - Wow. 509 00:19:47,354 --> 00:19:48,321 Her daughter's got to be impressed 510 00:19:48,355 --> 00:19:50,056 by what Mommy's doing. 511 00:19:50,090 --> 00:19:51,925 - Well, if she can get through this obstacle, 512 00:19:51,958 --> 00:19:57,063 she'll have a good chance to move on. 513 00:19:57,097 --> 00:19:59,165 - Oh. [air horn blares] 514 00:19:59,199 --> 00:20:00,834 - Oh. 515 00:20:00,867 --> 00:20:04,904 - Goes out on Heavy Metal but a strong run for Yari Breunig. 516 00:20:04,938 --> 00:20:06,840 That might be far enough, fast enough 517 00:20:06,873 --> 00:20:10,477 to get her into the semifinals. 518 00:20:10,510 --> 00:20:14,647 Coming up, she made history last there's a Ninja rookie. 519 00:20:14,681 --> 00:20:16,683 - She lived up to that expectation. 520 00:20:16,716 --> 00:20:18,084 [buzzer blares] 521 00:20:18,118 --> 00:20:20,487 - What can a Colorado teenager Taylor Greene 522 00:20:20,520 --> 00:20:22,422 do in her sophomore season? 523 00:20:22,455 --> 00:20:26,459 She's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 524 00:20:31,464 --> 00:20:32,799 - While we were away, three more ninjas 525 00:20:32,832 --> 00:20:34,901 tackled our qualifying course. 526 00:20:34,934 --> 00:20:38,872 28-year-old Calvin Tran calls himself the Two Digit Ninja, 527 00:20:38,905 --> 00:20:41,508 because he weighs just 99 pounds. 528 00:20:41,541 --> 00:20:44,044 And since everyone tells him to eat a donut, 529 00:20:44,077 --> 00:20:45,345 he brought us some. 530 00:20:45,378 --> 00:20:46,913 - I'll eat one for him. 531 00:20:46,946 --> 00:20:48,848 - But the night's lightest competitor ended up with one 532 00:20:48,882 --> 00:20:50,183 of the night's shortest runs. 533 00:20:50,216 --> 00:20:52,152 - Oh. 534 00:20:52,185 --> 00:20:55,522 Boy, he fell faster than we could take a bite. 535 00:20:55,555 --> 00:20:58,425 - Jawon Turner is a waiter at a hot wings restaurant. 536 00:20:58,458 --> 00:21:01,428 And it was happy hour when he hit the course. 537 00:21:01,461 --> 00:21:03,430 - He's got the whole crew there, Matt. 538 00:21:03,463 --> 00:21:05,131 Look at the family. 539 00:21:05,165 --> 00:21:08,401 - The 28-year-old dad made it to the semifinals last season. 540 00:21:08,435 --> 00:21:11,237 And he served up another spicy run tonight. 541 00:21:11,271 --> 00:21:12,238 - Sweet feet. 542 00:21:12,272 --> 00:21:13,239 Nice. 543 00:21:13,273 --> 00:21:14,474 Oh, I know that feeling. 544 00:21:14,507 --> 00:21:15,775 - Let's go. 545 00:21:15,809 --> 00:21:17,577 - WonWon as he's known, had his 546 00:21:17,610 --> 00:21:20,146 sidelines chanting his name. 547 00:21:20,180 --> 00:21:22,682 But the good times ended on Heavy Metal. 548 00:21:22,716 --> 00:21:24,551 - Oh. [air horn blares] 549 00:21:24,584 --> 00:21:26,419 - Ohh! 550 00:21:26,453 --> 00:21:29,322 - This close. 551 00:21:29,356 --> 00:21:31,991 - South Dakota's Drew Nester is another ninja 552 00:21:32,092 --> 00:21:33,526 brimming with enthusiasm. 553 00:21:33,560 --> 00:21:34,594 - Ooh. 554 00:21:34,627 --> 00:21:36,863 Let's see what you got, Nester. 555 00:21:36,896 --> 00:21:39,866 - The army medic attacked the course on land-- 556 00:21:39,899 --> 00:21:43,003 - OK, Drew Nester. 557 00:21:43,103 --> 00:21:44,671 - --as well as in the air. 558 00:21:44,704 --> 00:21:46,106 - Yeah, get excited. 559 00:21:46,139 --> 00:21:47,107 - Let's go. 560 00:21:47,140 --> 00:21:49,309 - Yeah, finish it. 561 00:21:49,342 --> 00:21:52,579 - And when the 21-year-old conquered The Cubes-- 562 00:21:52,612 --> 00:21:53,580 - He can't believe it. 563 00:21:53,613 --> 00:21:56,016 He's in complete shock. 564 00:21:56,116 --> 00:21:59,819 - --it set him up for his first ever buzzer. 565 00:21:59,853 --> 00:22:01,688 - Let's go. 566 00:22:01,721 --> 00:22:04,057 - You got your mama crying down there. 567 00:22:04,090 --> 00:22:05,058 - I love you, Mom. 568 00:22:05,091 --> 00:22:09,929 [cheers and applause] 569 00:22:09,963 --> 00:22:13,466 - Taylor Greene's "Ninja" career started off in style. 570 00:22:13,500 --> 00:22:17,437 She hit a buzzer her very first time on the course. 571 00:22:17,470 --> 00:22:18,938 She followed that up with something 572 00:22:18,972 --> 00:22:22,909 no woman had ever done before, hit a second buzzer 573 00:22:22,942 --> 00:22:24,477 in her rookie year. 574 00:22:24,511 --> 00:22:27,180 The Colorado teenager then went further than any woman 575 00:22:27,213 --> 00:22:29,849 at the national finals in Vegas. 576 00:22:29,883 --> 00:22:32,552 - No one knows if she can top what she did last season, 577 00:22:32,585 --> 00:22:34,421 but Taylor Greene is sure gonna try. 578 00:22:34,454 --> 00:22:37,190 - Parents and brother on the sideline. 579 00:22:37,223 --> 00:22:38,958 And she's got other family and friends 580 00:22:38,992 --> 00:22:41,394 watching back in Colorado. 581 00:22:41,428 --> 00:22:42,996 [cheers and applause] 582 00:22:43,096 --> 00:22:44,664 [countdown clock beeping] 583 00:22:44,698 --> 00:22:46,800 On her freshman season of "Ninja Warrior," 584 00:22:46,833 --> 00:22:48,968 she went out and had the best rookie 585 00:22:49,002 --> 00:22:51,504 campaign of any woman ever. 586 00:22:51,538 --> 00:22:53,173 Looking to build on that now. 587 00:22:53,206 --> 00:22:56,943 - And was not afraid to get that buzzer. 588 00:22:56,976 --> 00:23:00,347 - First place in qualifying and in semis, two buzzers 589 00:23:00,380 --> 00:23:02,482 to start her season off. 590 00:23:02,515 --> 00:23:04,784 Looking to repeat that here. 591 00:23:04,818 --> 00:23:07,420 - Look at how quickly she's out. 592 00:23:07,454 --> 00:23:10,623 - Been doing "Ninja" more than half her life, and it shows. 593 00:23:10,657 --> 00:23:12,959 Such strength, such confidence. 594 00:23:13,059 --> 00:23:14,861 And she's from Colorado, trains quite a bit 595 00:23:14,894 --> 00:23:17,630 with Austin Gray and Gnarly Nate Hansen. 596 00:23:17,664 --> 00:23:21,134 And they say at 15 she was already the best 597 00:23:21,167 --> 00:23:22,469 female ninja they knew. 598 00:23:22,502 --> 00:23:24,270 - Absolutely, she is her, Matt. 599 00:23:24,304 --> 00:23:27,207 She is the one that everyone's talking about. 600 00:23:27,240 --> 00:23:29,642 She's a real ninja. 601 00:23:29,676 --> 00:23:30,977 - Nice. 602 00:23:31,077 --> 00:23:32,512 - Come on, Tay. 603 00:23:32,545 --> 00:23:34,481 - She also does track and field. 604 00:23:34,514 --> 00:23:38,651 She's the top triple-jumper at Broomfield High School. 605 00:23:38,685 --> 00:23:42,188 Gets through Spinning Bridge and cracks a smile. 606 00:23:42,222 --> 00:23:43,990 [cheers and applause] 607 00:23:44,090 --> 00:23:45,792 Even great ninjas are relieved to get 608 00:23:45,825 --> 00:23:49,095 through balance obstacles. 609 00:23:49,095 --> 00:23:50,864 - Well, on social media, she uses 610 00:23:50,897 --> 00:23:52,465 the handle Sweet Ninja Girl. 611 00:23:52,499 --> 00:23:54,501 But when she's on the course, Akbar, 612 00:23:54,534 --> 00:23:58,938 she embodies the nickname you gave her, Mean Taylor Greene. 613 00:23:58,972 --> 00:24:00,106 - Nice. 614 00:24:00,140 --> 00:24:01,107 - And you can see the power. 615 00:24:01,141 --> 00:24:02,409 That's a 10-pound bar. 616 00:24:02,442 --> 00:24:05,211 A typical ninja bar is under 2 pounds. 617 00:24:05,245 --> 00:24:07,080 - Matt, she's making this Heavy Metal 618 00:24:07,113 --> 00:24:08,281 look like pop music. 619 00:24:08,314 --> 00:24:10,483 Look at this. Pop, pop, pop. 620 00:24:10,517 --> 00:24:12,252 Nice. - Oops, she did it again. 621 00:24:12,285 --> 00:24:14,287 - OK. 622 00:24:14,320 --> 00:24:17,190 - She was the only woman to finish the qualifying course 623 00:24:17,223 --> 00:24:18,658 last season. 624 00:24:18,692 --> 00:24:21,161 A few weeks ago Isabella Wakeham got the first buzzer 625 00:24:21,194 --> 00:24:22,662 for women this year. 626 00:24:22,696 --> 00:24:25,065 Taylor Greene trying to be the second. 627 00:24:25,065 --> 00:24:26,933 - Watch the drop. 628 00:24:26,966 --> 00:24:28,401 - Ooh, nice. 629 00:24:28,435 --> 00:24:30,370 - Locked in. 630 00:24:30,403 --> 00:24:32,072 And you could see the relief as she 631 00:24:32,072 --> 00:24:34,441 closes in on another buzzer. 632 00:24:34,474 --> 00:24:36,276 [cheers and applause] 633 00:24:36,309 --> 00:24:41,181 - What does she have left for Cubes? 634 00:24:41,214 --> 00:24:42,515 - Let's go, Tay. - Come on, Tay. 635 00:24:42,549 --> 00:24:44,617 - Going back to last season, no woman 636 00:24:44,651 --> 00:24:46,820 has been able to conquer this obstacle yet. 637 00:24:46,853 --> 00:24:48,355 - Come on, Tay. - Come on, Tay. 638 00:24:48,388 --> 00:24:49,422 There you go. 639 00:24:49,456 --> 00:24:50,924 - Being a little more methodical. 640 00:24:50,957 --> 00:24:51,958 And you could see that grip. 641 00:24:51,991 --> 00:24:54,394 Oh, good job leveling up. 642 00:24:54,427 --> 00:24:55,729 - Come on, Tay-Tay. 643 00:24:55,762 --> 00:24:56,896 - You're good. You're good. 644 00:24:56,930 --> 00:24:58,198 - Shaking out those forearms. 645 00:24:58,231 --> 00:25:00,834 - Yeah, shake it off like Taylor Swift. 646 00:25:00,867 --> 00:25:02,035 - You got it. 647 00:25:02,068 --> 00:25:03,803 - Nice. 648 00:25:03,837 --> 00:25:05,238 - Looking a bit gassed. 649 00:25:05,271 --> 00:25:06,539 - She's going to have to dig deep here. 650 00:25:06,573 --> 00:25:08,541 - Yeah, Matt, you saw that same thing. 651 00:25:08,575 --> 00:25:11,945 You don't typically see that type of expression from her. 652 00:25:12,045 --> 00:25:13,346 - Just 130-- - Nice. 653 00:25:13,380 --> 00:25:15,148 - --but generating good power. 654 00:25:15,181 --> 00:25:16,449 Good use of the hips. 655 00:25:16,483 --> 00:25:18,451 - Yeah, using the hips, using the oblique 656 00:25:18,485 --> 00:25:21,721 muscles there to really turn that cube around. 657 00:25:21,755 --> 00:25:23,623 - And so impressive the way she's been shaking out. 658 00:25:23,656 --> 00:25:25,592 She picked up rock climbing just to help 659 00:25:25,625 --> 00:25:27,527 with her Ninja training, and it's paid off. 660 00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:30,063 - Big-time. Big-time. Oh, amazing. 661 00:25:30,063 --> 00:25:31,498 - Nice. 662 00:25:31,531 --> 00:25:34,134 - The way she was able to mid-air like that. 663 00:25:34,167 --> 00:25:36,736 One more move. 664 00:25:36,770 --> 00:25:39,205 - And she's done it. 665 00:25:39,239 --> 00:25:41,841 Now Taylor Greene's just a Warped Wall away 666 00:25:41,875 --> 00:25:43,276 from another buzzer. 667 00:25:43,309 --> 00:25:44,978 [cheers and applause] 668 00:25:45,078 --> 00:25:46,680 - Austin and Nate were right. 669 00:25:46,713 --> 00:25:49,849 She is one of the forces in this sport. 670 00:25:49,883 --> 00:25:52,085 Continues to impress. 671 00:25:52,085 --> 00:25:57,724 And no problem, Taylor Greene gets another buzzer. 672 00:25:57,757 --> 00:25:59,292 Oh, wow. 673 00:25:59,325 --> 00:26:04,030 [cheers and applause] 674 00:26:04,064 --> 00:26:05,498 - I'm tired. 675 00:26:05,532 --> 00:26:06,599 - You're tired? 676 00:26:06,633 --> 00:26:07,600 - Yeah. 677 00:26:07,634 --> 00:26:08,702 - You didn't look it at all. 678 00:26:08,735 --> 00:26:11,371 This is your third buzzer. 679 00:26:11,404 --> 00:26:14,808 You are a buzzer collector. 680 00:26:14,841 --> 00:26:15,875 - Thank you. 681 00:26:15,909 --> 00:26:17,644 - Taylor, you're Sweet Ninja Girl. 682 00:26:17,677 --> 00:26:20,747 But when you get on the course, there's a switch that flips. 683 00:26:20,780 --> 00:26:23,817 What is your mind-set as your attack in this course? 684 00:26:23,850 --> 00:26:25,051 - I don't want to fall in the water. 685 00:26:25,051 --> 00:26:28,054 [laughter] 686 00:26:28,054 --> 00:26:31,057 - She was smiling early then had to dig 687 00:26:31,057 --> 00:26:32,692 deep to get past the cubes. 688 00:26:32,726 --> 00:26:36,062 But she becomes the first woman to conquer that obstacle 689 00:26:36,096 --> 00:26:39,933 and adds another buzzer to her resume. 690 00:26:42,068 --> 00:26:45,839 - Up next, Kai Beckstrand had a hot start last year-- 691 00:26:45,872 --> 00:26:49,309 - Here we go. [buzzer blares] 692 00:26:49,342 --> 00:26:51,144 - --and a shocking ending. 693 00:26:51,177 --> 00:26:53,313 - Oh, no. [air horn blares] 694 00:26:53,346 --> 00:26:56,149 - Now he starts a new season when "American 695 00:26:56,182 --> 00:26:59,085 Ninja Warrior" returns. 696 00:27:05,492 --> 00:27:06,459 - We've already seen some impressive runs 697 00:27:06,493 --> 00:27:08,028 from the women. 698 00:27:08,028 --> 00:27:10,030 And moments ago, Jaelyn Bennett gave us another one. 699 00:27:10,030 --> 00:27:11,031 - Nice. 700 00:27:11,031 --> 00:27:12,198 Great grab. 701 00:27:12,232 --> 00:27:14,501 - With boyfriend Austin Gray looking on, 702 00:27:14,534 --> 00:27:16,770 the 23-year-old engineer from Colorado 703 00:27:16,803 --> 00:27:20,106 equaled her best performance ever. 704 00:27:20,140 --> 00:27:21,207 - She is doing it. 705 00:27:21,241 --> 00:27:22,942 She is doing it big. 706 00:27:23,043 --> 00:27:25,145 - Though she came up short of a buzzer... 707 00:27:25,178 --> 00:27:26,913 - Oh! 708 00:27:26,946 --> 00:27:28,281 - She's in good position 709 00:27:28,314 --> 00:27:32,318 to move on to her third straight semifinals. 710 00:27:32,352 --> 00:27:34,688 The classy Ninja Donovan Metoyer 711 00:27:34,721 --> 00:27:38,091 always looks sharp in his trademark suit and tie. 712 00:27:38,124 --> 00:27:40,060 - If you look good, you play good. 713 00:27:40,060 --> 00:27:42,696 - The nine-time Ninja veteran had a shocking early 714 00:27:42,729 --> 00:27:44,631 fall on balance last season. 715 00:27:44,664 --> 00:27:46,266 But he sprinted through it tonight. 716 00:27:46,299 --> 00:27:47,634 - He is blazing. 717 00:27:47,667 --> 00:27:49,903 - Oh, he is on a mission. 718 00:27:49,936 --> 00:27:52,939 - And he joined our growing list of finishers. 