1 00:00:03,003 --> 00:00:05,038 [tones chiming] 2 00:00:05,905 --> 00:00:08,675 - We're lighting up Universal Studios once again. 3 00:00:08,708 --> 00:00:11,344 It's time to go racing on the semifinals 4 00:00:11,378 --> 00:00:13,480 of "American Ninja Warrior." 5 00:00:13,513 --> 00:00:15,148 Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 6 00:00:15,181 --> 00:00:17,550 I'm Matt Iseman. - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 7 00:00:17,584 --> 00:00:19,686 Matt, we're just a few weeks away 8 00:00:19,719 --> 00:00:22,188 from the National Finals in Vegas, 9 00:00:22,222 --> 00:00:25,492 when one of our ninjas could win a million dollars. 10 00:00:25,525 --> 00:00:27,761 - But to have a chance, they'll need to survive 11 00:00:27,794 --> 00:00:29,596 their head-to-head races tonight 12 00:00:29,629 --> 00:00:31,598 on our special two-lane course. 13 00:00:31,631 --> 00:00:33,767 For a preview, let's go down to Zuri. 14 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:35,602 - Yeah, guys, this is gonna be fun. 15 00:00:35,635 --> 00:00:37,737 Let's take a look at who we'll see racing tonight. 16 00:00:37,771 --> 00:00:40,540 We've got the teenager who won the million last season... 17 00:00:40,573 --> 00:00:44,244 [buzzer blares] - Vance Walker has done it! 18 00:00:44,277 --> 00:00:46,279 - The youngest champion in the history 19 00:00:46,312 --> 00:00:48,481 of "Ninja Warrior," Vance Walker. 20 00:00:48,515 --> 00:00:50,283 Plus the ninja who was runner-up, 21 00:00:50,316 --> 00:00:52,352 one of the all-time greats, Daniel Gil. 22 00:00:52,385 --> 00:00:54,254 - That was incredible! 23 00:00:54,287 --> 00:00:56,923 - And coming off a buzzer in qualifying... 24 00:00:56,956 --> 00:00:58,391 - Yes! - She's got it! 25 00:00:58,425 --> 00:01:00,427 - It's tonight's top women's seed, 26 00:01:00,460 --> 00:01:03,596 Texas College student Isabella Wakeham. 27 00:01:03,630 --> 00:01:04,731 - Thanks, Zuri. 28 00:01:04,764 --> 00:01:06,299 At the end of the night, the two fastest 29 00:01:06,332 --> 00:01:09,069 will face off against each other in one final race. 30 00:01:09,069 --> 00:01:11,938 The winner gets a Safety Pass to use in Vegas. 31 00:01:11,971 --> 00:01:14,574 - That gets them a second chance if they fall 32 00:01:14,607 --> 00:01:17,277 and could be worth a million bucks. 33 00:01:17,310 --> 00:01:18,945 - We're gonna start tonight with one of the night's 34 00:01:18,978 --> 00:01:20,647 biggest competitors 35 00:01:20,680 --> 00:01:23,083 and one of the season's biggest surprises. 36 00:01:23,083 --> 00:01:26,619 On one side, it's South Dakota's Josh Miller. 37 00:01:26,653 --> 00:01:28,988 He may look like a mild- mannered high school student, 38 00:01:29,089 --> 00:01:31,458 but in the gym, he is a beast. 39 00:01:31,491 --> 00:01:34,361 He shocked us with a buzzer back in qualifying. 40 00:01:34,394 --> 00:01:38,164 He's facing Utah's 6'5" John Mack, 41 00:01:38,198 --> 00:01:41,101 known as the Reach because of that wingspan. 42 00:01:41,101 --> 00:01:44,971 He's become a top ninja after overcoming a family tragedy. 43 00:01:45,005 --> 00:01:47,941 And he did it with the help of his friend, Karson Voiles. 44 00:01:48,908 --> 00:01:51,911 [sentimental music] 45 00:01:51,945 --> 00:01:54,647 - My dad was always my role model and my hero. 46 00:01:56,316 --> 00:01:59,285 We discovered "Ninja Warrior" together 47 00:01:59,319 --> 00:02:01,855 and started building a backyard course. 48 00:02:03,323 --> 00:02:06,326 He struggled with depression and anxiety his whole life, 49 00:02:06,359 --> 00:02:07,594 and I never knew about it. 50 00:02:07,627 --> 00:02:09,329 And then when I was 13 years old, 51 00:02:09,362 --> 00:02:11,564 my dad committed suicide. 52 00:02:17,137 --> 00:02:19,606 I honestly didn't know what to do. 53 00:02:19,639 --> 00:02:22,242 I was in a really horrible and dark place, 54 00:02:22,275 --> 00:02:24,177 and I was really struggling. 55 00:02:24,210 --> 00:02:25,745 Ninja was an outlet for me. 56 00:02:25,779 --> 00:02:27,514 It was something I could do that allowed me to process 57 00:02:27,547 --> 00:02:30,650 all the grief and trauma I was going through. 58 00:02:30,684 --> 00:02:31,918 - Oh, dude. 59 00:02:31,951 --> 00:02:34,254 - My mom made you some cinnamon rolls, man. 60 00:02:34,287 --> 00:02:35,522 - We all know you made these. 61 00:02:35,555 --> 00:02:37,290 - Oh, absolutely, man, handcrafted myself. 62 00:02:37,323 --> 00:02:39,092 - You bake in your spare time. 63 00:02:39,092 --> 00:02:40,627 Dude, you should be proud of it. 64 00:02:40,660 --> 00:02:42,595 - Coming to Karson's gym and being able 65 00:02:42,629 --> 00:02:44,831 to meet him and work out with him was, like, 66 00:02:44,864 --> 00:02:47,567 the only bright spot in my life. 67 00:02:47,600 --> 00:02:48,768 - He came into the Ninja gym, 68 00:02:48,802 --> 00:02:51,538 just a scrawny 13-year-old kid. 69 00:02:51,571 --> 00:02:52,906 We bonded over Ninja, 70 00:02:52,939 --> 00:02:56,176 and as we progressed further down the Ninja path, 71 00:02:56,209 --> 00:02:57,744 we became really good friends. 72 00:02:57,777 --> 00:02:58,745 Bro, where are you? 73 00:02:58,778 --> 00:03:01,514 Are you even--ah! Get out of here! 74 00:03:01,548 --> 00:03:02,582 You reached it. 75 00:03:02,615 --> 00:03:04,918 You can't use your reach, dude! 76 00:03:04,951 --> 00:03:06,886 - After losing my dad, it was wonderful to have 77 00:03:06,920 --> 00:03:09,723 a positive male influence in my life. 78 00:03:09,756 --> 00:03:13,059 And to be able to compete with Karson this year 79 00:03:13,059 --> 00:03:14,594 is the most exciting thing ever. 80 00:03:14,627 --> 00:03:16,062 And then to have him here on the sideline 81 00:03:16,096 --> 00:03:17,497 and cheering me on is-- 82 00:03:17,530 --> 00:03:20,667 I mean, you just can't ask for anything better. 83 00:03:20,700 --> 00:03:22,502 I'm just living the dream with my best friends. 84 00:03:22,535 --> 00:03:24,204 It's pretty special. 85 00:03:26,272 --> 00:03:28,141 [cheers and applause] 86 00:03:28,174 --> 00:03:30,210 - Karson will be running later, and 87 00:03:30,243 --> 00:03:33,446 John Mack's family and friends are also over there. 88 00:03:33,480 --> 00:03:35,415 And Josh Miller's got his parents here 89 00:03:35,448 --> 00:03:36,950 from South Dakota. 90 00:03:36,983 --> 00:03:39,252 - Josh Miller hit a buzzer in qualifying. 91 00:03:39,285 --> 00:03:40,453 He's a 7 seed. 92 00:03:40,487 --> 00:03:41,921 And John Mack's an 18 seed 93 00:03:41,955 --> 00:03:44,124 because he fell early in qualifying. 94 00:03:44,157 --> 00:03:46,359 - Two great stories, one dream-- 95 00:03:46,393 --> 00:03:47,727 to get to Vegas. 96 00:03:47,761 --> 00:03:49,829 [countdown clock beeping] 97 00:03:49,863 --> 00:03:53,166 Mack is 8 inches taller, 50 pounds heavier. 98 00:03:53,199 --> 00:03:55,268 And it's dead even at Spring Forward. 99 00:03:55,301 --> 00:03:57,103 - Mack's got the edge and experience. 100 00:03:57,103 --> 00:03:58,605 This is his third season. 101 00:03:58,638 --> 00:04:00,607 Josh Miller's just a rookie. 102 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:03,576 - The Reach has the lead and heads right into Wingnuts. 103 00:04:03,610 --> 00:04:06,046 - Six tough obstacles on this semis race course. 104 00:04:06,079 --> 00:04:08,515 You gotta pace yourself, or it will catch up to you. 105 00:04:08,548 --> 00:04:11,251 - Well, Josh Miller impressed us so much in qualifying. 106 00:04:11,284 --> 00:04:14,287 The Reach looking strong. 107 00:04:14,320 --> 00:04:16,356 He can just use those long arms to grab 108 00:04:16,389 --> 00:04:18,058 one handle after the other. 109 00:04:18,058 --> 00:04:19,559 Doesn't even have to release. 110 00:04:19,592 --> 00:04:22,395 - What a race. 111 00:04:22,429 --> 00:04:25,065 - And you could see John Mack, the first one off, 112 00:04:25,098 --> 00:04:27,634 heading into Spin Hopper. 113 00:04:27,667 --> 00:04:29,302 - All right, and this is where John Mack is gonna live up 114 00:04:29,336 --> 00:04:30,637 to his name, the Reach. 115 00:04:30,670 --> 00:04:32,739 - But here comes Josh Miller. 116 00:04:32,772 --> 00:04:34,441 - Oh, it's Miller time. 117 00:04:34,474 --> 00:04:36,443 - It's gonna be a race on the climb. 118 00:04:36,476 --> 00:04:38,545 - Oh, my goodness. The Reach finishes in no time. 119 00:04:38,578 --> 00:04:39,946 - Miller up-- a race to the buzzers. 120 00:04:39,979 --> 00:04:42,315 - Use the reach! The Reach! 121 00:04:42,349 --> 00:04:44,084 [buzzer blares] 122 00:04:44,084 --> 00:04:45,318 The Reach! 123 00:04:45,352 --> 00:04:49,823 - 6'5" John Mack was able to use that long reach 124 00:04:49,856 --> 00:04:53,193 and get the win by a fingernail. 