719 00:27:52,972 --> 00:27:54,574 [buzzer blares] 720 00:27:54,607 --> 00:27:57,310 - Whoo! 721 00:27:57,344 --> 00:28:00,080 16-year-old Luke Beckstrand became the second 722 00:28:00,113 --> 00:28:02,248 from his family to hit the course, 723 00:28:02,282 --> 00:28:05,218 hoping to keep pace with his mom Holly who ran earlier. 724 00:28:05,251 --> 00:28:07,220 And the Utah high schooler lived up 725 00:28:07,253 --> 00:28:09,489 to nickname Luke Smash. 726 00:28:09,522 --> 00:28:13,426 - That's the coldest ninja nickname in the game. 727 00:28:13,460 --> 00:28:14,728 - Though the Utah high schooler 728 00:28:14,761 --> 00:28:17,130 only weighs 115 pounds, 729 00:28:17,163 --> 00:28:19,399 he had no trouble with Heavy Metal. 730 00:28:19,432 --> 00:28:20,600 - Feel it. Feel it. 731 00:28:20,633 --> 00:28:22,168 Nice. 732 00:28:22,202 --> 00:28:25,271 - And the rookie got a buzzer in his very first time 733 00:28:25,305 --> 00:28:26,272 on the course. 734 00:28:26,306 --> 00:28:27,774 - OK, Smash. 735 00:28:27,807 --> 00:28:30,510 - He joins his dad Brian and brother Kai who 736 00:28:30,543 --> 00:28:32,579 hit buzzers in past seasons. 737 00:28:32,612 --> 00:28:34,948 And now Kai has a chance to get another one tonight. 738 00:28:35,048 --> 00:28:36,950 Zuri is going to get him started. 739 00:28:37,050 --> 00:28:40,687 - Guys, Kai Beckstrand was a blur all last season. 740 00:28:40,720 --> 00:28:44,157 And he started it off with the fastest time in qualifying. 741 00:28:44,190 --> 00:28:47,527 Let's see if Kai can pull it off again. 742 00:28:47,560 --> 00:28:50,764 He was the first to take Mega Wall last year. 743 00:28:50,797 --> 00:28:53,400 And with his love of speed, it's no surprise 744 00:28:53,433 --> 00:28:56,236 how he spent the 10 grand. 745 00:28:56,269 --> 00:28:57,737 [horn beeps] 746 00:28:57,771 --> 00:28:58,738 - Here we go. 747 00:28:58,772 --> 00:29:00,106 Oh. 748 00:29:00,140 --> 00:29:02,308 - I got some Mega Wall money last season. 749 00:29:02,342 --> 00:29:05,145 And I used that to buy myself a sweet new ride that I 750 00:29:05,178 --> 00:29:10,116 picked up recently, an Acty, which is a little truck 751 00:29:10,150 --> 00:29:11,484 from Japan. 752 00:29:11,518 --> 00:29:14,020 What makes it unique is, it's right-hand drive. 753 00:29:14,020 --> 00:29:15,422 It's manual transmission. 754 00:29:15,455 --> 00:29:17,390 And it's only 10 feet in length. 755 00:29:17,424 --> 00:29:21,494 So it's a blast to drive. 756 00:29:21,528 --> 00:29:22,829 Easy on the steering there, pal. 757 00:29:22,862 --> 00:29:24,798 [cheers and applause] 758 00:29:24,831 --> 00:29:27,334 - Oh, wow! 759 00:29:27,367 --> 00:29:31,271 And then going into Vegas, I went a little too quick-- 760 00:29:31,304 --> 00:29:32,605 - Oh, no. [air horn blares] 761 00:29:32,639 --> 00:29:35,642 - --and took a tumble into the water. 762 00:29:35,675 --> 00:29:38,078 This year, I'm feeling stronger and more prepared 763 00:29:38,111 --> 00:29:39,713 than I ever have. 764 00:29:39,746 --> 00:29:41,748 Once I start that course, I just shift into another gear. 765 00:29:41,781 --> 00:29:42,916 It's time to step on the gas. 766 00:29:42,949 --> 00:29:46,252 [engine revving] 767 00:29:46,286 --> 00:29:48,588 - Boy, if Kai gets to the Mega Wall again, 768 00:29:48,621 --> 00:29:50,223 that would really cap off a big night 769 00:29:50,256 --> 00:29:51,758 for the Beckstrand family. 770 00:29:51,791 --> 00:29:53,693 They've had two good runs already. 771 00:29:53,727 --> 00:29:57,063 [countdown clock beeping] 772 00:29:57,097 --> 00:30:00,033 - Kai's training to be a firefighter, like his dad 773 00:30:00,066 --> 00:30:03,703 and has no trouble climbing his way past Pole Vault. 774 00:30:03,737 --> 00:30:06,606 - We first met him on "Ninja Jr.," and my has he grown. 775 00:30:06,639 --> 00:30:08,842 5'10", 180. 776 00:30:08,875 --> 00:30:11,111 And look at him. He could have taken a nap 777 00:30:11,144 --> 00:30:14,381 while he was waiting for that ring to come. 778 00:30:14,414 --> 00:30:18,685 He's got a great tempo, great pace. 779 00:30:18,718 --> 00:30:20,220 - Easy. 780 00:30:20,253 --> 00:30:22,422 - And heads straight into Heavy Metal. 781 00:30:22,455 --> 00:30:24,190 Now, going fast like this led to a fall 782 00:30:24,224 --> 00:30:26,960 on the Jumping Spider on stage 1 last year, 783 00:30:26,993 --> 00:30:28,561 ended his season early. 784 00:30:28,595 --> 00:30:31,231 But doesn't look like he's going to change his style. 785 00:30:31,264 --> 00:30:32,432 - Wow. 786 00:30:32,465 --> 00:30:36,036 He's making that 10-pound bar look easy. 787 00:30:36,069 --> 00:30:37,604 - And goes right onto The Cubes. 788 00:30:37,637 --> 00:30:38,838 - Of course, he's got all that muscle 789 00:30:38,872 --> 00:30:40,473 mass that he put on last year. 790 00:30:40,507 --> 00:30:42,709 Looks like he put on a couple more pounds. 791 00:30:42,742 --> 00:30:46,579 - And his power continues to grow. 792 00:30:46,613 --> 00:30:48,748 - Yeah, this is where that weight room strength 793 00:30:48,782 --> 00:30:52,285 and that ninja strength combines, makes for a really, 794 00:30:52,318 --> 00:30:53,853 really strong performance. - Look at that. 795 00:30:53,887 --> 00:30:57,390 And he launches, uses his right to start moving it. 796 00:30:57,424 --> 00:30:58,892 And he's got plenty of time. 797 00:30:58,925 --> 00:31:03,063 He's going to get another crack at the Mega Wall. 798 00:31:03,096 --> 00:31:06,800 Well, he delivers once again. 799 00:31:06,833 --> 00:31:09,869 Kai making it look so easy, 800 00:31:09,903 --> 00:31:11,771 the fastest time of the night. 801 00:31:11,805 --> 00:31:14,641 [cheers and applause] 802 00:31:14,674 --> 00:31:15,842 Wow. 803 00:31:15,875 --> 00:31:17,944 - And, Kai, I gotta ask, man. 804 00:31:17,977 --> 00:31:19,612 Luke Smash came out here. 805 00:31:19,646 --> 00:31:21,715 And he put out a pretty good time. 806 00:31:21,748 --> 00:31:23,883 Were you thinking about your brother's time? 807 00:31:23,917 --> 00:31:25,585 - Yeah, I can't let the young'uns win. 808 00:31:25,618 --> 00:31:27,787 [laughter] 809 00:31:27,821 --> 00:31:29,622 - Are you ready for your shot at 20K? 810 00:31:29,656 --> 00:31:30,623 - Obviously. 811 00:31:30,657 --> 00:31:34,094 - Go do it, buddy. 812 00:31:34,094 --> 00:31:36,396 - The Beckstrands just dominating. 813 00:31:36,429 --> 00:31:38,198 Well, got it last year. 814 00:31:38,231 --> 00:31:39,632 Can he get it again this year? 815 00:31:39,666 --> 00:31:44,204 [together] Mega Wall. Mega Wall. Mega Wall. 816 00:31:44,237 --> 00:31:47,640 - 18 1/2 feet, here we go. 817 00:31:47,674 --> 00:31:50,310 Yes. And that boy's unstoppable. 818 00:31:50,343 --> 00:31:52,879 He's done it again. 819 00:31:52,912 --> 00:31:55,215 [cheers and applause] 820 00:31:55,248 --> 00:31:58,651 - That's $20,000 for Kai from the Wells 821 00:31:58,685 --> 00:32:02,455 Fargo Active Cash Credit Card. 822 00:32:02,489 --> 00:32:05,225 - Hey, Kai, that ain't even fair, man. 823 00:32:05,258 --> 00:32:07,961 We need to put that thing to 20 feet for you. 824 00:32:08,061 --> 00:32:09,662 - Might as well. 825 00:32:09,696 --> 00:32:11,798 - Just like last season, you had 826 00:32:11,831 --> 00:32:14,367 the fastest time in qualifying and the Mega Wall. 827 00:32:14,401 --> 00:32:16,336 Seems to be a pattern with you, bud. 828 00:32:16,369 --> 00:32:17,504 Congratulations. 829 00:32:17,537 --> 00:32:20,440 Go celebrate with your family, bud. 830 00:32:20,473 --> 00:32:22,308 - At this point, I might have to borrow some money 831 00:32:22,342 --> 00:32:23,777 from Kai Beckstrand. 832 00:32:23,810 --> 00:32:26,446 - I tell you what, he's not satisfied with 20 grand. 833 00:32:26,479 --> 00:32:28,648 He's got his eyes set on that million dollars 834 00:32:28,682 --> 00:32:32,519 on stage 4. 835 00:32:32,552 --> 00:32:35,755 The ultimate underdog Nate Hansen's captured 836 00:32:35,789 --> 00:32:38,291 the hearts of ninja fans. 837 00:32:38,324 --> 00:32:41,828 Now someone's captured his heart. 838 00:32:41,861 --> 00:32:45,899 We'll see them next on "American Ninja Warrior." 839 00:32:51,504 --> 00:32:53,773 - Welcome back to LA, where three ninjas 840 00:32:53,807 --> 00:32:57,610 from the Chicago area took over the course minutes ago. 841 00:32:57,644 --> 00:33:00,046 19-year-old college student Maggie Owen 842 00:33:00,080 --> 00:33:02,182 made it to the National Finals last season. 843 00:33:02,215 --> 00:33:03,750 - In the center. 844 00:33:03,783 --> 00:33:05,318 - And with her mentor Jesse "Flex" Labreck cheering 845 00:33:05,352 --> 00:33:07,887 her on, the four-time "Ninja" veteran 846 00:33:07,921 --> 00:33:09,289 started off strong tonight. 847 00:33:09,322 --> 00:33:12,092 - Hot feet, hot feet, hot feet. 848 00:33:12,125 --> 00:33:14,461 - Just 5 feet tall, Owen fought her way 849 00:33:14,494 --> 00:33:15,762 to the fourth obstacle. 850 00:33:15,795 --> 00:33:18,331 - Oh, no. [air horn blares] 851 00:33:18,365 --> 00:33:20,567 - But with a strong showing by the women tonight, 852 00:33:20,600 --> 00:33:23,503 that may not get her to the semifinals. 853 00:33:23,536 --> 00:33:26,740 Then it was Flex's fiancé, Chris DiGangi. 854 00:33:26,773 --> 00:33:28,108 Who had an uncharacteristically 855 00:33:28,141 --> 00:33:29,309 rough run. 856 00:33:29,342 --> 00:33:31,711 - Ooh, catch it. Catch it. Catch it. 857 00:33:31,745 --> 00:33:33,246 - After missing the ring, he had 858 00:33:33,279 --> 00:33:35,849 to get through the second obstacle the hard way. 859 00:33:35,882 --> 00:33:37,384 - He's making Flex nervous. 860 00:33:37,417 --> 00:33:39,285 - And followed it up with a stumble 861 00:33:39,319 --> 00:33:40,820 across Spinning Bridge. 862 00:33:40,854 --> 00:33:41,821 - Whoa. 863 00:33:41,855 --> 00:33:43,156 Hey. 864 00:33:43,189 --> 00:33:45,992 Hey, what a big fall. 865 00:33:46,092 --> 00:33:47,827 - And the 12-time veteran's struggles 866 00:33:47,861 --> 00:33:49,462 continued on Heavy Metal. 867 00:33:49,496 --> 00:33:50,463 - Nice. 868 00:33:50,497 --> 00:33:52,098 Oh. [air horn blares] 869 00:33:52,098 --> 00:33:54,300 - He's now in danger of not advancing to the semifinals 870 00:33:54,334 --> 00:33:56,302 for just his third time ever. 871 00:33:56,336 --> 00:33:58,338 - Dang it. 872 00:33:58,371 --> 00:34:01,307 - The third ninja from the Second City was DiGangi's good 873 00:34:01,341 --> 00:34:04,844 friend Mike Silenzi, AKA The Stallion. 874 00:34:04,878 --> 00:34:06,079 - Giddyup. 875 00:34:06,112 --> 00:34:07,747 - With a stampede on the sideline, 876 00:34:07,781 --> 00:34:10,650 The Stallion went galloping through the course-- 877 00:34:10,684 --> 00:34:12,052 - Ooh. 878 00:34:12,052 --> 00:34:13,319 Booyah-ka. 879 00:34:13,353 --> 00:34:15,522 And bucked his way through Heavy Metal. 880 00:34:15,555 --> 00:34:17,057 - Lost his hat in the process. 881 00:34:17,090 --> 00:34:19,659 - At 37, he's one of the older competitors. 882 00:34:19,693 --> 00:34:22,328 But he conquered The Cubes and came through 883 00:34:22,362 --> 00:34:25,065 with his fifth straight qualifying buzzer. 884 00:34:25,065 --> 00:34:27,067 [buzzer blares] 885 00:34:27,067 --> 00:34:28,234 - Hey! 886 00:34:28,268 --> 00:34:30,370 - That was big-time prime-time. 887 00:34:30,403 --> 00:34:32,605 - Now, the final runners in tonight's first group 888 00:34:32,639 --> 00:34:33,907 are two of the best. 889 00:34:33,940 --> 00:34:36,409 Up first is Gnarly Nate Hansen. 890 00:34:36,443 --> 00:34:39,612 He's 5'2" because of a growth hormone deficiency. 891 00:34:39,646 --> 00:34:42,082 But he's developed a huge fan following. 892 00:34:42,082 --> 00:34:46,086 And one fan in particular has captured his heart. 893 00:34:46,119 --> 00:34:48,755 [gentle music] 894 00:34:48,788 --> 00:34:50,457 - Growing up, I was bullied a little bit, 895 00:34:50,490 --> 00:34:52,092 always called names. 896 00:34:52,092 --> 00:34:55,362 And it was really difficult going through that. 897 00:34:55,395 --> 00:34:58,398 Morgan and I met all the way back in high school. 898 00:34:58,431 --> 00:34:59,733 I was the band nerd. 899 00:34:59,766 --> 00:35:02,035 And she was the super-cute cheerleader. 900 00:35:02,035 --> 00:35:03,103 I tried to pursue her. 901 00:35:03,136 --> 00:35:04,471 But I got put in the friend zone. 902 00:35:04,504 --> 00:35:08,041 * * 903 00:35:08,041 --> 00:35:12,312 - Yes, Nate Hansen's going to stage 3. 904 00:35:12,345 --> 00:35:13,747 - You know, as I've become more successful 905 00:35:13,780 --> 00:35:15,181 on "Ninja Warrior," 906 00:35:15,215 --> 00:35:18,051 it grows a confidence inside of me as a man in general. 907 00:35:18,084 --> 00:35:20,720 And so using that confidence definitely helped me 908 00:35:20,754 --> 00:35:21,721 win Morgan over. 909 00:35:21,755 --> 00:35:23,189 - Look at the little lake. 910 00:35:23,223 --> 00:35:24,424 - It's so pretty. 911 00:35:24,457 --> 00:35:26,493 - I was waiting for Nate to actually take the hint 912 00:35:26,526 --> 00:35:27,827 for a little over a year. 913 00:35:27,861 --> 00:35:29,729 Like you. You're pretty. 914 00:35:29,763 --> 00:35:30,964 - Thanks. - [laughs] 915 00:35:31,064 --> 00:35:33,166 Apparently the hints weren't good enough. 916 00:35:33,199 --> 00:35:34,434 - The temperature's not too bad. 917 00:35:34,467 --> 00:35:36,703 It's a beautiful day. - Yeah, it's gorgeous. 918 00:35:36,736 --> 00:35:38,271 Then when he asked me to be his girlfriend, 919 00:35:38,304 --> 00:35:41,341 I was very surprised, because I didn't think he had it in him. 920 00:35:41,374 --> 00:35:43,076 - Oh, look at them. They're so cute. 921 00:35:43,076 --> 00:35:44,277 Is that going to be us one day? 922 00:35:44,310 --> 00:35:46,079 - Yeah. - Yeah? 923 00:35:46,079 --> 00:35:47,714 - You know what they say, never give up. 924 00:35:47,747 --> 00:35:49,082 - * Oh, yeah * 925 00:35:49,082 --> 00:35:50,617 - All right, what are we starting with, baby? 926 00:35:50,650 --> 00:35:52,419 - Monkey bars. - Monkey bars. 927 00:35:52,452 --> 00:35:53,887 All right, get after it. 928 00:35:53,920 --> 00:35:55,288 I'd never been in a relationship 929 00:35:55,321 --> 00:35:56,623 before dating Morgan. 