125 00:04:53,226 --> 00:04:55,962 - John Mack was out in front most of this race, 126 00:04:55,995 --> 00:04:59,733 but Josh Miller goes flying by him coming off Spin Hopper. 127 00:04:59,766 --> 00:05:01,768 Then it was a scramble to the top. 128 00:05:01,801 --> 00:05:05,305 And right there, you can see John Mack hit the buzzer first 129 00:05:05,338 --> 00:05:07,374 by 7/100 of a second. 130 00:05:07,407 --> 00:05:09,576 Are you not entertained? 131 00:05:09,609 --> 00:05:12,545 - Josh, you put your head up high 132 00:05:12,579 --> 00:05:15,582 because that was the closest race we've had 133 00:05:15,615 --> 00:05:18,818 since we started head-to-head racing. 134 00:05:18,852 --> 00:05:20,153 You could still move on... - Thank you. Thank you. 135 00:05:20,186 --> 00:05:24,124 - As one of our fastest non-winners. 136 00:05:24,157 --> 00:05:26,860 John, you're going to Vegas, and it's early, 137 00:05:26,893 --> 00:05:30,063 but with that time, you could be racing for the Safety Pass. 138 00:05:30,063 --> 00:05:32,565 What a way to start the night. 139 00:05:32,599 --> 00:05:34,801 - Let's go! 140 00:05:34,834 --> 00:05:37,504 - Up next, two good friends from California. 141 00:05:37,537 --> 00:05:40,573 They've trained together. Now they'll race each other. 142 00:05:40,607 --> 00:05:42,642 We've got teenager Jonah Maningo, 143 00:05:42,676 --> 00:05:45,612 who's on his high school football and track team. 144 00:05:45,645 --> 00:05:47,280 He'll be trying to outrun his buddy, 145 00:05:47,313 --> 00:05:51,117 the Archery Ninja, Anthony Porter. 146 00:05:51,151 --> 00:05:53,920 - Welcome back to Anthony's Joke in the Woods. 147 00:05:53,953 --> 00:05:55,855 In 2023, I uprooted my life, 148 00:05:55,889 --> 00:05:58,191 and I'm living in a cabin in the woods in Lake Tahoe. 149 00:05:58,224 --> 00:06:00,160 Oh, where am I? 150 00:06:00,193 --> 00:06:02,128 I've been posting nature education videos, 151 00:06:02,162 --> 00:06:04,130 and I'm known as Outdoor Anthony. 152 00:06:04,164 --> 00:06:06,933 If you're watching this, it's time to go climb a tree. 153 00:06:07,033 --> 00:06:08,435 When hiking in snow, make sure you 154 00:06:08,468 --> 00:06:11,037 look up occasionally to see if there's any falling snow 155 00:06:11,037 --> 00:06:13,039 that might hit you from above. 156 00:06:13,039 --> 00:06:15,141 For some reason, I'm viral on social media now. 157 00:06:15,175 --> 00:06:16,409 I'm into millions of views, 158 00:06:16,443 --> 00:06:17,911 and I'm recognized around the places 159 00:06:17,944 --> 00:06:20,380 that I travel to, which is very weird. 160 00:06:20,413 --> 00:06:22,749 And holy crap, that is a bear behind me. 161 00:06:22,782 --> 00:06:24,918 Jonah Maningo and I have been training partners. 162 00:06:24,951 --> 00:06:26,252 We've been training twice a week 163 00:06:26,286 --> 00:06:28,188 for the last few years together. 164 00:06:28,221 --> 00:06:29,556 - Anthony's a really strong ninja. 165 00:06:29,589 --> 00:06:31,658 I've been racing Anthony during training. 166 00:06:31,691 --> 00:06:33,960 And sometimes he wins, sometimes I win. 167 00:06:34,060 --> 00:06:35,962 So this race, I think it's gonna be close. 168 00:06:36,062 --> 00:06:38,631 [dramatic music] 169 00:06:38,665 --> 00:06:40,166 [cheers and applause] 170 00:06:40,200 --> 00:06:43,837 - Jonah's family on the sideline, wearing purple, 171 00:06:43,870 --> 00:06:46,906 as are Anthony's parents, who are also here. 172 00:06:46,940 --> 00:06:48,641 - You gotta give the edge to Porter. 173 00:06:48,675 --> 00:06:50,844 He's been to Vegas two times already. 174 00:06:50,877 --> 00:06:53,780 Maningo's just a young pup. 175 00:06:53,813 --> 00:06:55,315 - Jonah Maningo does sprints 176 00:06:55,348 --> 00:06:56,750 for his high school track team. 177 00:06:56,783 --> 00:06:58,418 Not afraid to go fast. 178 00:06:58,451 --> 00:07:00,720 - Anthony Porter's ten years older. 179 00:07:00,754 --> 00:07:02,555 Can he hold off the teenager? 180 00:07:02,589 --> 00:07:04,457 - Ooh, Porter has a crash landing, 181 00:07:04,491 --> 00:07:06,092 but through first. 182 00:07:06,126 --> 00:07:09,696 - Oh, Porter grabbed the wrong side of that first wingnut! 183 00:07:09,729 --> 00:07:11,398 - And that's gonna cost him time. 184 00:07:11,431 --> 00:07:14,034 Maningo's now in the lead. 185 00:07:14,034 --> 00:07:15,635 You can see the second and third handles 186 00:07:15,669 --> 00:07:17,037 have plastic barriers, 187 00:07:17,037 --> 00:07:19,873 so you can only grab them from one side. 188 00:07:19,906 --> 00:07:22,609 And that mistake has allowed Maningo to get out in front. 189 00:07:22,642 --> 00:07:25,879 He's now halfway across Hopscotch. 190 00:07:25,912 --> 00:07:28,748 - And here comes Porter. 191 00:07:28,782 --> 00:07:31,051 - He's flying across these tiles. 192 00:07:31,051 --> 00:07:33,820 And now putting the pressure back on Maningo. 193 00:07:33,853 --> 00:07:36,790 - And he's closing in. 194 00:07:36,823 --> 00:07:40,727 - Oh, too close to call heading into Spin Hopper. 195 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:42,529 - Oh, boy, Porter came from behind, 196 00:07:42,562 --> 00:07:44,597 Man up, 'cause it's evened up. 197 00:07:44,631 --> 00:07:46,232 Wow! 198 00:07:47,767 --> 00:07:51,338 - Maningo just ahead of Porter on the descent. 199 00:07:51,371 --> 00:07:53,940 - Oh! 200 00:07:53,973 --> 00:07:55,508 - And Porter is out. 201 00:07:55,542 --> 00:07:58,078 Not sure who finished the last obstacle first. 202 00:07:58,078 --> 00:08:00,814 But if Maningo gets through this, it won't matter. 203 00:08:00,847 --> 00:08:02,182 And he does. 204 00:08:02,215 --> 00:08:04,184 16 years old! 205 00:08:04,217 --> 00:08:06,920 He's going to Vegas! 206 00:08:07,020 --> 00:08:09,255 [buzzer blares] 207 00:08:09,289 --> 00:08:12,058 [cheers and applause] 208 00:08:12,092 --> 00:08:16,029 Another close race, and Jonah Maningo was pushed to the end 209 00:08:16,062 --> 00:08:19,532 by his training partner, Anthony Porter. 210 00:08:19,566 --> 00:08:21,568 - Porter made a mistake on Wingnuts, 211 00:08:21,601 --> 00:08:23,403 and that cost him the lead. 212 00:08:23,436 --> 00:08:25,839 Then he got right back into it, but he spun off 213 00:08:25,872 --> 00:08:27,540 as he came down Spin Hopper, 214 00:08:27,574 --> 00:08:30,810 and Jonah Maningo just cruised to the buzzer. 215 00:08:30,844 --> 00:08:32,645 [upbeat music] 216 00:08:32,679 --> 00:08:36,049 - Tonight, it's a packed field of top ninjas, 217 00:08:36,082 --> 00:08:39,586 including our reigning champion, Vance Walker. 218 00:08:39,619 --> 00:08:41,254 Plus, the guy he edged out 219 00:08:41,287 --> 00:08:44,157 for the million dollars, Daniel Gil. 220 00:08:44,190 --> 00:08:45,625 - He was so close. 221 00:08:45,658 --> 00:08:48,762 - And up next, after a devastating injury, 222 00:08:48,795 --> 00:08:50,930 she had to learn to walk again. 223 00:08:50,964 --> 00:08:52,532 - Nice, nice, keep going, nice! 224 00:08:52,565 --> 00:08:55,735 - Now Karen Wiltin will try to earn a spot in Vegas 225 00:08:55,769 --> 00:08:58,838 against impressive teenager Madelyn Madaras 226 00:08:58,872 --> 00:09:02,142 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 227 00:09:06,379 --> 00:09:09,182 - Back in 2019, Karson Voiles and Josh Salinas 228 00:09:09,215 --> 00:09:12,118 both made it to Stage 3 at the National Finals. 229 00:09:12,152 --> 00:09:14,621 And minutes ago, these two faced off 230 00:09:14,654 --> 00:09:18,224 to earn a return trip to Vegas after five years away. 231 00:09:18,258 --> 00:09:19,793 - All right, here we go, off to the races. 232 00:09:19,826 --> 00:09:21,494 - Let's go, Josh! 233 00:09:21,528 --> 00:09:23,730 - With their families watching, 234 00:09:23,763 --> 00:09:26,933 Salinas, a 32-year-old dad from Houston, 235 00:09:27,033 --> 00:09:29,235 jumped out to an early lead over Voiles, 236 00:09:29,269 --> 00:09:31,438 a 38-year-old father from Utah. 237 00:09:31,471 --> 00:09:33,707 - These guys were some of the strongest ninjas 238 00:09:33,740 --> 00:09:36,543 we saw five years ago, and now look at them. 239 00:09:36,576 --> 00:09:39,045 - Both looked strong and made it to Spin Hopper. 240 00:09:39,045 --> 00:09:40,847 - Oh! 241 00:09:40,880 --> 00:09:43,650 - But Voiles' fall sealed the win for Salinas. 242 00:09:43,683 --> 00:09:46,152 The veteran finished in under a minute. 243 00:09:46,186 --> 00:09:49,889 [cheers and applause] 244 00:09:49,923 --> 00:09:53,693 Up next, we have two women from the Lone Star State. 245 00:09:53,727 --> 00:09:55,428 It's Mighty Madelyn, 246 00:09:55,462 --> 00:09:57,831 Houston teenager Madelyn Madaras, 247 00:09:57,864 --> 00:10:00,867 up against a competitor almost 30 years older, 248 00:10:00,900 --> 00:10:03,403 45-year-old Karen Wiltin. 249 00:10:03,436 --> 00:10:05,772 And both these women know what it's like 250 00:10:05,805 --> 00:10:08,008 to overcome obstacles. 251 00:10:09,209 --> 00:10:10,510 - Come on, Karen. You got this. 252 00:10:10,543 --> 00:10:12,512 Let her go. Let her go. Let her go! 253 00:10:12,545 --> 00:10:15,048 - I competed on season 11. 254 00:10:15,081 --> 00:10:17,217 - Yes! - Shoot! Oh, shoot! 255 00:10:17,250 --> 00:10:19,786 - What a moment for Karen Wiltin! 256 00:10:19,819 --> 00:10:22,155 - Yeah! - Okay, mama! 257 00:10:22,188 --> 00:10:24,357 - I was literally at the top of my game. 258 00:10:24,391 --> 00:10:26,026 And then it was, like, three days after that 259 00:10:26,059 --> 00:10:27,160 is when I hurt my neck. 260 00:10:27,193 --> 00:10:30,163 [somber music] 261 00:10:30,196 --> 00:10:32,165 * * 262 00:10:32,198 --> 00:10:35,035 I had basically ruptured all of the ligaments 263 00:10:35,068 --> 00:10:38,772 from the base of my skull down to C4. 264 00:10:38,805 --> 00:10:41,541 - Karen spent three months in a wheelchair 265 00:10:41,574 --> 00:10:43,376 and one year in physical therapy. 266 00:10:43,410 --> 00:10:44,611 - There you go. 267 00:10:44,644 --> 00:10:46,112 - But then she got back into the gym. 268 00:10:46,146 --> 00:10:48,882 all: Karen, Karen, Karen. 269 00:10:48,915 --> 00:10:50,550 - Very nice, Karen. Keep it going. 270 00:10:50,583 --> 00:10:52,786 It's all coming back, just like riding a bicycle. 271 00:10:52,819 --> 00:10:55,755 - And back in qualifying, this mother of two 272 00:10:55,789 --> 00:10:58,591 made a miraculous comeback on our course. 273 00:10:58,625 --> 00:11:00,527 - Just gotta let it go. Trust it. 274 00:11:00,560 --> 00:11:02,062 [uplifting music] 275 00:11:02,062 --> 00:11:03,697 both: Nice! 276 00:11:03,730 --> 00:11:08,068 - Karen Wiltin, we're getting a sequel, Akbar. 277 00:11:08,101 --> 00:11:09,903 - It's been a really long journey 278 00:11:09,936 --> 00:11:11,237 coming back from this injury. 279 00:11:11,271 --> 00:11:13,573 And I'm not done yet. The next stop is Vegas. 280 00:11:17,344 --> 00:11:20,513 - Madelyn Madaras knows all about tough moms. 281 00:11:20,547 --> 00:11:22,916 Her mother Karen has been battling 282 00:11:22,949 --> 00:11:26,653 stage IV breast cancer for nearly three years. 283 00:11:26,686 --> 00:11:29,622 - My mom not only inspires me to be a better ninja, 284 00:11:29,656 --> 00:11:31,958 but she inspires me to be a better person. 285 00:11:33,827 --> 00:11:35,495 - Good job. Let's go. 286 00:11:35,528 --> 00:11:36,830 Lock it in. 287 00:11:36,863 --> 00:11:39,165 That's a big Vegas move right there. 288 00:11:39,199 --> 00:11:41,434 - She shows me that no matter what you're going through, 289 00:11:41,468 --> 00:11:43,269 you can still push through it 290 00:11:43,303 --> 00:11:46,306 and you can still be positive and happy along the way. 291 00:11:46,339 --> 00:11:47,507 - Good job. 292 00:11:47,540 --> 00:11:49,009 Awesome. - Thanks. 293 00:11:49,109 --> 00:11:50,810 I'm definitely running for my mom, 294 00:11:50,844 --> 00:11:52,812 and I just really want to make her proud. 295 00:11:56,116 --> 00:11:57,484 [cheers and applause] 296 00:11:57,517 --> 00:11:59,285 - As always, Maddie's mom, Karen, 297 00:11:59,319 --> 00:12:01,087 is here to cheer her on. 298 00:12:01,121 --> 00:12:02,822 Karen Wiltin's daughters are watching her 299 00:12:02,856 --> 00:12:04,391 from back in Texas. 300 00:12:04,424 --> 00:12:06,693 And some of Karen's friends and training partners 301 00:12:06,726 --> 00:12:08,061 on the sideline. 302 00:12:08,061 --> 00:12:09,963 Mighty Madelyn is the 3 seed. 303 00:12:10,063 --> 00:12:11,364 Karen Wiltin, the 6. 304 00:12:11,398 --> 00:12:14,467 Can the mom keep her comeback season alive? 305 00:12:14,501 --> 00:12:17,103 [countdown clock beeping] 306 00:12:17,137 --> 00:12:19,606 - Yeah, after that injury, how amazing would it be 307 00:12:19,639 --> 00:12:21,608 for Karen Wiltin to make it to Vegas? 308 00:12:21,641 --> 00:12:23,143 She may be the underdog, 309 00:12:23,176 --> 00:12:24,911 but she's still got some fight in her. 310 00:12:24,944 --> 00:12:27,380 - Well, she has great determination. 311 00:12:27,414 --> 00:12:29,916 Always remarkable seeing her on the course, 312 00:12:29,949 --> 00:12:32,118 knowing how hard she worked to get here. 313 00:12:32,152 --> 00:12:34,087 She's got a big challenge in trying to keep up 314 00:12:34,087 --> 00:12:36,222 with Maddie Madaras, who made it to Vegas 315 00:12:36,256 --> 00:12:37,590 last year as a rookie. 316 00:12:37,624 --> 00:12:39,926 - And Maddie only weighs 106 pounds, 317 00:12:39,959 --> 00:12:41,461 our lightest competitor. 318 00:12:41,494 --> 00:12:43,830 - And Mighty Madelyn, pretty efficient here 319 00:12:43,863 --> 00:12:45,198 through Spring Forward. 320 00:12:45,231 --> 00:12:47,100 Now to the Wingnuts. 321 00:12:47,100 --> 00:12:49,235 But Karen Wiltin's not going away. 322 00:12:49,269 --> 00:12:51,171 - You got it. - Go, go! 323 00:12:51,204 --> 00:12:55,208 - So amazing that she can compete at this level at 45, 324 00:12:55,241 --> 00:12:57,344 when she wasn't sure she'd even walk again. 325 00:12:57,377 --> 00:13:00,180 - What I love is, Karen's running her own race. 326 00:13:00,213 --> 00:13:03,083 She's not going so fast that she might make a mistake. 327 00:13:03,116 --> 00:13:06,286 - Madelyn, breathe! Breathe! 328 00:13:06,319 --> 00:13:08,054 - Maddie pauses for a moment 329 00:13:08,088 --> 00:13:10,390 before she jumps up to take on Hopscotch. 330 00:13:10,423 --> 00:13:11,891 - And Matt, don't-- 331 00:13:11,925 --> 00:13:14,260 look, Karen Wiltin's still in it. 332 00:13:14,294 --> 00:13:16,196 - She's staying within striking distance, 333 00:13:16,229 --> 00:13:17,564 gonna shake out the arms 334 00:13:17,597 --> 00:13:18,898 before she goes up on Hopscotch. 335 00:13:18,932 --> 00:13:21,901 [cheers and applause] 336 00:13:23,570 --> 00:13:27,307 Madelyn Madaras concluded a semifinals course last year, 337 00:13:27,340 --> 00:13:30,243 so she knows how to pace herself. 338 00:13:30,276 --> 00:13:31,811 She's not rushing through these moves. 339 00:13:31,845 --> 00:13:33,813 She's gonna be precise and avoid a fall. 340 00:13:36,449 --> 00:13:39,152 And she's through four obstacles. 341 00:13:42,288 --> 00:13:45,358 - But Karen Wiltin is still fighting. 342 00:13:45,392 --> 00:13:47,193 Are you kidding me? Look at this mom of two. 343 00:13:47,227 --> 00:13:49,295 - Can she get to the dismount handles? 344 00:13:49,329 --> 00:13:50,797 Got it! 345 00:13:50,830 --> 00:13:52,665 - Hey, she got that mama bear strength right now. 346 00:13:52,699 --> 00:13:56,202 - And you could see, Madelyn Madaras was looking back 347 00:13:56,236 --> 00:13:58,338 and now focused on Spin Hopper... 348 00:13:58,371 --> 00:13:59,706 - Come on, come on, Karen. 349 00:13:59,739 --> 00:14:03,176 - 'Cause here comes Karen Wiltin. 350 00:14:05,045 --> 00:14:08,281 And now Madelyn up on Spin Hopper. 351 00:14:08,314 --> 00:14:10,216 - Wow, and I think Karen right now 352 00:14:10,250 --> 00:14:12,585 is gonna use the strategy to see if, in fact, 353 00:14:12,619 --> 00:14:14,954 Madelyn Madaras makes a mistake. 354 00:14:16,856 --> 00:14:18,625 - Addy Herman's the only woman 355 00:14:18,658 --> 00:14:20,660 who hit a semifinals buzzer this season. 356 00:14:20,694 --> 00:14:23,063 Madelyn Madaras trying to be the second. 357 00:14:23,063 --> 00:14:25,065 - Well, yeah, you don't know Madelyn Madaras 358 00:14:25,065 --> 00:14:26,399 'cause it's Vegas or bust. 359 00:14:26,433 --> 00:14:29,069 And you know, Madelyn, 16 years old, 360 00:14:29,069 --> 00:14:31,471 looking for her second visit to Vegas. 361 00:14:31,504 --> 00:14:33,640 - And look at this. - Wow. 362 00:14:33,673 --> 00:14:37,477 - Madelyn is so strong. - Get it. Get it. 363 00:14:37,510 --> 00:14:39,713 [cheers and applause] 364 00:14:39,746 --> 00:14:42,682 Come on, let's go get that buzzer, baby! 365 00:14:42,716 --> 00:14:46,553 - Getting another buzzer in the semifinals. 366 00:14:46,586 --> 00:14:49,322 She'll be the first woman to hit semifinals buzzers 367 00:14:49,356 --> 00:14:51,991 in season 15 and season 16. 368 00:14:52,092 --> 00:14:53,493 [buzzer blares] 369 00:14:53,526 --> 00:14:55,962 [cheers and applause] 370 00:14:55,995 --> 00:14:57,864 - Come on, Karen. You got this. 371 00:14:57,897 --> 00:14:59,933 - Karen Wiltin can't win the race, 372 00:15:00,033 --> 00:15:01,801 but she's gonna try to finish. 373 00:15:01,835 --> 00:15:04,237 Oh! 374 00:15:04,270 --> 00:15:06,206 A good effort by the 45-year-old mom, 375 00:15:06,239 --> 00:15:09,676 but this race belongs to Madelyn Madaras. 