930 00:35:56,656 --> 00:35:58,124 - One more. Let's see if he's got it. 931 00:35:58,158 --> 00:35:59,893 Oh. Oh. 932 00:35:59,926 --> 00:36:01,928 - Morgan is definitely the most supportive person 933 00:36:02,028 --> 00:36:03,463 in my life, who reminds me how hard 934 00:36:03,496 --> 00:36:04,831 I've trained for this 935 00:36:04,864 --> 00:36:06,566 and what I'm capable of and that everything's 936 00:36:06,599 --> 00:36:07,667 going to be OK. 937 00:36:07,701 --> 00:36:10,537 - * Oh, yeah * 938 00:36:10,570 --> 00:36:11,538 - Come on. 939 00:36:11,571 --> 00:36:12,872 Come on, babe, you got it. 940 00:36:12,906 --> 00:36:14,341 - Morgan loves gifts. 941 00:36:14,374 --> 00:36:17,043 But the best gift I could give her is the buzzer tonight. 942 00:36:17,077 --> 00:36:21,581 - * Oh, yeah * 943 00:36:21,614 --> 00:36:25,051 [cheers and applause] 944 00:36:25,051 --> 00:36:27,153 - And he's throwing a kiss to Morgan, 945 00:36:27,187 --> 00:36:29,356 who'll be watching in Colorado along with the winner 946 00:36:29,389 --> 00:36:31,958 of last year's Women's Championship Katie Bone. 947 00:36:32,058 --> 00:36:34,894 - Come on, Nate. Let's go, Nate. 948 00:36:34,928 --> 00:36:37,497 - Nate's got his family down on the sideline. 949 00:36:37,530 --> 00:36:38,732 [together] Gnarly! Gnarly! - You hear that. 950 00:36:38,765 --> 00:36:40,567 They got that Gnarly Nate chant going. 951 00:36:40,600 --> 00:36:42,869 [countdown clock beeping] 952 00:36:42,902 --> 00:36:45,138 - Well, with only one other athlete still to run, 953 00:36:45,171 --> 00:36:47,140 Nate knows what he needs to do. 954 00:36:47,173 --> 00:36:48,975 Just has to get through Heavy Metal 955 00:36:49,075 --> 00:36:51,277 in under 1:08 956 00:36:51,311 --> 00:36:53,546 and he'll be guaranteed to move on. 957 00:36:53,580 --> 00:36:57,083 - Nate has been a beast in "Ninja Warrior," 958 00:36:57,117 --> 00:36:59,919 made it to Vegas each of the past three seasons. 959 00:37:00,020 --> 00:37:01,221 - Yeah, that's right. 960 00:37:01,254 --> 00:37:02,889 He went out early in Vegas last year. 961 00:37:02,922 --> 00:37:05,392 So you know he's coming in hungry this season. 962 00:37:05,425 --> 00:37:07,160 And he's quickly through 2. 963 00:37:07,193 --> 00:37:08,762 [cheers and applause] 964 00:37:08,795 --> 00:37:10,430 Facing Spinning Bridge. 965 00:37:10,463 --> 00:37:12,832 Good balance test here. 966 00:37:12,866 --> 00:37:14,801 - Nice. And Nate doesn't mess around. 967 00:37:14,834 --> 00:37:16,670 You see the intensity and the speed. 968 00:37:16,703 --> 00:37:19,072 He has a sense of urgency every time he runs it. 969 00:37:19,105 --> 00:37:20,540 That's a veteran move. 970 00:37:20,573 --> 00:37:22,642 - Well, he's in good shape on the clock. 971 00:37:22,676 --> 00:37:24,544 If he can just get through this obstacle, 972 00:37:24,577 --> 00:37:27,714 he's assured of moving on to the semis. 973 00:37:27,747 --> 00:37:29,716 - Well, Nate Hansen, a great athlete. 974 00:37:29,749 --> 00:37:31,284 But I think it's his-- 975 00:37:31,317 --> 00:37:32,752 - No! - Oh! 976 00:37:32,786 --> 00:37:34,054 - Ohh. 977 00:37:34,054 --> 00:37:37,190 - A shocking fall. - Wow. 978 00:37:37,223 --> 00:37:39,693 - He was cruising through this course. 979 00:37:39,726 --> 00:37:43,663 But now his season could be in jeopardy. 980 00:37:43,697 --> 00:37:45,665 Check out how close Nate was to getting 981 00:37:45,699 --> 00:37:47,667 that heavy bar over the hook. 982 00:37:47,701 --> 00:37:52,639 1 inch higher and he would have had it. 983 00:37:52,672 --> 00:37:54,507 - Hey, Nate. - Hey, Zuri, how are you doing? 984 00:37:54,541 --> 00:37:56,076 - I am doing good. 985 00:37:56,076 --> 00:37:57,977 I know this isn't the result that we were looking for. 986 00:37:58,078 --> 00:38:00,513 We're so used to seeing you hit these buzzers. 987 00:38:00,547 --> 00:38:02,415 What happened here on Heavy Metal? 988 00:38:02,449 --> 00:38:04,250 - Yeah, you know that bar is pretty heavy. 989 00:38:04,284 --> 00:38:06,886 And I saw a lot of other competitors 990 00:38:06,920 --> 00:38:08,755 throw it and get their head pretty close. 991 00:38:08,788 --> 00:38:10,023 So I was a little hesitant. 992 00:38:10,056 --> 00:38:11,157 Hopefully it was far enough, fast enough. 993 00:38:11,191 --> 00:38:12,392 We'll see. 994 00:38:12,425 --> 00:38:13,460 - OK, and we always love having you out here. 995 00:38:13,493 --> 00:38:14,728 Thanks, Nate. 996 00:38:14,761 --> 00:38:15,729 - Yeah, we'll get back up and do it again. 997 00:38:15,762 --> 00:38:16,730 - There it is. 998 00:38:16,763 --> 00:38:18,365 Guys, take it away. 999 00:38:18,398 --> 00:38:19,933 - Well, take a look at the leaderboard. 1000 00:38:20,033 --> 00:38:22,402 We've had eight finishers so far. 1001 00:38:22,435 --> 00:38:24,771 The top 11 are guaranteed to move on 1002 00:38:24,804 --> 00:38:27,774 with the 12th and 13th place going to a runoff. 1003 00:38:27,807 --> 00:38:29,409 And right now that would include 1004 00:38:29,442 --> 00:38:31,378 Nate Hansen, who's on the bubble 1005 00:38:31,411 --> 00:38:34,147 with one runner remaining. 1006 00:38:34,180 --> 00:38:37,083 And as fate would have it, that final athlete 1007 00:38:37,117 --> 00:38:39,919 is his good friend and training partner, Austin Gray. 1008 00:38:39,953 --> 00:38:42,555 And the 26-year-old happens to be one of the best 1009 00:38:42,589 --> 00:38:44,090 ninjas in the world. 1010 00:38:44,124 --> 00:38:46,593 He and Nate have trained together for years 1011 00:38:46,626 --> 00:38:50,096 and even lived together for a while. 1012 00:38:50,130 --> 00:38:52,432 - Now, Austin could send his homey home. 1013 00:38:52,465 --> 00:38:55,735 - And Nate has come over to be on Austin's sideline, 1014 00:38:55,769 --> 00:38:58,471 even though his season may soon be over. 1015 00:38:58,505 --> 00:39:02,308 [countdown clock beeping] 1016 00:39:02,342 --> 00:39:04,678 Austin Gray is one of the best. 1017 00:39:04,711 --> 00:39:07,714 Twice he was the runner-up in "American Ninja Warrior." 1018 00:39:07,747 --> 00:39:09,783 And last season he made it to stage 3. 1019 00:39:09,816 --> 00:39:12,419 - And Nate Hansen understands that right now Austin Gray 1020 00:39:12,452 --> 00:39:14,821 has to go out and do his best. 1021 00:39:14,854 --> 00:39:16,589 - Well, if he gets through the first three obstacles 1022 00:39:16,623 --> 00:39:20,060 faster than 25.78 seconds, 1023 00:39:20,093 --> 00:39:22,829 Nate Hansen's season will be done. 1024 00:39:22,862 --> 00:39:24,698 Austin Gray is trucking, and it's not looking good 1025 00:39:24,731 --> 00:39:25,799 for Gnarly Nate. 1026 00:39:25,832 --> 00:39:28,635 - This could be it. 1027 00:39:28,668 --> 00:39:30,270 - That one stings. 1028 00:39:30,303 --> 00:39:33,940 - And Austin Gray just ended his best friend's season, 1029 00:39:34,040 --> 00:39:36,042 not I that that was his objective. 1030 00:39:36,042 --> 00:39:37,877 But he's not done. 1031 00:39:37,911 --> 00:39:40,580 - He's moving fast enough to have a shot at the Mega Wall. 1032 00:39:40,613 --> 00:39:42,449 Kai Beckstrand got it earlier. 1033 00:39:42,482 --> 00:39:45,185 Austin just needs to finish in under 1:20. 1034 00:39:45,218 --> 00:39:46,219 - Hurry, but don't rush. 1035 00:39:46,252 --> 00:39:48,054 That's the key. 1036 00:39:48,054 --> 00:39:49,589 Booyah-ka. 1037 00:39:49,622 --> 00:39:53,860 [cheers and applause] 1038 00:39:53,893 --> 00:39:55,495 - Well, it's all gonna come down to how quickly 1039 00:39:55,528 --> 00:39:58,631 he can get through The Cubes. 1040 00:39:58,665 --> 00:40:00,233 - With all his other accomplishments, 1041 00:40:00,266 --> 00:40:02,202 he's never gotten a Mega Wall. 1042 00:40:02,235 --> 00:40:05,271 He tried it twice before and failed both times. 1043 00:40:05,305 --> 00:40:08,141 I'm sure he'd love that 20 grand. 1044 00:40:08,174 --> 00:40:09,876 - But the clock is ticking. 1045 00:40:09,909 --> 00:40:13,246 He's now got less than 20 seconds if he wants a chance. 1046 00:40:13,279 --> 00:40:15,448 - And The Cubes can slow you down if you don't 1047 00:40:15,482 --> 00:40:17,417 have the right technique. 1048 00:40:17,450 --> 00:40:19,352 - Got about 10 seconds now. 1049 00:40:19,386 --> 00:40:20,687 He's going to need some big moves 1050 00:40:20,720 --> 00:40:23,323 if he's going to pull it off. 1051 00:40:25,125 --> 00:40:26,426 - Oh, boy. He ain't gonna do it. 1052 00:40:26,459 --> 00:40:27,594 He ain't gonna do it. 1053 00:40:27,627 --> 00:40:29,763 - Time runs out for the Mega Wall. 1054 00:40:29,796 --> 00:40:32,732 But as long he can finish, he'll have a good seed 1055 00:40:32,766 --> 00:40:34,668 for racing in the semifinals. 1056 00:40:34,701 --> 00:40:38,772 And Austin Gray with the exclamation point 1057 00:40:38,805 --> 00:40:40,874 gets that buzzer. 1058 00:40:40,907 --> 00:40:43,977 [cheers and applause] 1059 00:40:44,010 --> 00:40:45,912 He says I was close. 1060 00:40:45,945 --> 00:40:47,013 Well, done, man. 1061 00:40:47,047 --> 00:40:48,014 Well done. 1062 00:40:48,048 --> 00:40:50,216 Your best friend on the bubble. 1063 00:40:50,250 --> 00:40:53,019 Your success means his season ends. 1064 00:40:53,053 --> 00:40:54,054 Oh, you didn't know that. 1065 00:40:54,087 --> 00:40:55,255 - I didn't know that. 1066 00:40:55,288 --> 00:40:56,756 - Well, I'm sorry to inform that, man. 1067 00:40:56,790 --> 00:40:58,892 But that is the way of "Ninja." 1068 00:40:58,925 --> 00:40:59,893 - It is. 1069 00:40:59,926 --> 00:41:01,161 - But guess what. 1070 00:41:01,194 --> 00:41:02,529 You're going to the semifinals again, man. 1071 00:41:02,562 --> 00:41:03,530 - Here we go. 1072 00:41:03,563 --> 00:41:06,633 - Congratulations. 1073 00:41:06,666 --> 00:41:08,868 - When we come back, we're heading to our 1074 00:41:08,902 --> 00:41:11,671 side-by-side course for The Runoffs. 1075 00:41:11,705 --> 00:41:14,641 And the women's race could be history-making 1076 00:41:14,674 --> 00:41:17,711 as 44-year-old Holly Beckstrand tries to join 1077 00:41:17,744 --> 00:41:19,713 her sons in the semifinals. 1078 00:41:19,746 --> 00:41:23,483 That's coming up on "American Ninja Warrior." 1079 00:41:29,622 --> 00:41:31,958 - The Paris Olympics are coming to NBC and Peacock 1080 00:41:31,991 --> 00:41:35,762 this summer starting July 26th. 1081 00:41:35,795 --> 00:41:38,198 We've moved over to our two-lane course 1082 00:41:38,231 --> 00:41:40,900 for our first runoff of the night between our 12th- 1083 00:41:40,934 --> 00:41:42,402 and 13th-placed men. 1084 00:41:42,435 --> 00:41:46,106 And for the first time ever, it's dad against dad. 1085 00:41:46,106 --> 00:41:49,576 42-year-old Brandon Varner, a Colorado electrical engineer 1086 00:41:49,609 --> 00:41:53,013 who has one son, taking on a father of four, 1087 00:41:53,113 --> 00:41:57,384 33-year-old cabinet designer from Indiana Jesse Maurer. 1088 00:41:57,417 --> 00:41:59,119 - [beatboxing] 1089 00:41:59,152 --> 00:42:00,687 - Earlier tonight Maurer showed off 1090 00:42:00,720 --> 00:42:03,223 his beatboxing skills on the start line 1091 00:42:03,256 --> 00:42:06,726 and inspired Akbar and I to do a performance of our own. 1092 00:42:06,760 --> 00:42:10,296 [both beatboxing] 1093 00:42:10,330 --> 00:42:12,665 - And with a huge group watching from back home, 1094 00:42:12,699 --> 00:42:15,502 the three-time veteran was flowing through the course. 1095 00:42:15,535 --> 00:42:17,704 - Oh, my goodness. 1096 00:42:17,737 --> 00:42:19,706 - But the beatboxer didn't have enough spin 1097 00:42:19,739 --> 00:42:21,074 for The Cubes. 1098 00:42:21,074 --> 00:42:22,842 - Maurer's going to need some power on this. 1099 00:42:22,876 --> 00:42:24,944 Oh! [air horn blares] 1100 00:42:24,978 --> 00:42:28,248 - Brandon Varner is a former professional freestyle skier. 1101 00:42:28,281 --> 00:42:31,117 So he was ready to get big air on the course. 1102 00:42:31,151 --> 00:42:33,086 And he also made it to The Cubes. 1103 00:42:33,086 --> 00:42:34,287 - That was beautiful. 1104 00:42:34,320 --> 00:42:36,222 - But it was all downhill from there. 1105 00:42:36,256 --> 00:42:37,490 - Ahh! 1106 00:42:37,524 --> 00:42:39,392 [air horn blares] 1107 00:42:39,426 --> 00:42:42,562 - Now these two dads will race for the final spot 1108 00:42:42,595 --> 00:42:44,964 in the semis. 1109 00:42:44,998 --> 00:42:46,566 - Well, these two bonding over the fact they're 1110 00:42:46,599 --> 00:42:48,101 both family men. 1111 00:42:48,101 --> 00:42:51,705 - Varner's son and wife are on his sideline 1112 00:42:51,738 --> 00:42:54,374 while Maurer's four kids and other family members 1113 00:42:54,407 --> 00:42:56,843 are watching back in Lagrange, Indiana. 1114 00:42:56,876 --> 00:42:58,111 [cheers and applause] 1115 00:42:58,144 --> 00:42:59,779 It's a four-obstacle race. 1116 00:42:59,813 --> 00:43:01,381 Whoever goes the furthest the fastest 1117 00:43:01,414 --> 00:43:04,217 advances to the semifinals. 1118 00:43:04,250 --> 00:43:06,686 [countdown clock beeping] 1119 00:43:06,720 --> 00:43:08,455 - Boy, this is a classic my daddy's 1120 00:43:08,488 --> 00:43:10,123 better than your daddy race right here, 1121 00:43:10,156 --> 00:43:11,925 two dads going at it. 1122 00:43:11,958 --> 00:43:14,194 - Varner first up on the Flying Shelf Grab-- 1123 00:43:14,227 --> 00:43:15,195 Oh! - Oh, my goodness. 1124 00:43:15,228 --> 00:43:17,364 - Airballs it. 1125 00:43:17,397 --> 00:43:20,300 But Maurer must complete this obstacle. 1126 00:43:20,333 --> 00:43:21,768 - All right, Maurer's got the power. 1127 00:43:21,801 --> 00:43:23,069 Here we go. Nice. 1128 00:43:23,103 --> 00:43:24,804 - Just needs the dismount, and he will 1129 00:43:24,838 --> 00:43:26,873 win the battle of the dads. 1130 00:43:26,906 --> 00:43:27,874 And there it is. 1131 00:43:27,907 --> 00:43:29,275 He's done it. 1132 00:43:29,309 --> 00:43:30,777 - OK, Jesse Maurer. 