376 00:15:09,709 --> 00:15:11,411 You made your mom proud with that run. 377 00:15:11,444 --> 00:15:13,146 - Yes! I'm so excited. 378 00:15:13,179 --> 00:15:15,548 - You not only make your mom proud, you make us proud. 379 00:15:15,582 --> 00:15:17,650 You make the entire Ninja community proud. 380 00:15:17,684 --> 00:15:19,219 Show me the muscles. 381 00:15:19,252 --> 00:15:21,921 Let me see the muscles 'cause you are strong. 382 00:15:21,955 --> 00:15:23,490 You go, girl. 383 00:15:23,523 --> 00:15:25,692 - Congrats to Maddie. 384 00:15:25,725 --> 00:15:27,527 And how about Karen Wiltin? 385 00:15:27,560 --> 00:15:29,729 An incredible comeback season for her, 386 00:15:29,763 --> 00:15:31,164 and she's down with Zuri. 387 00:15:31,197 --> 00:15:33,667 - Karen, after everything that you've been through, 388 00:15:33,700 --> 00:15:35,702 what does it mean for you to even be out here tonight 389 00:15:35,735 --> 00:15:36,970 having made it this far? 390 00:15:37,070 --> 00:15:38,104 - It's just an opportunity 391 00:15:38,138 --> 00:15:39,639 and such a blessing to be out here. 392 00:15:39,673 --> 00:15:41,074 Madelyn is such an awesome athlete. 393 00:15:41,107 --> 00:15:44,077 Just to go against head to head with her was so much fun. 394 00:15:44,077 --> 00:15:46,079 I really wanted a buzzer, 395 00:15:46,079 --> 00:15:49,482 but so blessed that I was able to make it as far as I did. 396 00:15:49,516 --> 00:15:50,650 Just kind of gassed out at the end. 397 00:15:50,684 --> 00:15:52,552 - Okay. - But it's been a journey. 398 00:15:52,585 --> 00:15:53,887 - It's been so much fun for us to watch. 399 00:15:53,920 --> 00:15:55,422 You're such an inspiration, 400 00:15:55,455 --> 00:15:56,923 and I can't wait for us to see you out in this course again. 401 00:15:56,956 --> 00:15:58,091 - Thank you so much. I appreciate it. 402 00:15:58,091 --> 00:16:00,326 - Absolutely. Matt, Akbar, back to you. 403 00:16:01,828 --> 00:16:04,764 - We've got some marquee matchups just ahead. 404 00:16:04,798 --> 00:16:06,900 Alaska's Nick Hanson will take on 405 00:16:06,933 --> 00:16:09,169 the Big Cat, Karsten Williams 406 00:16:09,202 --> 00:16:12,038 while the Big Dog, Jody Avila's 407 00:16:12,038 --> 00:16:14,808 facing rising young star Sam Folsom. 408 00:16:14,841 --> 00:16:18,244 And later, the women's top seed, Isabella Wakeham, 409 00:16:18,278 --> 00:16:21,314 tries to outrun newcomer Ixchel Valentino. 410 00:16:21,348 --> 00:16:24,250 Coming up on "American Ninja Warrior." 411 00:16:28,221 --> 00:16:29,656 - Minutes ago, we had a showdown 412 00:16:29,689 --> 00:16:31,658 between a slugger and a flipper... 413 00:16:31,691 --> 00:16:33,193 Whoa! 414 00:16:33,226 --> 00:16:36,129 As the Flipper Ninja, Utah's Ally Tippetts-Wootton, 415 00:16:36,162 --> 00:16:39,432 faced off against college softball star Karen Potts, 416 00:16:39,466 --> 00:16:41,835 known as KJP. 417 00:16:41,868 --> 00:16:45,138 - KJP using her softball skills on Home Run. 418 00:16:45,171 --> 00:16:48,842 - Potts is the number 2 seed and is just 18, 419 00:16:48,875 --> 00:16:51,077 while Tippetts-Wootton is a 32-year-old mom 420 00:16:51,111 --> 00:16:52,379 and physician assistant. 421 00:16:52,412 --> 00:16:54,414 Yet these two stayed close. 422 00:16:54,447 --> 00:16:56,082 - Ally is right behind her, 423 00:16:56,116 --> 00:16:58,852 and now she's all tied up. 424 00:16:58,885 --> 00:17:01,388 - With her husband and baby boy cheering her on, 425 00:17:01,421 --> 00:17:03,256 Tippetts-Wootton was trying to become 426 00:17:03,289 --> 00:17:05,158 the second mom to earn a trip 427 00:17:05,191 --> 00:17:07,027 to the National Finals this season. 428 00:17:07,060 --> 00:17:09,162 - Oh, no! 429 00:17:09,195 --> 00:17:10,930 - But her run ended on Hopscotch, 430 00:17:11,031 --> 00:17:12,799 and Karen Potts got the win. 431 00:17:12,832 --> 00:17:15,502 She's going back to Vegas for the second time 432 00:17:15,535 --> 00:17:18,038 in her young career. 433 00:17:18,038 --> 00:17:20,540 Then, it was another impressive young ninja, 434 00:17:20,573 --> 00:17:22,876 the Flyboy, Isaiah Thomas. 435 00:17:22,909 --> 00:17:25,545 The teenager came in as a 3 seed, 436 00:17:25,578 --> 00:17:28,114 facing off against number 22, 437 00:17:28,148 --> 00:17:31,518 California gym owner Arnold Hernandez. 438 00:17:31,551 --> 00:17:34,087 - Arnold Hernandez is gonna have his hands full 439 00:17:34,120 --> 00:17:35,622 with the Flyboy. 440 00:17:35,655 --> 00:17:38,324 - Hernandez, despite being 13 years older 441 00:17:38,358 --> 00:17:40,894 and 7 inches shorter, kept it close 442 00:17:40,927 --> 00:17:42,629 over the first few obstacles. 443 00:17:42,662 --> 00:17:44,898 - We know Flyboy Ninja's capable of going fast, 444 00:17:44,931 --> 00:17:46,299 but he doesn't wanna make a mistake. 445 00:17:46,332 --> 00:17:49,269 - When Hernandez splashed down on Hopscotch... 446 00:17:49,302 --> 00:17:50,804 - Oh! 447 00:17:50,837 --> 00:17:52,339 - That's when the Flyboy 448 00:17:52,372 --> 00:17:54,174 really turned on the afterburners. 449 00:17:54,207 --> 00:17:57,277 And he finished with the second fastest time so far. 450 00:17:57,310 --> 00:18:00,280 [buzzer blares] 451 00:18:00,313 --> 00:18:04,250 And he's now in line to run for the Safety Pass. 452 00:18:04,284 --> 00:18:06,486 - Guys, they are two of the oldest ninjas 453 00:18:06,519 --> 00:18:07,921 left in the competition. 454 00:18:08,021 --> 00:18:12,225 And now, the Big Cat, 43-year-old Karsten Williams, 455 00:18:12,258 --> 00:18:16,396 is facing off against Alaska's 36-year-old Nick Hanson. 456 00:18:16,429 --> 00:18:18,765 These Ninja legends will be racing each other 457 00:18:18,798 --> 00:18:20,834 for a spot in Vegas. 458 00:18:20,867 --> 00:18:22,302 - They've got about 19 seasons 459 00:18:22,335 --> 00:18:23,903 of Ninja experience between them. 460 00:18:23,937 --> 00:18:26,906 Karsten's a little older and a little taller. 461 00:18:26,940 --> 00:18:29,242 - Karsten made it to Vegas last year. 462 00:18:29,275 --> 00:18:31,578 It's been five years for Nick Hanson. 463 00:18:31,611 --> 00:18:33,880 - Have fun out there, bro. 464 00:18:33,913 --> 00:18:36,449 - As always, Karsten's mom, Linda, 465 00:18:36,483 --> 00:18:38,051 will be cheering for him. 466 00:18:38,084 --> 00:18:40,286 - And Nick's wife, Joanne, and their new baby, 467 00:18:40,320 --> 00:18:41,521 Christopher, on his sideline. 468 00:18:41,554 --> 00:18:43,423 - Keep it up, Nick. 469 00:18:43,456 --> 00:18:46,059 - Karsten beat 39-year-old Abel Gonzalez 470 00:18:46,059 --> 00:18:47,961 in his semis race last year, 471 00:18:48,061 --> 00:18:51,131 while Nick lost to 15-year-old Joseph Rouse. 472 00:18:51,164 --> 00:18:54,100 [countdown clock beeping] 473 00:18:54,134 --> 00:18:56,803 - Matt, both these Ninjas have been doing it for a long time. 474 00:18:56,836 --> 00:18:59,272 They're about the same in size. 475 00:18:59,305 --> 00:19:00,807 Let's see who can pull forward. 476 00:19:00,840 --> 00:19:02,409 And there's Karsten. He's on it. 477 00:19:02,442 --> 00:19:03,610 - Karsten linking it. 478 00:19:03,643 --> 00:19:05,245 - And Matt, he on it like he want it. 479 00:19:05,278 --> 00:19:08,181 - Wow, Karsten really moving, gave himself 480 00:19:08,214 --> 00:19:10,417 a good edge there with that efficiency. 481 00:19:10,450 --> 00:19:11,851 - Yeah, and now he's slowing down a little bit. 482 00:19:11,885 --> 00:19:14,387 But you can't slow down because the Eskimo Ninja 483 00:19:14,421 --> 00:19:16,890 is plenty capable of getting back into this race. 484 00:19:16,923 --> 00:19:18,191 - And both at around 100-- 485 00:19:18,224 --> 00:19:19,592 oh, my goodness! - Oh! 486 00:19:19,626 --> 00:19:22,128 - Karsten Williams looked all out of sorts. 487 00:19:22,162 --> 00:19:24,431 - Get it, Nick. Get it, Nick. 488 00:19:24,464 --> 00:19:28,668 - Nick Hanson just has to complete the Wingnuts. 489 00:19:31,438 --> 00:19:34,407 Punches his ticket to Vegas. 490 00:19:34,441 --> 00:19:36,509 - It's been five years since we've seen 491 00:19:36,543 --> 00:19:39,212 Nick Hanson in Vegas. 492 00:19:39,245 --> 00:19:40,880 How crazy is this? 493 00:19:40,914 --> 00:19:43,049 But let's go back and look at Karsten Williams. 494 00:19:43,049 --> 00:19:45,118 He had a comfortable lead. 495 00:19:45,151 --> 00:19:46,686 But on that last wingnut, 496 00:19:46,720 --> 00:19:49,656 he just didn't get a good grip with that right hand, 497 00:19:49,689 --> 00:19:54,094 and that was that for the Big Cat. 498 00:19:54,127 --> 00:19:55,395 - Well, it's been a long time 499 00:19:55,428 --> 00:19:57,864 since Nick Hanson hit a buzzer too. 500 00:20:00,133 --> 00:20:03,636 He's gonna keep going and try to finish the semis course. 