1133 00:43:30,810 --> 00:43:32,512 [cheers and applause] 1134 00:43:32,545 --> 00:43:36,950 - Jesse Maurer is going to be racing in the semifinals. 1135 00:43:36,983 --> 00:43:40,086 On the women's side, the three who punched their ticket 1136 00:43:40,086 --> 00:43:43,456 to the semis are Taylor Greene, who got a buzzer tonight, 1137 00:43:43,490 --> 00:43:46,092 Michigan's Riley Porter, and Colorado 1138 00:43:46,092 --> 00:43:48,628 engineer Jaelyn Bennett. 1139 00:43:48,661 --> 00:43:50,463 The fourth and final spot in the semis 1140 00:43:50,497 --> 00:43:53,099 will go to the winner of the Runoff between fourth=place 1141 00:43:53,133 --> 00:43:55,769 finisher, Utah mom Holly Beckstrand, 1142 00:43:55,802 --> 00:43:57,804 and fifth-place Judith Carroll, 1143 00:43:57,837 --> 00:44:01,207 one of Australia's top ninjas. 1144 00:44:01,241 --> 00:44:03,209 As a dual citizen, Judith is hoping 1145 00:44:03,243 --> 00:44:07,113 to match the success she's had on "Australian Ninja Warrior" 1146 00:44:07,147 --> 00:44:09,149 as one of the few women to hit a buzzer 1147 00:44:09,182 --> 00:44:11,384 and make it to their national finals. 1148 00:44:11,418 --> 00:44:12,786 - That was a pretty big accomplishment. 1149 00:44:12,819 --> 00:44:15,288 But "American Ninja Warrior" is the big one, 1150 00:44:15,321 --> 00:44:16,623 the one that counts. 1151 00:44:16,656 --> 00:44:19,392 If I can do my best here, then it's like proof 1152 00:44:19,426 --> 00:44:23,096 that I can do it anywhere. 1153 00:44:23,129 --> 00:44:24,497 - I think it's great that Judith came 1154 00:44:24,531 --> 00:44:25,732 all the way from Australia. 1155 00:44:25,765 --> 00:44:27,701 I do know she's a great athlete. 1156 00:44:27,734 --> 00:44:30,403 But I train with my two boys that are speed demons. 1157 00:44:30,437 --> 00:44:33,540 - [indistinct] There you go. 1158 00:44:33,573 --> 00:44:35,108 - This is "American Ninja Warrior." 1159 00:44:35,141 --> 00:44:37,210 And I'm going to have to send her packing, mate. 1160 00:44:37,243 --> 00:44:41,214 [dramatic music] 1161 00:44:41,247 --> 00:44:43,917 - Holly Beckstrand could make history. 1162 00:44:43,950 --> 00:44:46,519 If she wins this race, she'll join her two 1163 00:44:46,553 --> 00:44:48,355 sons in the semifinals. 1164 00:44:48,388 --> 00:44:50,156 They both hit buzzers earlier. 1165 00:44:50,190 --> 00:44:53,560 And Judith's got her friends waving the Aussie flag. 1166 00:44:53,593 --> 00:44:54,928 - Here we go. 1167 00:44:54,961 --> 00:44:56,730 Holly Beckstrand is part of a ninja dynasty. 1168 00:44:56,763 --> 00:45:00,300 But she's 44 years old, 17 years older than Judith. 1169 00:45:00,333 --> 00:45:04,037 Judith is 5'8" and 6 inches taller than Holly. 1170 00:45:04,037 --> 00:45:05,772 - Well, let's see if those long legs 1171 00:45:05,805 --> 00:45:07,674 giver her an edge on Home Run. 1172 00:45:07,707 --> 00:45:10,543 - You got to be explosive on the first obstacle. 1173 00:45:10,577 --> 00:45:12,645 - Carroll springs ahead. 1174 00:45:12,679 --> 00:45:15,048 - Always big to complete an obstacle first. 1175 00:45:15,048 --> 00:45:17,784 - Should you both fall, the win goes to 1176 00:45:17,817 --> 00:45:19,786 the one who completed the previous obstacle. 1177 00:45:19,819 --> 00:45:21,254 - Two super competitive-- - Look at these two. 1178 00:45:21,287 --> 00:45:23,056 - --athletes right here. - Oh, this is a good race. 1179 00:45:23,056 --> 00:45:24,224 - They're switching back and forth. 1180 00:45:24,257 --> 00:45:25,959 Tied up now. Nice. 1181 00:45:26,059 --> 00:45:28,928 - And Judith, once again, the first one off. 1182 00:45:28,962 --> 00:45:30,864 Now into Wing Nuts-- both: Oh! 1183 00:45:30,897 --> 00:45:33,500 - And Holly Beckstrand's run in history 1184 00:45:33,533 --> 00:45:34,901 comes up short. 1185 00:45:34,934 --> 00:45:37,704 She won't be joining her sons in the semis. 1186 00:45:37,737 --> 00:45:41,241 It's the Australian Ninja moving on. 1187 00:45:41,274 --> 00:45:43,643 I'm sure Holly will still be on the sidelines 1188 00:45:43,677 --> 00:45:45,078 cheering on Luke and Kai. 1189 00:45:45,078 --> 00:45:46,880 - Oh, she wanted it badly, put up 1190 00:45:46,913 --> 00:45:50,216 a good fight against Judith. 1191 00:45:50,250 --> 00:45:52,419 OK, Judith. 1192 00:45:52,452 --> 00:45:54,320 [cheers and applause] 1193 00:45:54,354 --> 00:45:55,789 - Judith's not celebrating yet. 1194 00:45:55,822 --> 00:45:57,323 She wants to prove she can finish 1195 00:45:57,357 --> 00:46:01,061 the course on the American version of Ninja Warrior. 1196 00:46:01,094 --> 00:46:04,264 But this is a beast, Sideways. 1197 00:46:04,297 --> 00:46:05,699 Got to get that lead hand down and around. 1198 00:46:05,732 --> 00:46:07,901 - Nice. - Good job there. 1199 00:46:07,934 --> 00:46:10,036 - Ooh. 1200 00:46:10,070 --> 00:46:12,505 - Well, Judith Carroll splashes down under 1201 00:46:12,539 --> 00:46:15,308 but not before punching her ticket to the semis. 1202 00:46:15,342 --> 00:46:16,576 Well, we're not done. 1203 00:46:16,609 --> 00:46:18,345 We're going to back it up and start over 1204 00:46:18,378 --> 00:46:20,080 with a new group of ninjas. 1205 00:46:20,113 --> 00:46:22,816 - Yeah, that's right. That includes The Weatherman, 1206 00:46:22,849 --> 00:46:24,751 Connecticut's Joe Moravsky. 1207 00:46:24,784 --> 00:46:29,055 And from Massachusetts, it's The Beast, James McGrath. 1208 00:46:29,055 --> 00:46:32,759 Plus, Sydney Yee is the ultimate overachiever. 1209 00:46:32,792 --> 00:46:35,328 She's a member of MENSA, a boy scout. 1210 00:46:35,362 --> 00:46:36,496 - Good morning, scouts. 1211 00:46:36,529 --> 00:46:38,198 - And now she's a ninja. 1212 00:46:38,231 --> 00:46:41,401 - We'll see her and a whole lot more on the second hour 1213 00:46:41,434 --> 00:46:44,070 of "American Ninja Warrior." 1214 00:46:49,642 --> 00:46:51,578 - Welcome back to Universal Studios Hollywood. 1215 00:46:51,611 --> 00:46:52,946 It's a double feature! 1216 00:46:52,979 --> 00:46:55,348 We just had one group of ninjas punch their tickets 1217 00:46:55,382 --> 00:46:56,616 to the semifinals. 1218 00:46:56,649 --> 00:46:58,585 Now a new group will try to do the same. 1219 00:46:58,618 --> 00:47:00,020 - That's right. 1220 00:47:00,020 --> 00:47:02,389 We changed up the course for this second set of ninjas. 1221 00:47:02,422 --> 00:47:06,059 The high-flying Reel to Reel is now the second obstacle. 1222 00:47:06,092 --> 00:47:08,161 And the punishing Jawbreakers are 1223 00:47:08,194 --> 00:47:09,896 in the number five position. 1224 00:47:09,929 --> 00:47:11,698 - And just like the previous group... 1225 00:47:11,731 --> 00:47:13,033 - Oh! 1226 00:47:13,066 --> 00:47:14,701 - The top 12 men and top 4 women will move on 1227 00:47:14,734 --> 00:47:16,036 to the semifinals. 1228 00:47:16,036 --> 00:47:18,605 The final spots will be earned in the Runoff 1229 00:47:18,638 --> 00:47:19,806 at the end of the night. 1230 00:47:19,839 --> 00:47:22,242 - Let's get these ninjas going. 1231 00:47:22,275 --> 00:47:25,378 - First up in this group is Ohio's Sydney Yee. 1232 00:47:25,412 --> 00:47:27,914 She's our youngest athlete of the season. 1233 00:47:27,947 --> 00:47:29,382 And at just 5 feet tall, 1234 00:47:29,416 --> 00:47:31,885 she's tied for the smallest competitor tonight. 1235 00:47:31,918 --> 00:47:35,789 But she's got a big heart and a big brain. 1236 00:47:39,926 --> 00:47:43,496 - Some people say I'm a bit of an overachiever. 1237 00:47:43,530 --> 00:47:47,334 I play violin. I swim. I run track and field. 1238 00:47:47,367 --> 00:47:49,402 My IQ is 134. 1239 00:47:49,436 --> 00:47:53,707 But my favorite activities are Ninja and Boy Scouts. 1240 00:47:53,740 --> 00:47:56,343 Good morning, scouts. all: Good morning. 1241 00:47:56,376 --> 00:47:58,545 - I got into Boy Scouts because of my brother 1242 00:47:58,578 --> 00:48:00,480 because I went on a couple campouts with him. 1243 00:48:00,513 --> 00:48:02,248 And I was like, whoa, I really wish 1244 00:48:02,282 --> 00:48:03,817 I could do this type of stuff. 1245 00:48:03,850 --> 00:48:05,752 And once they let girls in, you know, 1246 00:48:05,785 --> 00:48:08,054 I was one of the first people to join it. 1247 00:48:08,088 --> 00:48:10,256 We're going to be going on a backpacking trip today. 1248 00:48:10,290 --> 00:48:12,592 I have learned so many cool things, 1249 00:48:12,625 --> 00:48:14,594 from learning how to do first aid, 1250 00:48:14,627 --> 00:48:18,031 to learning how to survive by myself in the woods. 1251 00:48:18,031 --> 00:48:20,066 Scouts is just amazing. 1252 00:48:20,100 --> 00:48:22,669 Ever since I was eight, I've always dreamed 1253 00:48:22,702 --> 00:48:24,537 of getting on "American Ninja Warrior" 1254 00:48:24,571 --> 00:48:27,640 and showing everyone what I can do as a ninja. 1255 00:48:27,674 --> 00:48:29,476 So I'm going to crush that course tonight. 1256 00:48:29,509 --> 00:48:30,710 Scout's honor. 1257 00:48:34,080 --> 00:48:36,383 - She calls herself the Sly Ninja 1258 00:48:36,416 --> 00:48:40,687 because her initials are SLY-- Sydney Lynn Yee. 1259 00:48:40,720 --> 00:48:42,756 Got her family on the sidelines. 1260 00:48:42,789 --> 00:48:45,625 And Sydney's got a whole lot of fans in this crowd. 1261 00:48:45,658 --> 00:48:48,695 [countdown clock beeping] 1262 00:48:49,896 --> 00:48:52,265 She does hurdles on her high-school track team, 1263 00:48:52,298 --> 00:48:55,235 but facing the Pole Vault here on our course. 1264 00:48:55,268 --> 00:48:56,636 And she's through. 1265 00:48:56,670 --> 00:48:58,738 - Sydney Yee's going to earn her merit badge 1266 00:48:58,772 --> 00:49:00,073 for Ninja tonight. 1267 00:49:00,106 --> 00:49:03,009 She's already celebrating. Look at her. 1268 00:49:03,009 --> 00:49:06,246 [cheers and applause] 1269 00:49:06,279 --> 00:49:08,682 - She'll be the first tonight to try Reel to Reel. 1270 00:49:08,715 --> 00:49:12,752 Has to slide down and fly from one film reel to the other. 1271 00:49:14,020 --> 00:49:16,256 - Whee! Look at that! 1272 00:49:16,289 --> 00:49:19,292 - That's a big swing for her, but she landed it. 1273 00:49:19,325 --> 00:49:21,027 And now she's through. 1274 00:49:21,061 --> 00:49:23,396 [all cheering] 1275 00:49:23,430 --> 00:49:24,864 - She is hyped. 1276 00:49:24,898 --> 00:49:28,835 [cheers and applause] 1277 00:49:28,868 --> 00:49:30,270 - Only 5 feet. 1278 00:49:30,303 --> 00:49:34,140 Spinning Bridge is going to be a tall order. 1279 00:49:34,174 --> 00:49:35,608 But she survives! 1280 00:49:35,642 --> 00:49:38,845 Well, the Sly Ninja showing she's quite nimble. 1281 00:49:38,878 --> 00:49:41,848 She's pumped up. 1282 00:49:41,881 --> 00:49:45,218 She's a member of Mensa, with an IQ over 130. 1283 00:49:45,251 --> 00:49:47,654 Let's see if she can solve Heavy Metal. 1284 00:49:47,687 --> 00:49:50,256 The top four women from this group will move on. 1285 00:49:50,290 --> 00:49:53,193 She's putting herself in good position to be one of them. 1286 00:49:53,226 --> 00:49:57,130 5 feet, 109 pounds with this 10-pound bar. 1287 00:49:58,665 --> 00:50:02,435 See, it's easy to get it favoring one side. 1288 00:50:02,469 --> 00:50:04,971 Typical bar under 2 pounds. 1289 00:50:05,005 --> 00:50:06,940 - Yeah, she's more compact at 5 feet. 1290 00:50:06,973 --> 00:50:09,075 So she should be able to generate the power! 1291 00:50:09,109 --> 00:50:10,744 - Oh, my! - What? Whoa! 1292 00:50:10,777 --> 00:50:14,047 - That was a last-second catch! 1293 00:50:14,080 --> 00:50:15,248 - Oh, my goodness! 1294 00:50:15,281 --> 00:50:16,449 But you know what? 1295 00:50:16,483 --> 00:50:19,152 She knows all about calculation. 1296 00:50:19,185 --> 00:50:21,688 Oh! [air horn blares] 1297 00:50:21,721 --> 00:50:23,590 - Couldn't hold on. 1298 00:50:23,623 --> 00:50:28,028 But what a fun run by Sydney Yee. 1299 00:50:28,061 --> 00:50:31,398 - She used her scouting survival skills 1300 00:50:31,431 --> 00:50:33,099 on Spinning Bridge. 1301 00:50:33,133 --> 00:50:34,534 And she's so smart, 1302 00:50:34,567 --> 00:50:36,736 she made a midair adjustment and landed 1303 00:50:36,770 --> 00:50:38,705 that backward move on Heavy Metal, 1304 00:50:38,738 --> 00:50:42,175 before slipping off the third hook. 1305 00:50:42,208 --> 00:50:44,277 - Sydney, congratulations on an awesome run. 1306 00:50:44,310 --> 00:50:45,645 - Thank you. - How you feeling? 1307 00:50:45,679 --> 00:50:47,447 - Oh, I'm feeling great. - All right. 1308 00:50:47,480 --> 00:50:49,049 You absolutely killed it out there. 1309 00:50:49,082 --> 00:50:50,350 You looked like you were having so much fun. 1310 00:50:50,383 --> 00:50:52,419 - Yeah, I was so happy to be here. 1311 00:50:52,452 --> 00:50:54,287 Like, this is a dream come true. 1312 00:50:54,320 --> 00:50:56,256 And I was just having a blast. - Yeah. 1313 00:50:56,289 --> 00:50:57,490 I'm no Mensa member, 1314 00:50:57,524 --> 00:50:59,559 but I feel like you went far enough, fast enough. 1315 00:50:59,592 --> 00:51:00,860 We'll know soon enough, OK? Great work. 1316 00:51:00,894 --> 00:51:02,662 - Thank you. - Absolutely. 1317 00:51:02,696 --> 00:51:03,897 Family, get on in here. 1318 00:51:03,930 --> 00:51:06,533 There you go. Matt, Akbar, back to you. 1319 00:51:06,566 --> 00:51:08,735 - We're so proud of you. 1320 00:51:08,768 --> 00:51:11,938 - Our next athlete definitely has the X factor. 1321 00:51:11,971 --> 00:51:13,907 This is Xavier Dantzler, 1322 00:51:13,940 --> 00:51:15,742 or you can just call him X. 1323 00:51:15,775 --> 00:51:17,744 The 19-year-old from Queens, New York, 1324 00:51:17,777 --> 00:51:20,580 used to take the train to learn from the Ninja greats. 1325 00:51:20,613 --> 00:51:24,684 Now a new generation of ninjas come to train with him. 1326 00:51:26,086 --> 00:51:28,588 - * Yeah, secret weapon, I'm the cheat code * 1327 00:51:28,621 --> 00:51:31,591 * I'm an animal, I'm still going beast mode * 1328 00:51:31,624 --> 00:51:33,093 - OK, whatever. 