501 00:20:03,670 --> 00:20:06,239 That means he'll have to conquer Spin Hopper. 502 00:20:06,272 --> 00:20:08,441 - Fun fact, Matt, in the Alaskan Native Games, 503 00:20:08,475 --> 00:20:10,877 Nick Hanson is a champion of the knuckle hop, 504 00:20:10,910 --> 00:20:12,579 so you know if he can handle that, 505 00:20:12,612 --> 00:20:14,414 he should be able to handle Spin Hopper. 506 00:20:14,447 --> 00:20:17,617 - Unalakleet has gotta be on their feet. 507 00:20:17,650 --> 00:20:19,886 Nick Hanson, closer to a buzzer. 508 00:20:22,055 --> 00:20:23,590 - Go, Nick, finish it. 509 00:20:23,623 --> 00:20:25,425 You're almost there. 510 00:20:25,458 --> 00:20:28,061 [cheers and applause] 511 00:20:28,094 --> 00:20:30,797 - Nick Hanson gonna do something 512 00:20:30,830 --> 00:20:33,900 he hasn't done since season 12-- 513 00:20:33,933 --> 00:20:37,037 and that is hit a buzzer. 514 00:20:37,070 --> 00:20:38,938 - This'll be his first as a dad. 515 00:20:38,972 --> 00:20:40,373 This is gonna be special. 516 00:20:40,407 --> 00:20:41,841 [buzzer blares] 517 00:20:41,875 --> 00:20:43,710 - And there it is. 518 00:20:43,743 --> 00:20:47,814 [cheers and applause] 519 00:20:47,847 --> 00:20:50,350 - My son, my son, man. 520 00:20:50,383 --> 00:20:52,352 That was all that was on my mind. 521 00:20:52,385 --> 00:20:54,287 I'm here! I'm here. 522 00:20:54,320 --> 00:20:57,490 - Yes, you are. And we'll see you in Vegas. 523 00:20:57,524 --> 00:20:59,125 - Let's go! 524 00:20:59,159 --> 00:21:02,295 Let's go! Yes! 525 00:21:02,328 --> 00:21:05,632 - Coming up, college student Ixchel Valentino 526 00:21:05,665 --> 00:21:08,101 can make robots do big things. 527 00:21:08,134 --> 00:21:09,969 [upbeat music] 528 00:21:10,070 --> 00:21:14,174 But can she engineer an upset against the number 1 seed? 529 00:21:14,207 --> 00:21:18,111 We'll find out next on "American Ninja Warrior." 530 00:21:24,551 --> 00:21:26,786 - Chynna Hart loves to put the pedal to the metal 531 00:21:26,820 --> 00:21:30,090 when she's drifting her car back in Texas. 532 00:21:30,090 --> 00:21:33,593 And she was looking to go fast tonight as she was matched up 533 00:21:33,626 --> 00:21:36,296 against fellow Texan, Captain Megan Johnson, 534 00:21:36,329 --> 00:21:40,433 who's an emergency room doctor for the U.S. Army. 535 00:21:40,467 --> 00:21:42,869 Both women were trying to earn their first trip 536 00:21:42,902 --> 00:21:44,871 to the National Finals. 537 00:21:44,904 --> 00:21:46,806 - Yeah, Megan! 538 00:21:46,840 --> 00:21:49,342 - And with her fiancé, Kyle Soderman, cheering her on, 539 00:21:49,376 --> 00:21:51,644 Megan was first off Spring Forward, 540 00:21:51,678 --> 00:21:53,747 which paid off seconds later 541 00:21:53,780 --> 00:21:55,982 when both women fell on Wingnuts. 542 00:21:56,016 --> 00:21:59,519 - Oh, wow. 543 00:21:59,552 --> 00:22:01,054 - So Megan got the win. 544 00:22:01,087 --> 00:22:04,057 She's going to Vegas for the first time. 545 00:22:04,057 --> 00:22:05,792 - There you go! 546 00:22:05,825 --> 00:22:09,062 - Then, her fiancé, stuntman Kyle Soderman, 547 00:22:09,062 --> 00:22:11,798 tried to earn his ticket to the National Finals. 548 00:22:11,831 --> 00:22:15,135 He was facing professional wrestler Francisco Barajas, 549 00:22:15,168 --> 00:22:18,138 who's competing despite being sick. 550 00:22:18,171 --> 00:22:19,472 - I love these ninjas, not letting 551 00:22:19,506 --> 00:22:21,241 a little illness stop them. 552 00:22:21,274 --> 00:22:24,644 - From the start, Barajas was clearly not 100%. 553 00:22:24,678 --> 00:22:26,713 And Soderman, the number 5 seed, 554 00:22:26,746 --> 00:22:28,815 jumped out to a big lead. 555 00:22:28,848 --> 00:22:31,284 - Kyle Soderman's still pushing forward. 556 00:22:31,317 --> 00:22:33,086 - The five-time Ninja veteran looked like 557 00:22:33,119 --> 00:22:36,289 he'd easily locked up a fourth straight trip to Vegas. 558 00:22:36,322 --> 00:22:37,323 - Ooh! 559 00:22:37,357 --> 00:22:38,658 Oh, my goodness! 560 00:22:38,692 --> 00:22:41,261 - Soderman's surprising fall opened the door 561 00:22:41,294 --> 00:22:43,763 for the ailing Barajas, who slowly battled 562 00:22:43,797 --> 00:22:45,632 his way to Spin Hopper. 563 00:22:45,665 --> 00:22:46,633 - He's just really sick. 564 00:22:46,666 --> 00:22:47,967 He's really digging deep. 565 00:22:48,001 --> 00:22:50,337 - Barajas had to finish the obstacle for the win 566 00:22:50,370 --> 00:22:52,739 and just couldn't do it. 567 00:22:54,107 --> 00:22:55,709 So Soderman survived. 568 00:22:55,742 --> 00:22:58,978 He's going back to the National Finals. 569 00:22:59,012 --> 00:23:01,381 Now we've got another Texan. 570 00:23:01,414 --> 00:23:04,951 It's the Big Dog, 6'6" Jody Avila, 571 00:23:05,051 --> 00:23:08,254 the 38-year-old heating and air conditioning technician. 572 00:23:08,288 --> 00:23:11,224 He's facing 21-year-old Sam Folsom, 573 00:23:11,257 --> 00:23:13,893 a top ninja known for his obstacle designs 574 00:23:13,927 --> 00:23:16,763 in his training barn, the Danger Zone. 575 00:23:16,796 --> 00:23:18,398 - Some big size differences. 576 00:23:18,431 --> 00:23:20,166 Jody's 9 inches taller 577 00:23:20,200 --> 00:23:23,069 and more than 50 pounds heavier than Sam. 578 00:23:23,103 --> 00:23:25,138 - Sam's got a big group on the sideline, 579 00:23:25,171 --> 00:23:27,240 including his girlfriend, Isabella Wakeham, 580 00:23:27,273 --> 00:23:28,775 who runs next. 581 00:23:28,808 --> 00:23:31,678 Jody's got his family on the sideline as well, 582 00:23:31,711 --> 00:23:34,114 his wife Pauline and his two sons. 583 00:23:34,147 --> 00:23:36,583 - Jody's the higher seed, he's an 8. 584 00:23:36,616 --> 00:23:38,084 Sam's a 17. 585 00:23:38,084 --> 00:23:40,086 But both these guys can go fast. 586 00:23:40,086 --> 00:23:42,555 [countdown clock beeping] 587 00:23:42,589 --> 00:23:44,391 - Well, that height should help Jody here. 588 00:23:44,424 --> 00:23:48,128 But now he's got 210 pounds over the next four obstacles 589 00:23:48,161 --> 00:23:51,531 that are upper body gauntlets. 590 00:23:51,564 --> 00:23:53,500 Wow! 591 00:23:53,533 --> 00:23:55,101 - But don't sleep on the Big Dog. 592 00:23:55,101 --> 00:23:58,104 The Big Dog has got a lot of bite in him. 593 00:23:58,104 --> 00:24:00,240 - And look at this! 594 00:24:00,273 --> 00:24:03,443 They're matching each other move for move. 595 00:24:03,476 --> 00:24:06,746 And Jody Avila was the first one off there. 596 00:24:06,780 --> 00:24:09,716 Both skipped the first handle on Hopscotch. 597 00:24:09,749 --> 00:24:12,318 And Jody Avila just reaching from one to another. 598 00:24:12,352 --> 00:24:13,853 John Mack did this earlier, 599 00:24:13,887 --> 00:24:16,122 but Jody's taking it to another level. 600 00:24:16,156 --> 00:24:18,825 And again, he was the first one off. 601 00:24:18,858 --> 00:24:21,761 - And Matt, he's almost 60 pounds heavier than Sam. 602 00:24:21,795 --> 00:24:23,763 - What a race! 603 00:24:23,797 --> 00:24:27,067 Oh, Folsom getting a little edge here. 604 00:24:27,067 --> 00:24:28,835 - Oh, boy. And look at that. 605 00:24:28,868 --> 00:24:30,503 Jody Avila's still in it. He's still in it! 606 00:24:30,537 --> 00:24:31,738 He's still in it! 607 00:24:31,771 --> 00:24:34,674 Oh, my goodness! 608 00:24:34,708 --> 00:24:38,378 - Sam Folsom gets the fastest time of the night. 609 00:24:38,411 --> 00:24:41,181 And Jody Avila's right behind him. 610 00:24:41,214 --> 00:24:44,084 [cheers and applause] 611 00:24:44,084 --> 00:24:47,087 [upbeat music] 612 00:24:47,087 --> 00:24:50,557 Holy cow! What a race. 613 00:24:50,590 --> 00:24:52,325 Both of you get buzzers, 614 00:24:52,359 --> 00:24:55,095 and, Sam, you had the fastest time all night. 615 00:24:55,095 --> 00:24:58,198 - Let's go, baby! Let's go. 616 00:24:58,231 --> 00:25:00,266 - And Jody, you're still alive 617 00:25:00,300 --> 00:25:03,503 for one of those top two nonwinner spots. 618 00:25:03,536 --> 00:25:05,372 Well done. All right, boys. Go celebrate. 619 00:25:05,405 --> 00:25:07,407 - Let's go. 620 00:25:07,440 --> 00:25:09,042 - Sam Folsom's a winner. 621 00:25:09,042 --> 00:25:11,511 And viewers at home can be winners, too, 622 00:25:11,544 --> 00:25:14,180 in our "American Ninja Warrior" sweepstakes, 623 00:25:14,214 --> 00:25:17,650 presented by the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card. 624 00:25:17,684 --> 00:25:22,555 Go to nbc.com/anwsweeps to learn more. 625 00:25:22,589 --> 00:25:24,924 And now it's our number 1 women's seed, 626 00:25:24,958 --> 00:25:27,861 Texas A&M college student Isabella Wakeham. 627 00:25:27,894 --> 00:25:29,763 She just watched her boyfriend, Sam, 628 00:25:29,796 --> 00:25:31,865 punch his ticket to Vegas. 