1329 00:51:33,126 --> 00:51:35,195 I mean, you know, do stuff I can't do--that's fine. 1330 00:51:35,228 --> 00:51:36,496 - Before I started Ninja, 1331 00:51:36,529 --> 00:51:38,631 I was actually the biggest fanboy in the world. 1332 00:51:38,665 --> 00:51:42,702 - * The strong will survive, this ain't for the weak, no * 1333 00:51:42,736 --> 00:51:44,671 - Joe Moravsky is one of the people 1334 00:51:44,704 --> 00:51:47,941 that I watched all the time for so many years. 1335 00:51:47,974 --> 00:51:51,244 - * I'm an animal, I'm still going beast mode * 1336 00:51:51,277 --> 00:51:53,480 - X really didn't start that long ago, 1337 00:51:53,513 --> 00:51:54,714 but he's a beast. 1338 00:51:54,748 --> 00:51:56,783 And he reminds me a little bit about myself. 1339 00:51:56,816 --> 00:51:58,952 - I used to take a 2-hour train ride 1340 00:51:58,985 --> 00:52:00,453 to the gym and back. 1341 00:52:02,589 --> 00:52:04,624 It's different this year. I'm driving now. 1342 00:52:04,657 --> 00:52:06,292 And now I'm at this gym 1343 00:52:06,326 --> 00:52:09,562 from about 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every single day. 1344 00:52:09,596 --> 00:52:11,064 - * You don't want none of this * 1345 00:52:11,064 --> 00:52:13,900 * Facts, that comes with it, comes with it * 1346 00:52:13,933 --> 00:52:15,568 - When I started coaching these kids, 1347 00:52:15,602 --> 00:52:17,504 I realized how much they look up to me, 1348 00:52:17,537 --> 00:52:19,506 and I realized how much of a hero they see me as. 1349 00:52:19,539 --> 00:52:21,975 So I want to make all of them proud so bad. 1350 00:52:22,075 --> 00:52:24,411 - * Secret weapon, I'm the cheat code * 1351 00:52:24,444 --> 00:52:28,181 - So hitting a buzzer, that would feel absolutely amazing. 1352 00:52:28,214 --> 00:52:32,485 - * I'm an animal, I'm still going beast mode * 1353 00:52:32,519 --> 00:52:34,421 - And some of the kids he trains 1354 00:52:34,454 --> 00:52:35,755 are watching his run tonight. 1355 00:52:35,789 --> 00:52:37,323 - Let's go, X! 1356 00:52:37,357 --> 00:52:38,925 - And his dad, on the left, 1357 00:52:38,958 --> 00:52:41,828 is watching with other family members back in New York. 1358 00:52:41,861 --> 00:52:44,597 He's got his mom down on the sidelines 1359 00:52:44,631 --> 00:52:46,266 along with some East Coast ninjas, 1360 00:52:46,299 --> 00:52:48,468 including Joe Moravsky. 1361 00:52:48,501 --> 00:52:51,204 [countdown clock beeping] 1362 00:52:51,237 --> 00:52:54,107 Graduated from Bayside High School in Queens. 1363 00:52:54,140 --> 00:52:55,709 He was part 1364 00:52:55,742 --> 00:52:57,944 of the state-championship football team a few years ago. 1365 00:52:57,977 --> 00:53:00,480 - He was a running back, so you know he's got some speed. 1366 00:53:00,513 --> 00:53:02,949 He now wants to be a stuntman, Matt. 1367 00:53:03,049 --> 00:53:04,951 No better place to show off your skills 1368 00:53:05,051 --> 00:53:07,520 than right here at Universal Studios. 1369 00:53:07,554 --> 00:53:10,824 [cheers and applause] 1370 00:53:10,857 --> 00:53:13,927 - Well, the running back has to run across Spinning Bridge. 1371 00:53:13,960 --> 00:53:15,628 And he stumbles through. 1372 00:53:15,662 --> 00:53:18,498 [cheers and applause] 1373 00:53:20,433 --> 00:53:23,403 X continues to give it to you now, 1374 00:53:23,436 --> 00:53:25,071 facing Heavy Metal. 1375 00:53:25,105 --> 00:53:26,906 - He's been hitting the iron. You can tell. 1376 00:53:26,940 --> 00:53:29,409 He's put on some muscle since the last time we saw him. 1377 00:53:29,442 --> 00:53:30,910 He's 160 pounds. 1378 00:53:30,944 --> 00:53:33,179 Now he's got to throw around 10 pounds. 1379 00:53:33,213 --> 00:53:35,815 - Look at that. - Whoo! 1380 00:53:35,849 --> 00:53:38,918 - Like you said, Akbar, hoping to work in the movies one day. 1381 00:53:38,952 --> 00:53:40,353 Well, This is your audition 1382 00:53:40,387 --> 00:53:44,324 here at Universal Studios on New York Street. 1383 00:53:44,357 --> 00:53:47,260 - Ooh, that is fire right there! 1384 00:53:47,293 --> 00:53:49,629 - Made it to the semis each of the previous two seasons 1385 00:53:49,662 --> 00:53:51,297 but never hit a buzzer. 1386 00:53:51,331 --> 00:53:54,100 [cheers and applause] 1387 00:53:54,134 --> 00:53:55,702 - Let's go! - Let's go! 1388 00:53:55,735 --> 00:53:58,872 - His two qualifying runs have ended on the fifth obstacle. 1389 00:53:58,905 --> 00:54:00,774 He'll need to get through Jawbreakers 1390 00:54:00,807 --> 00:54:03,109 if he wants to break that streak tonight. 1391 00:54:03,143 --> 00:54:04,277 - Yeah! 1392 00:54:04,310 --> 00:54:07,781 Ooh, look at that! All right! 1393 00:54:07,814 --> 00:54:09,649 - Jawbreakers, such a unique challenge 1394 00:54:09,683 --> 00:54:11,618 with this bar. 1395 00:54:11,651 --> 00:54:13,286 Out and up. 1396 00:54:14,688 --> 00:54:16,222 - This one's a difficult one, Matt. 1397 00:54:16,256 --> 00:54:19,959 This is like that TMJ, right? That Temporal Mandibular Joint. 1398 00:54:20,060 --> 00:54:22,195 Get it in there! Nice! 1399 00:54:22,228 --> 00:54:23,830 - Got it in! 1400 00:54:23,863 --> 00:54:28,635 And X is going to get his first-ever buzzer. 1401 00:54:29,869 --> 00:54:31,571 [cheers and applause] 1402 00:54:31,604 --> 00:54:34,240 X marks the spot! [buzzer blares] 1403 00:54:35,875 --> 00:54:38,144 - Let's go! 1404 00:54:43,616 --> 00:54:45,585 - Yeah, buddy! - Hey! 1405 00:54:45,618 --> 00:54:47,587 - Let's go! 1406 00:54:47,620 --> 00:54:49,656 - Xavier, give them the X, baby! 1407 00:54:49,689 --> 00:54:52,258 - Let's go! - Give them the X! 1408 00:54:52,292 --> 00:54:53,727 - Let's go! 1409 00:54:53,760 --> 00:54:55,161 - Yeah! 1410 00:54:55,195 --> 00:54:58,264 - X, what's it feel like to get that first buzzer? 1411 00:54:58,298 --> 00:55:00,467 - Feels damn good! 1412 00:55:01,868 --> 00:55:03,670 - Where's that energy coming from? 1413 00:55:03,703 --> 00:55:06,106 - I've trained so hard. 1414 00:55:06,139 --> 00:55:09,109 I want to make everybody proud, so... 1415 00:55:09,142 --> 00:55:10,710 Man, it just feels so good to be up here. 1416 00:55:10,744 --> 00:55:12,445 - Well, you deserve it. - I can't-- 1417 00:55:12,479 --> 00:55:14,948 - Well, let's say you got the X factor, my friend. 1418 00:55:15,048 --> 00:55:17,884 Go down and celebrate with your family and friends, X! 1419 00:55:17,917 --> 00:55:20,720 - Whoo! [laughing] - Love it! 1420 00:55:22,389 --> 00:55:24,491 [cheers and applause] - [speaks indistinctly] 1421 00:55:24,524 --> 00:55:27,827 - We'll see X racing in the semifinals in a few weeks. 1422 00:55:27,861 --> 00:55:30,363 [cheers and applause] 1423 00:55:30,397 --> 00:55:31,398 Coming up... 1424 00:55:31,431 --> 00:55:32,699 - Whoo! 1425 00:55:32,732 --> 00:55:35,468 - Our second hour is coming on strong. 1426 00:55:35,502 --> 00:55:38,405 We've got the ninja with the sixth-most buzzers ever, 1427 00:55:38,438 --> 00:55:40,407 James "The Beast" McGrath... 1428 00:55:40,440 --> 00:55:42,442 - Whoo! 1429 00:55:42,475 --> 00:55:45,078 - And the man with the most buzzers, 1430 00:55:45,111 --> 00:55:47,547 The Weatherman, Joe Moravsky. 1431 00:55:47,580 --> 00:55:50,750 - I'm just trying to keep those buzzers going up. 1432 00:55:50,784 --> 00:55:54,587 - Plus, Orthodox Jewish athlete Jesse Orenshein 1433 00:55:54,621 --> 00:55:56,256 is Mazal Tough... 1434 00:55:56,289 --> 00:55:57,524 - Whoa! Oy, vey. 1435 00:55:57,557 --> 00:56:00,493 - On "American Ninja Warrior." 1436 00:56:06,466 --> 00:56:08,134 - Welcome back to Universal Studios, 1437 00:56:08,168 --> 00:56:10,337 where our second obstacle, Reel to Reel, 1438 00:56:10,370 --> 00:56:13,206 has been a blockbuster. 1439 00:56:13,239 --> 00:56:16,076 Keeoh Winkler is a professional video-game player 1440 00:56:16,109 --> 00:56:19,579 and a former championship springboard diver. 1441 00:56:19,612 --> 00:56:22,515 So he had the ups for the first obstacle. 1442 00:56:22,549 --> 00:56:24,584 - Gamers are athletes, too. 1443 00:56:24,617 --> 00:56:28,054 - But the 24-year-old gamer glitched on the second. 1444 00:56:28,054 --> 00:56:30,056 - Oh! [air horn blares] 1445 00:56:30,090 --> 00:56:31,491 Wow. 1446 00:56:33,093 --> 00:56:36,096 - Brooklyn breakdancer Frantzce Theodore had all 1447 00:56:36,129 --> 00:56:38,298 the right moves at the start line. 1448 00:56:38,331 --> 00:56:40,767 - This kid Frantzce is for real. 1449 00:56:40,800 --> 00:56:43,670 - But the rookie's debut ended on Reel to Reel. 1450 00:56:43,703 --> 00:56:45,438 - Show me what you're working with. 1451 00:56:45,472 --> 00:56:48,274 Ooh! [air horn blares] 1452 00:56:48,308 --> 00:56:52,145 - 20-year-old James Burns is a LEGO brick fanatic. 1453 00:56:52,178 --> 00:56:53,947 He builds incredible structures 1454 00:56:53,980 --> 00:56:56,282 with his more than 400,000 blocks. 1455 00:56:56,316 --> 00:56:59,619 But on Reel to Reel, he had a mental block... 1456 00:56:59,652 --> 00:57:00,687 - Oh! 1457 00:57:00,720 --> 00:57:02,088 - And didn't release. 1458 00:57:02,122 --> 00:57:04,624 - He forgot to let go! 1459 00:57:04,657 --> 00:57:06,226 - He tried multiple times 1460 00:57:06,259 --> 00:57:08,395 to build up momentum for another try 1461 00:57:08,428 --> 00:57:10,196 but to no avail. 1462 00:57:10,230 --> 00:57:12,032 - You can see he seems defeated. 1463 00:57:12,032 --> 00:57:14,668 He looks like he is sick. 1464 00:57:14,701 --> 00:57:18,405 - And the LEGO man finally let go. 1465 00:57:18,438 --> 00:57:20,340 [air horn blares] 1466 00:57:20,373 --> 00:57:23,209 Up next, it's one of the legends of Ninja, 1467 00:57:23,243 --> 00:57:27,247 James "The Beast" McGrath, now 37 years old. 1468 00:57:27,280 --> 00:57:28,581 First started competing 1469 00:57:28,615 --> 00:57:29,916 back in season 2. 1470 00:57:29,949 --> 00:57:31,317 He's sixth all time 1471 00:57:31,351 --> 00:57:32,318 for career buzzers 1472 00:57:32,352 --> 00:57:33,420 and is now 1473 00:57:33,453 --> 00:57:35,188 a sought-after Ninja coach. 1474 00:57:35,221 --> 00:57:37,490 - Yes, James. Whoo! 1475 00:57:37,524 --> 00:57:39,893 - James' number-one fan is his fiancée, 1476 00:57:39,926 --> 00:57:42,095 a Ninja great in her own right, Allyssa Beird. 1477 00:57:42,128 --> 00:57:43,930 - All you got out there. Have some fun. 1478 00:57:43,963 --> 00:57:46,066 - Allyssa's out this season with an injury. 1479 00:57:46,099 --> 00:57:47,300 - Beast, Beast, Beast! 1480 00:57:47,334 --> 00:57:49,102 - He's got the godfather David Campbell 1481 00:57:49,135 --> 00:57:51,271 on the sideline, along with a big group 1482 00:57:51,304 --> 00:57:53,440 of Northeast ninjas he trains with. 1483 00:57:53,473 --> 00:57:56,643 all: Beast, Beast, Beast... [countdown clock beeping] 1484 00:57:56,676 --> 00:57:58,745 - All right, here we go. 1485 00:57:58,778 --> 00:58:01,047 - McGrath, 6'2", 160, 1486 00:58:01,081 --> 00:58:03,016 was away from Ninja for a long time, 1487 00:58:03,016 --> 00:58:05,018 dealing with multiple injuries. 1488 00:58:06,619 --> 00:58:10,090 But he's back and healthy, and we saw it last season. 1489 00:58:10,123 --> 00:58:12,425 - Oh. - Oh, McGrath 1490 00:58:12,459 --> 00:58:13,827 in no-man's-land. - Oh, boy. 1491 00:58:13,860 --> 00:58:16,029 - And we just saw this with James Burns. 1492 00:58:16,029 --> 00:58:18,898 It's almost impossible to recover. 1493 00:58:18,932 --> 00:58:20,900 This would just be heartbreaking for The Beast. 1494 00:58:20,934 --> 00:58:22,769 - Ooh, now you see he's trying to generate 1495 00:58:22,802 --> 00:58:25,772 enough force to get it back up to get that same force. 1496 00:58:25,805 --> 00:58:27,107 He's in trouble, Matt. 1497 00:58:27,140 --> 00:58:31,344 - James McGrath, a shocking mistake. 1498 00:58:31,378 --> 00:58:33,913 - He ain't letting go, Matt. He's still working. 1499 00:58:33,947 --> 00:58:34,948 - Do it! 1500 00:58:35,048 --> 00:58:36,416 - Oh, my goodness! 1501 00:58:36,449 --> 00:58:38,418 Oh, my, he's done the improbable! 1502 00:58:38,451 --> 00:58:41,788 - What a save! - He's done the improbable! 1503 00:58:41,821 --> 00:58:45,225 - We thought that was going to be a box-office flop. 1504 00:58:45,258 --> 00:58:48,128 - Oh, my gosh. [laughs] 1505 00:58:48,161 --> 00:58:50,397 - He's looking spent. 1506 00:58:50,430 --> 00:58:51,831 - Wow! 1507 00:58:51,865 --> 00:58:54,100 - Yes. [cheers and applause] 1508 00:58:54,134 --> 00:58:57,070 - What does he have left for the rest of the course? 1509 00:58:57,070 --> 00:59:02,008 - Matt, he knows how lucky he is to be able to link that. 1510 00:59:02,008 --> 00:59:04,844 That is incredibly difficult to do. 1511 00:59:06,646 --> 00:59:10,116 - Regroup for the balance obstacle--former track star. 1512 00:59:10,150 --> 00:59:12,886 Ooh, little stumble. - Oh, my goodness. 1513 00:59:12,919 --> 00:59:15,321 He's going to feel that one tomorrow. 1514 00:59:15,355 --> 00:59:17,123 [cheers and applause] 1515 00:59:17,157 --> 00:59:19,392 - This course is hitting back on The Beast. 1516 00:59:19,426 --> 00:59:22,228 All: Beast, Beast, Beast, Beast, Beast, Beast! 1517 00:59:22,262 --> 00:59:24,664 - You know, James has always been a savvy veteran. 1518 00:59:24,698 --> 00:59:27,233 He's using that 12 years of Ninja experience 1519 00:59:27,267 --> 00:59:28,635 to keep this run alive. 1520 00:59:28,668 --> 00:59:30,704 - Well, it doesn't get any easier. 1521 00:59:30,737 --> 00:59:32,372 Up next is Heavy Metal. 1522 00:59:32,405 --> 00:59:34,074 - This one could be a little concerning. 1523 00:59:34,107 --> 00:59:37,043 He spent a lot of time on Reel to Reel. 1524 00:59:37,043 --> 00:59:38,678 Let's see if he can handle this Heavy Metal. 1525 00:59:38,712 --> 00:59:40,513 That's a 10-pound bar. 1526 00:59:40,547 --> 00:59:43,083 - 6'2", 160, this guy has a lot of power. 