629 00:25:31,898 --> 00:25:33,967 Now she'll be trying to join him. 630 00:25:34,067 --> 00:25:35,735 On the other side is New Mexico's 631 00:25:35,769 --> 00:25:39,539 Ixchel Valentino, who will be an underdog in this race. 632 00:25:39,572 --> 00:25:42,075 But she's no stranger to competition. 633 00:25:42,075 --> 00:25:44,944 [electronic whirring and chirping] 634 00:25:44,978 --> 00:25:46,146 - Nice. 635 00:25:46,179 --> 00:25:48,815 I've been doing robotics since I was five. 636 00:25:48,848 --> 00:25:50,884 Competitive robotics is where everybody 637 00:25:50,917 --> 00:25:52,886 gets to build their own robot. 638 00:25:52,919 --> 00:25:54,754 Do you want one of these on your side? 639 00:25:54,788 --> 00:25:56,289 You get challenges where the robot 640 00:25:56,322 --> 00:25:59,926 has to shoot basketballs into a hoop 641 00:26:00,026 --> 00:26:02,328 or do these monkey bars. 642 00:26:02,362 --> 00:26:03,897 You get to take it and compete 643 00:26:03,930 --> 00:26:05,865 head to head against other teams. 644 00:26:05,899 --> 00:26:08,335 - 7540, another cube. 645 00:26:08,368 --> 00:26:10,904 - I've won on national 646 00:26:10,937 --> 00:26:13,707 and international levels in robotics. 647 00:26:13,740 --> 00:26:16,910 Robotics has definitely taught me to think outside of the box 648 00:26:16,943 --> 00:26:19,546 and be able to use those critical thinking skills. 649 00:26:19,579 --> 00:26:22,048 - Yeah! - Yay. There we go. 650 00:26:22,082 --> 00:26:24,284 You can solve any obstacle out there. 651 00:26:24,317 --> 00:26:27,220 Same with Ninja, you can look at any obstacle, analyze it. 652 00:26:27,253 --> 00:26:29,055 You can figure out how to do it. 653 00:26:29,055 --> 00:26:31,524 - There you go. - Oh, I did it! 654 00:26:31,558 --> 00:26:34,094 So no matter what problem is presented to me on the course, 655 00:26:34,127 --> 00:26:35,462 I'm going to find a way to solve it. 656 00:26:35,495 --> 00:26:38,932 [upbeat music] 657 00:26:38,965 --> 00:26:41,301 - Ixchel's parents are on the sideline, 658 00:26:41,334 --> 00:26:42,902 and Isabella's got her family 659 00:26:42,936 --> 00:26:44,971 and boyfriend Sam cheering for her. 660 00:26:45,071 --> 00:26:46,673 - Ixchel had to win a runoff 661 00:26:46,706 --> 00:26:48,441 in qualifying just to get here. 662 00:26:48,475 --> 00:26:50,643 But Isabella can't be too overconfident. 663 00:26:50,677 --> 00:26:52,912 She was the number 1 seed last year 664 00:26:52,946 --> 00:26:55,315 and shockingly fell on the second obstacle. 665 00:26:55,348 --> 00:26:58,284 [countdown clock beeping] 666 00:26:58,318 --> 00:27:01,454 A little delayed reaction out of Valentino. 667 00:27:01,488 --> 00:27:04,424 She may have some jitters taking on Isabella Wakeham. 668 00:27:04,457 --> 00:27:08,028 And Isabella may be nervous about facing obstacle two. 669 00:27:08,028 --> 00:27:09,662 This is where she fell last year 670 00:27:09,696 --> 00:27:12,032 in one of the biggest upsets of the season. 671 00:27:12,032 --> 00:27:14,734 Her fall allowed Sandy Zimmerman to go to Vegas. 672 00:27:14,768 --> 00:27:16,536 - And you know that's gotta be in her head 673 00:27:16,569 --> 00:27:17,771 just a little bit. 674 00:27:17,804 --> 00:27:19,572 She'll be happy to get past this one. 675 00:27:19,606 --> 00:27:21,041 - And she gets through. 676 00:27:21,041 --> 00:27:23,443 Ixchel Valentino not far behind. 677 00:27:23,476 --> 00:27:26,646 Both women being very careful, very deliberate 678 00:27:26,680 --> 00:27:28,181 on these early obstacles. 679 00:27:30,050 --> 00:27:33,520 - We know Isabella's résumé. We know she can go. 680 00:27:33,553 --> 00:27:35,689 - That's a great thing, Akbar. 681 00:27:35,722 --> 00:27:38,058 There's always someone knocking on the door, 682 00:27:38,091 --> 00:27:39,959 and Ixchel is coming. 683 00:27:40,060 --> 00:27:41,761 She's really pushing Wakeham. 684 00:27:41,795 --> 00:27:44,664 [cheers and applause] 685 00:27:44,698 --> 00:27:48,535 Oh, one-handed save by Ixchel to stay alive. 686 00:27:48,568 --> 00:27:51,938 Wakeham heading into Hopscotch. 687 00:27:51,971 --> 00:27:53,640 - Oh! - Oh, no! 688 00:27:53,673 --> 00:27:55,075 - Oh, my goodness. 689 00:27:55,108 --> 00:27:58,144 - Another shocking fall for Isabella Wakeham. 690 00:27:58,178 --> 00:28:02,148 And history on the cusp of repeating itself. 691 00:28:02,182 --> 00:28:05,652 If Ixchel can survive Hopscotch, 692 00:28:05,685 --> 00:28:07,687 she will go to Vegas. 693 00:28:09,122 --> 00:28:10,924 These ninjas, always so supportive, 694 00:28:11,024 --> 00:28:15,228 but not easy being in Isabella Wakeham's situation, watching. 695 00:28:15,261 --> 00:28:16,496 - Nice--nice catch. 696 00:28:16,529 --> 00:28:19,032 - Your season is in someone else's hands. 697 00:28:20,633 --> 00:28:22,802 Valentino looking strong. 698 00:28:22,836 --> 00:28:25,505 This, I think, the most challenging move right here. 699 00:28:26,906 --> 00:28:30,710 Get those hands locked out, blind grab, got it. 700 00:28:30,744 --> 00:28:32,178 - Look at that. 701 00:28:32,212 --> 00:28:33,580 She's looking forward to breaking the stereotype 702 00:28:33,613 --> 00:28:36,049 that you can be either smart or athletic. 703 00:28:36,049 --> 00:28:38,752 You can be both. 704 00:28:38,785 --> 00:28:41,654 - What an upset this will be. 705 00:28:41,688 --> 00:28:43,289 And she's done it! 706 00:28:43,323 --> 00:28:46,059 Ixchel Valentino delivers! 707 00:28:46,059 --> 00:28:48,061 - Look at that! She's in shock. 708 00:28:48,061 --> 00:28:49,729 She's in complete shock. 709 00:28:49,763 --> 00:28:51,564 I love this. 710 00:28:51,598 --> 00:28:54,067 - She's knocked off the number 1 seed. 711 00:28:56,936 --> 00:28:58,838 And right now, she's gonna push on 712 00:28:58,872 --> 00:29:02,208 and try to get her first buzzer. 713 00:29:02,242 --> 00:29:04,144 - Oh! 714 00:29:04,177 --> 00:29:06,613 - And she splashes down early on Spin Hopper, 715 00:29:06,646 --> 00:29:08,014 but it doesn't matter. 716 00:29:08,048 --> 00:29:10,316 She's pulled off the upset, 717 00:29:10,350 --> 00:29:13,019 and this rookie's going to Vegas. 718 00:29:13,019 --> 00:29:15,388 - Well, Isabella Wakeham had a comfortable lead 719 00:29:15,422 --> 00:29:18,024 but just missed on the two-handed grab. 720 00:29:18,058 --> 00:29:21,428 That opened the door for the underdog, Ixchel Valentino, 721 00:29:21,461 --> 00:29:23,863 and she came through when it counted. 722 00:29:23,897 --> 00:29:26,399 - But gotta be heartbreaking for Isabella 723 00:29:26,433 --> 00:29:28,368 to miss out on Vegas once again. 724 00:29:28,401 --> 00:29:30,804 But she's still congratulating Ixchel. 725 00:29:30,837 --> 00:29:34,074 Just a class act. 726 00:29:34,107 --> 00:29:37,310 Coming up, the Deaf Ninja, Kyle Schulze, 727 00:29:37,344 --> 00:29:39,946 is one of our most inspirational athletes, 728 00:29:40,046 --> 00:29:42,682 coming off the biggest moment of his career. 729 00:29:42,716 --> 00:29:45,051 - Yeah! 730 00:29:45,051 --> 00:29:48,388 - Now he'll try to earn a ticket to the National Finals 731 00:29:48,421 --> 00:29:50,924 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 732 00:29:55,495 --> 00:29:58,064 - Newcomer Jonah Brown shocked everyone 733 00:29:58,064 --> 00:29:59,632 when he put up the fastest time 734 00:29:59,666 --> 00:30:02,068 in his night of qualifying. 735 00:30:02,102 --> 00:30:04,270 - Where in the heck did you come from, man? 736 00:30:04,304 --> 00:30:05,872 - Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 737 00:30:05,905 --> 00:30:08,408 - Tonight, the Tennessee teenager came in 738 00:30:08,441 --> 00:30:11,845 as the number 1 seed, facing the 24, 739 00:30:11,878 --> 00:30:14,647 6'7" Jonas Harmer, 740 00:30:14,681 --> 00:30:17,851 the husband of Olympic medalist MyKayla Skinner. 741 00:30:17,884 --> 00:30:20,487 Brown was linking his moves on Spring Forward 742 00:30:20,520 --> 00:30:22,322 and jumped ahead 743 00:30:22,355 --> 00:30:25,325 while at 220 pounds, Harmer had to lumber through. 744 00:30:25,358 --> 00:30:26,693 - I don't think the Spring Forward 745 00:30:26,726 --> 00:30:28,161 is rated for his weight. 746 00:30:28,194 --> 00:30:30,630 - Brown was on his way to the fifth obstacle 747 00:30:30,663 --> 00:30:32,966 as Harmer tried to make his way through the third. 748 00:30:32,999 --> 00:30:35,669 - Oh! 749 00:30:35,702 --> 00:30:38,638 - After that fall, Brown could coast the rest of the way 750 00:30:38,672 --> 00:30:40,707 and earn his second straight buzzer 751 00:30:40,740 --> 00:30:42,642 and his first trip to Vegas. 752 00:30:42,676 --> 00:30:44,344 - Let's go! 753 00:30:44,377 --> 00:30:47,047 - Then it was a couple of young ninjas 754 00:30:47,080 --> 00:30:49,215 with some cool talents. 