1527 00:59:43,116 --> 00:59:44,784 Will his grip be able to handle this? 1528 00:59:44,818 --> 00:59:47,921 - Ooh. Ah, he's been holding on for a minute now. 1529 00:59:47,954 --> 00:59:49,422 Nice. 1530 00:59:49,456 --> 00:59:52,392 - And you can see him just bringing those feet up 1531 00:59:52,425 --> 00:59:54,160 to get that massive power. 1532 00:59:54,194 --> 00:59:56,930 - Nice. 1533 00:59:56,963 --> 00:59:59,065 - What a gutty performance. 1534 00:59:59,099 --> 01:00:01,101 He's now through four obstacles. 1535 01:00:01,134 --> 01:00:03,069 And this crowd getting on their feet 1536 01:00:03,103 --> 01:00:04,571 to salute The Beast. 1537 01:00:04,604 --> 01:00:05,939 - Yes. 1538 01:00:05,972 --> 01:00:08,008 - Well, Akbar, with this slow pace, 1539 01:00:08,041 --> 01:00:09,309 he is still vulnerable. 1540 01:00:09,342 --> 01:00:10,577 He's so slow to this point, 1541 01:00:10,610 --> 01:00:12,946 he might not make it into the top 12. 1542 01:00:12,979 --> 01:00:15,081 If he wants to guarantee a spot in the semis, 1543 01:00:15,115 --> 01:00:17,250 he needs to finish. 1544 01:00:17,283 --> 01:00:19,052 Still got to get through Jawbreakers. 1545 01:00:19,085 --> 01:00:22,122 And what does The Beast have left in those arms? 1546 01:00:22,155 --> 01:00:24,791 Reel to Reel certainly haunting him. 1547 01:00:24,824 --> 01:00:26,593 - Get it in there. Nice. 1548 01:00:26,626 --> 01:00:28,728 - Good start. 1549 01:00:28,762 --> 01:00:30,563 - I'm concerned about the second one 1550 01:00:30,597 --> 01:00:32,032 here for McGrath, Matt. 1551 01:00:32,065 --> 01:00:33,967 - He's got the power. Does he have the accuracy? 1552 01:00:34,000 --> 01:00:35,669 - Nice. - Great job there. 1553 01:00:35,702 --> 01:00:37,470 - All right, if he can get this last one... 1554 01:00:37,504 --> 01:00:40,106 - Final exam for The Beast. - The hardest one right there. 1555 01:00:40,140 --> 01:00:41,307 Punch it in the joint. 1556 01:00:41,341 --> 01:00:43,376 Punch it. Nice. 1557 01:00:43,410 --> 01:00:46,613 - Oh, my, and The Beast-- new life! 1558 01:00:46,646 --> 01:00:49,482 And he's getting another buzzer, 1559 01:00:49,516 --> 01:00:52,052 the 22nd of his career. 1560 01:00:52,085 --> 01:00:55,155 The Beast earned that one. [buzzer blares] 1561 01:00:55,188 --> 01:00:57,991 Oh-ho! - Whoo-hoo! 1562 01:00:58,024 --> 01:01:00,093 [cheers and applause] 1563 01:01:00,126 --> 01:01:02,362 - Did I go over time? - [laughing] Yeah. 1564 01:01:02,395 --> 01:01:05,699 - Was I close? - No, it took you a long time. 1565 01:01:05,732 --> 01:01:08,168 - Man, that was one of the all-time saves. 1566 01:01:08,201 --> 01:01:09,569 - Oh, man. 1567 01:01:11,071 --> 01:01:12,605 - You deserve an Emmy for that one. 1568 01:01:12,639 --> 01:01:14,708 - Thank you. [cheers and applause] 1569 01:01:14,741 --> 01:01:16,176 I might deserve an Emmy. 1570 01:01:16,209 --> 01:01:17,944 But I don't deserve a Mega Wall. 1571 01:01:17,977 --> 01:01:19,546 - [laughing] Yeah. 1572 01:01:19,579 --> 01:01:21,881 Great job, man. - Let's go! 1573 01:01:21,915 --> 01:01:23,783 [buzzer blares] - We'll see you in the semis. 1574 01:01:23,817 --> 01:01:25,285 - Yeah! 1575 01:01:25,318 --> 01:01:27,120 Whoo! 1576 01:01:27,153 --> 01:01:28,888 [cheers and applause] 1577 01:01:28,922 --> 01:01:31,791 - Up next, she's one of Ninja's top women. 1578 01:01:31,825 --> 01:01:34,828 But New Jersey's Abby Clark has hit a wall. 1579 01:01:34,861 --> 01:01:36,463 - It's just so frustrating year after year 1580 01:01:36,496 --> 01:01:38,465 knowing that I'm so close. 1581 01:01:38,498 --> 01:01:40,300 - Oh! - Ah! 1582 01:01:40,333 --> 01:01:42,302 She'll get a chance at redemption 1583 01:01:42,335 --> 01:01:45,872 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1584 01:01:51,678 --> 01:01:54,014 - Three more ninjas took on the course minutes ago. 1585 01:01:54,114 --> 01:01:56,349 Vermont pre-school teacher McKinley Pierce 1586 01:01:56,383 --> 01:01:58,685 is known as Lady Mighty Mouse 1587 01:01:58,718 --> 01:02:00,887 because of her strength-to-size ratio. 1588 01:02:00,920 --> 01:02:02,622 - Ooh, come on, show me the muscles. 1589 01:02:02,655 --> 01:02:05,859 - But at only 5'1", she came up a little short 1590 01:02:05,892 --> 01:02:07,360 on Reel to Reel. 1591 01:02:07,394 --> 01:02:10,463 - Ooh! [air horn blares] 1592 01:02:10,497 --> 01:02:13,133 - Then it was McKinley's friend and training partner, 1593 01:02:13,166 --> 01:02:15,468 Vermont teenager Anna Kenyon. 1594 01:02:15,502 --> 01:02:17,270 - Get up high. Get up high. 1595 01:02:17,303 --> 01:02:19,239 - The rookie barely survived Pole Vault 1596 01:02:19,272 --> 01:02:22,475 and then got past the obstacle that took out McKinley. 1597 01:02:22,509 --> 01:02:24,644 - She's like, I'm safe. I'm good. 1598 01:02:24,678 --> 01:02:26,980 - And then took on the balance obstacle. 1599 01:02:27,080 --> 01:02:28,581 - The Spinning Bridge! 1600 01:02:28,615 --> 01:02:30,083 Oh. [air horn blares] 1601 01:02:30,116 --> 01:02:33,319 - But she still got a big hug from her mentor. 1602 01:02:33,353 --> 01:02:35,989 - I'm so proud of you! 1603 01:02:36,089 --> 01:02:39,159 5'3" Gavin Obey made a big impression 1604 01:02:39,192 --> 01:02:40,727 in his Ninja debut. 1605 01:02:40,760 --> 01:02:43,563 - Ooh, that's a one-handed save, if I've ever seen one. 1606 01:02:43,596 --> 01:02:46,766 - The Massachusetts teenager wears khaki cargo shorts 1607 01:02:46,800 --> 01:02:49,202 and calls himself the Casual Ninja. 1608 01:02:49,235 --> 01:02:51,571 But he looked like a serious competitor. 1609 01:02:51,604 --> 01:02:54,140 - Oh, Gavin Obey is a one-man wrecking crew. 1610 01:02:54,174 --> 01:02:57,510 - The rookie rocketed his way to the fifth obstacle. 1611 01:02:57,544 --> 01:02:59,312 - No! 1612 01:02:59,346 --> 01:03:02,315 - And though he fell, his fast time to that point 1613 01:03:02,349 --> 01:03:05,952 means he's almost assured of moving on. 1614 01:03:06,052 --> 01:03:08,922 Up next, one of our top female competitors, 1615 01:03:08,955 --> 01:03:10,623 New Jersey's Abby Clark. 1616 01:03:10,657 --> 01:03:12,492 She hit a buzzer six years ago. 1617 01:03:12,525 --> 01:03:17,130 But, lately, her qualifying runs have hit a roadblock. 1618 01:03:17,163 --> 01:03:20,400 all: Beat that Wall! Beat that Wall! 1619 01:03:20,433 --> 01:03:22,335 - The last time I got up the Wall 1620 01:03:22,369 --> 01:03:25,472 was way back in qualifying in season 10. 1621 01:03:25,505 --> 01:03:28,274 And it took me three attempts. 1622 01:03:28,308 --> 01:03:30,810 - This letter is about to be signed, sealed, and delivered! 1623 01:03:30,844 --> 01:03:33,880 Yes! That's what I'm talking about! 1624 01:03:36,349 --> 01:03:39,886 - Since hitting the buzzer, I've had three other attempts 1625 01:03:39,919 --> 01:03:41,254 at the Warped Wall. 1626 01:03:41,287 --> 01:03:43,156 - Ooh! 1627 01:03:43,189 --> 01:03:45,091 - It's just so frustrating year after year 1628 01:03:45,091 --> 01:03:46,826 knowing that I'm so close. 1629 01:03:46,860 --> 01:03:49,095 - Oh! - Oh! 1630 01:03:49,095 --> 01:03:50,997 - It hasn't come together again. 1631 01:03:51,097 --> 01:03:54,367 [serious music] 1632 01:03:54,401 --> 01:03:56,670 - Yeah, here we go. You're on. You're on. 1633 01:03:56,703 --> 01:03:59,606 Roll with it. Oh! 1634 01:03:59,639 --> 01:04:03,610 - But I'm working my butt off in the gym. 1635 01:04:03,643 --> 01:04:06,046 And, you know, I know I can do it. 1636 01:04:06,046 --> 01:04:08,081 - Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! 1637 01:04:08,114 --> 01:04:10,950 - I've seen myself doing it. I visualize myself doing it. 1638 01:04:11,051 --> 01:04:14,621 And I can't wait to get up that Wall. 1639 01:04:14,654 --> 01:04:16,122 [cheers and applause] 1640 01:04:16,156 --> 01:04:17,624 - Abby's got a ton of fans 1641 01:04:17,657 --> 01:04:20,093 who know what it would mean to get up that Wall. 1642 01:04:20,126 --> 01:04:22,295 That includes her boyfriend, Joe Capo, 1643 01:04:22,328 --> 01:04:25,131 and fellow Jersey girl Rachel Degutz. 1644 01:04:25,165 --> 01:04:26,399 - Come on, Abby! - Let's go! 1645 01:04:26,433 --> 01:04:29,636 [countdown clock beeping] 1646 01:04:29,669 --> 01:04:31,304 - 5'3", 125 pounds. 1647 01:04:31,338 --> 01:04:32,639 She was a track athlete 1648 01:04:32,672 --> 01:04:35,141 at Springfield College in Massachusetts. 1649 01:04:35,175 --> 01:04:37,377 And no problem with Pole Vault. 1650 01:04:37,410 --> 01:04:39,746 - Matt, she was a top college gymnast 1651 01:04:39,779 --> 01:04:41,781 and all-around athlete. 1652 01:04:41,815 --> 01:04:44,351 - Ready for her close-up on Reel to Reel. 1653 01:04:44,384 --> 01:04:48,154 [cheers and applause] 1654 01:04:48,188 --> 01:04:49,723 Makes the grab. 1655 01:04:49,756 --> 01:04:51,391 Very smooth. 1656 01:04:51,424 --> 01:04:53,927 She's quickly through the first two obstacles. 1657 01:04:53,960 --> 01:04:57,230 Abby Clark has made it to the semifinals five times before. 1658 01:04:57,263 --> 01:04:59,399 If she wants to go back, probably needs 1659 01:04:59,432 --> 01:05:01,835 to at least reach the fourth or fifth obstacle. 1660 01:05:01,868 --> 01:05:04,037 - Whoo-hoo-hoo! 1661 01:05:04,037 --> 01:05:06,172 [cheers and applause] 1662 01:05:06,206 --> 01:05:08,141 - On now to Heavy Metal. 1663 01:05:08,174 --> 01:05:10,543 This has been a tough one tonight. 1664 01:05:10,577 --> 01:05:12,779 - It's a bar gauntlet right here. 1665 01:05:12,812 --> 01:05:14,948 - Crush it. 1666 01:05:15,048 --> 01:05:16,549 - Got it. 1667 01:05:16,583 --> 01:05:18,885 - And this reverse lache is the real challenge, 1668 01:05:18,918 --> 01:05:20,954 especially at just 125 pounds. 1669 01:05:21,054 --> 01:05:23,857 Got to generate a lot of power to get that bar out and up. 1670 01:05:23,890 --> 01:05:25,458 - All you got! 1671 01:05:25,492 --> 01:05:27,460 - Up and over, nice! 1672 01:05:27,494 --> 01:05:30,063 [cheers and applause] 1673 01:05:30,063 --> 01:05:31,831 - Good move by the Jersey girl. 1674 01:05:31,865 --> 01:05:33,299 Watch the drop here. 1675 01:05:33,333 --> 01:05:36,202 Can peel your hands right off. 1676 01:05:36,236 --> 01:05:38,805 - Yeah, you got to anticipate that drop, 1677 01:05:38,838 --> 01:05:41,274 come in compact. 1678 01:05:41,307 --> 01:05:42,809 - Great job. 1679 01:05:42,842 --> 01:05:45,078 But here she is yet again-- 1680 01:05:45,078 --> 01:05:47,313 the fourth year in a row she's made it 1681 01:05:47,347 --> 01:05:49,182 to the fifth obstacle in qualifying. 1682 01:05:49,215 --> 01:05:50,817 Can she get past it? 1683 01:05:50,850 --> 01:05:53,853 She wants so badly to conquer this and get another shot 1684 01:05:53,887 --> 01:05:55,622 at the Warped Wall. [crowd chanting "Abby"] 1685 01:05:55,655 --> 01:05:58,892 - Listen to the crowd. They're like, I got you, AC. 1686 01:05:58,925 --> 01:06:01,261 AC going to be cool with it here on Jawbreakers. 1687 01:06:01,294 --> 01:06:03,496 - Well, she is an intense competitor 1688 01:06:03,530 --> 01:06:05,031 was an all-American gymnast, 1689 01:06:05,031 --> 01:06:07,634 knows how to launch her body in space. 1690 01:06:07,667 --> 01:06:09,602 But Jawbreakers, such a unique challenge. 1691 01:06:09,636 --> 01:06:12,639 - This is when you got to be an authoritative ninja. 1692 01:06:12,672 --> 01:06:15,041 You got to jam it in there, break that jaw. 1693 01:06:15,041 --> 01:06:17,077 Get it! Just like that! 1694 01:06:17,110 --> 01:06:18,578 - The first one's not so bad. 1695 01:06:18,611 --> 01:06:21,915 But you can see, the jaws start facing down, 1696 01:06:21,948 --> 01:06:23,683 which means you really have to be aggressive, 1697 01:06:23,717 --> 01:06:27,187 get the bar out, and then shoot it up, lock it in place. 1698 01:06:27,220 --> 01:06:29,622 - You need to apply a lot of force. 1699 01:06:29,656 --> 01:06:32,125 You got to really slam it inside the jaws. 1700 01:06:32,158 --> 01:06:33,927 - Good job there. 1701 01:06:33,960 --> 01:06:35,662 Well, this is the most challenging one. 1702 01:06:35,695 --> 01:06:38,465 But Abby Clark--it all comes down to this move. 1703 01:06:38,498 --> 01:06:40,800 - Give it the extra! - All you got, Abby! 1704 01:06:40,834 --> 01:06:42,802 - Give it the extra! - All you got! 1705 01:06:42,836 --> 01:06:44,204 All you got! 1706 01:06:44,237 --> 01:06:46,306 - All right, get it up and over real quick. 1707 01:06:46,339 --> 01:06:48,341 Nice! Got it! - Yes! 1708 01:06:48,375 --> 01:06:50,543 - Look at that! I knew it! 1709 01:06:50,577 --> 01:06:54,314 - And now a rematch with the Warped Wall. 1710 01:06:54,347 --> 01:06:55,548 - Go get it. 1711 01:06:55,582 --> 01:06:58,551 - Made it up this Wall six years ago. 1712 01:06:58,585 --> 01:07:01,054 Since then has failed here three times. 1713 01:07:01,087 --> 01:07:02,756 She wants this badly. 1714 01:07:02,789 --> 01:07:04,691 - Straight toes! 1715 01:07:04,724 --> 01:07:07,861 Really push, accelerate up there! 1716 01:07:07,894 --> 01:07:09,229 - She's got it. 1717 01:07:09,262 --> 01:07:10,530 She's going to be one and done right here, Matt. 1718 01:07:10,563 --> 01:07:13,099 Watch this. One and done, one and done. 1719 01:07:13,133 --> 01:07:14,567 Get it! - Yes! 1720 01:07:14,601 --> 01:07:15,935 - Yes! 1721 01:07:16,036 --> 01:07:18,938 [buzzer blares] 1722 01:07:19,039 --> 01:07:21,941 [triumphant pop music] 1723 01:07:22,042 --> 01:07:25,211 * * 1724 01:07:25,245 --> 01:07:28,715 - Abby Clark gets that buzzer! 1725 01:07:28,748 --> 01:07:32,118 And not surprising to see she's emotional. 1726 01:07:32,152 --> 01:07:34,421 This means so much to her. 1727 01:07:34,454 --> 01:07:37,123 * * 1728 01:07:37,157 --> 01:07:39,959 Abby, we can see the emotion. 1729 01:07:40,060 --> 01:07:41,127 We know how hard you've worked 1730 01:07:41,161 --> 01:07:42,962 for just this moment right here. 1731 01:07:43,063 --> 01:07:44,297 What's going through your head? 1732 01:07:44,330 --> 01:07:46,533 - Oh, I'm just so proud of myself. 