755 00:30:49,249 --> 00:30:53,119 21-year-old Grant Kiningham is an ice sculptor from Houston 756 00:30:53,153 --> 00:30:55,789 while Missouri's Dillon Ruble set a world record 757 00:30:55,822 --> 00:30:58,024 for flying paper airplanes. 758 00:30:58,058 --> 00:31:00,427 Even though Ruble's an aerospace engineer, 759 00:31:00,460 --> 00:31:03,296 it was Kiningham who was absolutely flying, 760 00:31:03,329 --> 00:31:05,732 as he jumped out to a big, early lead. 761 00:31:05,765 --> 00:31:07,434 - Kiningham running this with a smile. 762 00:31:07,467 --> 00:31:10,403 He's had a smile on his face the entire time. 763 00:31:10,437 --> 00:31:14,074 - Then the paper airplane pilot crashed on Hopscotch. 764 00:31:14,074 --> 00:31:16,576 - Oh, shoot, he almost fell off the course! 765 00:31:16,609 --> 00:31:18,611 - But he wasn't gonna catch up to Kiningham, 766 00:31:18,645 --> 00:31:21,781 who locked up his second trip to the National Finals. 767 00:31:21,815 --> 00:31:25,452 - Let's go! 768 00:31:25,485 --> 00:31:28,988 - I love this next match-up, two unique individuals. 769 00:31:29,089 --> 00:31:31,558 On one side, it's the Who Dat Ninja, 770 00:31:31,591 --> 00:31:34,160 Louisiana tree-trimmer Jesus Capote, 771 00:31:34,194 --> 00:31:36,629 trying to make it to Vegas in his rookie season. 772 00:31:36,663 --> 00:31:38,698 He's facing a beloved competitor, 773 00:31:38,732 --> 00:31:41,701 the Deaf Ninja, Kyle Schulze, 774 00:31:41,735 --> 00:31:45,505 who's coming off the greatest moment in his career. 775 00:31:45,538 --> 00:31:46,973 [pensive music] 776 00:31:47,007 --> 00:31:49,743 Kyle has been cursed by the fifth obstacle, 777 00:31:49,776 --> 00:31:52,379 has fallen there six times. 778 00:31:52,412 --> 00:31:54,681 - Everybody knows what this would mean to him 779 00:31:54,714 --> 00:31:56,716 if he gets past this. 780 00:31:59,652 --> 00:32:01,221 - [yells] 781 00:32:01,254 --> 00:32:02,856 - Yes! - Nice. Look at that! 782 00:32:02,889 --> 00:32:06,693 - And we are gonna see his first ever buzzer! 783 00:32:06,726 --> 00:32:09,896 - I finally was able to beat that wall. 784 00:32:09,929 --> 00:32:12,298 - The crowd on their feet! - Wow. Wow! 785 00:32:12,332 --> 00:32:13,867 [dramatic music] 786 00:32:13,900 --> 00:32:16,736 - Eight seasons in the making! 787 00:32:16,770 --> 00:32:18,071 - I got a buzzer. 788 00:32:18,104 --> 00:32:19,973 Like, I got a buzzer. 789 00:32:20,073 --> 00:32:22,242 Yeah! 790 00:32:22,275 --> 00:32:25,145 - Take this one in right here. 791 00:32:32,619 --> 00:32:34,354 [upbeat music] 792 00:32:37,624 --> 00:32:39,859 I've only been to Las Vegas one time. 793 00:32:39,893 --> 00:32:42,796 And I fell at the first obstacle. 794 00:32:42,829 --> 00:32:44,898 - Kyle Schulze quickly becoming-- 795 00:32:44,931 --> 00:32:46,599 whoa, oh, no, no, no, no! 796 00:32:46,633 --> 00:32:48,601 [air horn blares] 797 00:32:54,774 --> 00:32:59,646 * * 798 00:32:59,679 --> 00:33:02,048 [cheers and applause] 799 00:33:07,087 --> 00:33:09,556 - Jesus just signed "God bless you" to Kyle. 800 00:33:09,589 --> 00:33:12,158 So many Ninjas have learned some sign language 801 00:33:12,192 --> 00:33:13,927 so they can communicate with Kyle. 802 00:33:13,960 --> 00:33:16,563 That includes Jessie Graff, who's on the sidelines 803 00:33:16,596 --> 00:33:18,698 with Kyle's girlfriend Raquel. 804 00:33:18,732 --> 00:33:21,801 Jesus has his wife on the sidelines, 805 00:33:21,835 --> 00:33:22,969 and his kids and other family 806 00:33:23,069 --> 00:33:24,938 watching back in Louisiana. 807 00:33:24,971 --> 00:33:27,073 - Kyle's got more Ninja experience, 808 00:33:27,107 --> 00:33:28,441 and he's a 10 seed. 809 00:33:28,475 --> 00:33:30,477 Jesus Capote is a 15. 810 00:33:30,510 --> 00:33:34,514 [countdown clock beeping] 811 00:33:34,547 --> 00:33:36,449 - Quick start. 812 00:33:36,483 --> 00:33:38,118 Schulze in his eighth season, 813 00:33:38,151 --> 00:33:39,753 Capote in his first. 814 00:33:39,786 --> 00:33:43,456 Kyle is 6'1", 7 inches taller than Capote. 815 00:33:43,490 --> 00:33:45,392 - Whoa, look at Jesus. 816 00:33:45,425 --> 00:33:47,293 He's bringing it. 817 00:33:47,327 --> 00:33:49,262 And now they're tied up. 818 00:33:49,295 --> 00:33:51,097 - Oh, it is synced. 819 00:33:51,097 --> 00:33:53,099 - Who Dat Ninja? 820 00:33:53,133 --> 00:33:55,101 - Kyle Schulze looked to be the first off 821 00:33:55,135 --> 00:33:56,836 in now to the Wingnuts. 822 00:33:56,870 --> 00:33:58,738 Jesus Capote is a tree trimmer. 823 00:33:58,772 --> 00:34:00,573 He's used to being up in the air. 824 00:34:00,607 --> 00:34:01,808 - Come on, babe. 825 00:34:01,841 --> 00:34:04,611 - Well, another good match-up. 826 00:34:04,644 --> 00:34:08,048 Jesus Capote not shying away from the moment. 827 00:34:08,081 --> 00:34:11,518 - Whoo! And Kyle is putting it to him. 828 00:34:11,551 --> 00:34:13,553 Well done by Schulze. 829 00:34:13,586 --> 00:34:15,055 Oh! 830 00:34:15,055 --> 00:34:16,823 And Capote is down. 831 00:34:16,856 --> 00:34:19,259 - Real talk, the tree trimmer gave it a good run. 832 00:34:19,292 --> 00:34:23,063 - And Kyle Schulze, going back to Vegas 833 00:34:23,063 --> 00:34:25,899 for the first time since season 10. 834 00:34:25,932 --> 00:34:30,270 - Wow, what a magical run for Kyle Schulze. 835 00:34:32,172 --> 00:34:34,674 - Well, talk about getting better with age. 836 00:34:34,708 --> 00:34:37,577 And Akbar, don't look now, 837 00:34:37,610 --> 00:34:40,513 he's close to getting his second buzzer. 838 00:34:40,547 --> 00:34:43,216 [cheers and applause] 839 00:34:43,249 --> 00:34:45,085 - This is so great. 840 00:34:45,085 --> 00:34:46,252 He's put in the work for this. 841 00:34:46,286 --> 00:34:48,788 He earned this moment. 842 00:34:48,822 --> 00:34:51,124 - Kyle just said this is a fun obstacle. 843 00:34:51,157 --> 00:34:54,094 But Spin Hopper is not an easy one. 844 00:34:54,127 --> 00:34:56,429 Well, how great would it be for Kyle Schulze, 845 00:34:56,463 --> 00:35:00,467 here in his eighth season, to go back-to-back buzzers? 846 00:35:00,500 --> 00:35:02,635 Gonna have to survive Spin Hopper. 847 00:35:02,669 --> 00:35:04,237 Good ascent. 848 00:35:04,270 --> 00:35:06,706 - It took him eight years to get his first buzzer. 849 00:35:06,740 --> 00:35:09,676 Could get his second after just a few weeks. 850 00:35:09,709 --> 00:35:12,112 - Well, we have seen the grit and determination. 851 00:35:12,145 --> 00:35:15,548 Kyle Schulze will leave it all on the course. 852 00:35:15,582 --> 00:35:18,218 Well done. Good control here. 853 00:35:20,553 --> 00:35:23,490 - I see you, Kyle Schulze, 'bout to get another buzzer. 854 00:35:23,523 --> 00:35:25,225 - Oh, my. Come on. 855 00:35:25,258 --> 00:35:27,494 Get to that bar! - Right there. 856 00:35:27,527 --> 00:35:29,129 Nice. - Yes! 857 00:35:29,162 --> 00:35:31,164 Come on, Kyle! - He can taste it. 858 00:35:31,197 --> 00:35:33,400 He can feel it. 859 00:35:33,433 --> 00:35:35,435 - Yes! 860 00:35:35,468 --> 00:35:36,970 Kyle Schulze, 861 00:35:37,070 --> 00:35:39,339 his eighth season, 862 00:35:39,372 --> 00:35:42,542 going back to back on the buzzers. 863 00:35:42,575 --> 00:35:45,278 [buzzer blares] 864 00:35:45,311 --> 00:35:47,981 [cheers and applause] 865 00:35:53,586 --> 00:35:56,089 - Yeah, you did! 866 00:35:56,089 --> 00:35:57,891 - Whoo! 867 00:35:57,924 --> 00:36:02,228 - Kyle, you just got back-to-back buzzers. 868 00:36:02,262 --> 00:36:04,197 How good does it feel? 869 00:36:12,038 --> 00:36:14,207 Whoo! 870 00:36:17,711 --> 00:36:20,313 - All right, see you, man. - See you in Vegas, Kyle. 871 00:36:20,347 --> 00:36:22,349 - Whoo! 872 00:36:22,382 --> 00:36:25,719 - Coming up, he's the reigning king of Ninja. 873 00:36:25,752 --> 00:36:28,655 Vance Walker tries to get back to Vegas. 874 00:36:28,688 --> 00:36:32,125 We'll see him next on "American Ninja Warrior." 875 00:36:35,895 --> 00:36:37,564 - Oh, my goodness. 876 00:36:37,597 --> 00:36:40,233 - Daniel Gil is one of the all-time greats 877 00:36:40,266 --> 00:36:42,502 and has qualified for the National Finals 878 00:36:42,535 --> 00:36:44,270 every season he's competed. 879 00:36:44,304 --> 00:36:47,707 So Gil, the number 2 seed, was feeling pretty loose 880 00:36:47,741 --> 00:36:51,211 minutes ago when he stepped out to take on the 23 seed, 881 00:36:51,244 --> 00:36:54,314 Georgia accountant Ricky Vu. 882 00:36:54,347 --> 00:36:56,149 - When that hair starts flying like that, 883 00:36:56,182 --> 00:36:57,884 there's no catching Daniel Gil. 884 00:36:57,917 --> 00:37:01,187 - Gil just missed out on the million dollars last season, 885 00:37:01,221 --> 00:37:03,723 and he showed why he's one of the all-time greats. 886 00:37:03,757 --> 00:37:05,725 - He's going supersonic speed. 