1733 01:07:46,566 --> 01:07:49,202 I put so much work in, and hard work pays off. 1734 01:07:49,235 --> 01:07:50,470 - Well, it does. 1735 01:07:50,503 --> 01:07:52,906 And, Abby Clark, you showed up in a big way. 1736 01:07:52,939 --> 01:07:55,141 Congratulations. - Thank you. 1737 01:07:55,175 --> 01:07:59,212 [cheers and applause] 1738 01:07:59,245 --> 01:08:02,549 - She's now guaranteed to be racing in the semifinals 1739 01:08:02,582 --> 01:08:04,718 in just a few weeks. 1740 01:08:09,356 --> 01:08:10,924 - Some other Ninja veterans 1741 01:08:11,024 --> 01:08:12,759 hit the course earlier tonight, 1742 01:08:12,792 --> 01:08:15,261 including Massachusetts' Dave Cavanaugh, 1743 01:08:15,295 --> 01:08:18,264 who was competing for the ninth season. 1744 01:08:18,298 --> 01:08:20,266 - Oh! [air horn blares] 1745 01:08:20,300 --> 01:08:22,302 - His shocking fall on Spinning Bridge 1746 01:08:22,335 --> 01:08:24,137 was his earliest exit ever. 1747 01:08:24,170 --> 01:08:27,107 - Oh, my goodness. 1748 01:08:27,140 --> 01:08:29,376 - Five-time Ninja veteran Brittney Durant 1749 01:08:29,409 --> 01:08:32,612 almost met the same fate on Spinning Bridge. 1750 01:08:32,645 --> 01:08:34,514 - Let's take this one out for a spin. 1751 01:08:34,547 --> 01:08:36,449 Whoa! 1752 01:08:36,483 --> 01:08:38,418 - The clothing designer from California 1753 01:08:38,451 --> 01:08:41,554 has made it to the semifinals the past three seasons 1754 01:08:41,588 --> 01:08:43,523 and was looking strong on Heavy Metal. 1755 01:08:43,556 --> 01:08:45,859 - Nice! Hold on. [air horn blares] 1756 01:08:45,892 --> 01:08:47,460 - Though she fell, 1757 01:08:47,494 --> 01:08:49,963 her fast pace means she's still got a good chance 1758 01:08:50,063 --> 01:08:51,164 to move on. 1759 01:08:51,197 --> 01:08:55,368 Fan favorite Jamie Rahn, aka Captain NBC, 1760 01:08:55,402 --> 01:08:57,871 had his legion of fans cheering him on. 1761 01:08:57,904 --> 01:09:00,040 But he also had an early scare. 1762 01:09:00,073 --> 01:09:03,009 - Oh, no, no! Whoa! 1763 01:09:03,009 --> 01:09:04,477 - The superhero recovered 1764 01:09:04,511 --> 01:09:07,480 and was able to fly his way to the fifth obstacle. 1765 01:09:07,514 --> 01:09:09,282 - Oh, nice, Jamie Rahn. 1766 01:09:09,315 --> 01:09:12,919 - He looked like he was on his way to 20th career buzzer. 1767 01:09:13,019 --> 01:09:15,021 - Oh, no. [air horn blares] 1768 01:09:15,055 --> 01:09:17,524 - He'll now have to wait and see if that's far enough, 1769 01:09:17,557 --> 01:09:20,093 fast enough to get him to the semis. 1770 01:09:20,126 --> 01:09:22,462 Well, up next, another fan favorite-- 1771 01:09:22,495 --> 01:09:25,265 The Weatherman Joe Moravsky. 1772 01:09:25,298 --> 01:09:28,635 Can he get his record-setting fourth Mega Wall? 1773 01:09:28,668 --> 01:09:30,036 We'll find out 1774 01:09:30,036 --> 01:09:32,839 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1775 01:09:36,543 --> 01:09:38,311 - A couple of high-school sweethearts 1776 01:09:38,345 --> 01:09:40,046 hit the course minutes ago. 1777 01:09:40,046 --> 01:09:42,148 New York teenager Emily Gardiner 1778 01:09:42,182 --> 01:09:44,651 was fired up for her second season of Ninja. 1779 01:09:44,684 --> 01:09:45,885 - Oh, yeah! 1780 01:09:45,919 --> 01:09:48,088 - With her boyfriend, Kevin Rodriguez, 1781 01:09:48,121 --> 01:09:51,257 cheering her on, Gardiner celebrated her success 1782 01:09:51,291 --> 01:09:53,326 after the second obstacle. 1783 01:09:53,360 --> 01:09:56,563 [cheers and applause] - Let's go! 1784 01:09:56,596 --> 01:09:57,831 - And the third. 1785 01:09:57,864 --> 01:10:00,166 - Let's go, Emily. Nice, nice! 1786 01:10:00,200 --> 01:10:02,435 Ooh, she got a little fire in her. 1787 01:10:02,469 --> 01:10:03,770 - Gardiner made it 1788 01:10:03,803 --> 01:10:06,039 to semis and Vegas last year as a rookie. 1789 01:10:06,072 --> 01:10:07,640 - Oh! [air horn blares] 1790 01:10:07,674 --> 01:10:09,142 - Though she fell on Heavy Metal, 1791 01:10:09,175 --> 01:10:11,745 she's got a good chance of moving on to the semis 1792 01:10:11,778 --> 01:10:13,913 again this year. 1793 01:10:13,947 --> 01:10:16,349 Then it was her boyfriend Kevin's turn. 1794 01:10:16,383 --> 01:10:18,284 And he came out flying. 1795 01:10:18,318 --> 01:10:20,153 - He is going for speed. 1796 01:10:20,186 --> 01:10:21,688 [cheers and applause] 1797 01:10:21,721 --> 01:10:24,290 - And the Rhode Island teenager easily beat 1798 01:10:24,324 --> 01:10:26,993 Heavy Metal and Jawbreakers. 1799 01:10:27,027 --> 01:10:30,530 Then finished with the fastest time of the night so far. 1800 01:10:30,563 --> 01:10:33,033 - That run right there was money. 1801 01:10:33,066 --> 01:10:36,469 - And that earned him a shot at the Mega Wall and 20 grand. 1802 01:10:36,503 --> 01:10:38,204 - Here we go. Sprint, nice sprint. 1803 01:10:38,238 --> 01:10:39,839 Ah, not enough power. 1804 01:10:39,873 --> 01:10:43,109 - But he'll be a top seed in the semifinals. 1805 01:10:45,245 --> 01:10:47,881 Well, our next athlete is Mazal Tough. 1806 01:10:47,914 --> 01:10:50,717 This is children's book author Jesse Orenshein 1807 01:10:50,750 --> 01:10:52,585 from here in Los Angeles. 1808 01:10:52,619 --> 01:10:54,721 We first met him six years ago. 1809 01:10:54,754 --> 01:10:57,624 And a lot has changed since then. 1810 01:10:59,926 --> 01:11:02,629 - When I run the course, I run it as a proud Orthodox Jew. 1811 01:11:02,662 --> 01:11:04,397 I wear my kippah. I wear my tzitzit. 1812 01:11:04,431 --> 01:11:06,766 One of my biggest regrets, actually, from the first time 1813 01:11:06,800 --> 01:11:08,568 I ran the show was cutting my hair 1814 01:11:08,601 --> 01:11:10,103 too short to wear a kippah. 1815 01:11:10,136 --> 01:11:15,075 - Yarmulke coming off, and this dude is Mazal Tough. 1816 01:11:15,075 --> 01:11:16,843 - During my run, one of my friends 1817 01:11:16,876 --> 01:11:19,679 had a sign that said, Jesse is single, in huge letters. 1818 01:11:19,713 --> 01:11:22,082 - Look at this, trying to get him a date out here. 1819 01:11:23,383 --> 01:11:26,753 - I did get a lot of messages from women and men. 1820 01:11:28,388 --> 01:11:31,224 That was a strange time. [chuckles] 1821 01:11:32,392 --> 01:11:34,728 But a lot's changed since I ran that course. 1822 01:11:37,097 --> 01:11:38,298 I started dating my wife 1823 01:11:38,331 --> 01:11:41,101 just a few days after the show aired. 1824 01:11:41,134 --> 01:11:44,137 And now we're married, with two beautiful little girls. 1825 01:11:44,170 --> 01:11:46,706 [upbeat music] 1826 01:11:46,740 --> 01:11:50,143 I've also self-published 15 children's books. 1827 01:11:50,176 --> 01:11:54,881 * * 1828 01:11:54,914 --> 01:11:58,718 And I even have a book coming out called "Our Little Ninja." 1829 01:11:58,752 --> 01:12:00,553 And it's about two parents trying to raise 1830 01:12:00,587 --> 01:12:03,590 a little boy who is a ninja from the day he's born. 1831 01:12:04,924 --> 01:12:07,160 Now I'm hoping for the perfect storybook ending, 1832 01:12:07,193 --> 01:12:09,229 which ends with me hitting that buzzer. 1833 01:12:12,365 --> 01:12:14,934 [cheers and applause] - Jesse's family is watching, 1834 01:12:14,968 --> 01:12:16,836 but it's late for his young daughters. 1835 01:12:16,870 --> 01:12:18,838 No doubt his wife reads them one of Jesse's books 1836 01:12:18,872 --> 01:12:20,073 before bedtime. 1837 01:12:20,073 --> 01:12:22,275 [countdown clock beeping] 1838 01:12:22,308 --> 01:12:24,511 - 5'10", 177 pounds. 1839 01:12:24,544 --> 01:12:26,146 - Nice, good leap. 1840 01:12:26,179 --> 01:12:28,081 Get up to the top. Nice landing. 1841 01:12:28,081 --> 01:12:31,084 - But the second obstacle is the one he's worried about. 1842 01:12:31,117 --> 01:12:33,853 He's fallen here the last two times he's competed. 1843 01:12:33,887 --> 01:12:36,523 [air horn blares] He's nervous about this one. 1844 01:12:36,556 --> 01:12:38,091 [air horn blares] 1845 01:12:38,124 --> 01:12:40,794 Reel to Reel is the second obstacle tonight. 1846 01:12:40,827 --> 01:12:42,495 Jesse's also a screenwriter. 1847 01:12:42,529 --> 01:12:45,265 So maybe he'll have better luck on this one. 1848 01:12:45,298 --> 01:12:46,700 - Nice! 1849 01:12:46,733 --> 01:12:49,869 - And he's relieved but still has to dismount. 1850 01:12:49,903 --> 01:12:52,539 [cheers and applause] - [shouts indistinctly] 1851 01:12:52,572 --> 01:12:54,507 - And he's pumped. 1852 01:12:54,541 --> 01:12:56,843 - Two years that took me out, baby. 1853 01:12:56,876 --> 01:12:59,913 - Go, Abba, go. Go, Abba, go. 1854 01:12:59,946 --> 01:13:02,649 - Boy, is he glad to have that one behind him. 1855 01:13:02,682 --> 01:13:05,051 Let's see what he's got for Spinning Bridge. 1856 01:13:05,051 --> 01:13:07,053 Ooh, nice. 1857 01:13:07,053 --> 01:13:09,489 - Whoa, Abba. 1858 01:13:10,890 --> 01:13:12,826 - Uh-oh, his yarmulke came off. 1859 01:13:12,859 --> 01:13:14,294 Got to put that back on. 1860 01:13:14,327 --> 01:13:17,163 all: [chanting] Mazal Tough, Mazal Tough. 1861 01:13:17,197 --> 01:13:19,199 Mazal Tough, Mazal Tough. 1862 01:13:19,232 --> 01:13:21,835 - Some of the other ninjas chanting "Mazal Tough." 1863 01:13:21,868 --> 01:13:23,169 - Yeah, he's got the crowd into it. 1864 01:13:23,203 --> 01:13:24,404 He's got a lot of chutzpah. 1865 01:13:24,437 --> 01:13:26,206 - But this is where it gets real. 1866 01:13:26,239 --> 01:13:29,342 Staring down Heavy Metal. 1867 01:13:29,376 --> 01:13:31,678 Whatever happens, he's going to have a new chapter 1868 01:13:31,711 --> 01:13:34,614 for Grandpa Herbie's stories. 1869 01:13:34,647 --> 01:13:36,683 He's also written screenplays, 1870 01:13:36,716 --> 01:13:40,253 hoping to script the perfect ending to his story tonight. 1871 01:13:40,286 --> 01:13:42,689 A lot of great Jewish heavy-metal artists-- 1872 01:13:42,722 --> 01:13:44,090 of course, think of Kiss. 1873 01:13:44,090 --> 01:13:45,458 - Yeah, and I can see 1874 01:13:45,492 --> 01:13:48,094 he's making Gene Simmons proud tonight. 1875 01:13:48,094 --> 01:13:50,196 Ooh, nice. 1876 01:13:50,230 --> 01:13:53,099 - Well, Jesse wants to rock and roll all night. 1877 01:13:53,099 --> 01:13:54,868 - This transition right here, though, 1878 01:13:54,901 --> 01:13:56,603 has been the kiss of death. 1879 01:13:58,104 --> 01:14:00,940 Oh, he's struggling, trying to get it balanced up. 1880 01:14:03,243 --> 01:14:05,378 - And he locks in. - Nice. 1881 01:14:05,412 --> 01:14:07,047 And his yarmulke fell off! 1882 01:14:07,080 --> 01:14:08,548 It's in the water! 1883 01:14:08,581 --> 01:14:11,151 - But he finishes the obstacle. 1884 01:14:11,184 --> 01:14:13,820 He's got a backup! - He's got a backup? 1885 01:14:13,853 --> 01:14:16,523 Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho! 1886 01:14:16,556 --> 01:14:18,324 Oh, boy! 1887 01:14:18,358 --> 01:14:20,860 He came prepared. Amen. 1888 01:14:23,196 --> 01:14:25,765 [laughter] - That's so exciting. 1889 01:14:25,799 --> 01:14:28,968 - Well, always run with a backup. 1890 01:14:29,069 --> 01:14:32,906 Orenshein to the fifth obstacle. 1891 01:14:32,939 --> 01:14:34,874 Back in season 10 made it to the semis, 1892 01:14:34,908 --> 01:14:37,877 looking to get back there here in sweet 16. 1893 01:14:37,911 --> 01:14:39,579 - Nice. 1894 01:14:41,381 --> 01:14:42,949 Oh! - Ooh! 1895 01:14:42,982 --> 01:14:44,184 [air horn blares] 1896 01:14:44,217 --> 01:14:46,619 Spun out like a dreidel. 1897 01:14:46,653 --> 01:14:48,321 But makes it to the fifth obstacle 1898 01:14:48,355 --> 01:14:50,523 with a backup yarmulke, 1899 01:14:50,557 --> 01:14:53,193 proving he is indeed Mazal Tough. 1900 01:14:53,226 --> 01:14:54,994 - It's still on my head. 1901 01:14:55,095 --> 01:14:57,097 - Yeah, he's got one yarmulke on his head 1902 01:14:57,097 --> 01:14:59,899 and one floating in the pool under Heavy Metal. 1903 01:14:59,933 --> 01:15:01,468 - Thank you for cheering me on. 1904 01:15:01,501 --> 01:15:03,203 - He'll have to wait and see if he'll need them 1905 01:15:03,236 --> 01:15:06,439 for a semifinals run in a few weeks. 1906 01:15:06,473 --> 01:15:08,875 - Guys, no one in Ninja history 1907 01:15:08,908 --> 01:15:11,177 has more buzzers than Joe Moravsky. 1908 01:15:11,211 --> 01:15:14,514 And you know he'll be aiming for another one tonight. 1909 01:15:14,547 --> 01:15:17,684 Joe's also tied for the most Mega Wall buzzers 1910 01:15:17,717 --> 01:15:20,053 in Ninja history, with three. 1911 01:15:20,086 --> 01:15:21,221 - You better believe I want to hit 1912 01:15:21,254 --> 01:15:22,455 that fourth Mega Wall buzzer. 1913 01:15:22,489 --> 01:15:25,525 I'm going to keep that number going up. 1914 01:15:25,558 --> 01:15:27,660 - Joe's wife, Stephanie, watching back home. 1915 01:15:27,694 --> 01:15:30,663 She'd love to see him take home that 20 grand. 1916 01:15:30,697 --> 01:15:32,132 - You got this. 1917 01:15:32,165 --> 01:15:34,734 - Let's go, Weatherman. - Joe's dad on the sideline. 1918 01:15:34,768 --> 01:15:37,837 And there are lots of Weatherman fans in the stands. 1919 01:15:37,871 --> 01:15:39,673 [cheers and applause] 1920 01:15:39,706 --> 01:15:41,574 [countdown clock beeping] 1921 01:15:41,608 --> 01:15:45,378 We expect excellence with Joe Moravsky. 1922 01:15:45,412 --> 01:15:48,481 What an impressive Ninja résumé he's put together-- 1923 01:15:48,515 --> 01:15:50,083 more buzzers than anyone, 1924 01:15:50,083 --> 01:15:52,852 tied for the most national finals appearances. 1925 01:15:52,886 --> 01:15:55,288 Twice he was the Last Ninja Standing. 1926 01:15:55,321 --> 01:15:58,224 Only thing missing is that million-dollar grand prize. 1927 01:15:58,258 --> 01:16:00,293 - And perhaps this will be his year, Matt. 1928 01:16:00,326 --> 01:16:02,495 He's been doing this for long time now. 1929 01:16:02,529 --> 01:16:04,397 - He's come out fast tonight. 