887 00:37:05,759 --> 00:37:08,094 - Ricky Vu is a five-time Ninja veteran, 888 00:37:08,128 --> 00:37:10,430 but he couldn't keep up with Gil. 889 00:37:10,463 --> 00:37:12,265 both: Oh! 890 00:37:12,298 --> 00:37:14,134 - And when he fell on Hopscotch, 891 00:37:14,167 --> 00:37:16,302 Gil could cruise to another buzzer. 892 00:37:16,336 --> 00:37:18,638 Not quite fast enough for the Safety Pass... 893 00:37:18,672 --> 00:37:20,840 [buzzer blares] 894 00:37:20,874 --> 00:37:23,176 But he's on his way to Vegas for the eighth time. 895 00:37:23,209 --> 00:37:24,811 - Whoo! 896 00:37:24,844 --> 00:37:27,514 - Up next is the guy who edged out Daniel Gil 897 00:37:27,547 --> 00:37:29,115 for the million dollars last year. 898 00:37:29,149 --> 00:37:32,052 It's our reigning champion, Vance Walker, 899 00:37:32,052 --> 00:37:35,055 who's trying to return to Vegas to defend his title. 900 00:37:35,055 --> 00:37:37,057 And the guy with the unenviable task 901 00:37:37,057 --> 00:37:38,758 of trying to outrun the champ 902 00:37:38,792 --> 00:37:41,961 is Idaho's Brigham Youngstrom, a two-time Ninja veteran 903 00:37:42,062 --> 00:37:45,065 with a pretty cool job. 904 00:37:45,098 --> 00:37:47,100 - I'm known as the Ice Ninja 905 00:37:47,133 --> 00:37:51,237 because I build ice palaces with my family. 906 00:37:51,271 --> 00:37:53,907 We usually cover about 2 acres of ice, 907 00:37:53,940 --> 00:37:56,476 where people can go and explore hundreds of feet 908 00:37:56,509 --> 00:37:59,279 of ice tunnels, slides. 909 00:37:59,312 --> 00:38:02,716 And moving these ice logs around really does help 910 00:38:02,749 --> 00:38:04,684 keep me in shape for Ninja. 911 00:38:04,718 --> 00:38:07,620 Vance Walker is a strong ninja, a fast ninja. 912 00:38:07,654 --> 00:38:09,923 But I've got ice in my veins. 913 00:38:10,023 --> 00:38:12,025 I'm ready to conquer. 914 00:38:13,860 --> 00:38:16,796 - Brigham's got his family on the sideline, 915 00:38:16,830 --> 00:38:19,232 as does Vance Walker. 916 00:38:19,265 --> 00:38:22,035 Brigham Youngstrom is gonna need the run of his life. 917 00:38:22,035 --> 00:38:23,603 He's a 21 seed. 918 00:38:23,636 --> 00:38:25,105 Vance Walker is a 4. 919 00:38:25,138 --> 00:38:27,540 [countdown clock beeping] 920 00:38:27,574 --> 00:38:28,775 Here we go. 921 00:38:28,808 --> 00:38:31,044 Vance Walker was a legendary racer 922 00:38:31,044 --> 00:38:33,380 in "Ninja Junior," two years undefeated. 923 00:38:33,413 --> 00:38:35,115 - Ooh, but look at this. 924 00:38:35,148 --> 00:38:36,649 Look at-- - Linking! 925 00:38:39,052 --> 00:38:41,287 - Vance Walker says, all right, enough play time. 926 00:38:41,321 --> 00:38:42,722 It's go time. 927 00:38:42,756 --> 00:38:45,325 - And look at him launch himself into that wingnut. 928 00:38:45,358 --> 00:38:47,460 - Vance Walker is big time, prime time, 929 00:38:47,494 --> 00:38:49,429 showtime, all time, good time. 930 00:38:49,462 --> 00:38:52,599 - And he jumps right past the first handle on Hopscotch. 931 00:38:52,632 --> 00:38:55,068 He may be thinking about the Safety Pass. 932 00:38:55,068 --> 00:38:57,303 He'll need to beat the time of John Mack, 933 00:38:57,337 --> 00:38:59,172 who's currently second fastest. 934 00:38:59,205 --> 00:39:00,440 He is moving. 935 00:39:00,473 --> 00:39:02,242 Spin Hopper can eat up a lot of time. 936 00:39:02,275 --> 00:39:05,111 And Vance, no hesitation, right into it. 937 00:39:05,145 --> 00:39:06,413 - You know what I love about Vance Walker? 938 00:39:06,446 --> 00:39:08,048 He's not resting on his laurels. 939 00:39:08,081 --> 00:39:10,316 He's competing this year like he wants another milly. 940 00:39:10,350 --> 00:39:12,385 - Brigham Youngstrom's still on the move. 941 00:39:12,419 --> 00:39:13,887 May not win the race 942 00:39:13,920 --> 00:39:16,690 but could be a top non-winner if he can hit a buzzer. 943 00:39:16,723 --> 00:39:18,725 Vance Walker's cruising to the finish. 944 00:39:18,758 --> 00:39:21,061 Won't be fast enough to beat Mack's time 945 00:39:21,094 --> 00:39:23,029 and get a shot at the Safety Pass, 946 00:39:23,029 --> 00:39:25,265 but he's going back to Vegas to try and win 947 00:39:25,298 --> 00:39:28,034 back-to-back titles. 948 00:39:28,068 --> 00:39:30,470 Well, look at this, Brigham Youngstrom 949 00:39:30,503 --> 00:39:32,539 continuing to fight. 950 00:39:32,572 --> 00:39:33,873 Not gonna be fast enough 951 00:39:33,907 --> 00:39:35,742 to be one of our top two non-winners 952 00:39:35,775 --> 00:39:38,211 but could get his very first buzzer. 953 00:39:38,244 --> 00:39:40,680 Oh! 954 00:39:40,714 --> 00:39:44,084 Brigham Youngstrom makes it to the fifth obstacle, 955 00:39:44,117 --> 00:39:47,721 but it's Vance Walker getting that buzzer. 956 00:39:47,754 --> 00:39:49,489 And as good as that run was, 957 00:39:49,522 --> 00:39:52,425 it was just the fifth fastest finish tonight. 958 00:39:52,459 --> 00:39:54,894 The two fastest, Sam Folsom and John Mack, 959 00:39:54,928 --> 00:39:57,330 will race for the Safety Pass in just a moment. 960 00:39:57,364 --> 00:39:59,532 Last year's runner up, Daniel Gil, 961 00:39:59,566 --> 00:40:03,136 had only the sixth best time in this loaded field tonight. 962 00:40:03,169 --> 00:40:05,905 And a trio of veterans round out our list of winners 963 00:40:05,939 --> 00:40:07,640 who are heading to Vegas. 964 00:40:07,674 --> 00:40:09,509 Our top two non-winners moving on 965 00:40:09,542 --> 00:40:13,146 are rookie Josh Miller and the Big Dog Jody Avila. 966 00:40:13,179 --> 00:40:15,582 Teenager Madelyn Madaras, who got a buzzer, 967 00:40:15,615 --> 00:40:18,218 leads our list of winners for the women. 968 00:40:18,251 --> 00:40:20,387 And we've got one final race, 969 00:40:20,420 --> 00:40:22,889 an all-out sprint for the Safety Pass, 970 00:40:22,922 --> 00:40:24,457 which gives you a second chance 971 00:40:24,491 --> 00:40:26,760 if you fall on Stage 1 in Vegas. 972 00:40:26,793 --> 00:40:28,962 The two fastest squaring off. 973 00:40:28,995 --> 00:40:31,197 We've got the talented obstacle designer 974 00:40:31,231 --> 00:40:33,566 from the St. Louis area, Sam Folsom, 975 00:40:33,600 --> 00:40:38,672 taking on the Reach, 6'5" Utah college student John Mack. 976 00:40:38,705 --> 00:40:40,340 - John Mack is a big guy. 977 00:40:40,373 --> 00:40:42,642 I'm gonna have to link everything possible 978 00:40:42,676 --> 00:40:45,712 that I'm able to link if I wanna keep up with his reach. 979 00:40:45,745 --> 00:40:47,147 - I got a height advantage, 980 00:40:47,180 --> 00:40:49,783 so hopefully I can get an early start 981 00:40:49,816 --> 00:40:51,918 and then just keep that mojo rolling. 982 00:40:51,951 --> 00:40:54,654 - The Safety Pass is so valuable in Vegas. 983 00:40:54,688 --> 00:40:57,390 It gives you an insurance policy on Stage 1. 984 00:40:57,424 --> 00:40:59,392 These guys are gonna go all out. 985 00:40:59,426 --> 00:41:01,327 - John Mack used those long arms 986 00:41:01,361 --> 00:41:03,563 to edge out Josh Miller in his race earlier. 987 00:41:03,596 --> 00:41:05,065 Can he do it again? 988 00:41:05,065 --> 00:41:06,499 Here we go. 989 00:41:06,533 --> 00:41:09,402 Just neck and neck right here, these two synced. 990 00:41:09,436 --> 00:41:12,605 - That big fella can move now. That big fella can move. 991 00:41:12,639 --> 00:41:14,074 - Well, Sam a little more efficient. 992 00:41:14,074 --> 00:41:15,375 Oh, my goodness. 993 00:41:15,408 --> 00:41:16,743 - Don't underestimate that reach, Matt. 994 00:41:16,776 --> 00:41:18,178 - Oh! 995 00:41:18,211 --> 00:41:20,413 These two-- 996 00:41:20,447 --> 00:41:23,183 and they both skip the first handle on Hopscotch. 997 00:41:23,216 --> 00:41:26,386 John Mack using his reach on this one. 998 00:41:26,419 --> 00:41:28,121 Look at this! - Oh, here we go. 999 00:41:28,154 --> 00:41:29,923 This is gonna be the difference maker right-- 1000 00:41:29,956 --> 00:41:31,825 both: Oh! 1001 00:41:31,858 --> 00:41:33,993 - The Reach loses his grip! 1002 00:41:34,094 --> 00:41:36,463 Sam Folsom delivered. 1003 00:41:36,496 --> 00:41:41,701 John Mack just exceeded his reach, splashes down. 1004 00:41:41,735 --> 00:41:45,238 Folsom's got Safety. 1005 00:41:45,271 --> 00:41:48,708 10 seconds faster than his earlier race. 1006 00:41:48,742 --> 00:41:49,843 Heck of a race. 1007 00:41:49,876 --> 00:41:51,011 [cheers and applause] 1008 00:41:51,111 --> 00:41:52,112 - Hey, good job, brother. 1009 00:41:52,145 --> 00:41:53,780 Great job. 1010 00:41:53,813 --> 00:41:56,783 - For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 1011 00:41:56,816 --> 00:42:02,055 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior." 1012 00:42:02,055 --> 00:42:05,058 [dramatic music] 1013 00:42:05,058 --> 00:42:12,098 * *