1930 01:16:04,431 --> 01:16:06,599 Definitely going for that Mega Wall. 1931 01:16:06,633 --> 01:16:08,702 Kevin Rodriguez has the top time so far, 1932 01:16:08,735 --> 01:16:11,037 but Joe's running like he wants to beat it. 1933 01:16:11,071 --> 01:16:15,308 5'10", 170 pounds, father of 3 kids. 1934 01:16:15,342 --> 01:16:17,077 When you look at him, you wouldn't know he's one 1935 01:16:17,110 --> 01:16:18,778 of the greatest to ever do it. 1936 01:16:18,812 --> 01:16:21,548 But Joe Moravsky just keeps delivering. 1937 01:16:21,581 --> 01:16:23,383 - Yes! 1938 01:16:23,416 --> 01:16:25,051 - You can see it on his shirt-- 1939 01:16:25,051 --> 01:16:26,653 don't quit, do it. 1940 01:16:26,686 --> 01:16:28,254 - Staring down Jawbreakers. 1941 01:16:28,288 --> 01:16:30,457 He was so fast through the early obstacles, 1942 01:16:30,490 --> 01:16:32,659 he can catch his breath here. 1943 01:16:32,692 --> 01:16:35,261 Well, he's already punched his ticket to the semis 1944 01:16:35,295 --> 01:16:37,130 with his pace to this point. - Nice. 1945 01:16:37,163 --> 01:16:38,765 Oh, great power. 1946 01:16:38,798 --> 01:16:40,233 Remember, last year in qualifying, 1947 01:16:40,266 --> 01:16:41,801 went out in that fifth obstacle. 1948 01:16:41,835 --> 01:16:44,070 This last one is the most difficult, but he's got it. 1949 01:16:44,104 --> 01:16:46,639 - But not tonight. - He ain't messing around. 1950 01:16:46,673 --> 01:16:50,510 - Moravsky gets another buzzer, 1951 01:16:50,543 --> 01:16:53,146 the fastest time of the night! [buzzer blares] 1952 01:16:53,179 --> 01:16:55,682 And earns a shot at the Mega Wall. 1953 01:16:55,715 --> 01:16:58,084 His record-breaking total continues. 1954 01:16:58,084 --> 01:16:59,419 - [cheering] Yes! 1955 01:16:59,452 --> 01:17:01,054 - That's the 31st of his career. 1956 01:17:01,087 --> 01:17:03,390 - Let's go! - [chuckles] 1957 01:17:03,423 --> 01:17:06,426 [buzzer blares] 1958 01:17:06,459 --> 01:17:09,095 [dramatic music] 1959 01:17:09,129 --> 01:17:10,764 - Whoo! 1960 01:17:10,797 --> 01:17:13,033 - You've done this so many times, Joe. 1961 01:17:13,033 --> 01:17:14,501 How does it feel? 1962 01:17:14,534 --> 01:17:17,837 - Dude, I freakin' love "American Ninja Warrior." 1963 01:17:17,871 --> 01:17:20,140 - Yeah, buddy! Well, it loves you. 1964 01:17:20,173 --> 01:17:21,808 - Well, we've got some good news. 1965 01:17:21,841 --> 01:17:23,910 You've got the fastest time so far. 1966 01:17:23,943 --> 01:17:26,179 Now make your way down to that Mega Wall. 1967 01:17:26,212 --> 01:17:29,049 - Yeah! Whoo! 1968 01:17:29,082 --> 01:17:33,186 - Joe Moravsky, looking to add to another 1969 01:17:33,219 --> 01:17:34,888 record-breaking total for him. 1970 01:17:34,921 --> 01:17:37,657 This would be his fourth Mega Wall ever. 1971 01:17:37,691 --> 01:17:39,759 - Well, this is the highest one we've ever had 1972 01:17:39,793 --> 01:17:42,729 on the show--18 1/2 feet. 1973 01:17:42,762 --> 01:17:44,831 all: [chanting] Mega Wall, Mega Wall. 1974 01:17:44,864 --> 01:17:46,800 - Come on. 1975 01:17:46,833 --> 01:17:48,835 - Come on, Joe. - Come on. 1976 01:17:48,868 --> 01:17:51,671 - Will lightning strike a fourth time? 1977 01:17:51,705 --> 01:17:53,573 - Oh! - Oh! 1978 01:17:53,606 --> 01:17:55,375 - He needed some boostsies on that one. 1979 01:17:55,408 --> 01:17:59,079 - Joe Moravsky, a rare misstep on the Mega Wall, 1980 01:17:59,112 --> 01:18:01,848 but punched his ticket back to the semis. 1981 01:18:01,881 --> 01:18:06,186 When we come back, we're off to the races in the Runoffs. 1982 01:18:06,219 --> 01:18:08,855 And 5-foot Boy Scout Sydney Yee 1983 01:18:08,888 --> 01:18:11,624 will have to outrun our tallest female competitor, 1984 01:18:11,658 --> 01:18:13,860 6'2" Sasha Moore, 1985 01:18:13,893 --> 01:18:18,031 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1986 01:18:22,635 --> 01:18:24,337 - The last few minutes have been a blur, 1987 01:18:24,371 --> 01:18:27,040 thanks to three Jersey Boys. 1988 01:18:27,040 --> 01:18:30,043 First, it was 21-year-old Joe Meissner. 1989 01:18:30,043 --> 01:18:32,045 - Look how fast he's moving. Oh, he's going for that time. 1990 01:18:32,045 --> 01:18:34,047 - The college student came out running 1991 01:18:34,047 --> 01:18:36,850 like he wanted the 20 grand from the Mega Wall. 1992 01:18:36,883 --> 01:18:39,052 - All right, you got six seconds--got to run up. 1993 01:18:39,052 --> 01:18:42,489 - And he hit the buzzer just under the 1:20 time limit. 1994 01:18:42,522 --> 01:18:45,525 So he got his chance at the 18-1/2-foot wall. 1995 01:18:45,558 --> 01:18:47,594 - Here it is. Power, power. 1996 01:18:47,627 --> 01:18:48,795 Ooh, boy. 1997 01:18:48,828 --> 01:18:51,631 - But he's still moving on to the semis. 1998 01:18:51,664 --> 01:18:55,068 Then another impressive ninja from the Garden State, 1999 01:18:55,068 --> 01:18:56,569 18-year-old James Sannella, 2000 01:18:56,603 --> 01:18:58,738 hit the course going even faster. 2001 01:18:58,772 --> 01:19:00,507 - Nice, he ain't messing around. 2002 01:19:00,540 --> 01:19:02,709 - Sannella made it all the way to stage two 2003 01:19:02,742 --> 01:19:04,511 as a rookie two years ago. 2004 01:19:04,544 --> 01:19:07,013 And he started his season off strong tonight. 2005 01:19:07,013 --> 01:19:08,481 - OK, Sannella! 2006 01:19:08,515 --> 01:19:12,385 - His time meant he, too, got to try the Mega Wall, 2007 01:19:12,419 --> 01:19:14,654 despite less than optimal footwear. 2008 01:19:14,688 --> 01:19:16,756 - He's doing it in some skateboard shoes. 2009 01:19:16,790 --> 01:19:18,024 He's about to do an ollie. 2010 01:19:18,024 --> 01:19:20,827 Ooh, wrong gear. 2011 01:19:20,860 --> 01:19:23,263 - Then it was New Jersey's Josiah Pippel, 2012 01:19:23,296 --> 01:19:26,499 the teen phenom who's racked up 11 buzzers 2013 01:19:26,533 --> 01:19:28,335 in his first 3 seasons. 2014 01:19:28,368 --> 01:19:31,037 - Look at that bounce in his hair, bounce in his step. 2015 01:19:31,037 --> 01:19:33,473 - Pippel loves race cars and speed. 2016 01:19:33,506 --> 01:19:35,875 And he was flooring it on the course tonight. 2017 01:19:35,909 --> 01:19:37,877 The high schooler edged out Joe Moravsky 2018 01:19:37,911 --> 01:19:39,879 for the fastest time of the night. 2019 01:19:39,913 --> 01:19:42,449 - Go, go, go, go, go. 2020 01:19:42,482 --> 01:19:43,783 - That gave him a chance 2021 01:19:43,817 --> 01:19:46,920 to take down his second career Mega Wall. 2022 01:19:48,154 --> 01:19:50,557 - Oh, so close! 2023 01:19:50,590 --> 01:19:52,492 His hand was on it! 2024 01:19:52,525 --> 01:19:55,328 - He had 20 grand slip through his fingers. 2025 01:19:55,362 --> 01:19:57,797 But he'll be a top seed when the semifinals 2026 01:19:57,831 --> 01:20:00,200 start in a few weeks. 2027 01:20:00,233 --> 01:20:02,235 Well, he sits atop our leaderboard, 2028 01:20:02,268 --> 01:20:04,604 just ahead of Joe Moravsky. 2029 01:20:04,637 --> 01:20:06,873 We had seven finishers overall, 2030 01:20:06,906 --> 01:20:09,542 including veteran James "The Beast" McGrath. 2031 01:20:09,576 --> 01:20:12,645 Those in the top 11 are guaranteed to move on. 2032 01:20:12,679 --> 01:20:15,548 The 12th- and 13th-place men went to a Runoff 2033 01:20:15,582 --> 01:20:19,219 to determine the final spot in semifinals for this group. 2034 01:20:19,252 --> 01:20:20,587 That was a matchup 2035 01:20:20,620 --> 01:20:22,555 between children's book author Jesse Orenshein, 2036 01:20:22,589 --> 01:20:23,890 who we saw earlier, 2037 01:20:23,923 --> 01:20:27,560 and Stanford PhD student and artist Vincent Pane. 2038 01:20:27,594 --> 01:20:30,497 In his earlier run, he delivered a sculpture 2039 01:20:30,530 --> 01:20:32,032 he created of Akbar... 2040 01:20:32,065 --> 01:20:33,700 - Hey, pretty cool. 2041 01:20:33,733 --> 01:20:36,903 - And then delivered a strong run, making it to Jawbreakers. 2042 01:20:36,936 --> 01:20:38,405 - No! 2043 01:20:38,438 --> 01:20:40,707 - The race between these two stayed close early, 2044 01:20:40,740 --> 01:20:43,743 with Vincent Pane off the Flying Shelf Grab first. 2045 01:20:43,777 --> 01:20:45,045 - Nice! 2046 01:20:45,078 --> 01:20:46,479 - But he fell on the first Wingnut... 2047 01:20:46,513 --> 01:20:47,681 - Oh! 2048 01:20:47,714 --> 01:20:49,916 - Opening the door for Orenshein, 2049 01:20:49,949 --> 01:20:51,718 who just needed to complete the obstacle. 2050 01:20:51,751 --> 01:20:53,253 But he fell, too. 2051 01:20:53,286 --> 01:20:54,688 - Oh! 2052 01:20:54,721 --> 01:20:56,856 - And that gave the win to Vincent Pane. 2053 01:20:56,890 --> 01:20:58,391 He's going to the semis. 2054 01:20:58,425 --> 01:21:00,493 - We both got wet. - Great job. 2055 01:21:01,928 --> 01:21:04,597 - Moving over to the women's side, those moving on 2056 01:21:04,631 --> 01:21:07,067 are Abby Clark, who got a buzzer tonight, 2057 01:21:07,067 --> 01:21:09,436 California clothing designer Brittney Durant, 2058 01:21:09,469 --> 01:21:12,939 and New York teenager Emily Gardiner. 2059 01:21:12,972 --> 01:21:16,543 The final spot will be decided in a battle of extremes. 2060 01:21:16,576 --> 01:21:18,378 One of our shortest competitors, 2061 01:21:18,411 --> 01:21:20,714 5-foot-tall Boy Scout Sydney Yee, 2062 01:21:20,747 --> 01:21:25,218 will race our tallest woman, 6'2" Sasha Moore. 2063 01:21:25,251 --> 01:21:28,088 - Matt, she's almost as tall as me. 2064 01:21:28,088 --> 01:21:30,390 - Sasha's a grad student at Stanford, 2065 01:21:30,423 --> 01:21:32,892 where she plays on the club volleyball team. 2066 01:21:32,926 --> 01:21:35,829 Earlier tonight, her long limbs helped her get 2067 01:21:35,862 --> 01:21:37,997 through Reel to Reel and Spinning Bridge... 2068 01:21:38,098 --> 01:21:39,099 - Yeah! 2069 01:21:39,132 --> 01:21:41,301 And she got them knee pads on. 2070 01:21:41,334 --> 01:21:42,602 Them volleyball knee pads helped 2071 01:21:42,635 --> 01:21:44,104 her out on that last one! 2072 01:21:44,104 --> 01:21:46,840 - Until her run ended on Heavy Metal. 2073 01:21:46,873 --> 01:21:49,542 Oh! - Oh, no. 2074 01:21:49,576 --> 01:21:51,111 - She's really tall. 2075 01:21:51,111 --> 01:21:52,912 She has a giant wingspan. 2076 01:21:52,946 --> 01:21:55,215 She's going to have no problem reach to obstacles 2077 01:21:55,248 --> 01:21:57,150 or jump to obstacles that I have trouble with. 2078 01:21:57,183 --> 01:21:59,319 - I'm one of the tallest ninjas out there. 2079 01:21:59,352 --> 01:22:02,455 And she's one of the shortest competitors. 2080 01:22:02,489 --> 01:22:04,424 But the course doesn't care how tall or short you are. 2081 01:22:04,457 --> 01:22:06,259 It's really just about how fast you can attack it. 2082 01:22:06,292 --> 01:22:08,261 And I'm just excited to show what a tall girl can do 2083 01:22:08,294 --> 01:22:09,929 and win this race. 2084 01:22:09,963 --> 01:22:12,532 - Tonight I'm going to be a giant killer. 2085 01:22:12,565 --> 01:22:16,136 [dramatic music] 2086 01:22:16,169 --> 01:22:17,270 - Let's look 2087 01:22:17,303 --> 01:22:19,372 at the big differences again. 2088 01:22:19,406 --> 01:22:21,207 Sasha's 14 inches taller, 2089 01:22:21,241 --> 01:22:22,842 45 pounds heavier, 2090 01:22:22,876 --> 01:22:25,445 and 9 years older than Sydney. 2091 01:22:25,478 --> 01:22:28,281 She just towers over her. 2092 01:22:28,314 --> 01:22:30,784 [cheers and applause] 2093 01:22:30,817 --> 01:22:33,720 [countdown clock beeping] 2094 01:22:33,753 --> 01:22:35,388 - Let's go! 2095 01:22:35,422 --> 01:22:38,725 - Sasha's one-stepping it, while Sydney uses two steps, 2096 01:22:38,758 --> 01:22:40,226 but they're both through quickly 2097 01:22:40,260 --> 01:22:42,162 and on to Flying Shelf Grab. 2098 01:22:42,195 --> 01:22:45,231 And this is where Sydney Yee can make some ground. 2099 01:22:45,265 --> 01:22:47,767 - Sydney Yee, very explosive. 2100 01:22:47,801 --> 01:22:49,235 She's so much lighter. 2101 01:22:49,269 --> 01:22:51,638 - But it's a five-foot gap between the shelves, 2102 01:22:51,671 --> 01:22:54,607 not easy with her size. 2103 01:22:54,641 --> 01:22:57,410 And Sydney Yee first off, and that is big. 2104 01:22:57,444 --> 01:22:59,112 But I think the Wingnuts, Sasha Moore, 2105 01:22:59,145 --> 01:23:00,747 with her long reach, should have 2106 01:23:00,780 --> 01:23:02,082 a little easier time here. 2107 01:23:02,115 --> 01:23:03,917 But we'll see if Sydney can fly. 2108 01:23:03,950 --> 01:23:05,885 - Matt, Sydney looks a lot more comfortable. 2109 01:23:05,919 --> 01:23:08,054 You can see right now Sasha Moore 2110 01:23:08,054 --> 01:23:10,256 trying to get her groove. 2111 01:23:10,290 --> 01:23:12,158 - Well, Sydney has proven me wrong. 2112 01:23:12,192 --> 01:23:14,194 She is flying on the Wingnuts-- 2113 01:23:14,227 --> 01:23:15,362 5 feet tall. - Ooh, look at this. 2114 01:23:15,395 --> 01:23:16,429 - Oh! - Oh! 2115 01:23:16,463 --> 01:23:19,366 - And Sydney Yee has done it. 2116 01:23:19,399 --> 01:23:24,204 In a battle of extremes, the underdog comes out on top. 2117 01:23:24,237 --> 01:23:26,106 Her brother's telling her to keep going, 2118 01:23:26,139 --> 01:23:28,441 try and get a buzzer. 2119 01:23:28,475 --> 01:23:32,912 What a night for this 5-foot-tall 15-year-old. 2120 01:23:32,946 --> 01:23:36,082 Sydney Yee, look at her on Sideways. 2121 01:23:36,082 --> 01:23:37,650 - You know, Matt, I really think 2122 01:23:37,684 --> 01:23:39,886 it's those survival skills she learned in the Boy Scouts. 2123 01:23:39,919 --> 01:23:42,689 It really paid off, and she survived this Runoff. 2124 01:23:42,722 --> 01:23:46,559 [crowd shouting] 2125 01:23:46,593 --> 01:23:48,595 Oh! 2126 01:23:50,830 --> 01:23:52,632 - Just couldn't finish it out. 2127 01:23:52,665 --> 01:23:56,403 But Sydney Yee's going to the semifinals. 2128 01:23:56,436 --> 01:23:59,572 So that's a wrap from Universal Studios Hollywood. 2129 01:23:59,606 --> 01:24:02,308 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 2130 01:24:02,342 --> 01:24:06,479 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior."