1 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:06,639 - All right, you ready? 2 00:00:06,673 --> 00:00:08,108 - I think so. 3 00:00:08,141 --> 00:00:10,643 - Just tell me your name and your age. 4 00:00:10,677 --> 00:00:12,879 - My name is Isabella Wakeham. - Xavier Dantzler. 5 00:00:12,912 --> 00:00:14,547 - My name's Enzo. - Isaiah Thomas. 6 00:00:14,581 --> 00:00:16,216 I'm 15 years old. - I'm 16 years old. 7 00:00:16,249 --> 00:00:17,784 - I'm 17. - 16 years old. 8 00:00:17,817 --> 00:00:19,052 - 15 years old. 9 00:00:19,085 --> 00:00:21,154 - "American Ninja Warrior" is tapping 10 00:00:21,187 --> 00:00:22,822 into the Fountain of Youth. 11 00:00:22,856 --> 00:00:25,825 - * This could be the moment we've been waiting for * 12 00:00:25,859 --> 00:00:27,761 * The chance to feel alive * 13 00:00:27,794 --> 00:00:29,929 - I can't vote, I can't get into an R rated movie, 14 00:00:29,963 --> 00:00:32,732 but I am gonna be the next American Ninja Warrior. 15 00:00:32,766 --> 00:00:36,369 - For the first time, the stars of "Ninja Junior"... 16 00:00:36,403 --> 00:00:38,872 - Matt, these kids are absolutely flying 17 00:00:38,905 --> 00:00:39,939 through this course. 18 00:00:39,973 --> 00:00:42,709 - are graduating to the big show. 19 00:00:42,742 --> 00:00:46,212 - * Nothing's gonna stop us, nothing's gonna top this * 20 00:00:46,246 --> 00:00:48,782 * Nothing like we've ever seen * 21 00:00:48,815 --> 00:00:51,051 - We've been hearing footsteps for years, 22 00:00:51,084 --> 00:00:52,652 but now they're here. 23 00:00:52,686 --> 00:00:54,821 - Isaiah Thomas. 24 00:00:54,854 --> 00:00:56,122 - I'm just ready to show them what I got. 25 00:00:56,156 --> 00:00:57,791 - Do you think you can take this all the way? 26 00:00:57,824 --> 00:00:59,659 - I bet I can. - Oh! 27 00:00:59,693 --> 00:01:03,196 - * This is where it all begins * 28 00:01:03,229 --> 00:01:05,231 - These kids are gonna blow your mind. 29 00:01:05,265 --> 00:01:08,068 - That's what it means to be sweet 16. 30 00:01:08,068 --> 00:01:10,670 And for the first time in two years, 31 00:01:10,704 --> 00:01:13,106 we're headed back to Las Vegas 32 00:01:13,139 --> 00:01:15,875 with a million dollars on the line. 33 00:01:15,909 --> 00:01:18,211 - * This is where it all begins * 34 00:01:18,244 --> 00:01:22,582 * Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa * 35 00:01:22,615 --> 00:01:25,118 * This is where it all begins * 36 00:01:25,151 --> 00:01:27,187 - New competitors, 37 00:01:27,220 --> 00:01:30,090 returning stars. 38 00:01:30,090 --> 00:01:31,991 - Can't let a 15-year-old beat me, come on. 39 00:01:32,092 --> 00:01:34,561 - And it all starts right now. 40 00:01:34,594 --> 00:01:36,596 - "American Ninja Warrior" this year is gonna be... 41 00:01:36,629 --> 00:01:38,398 - Oh! 42 00:01:38,431 --> 00:01:39,699 - wild. 43 00:01:39,733 --> 00:01:42,602 - * This is where it all begins * 44 00:01:42,635 --> 00:01:45,638 [dramatic music] 45 00:01:45,672 --> 00:01:49,175 * * 46 00:01:49,209 --> 00:01:51,644 - Welcome to the Great Northwest. 47 00:01:51,678 --> 00:01:53,813 We're inside the legendary Tacoma Dome 48 00:01:53,847 --> 00:01:57,717 for the season premiere of "American Ninja Warrior." 49 00:01:57,751 --> 00:02:00,387 Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 50 00:02:00,420 --> 00:02:03,156 I'm Matt Iseman. - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 51 00:02:03,189 --> 00:02:04,591 Here we go, Matt. 52 00:02:04,624 --> 00:02:07,727 How lucky are we that we get to do this again, huh? 53 00:02:07,761 --> 00:02:10,296 And we're gonna really shake it up this season. 54 00:02:10,330 --> 00:02:11,865 - Absolutely, big man. 55 00:02:11,898 --> 00:02:14,668 We're gonna start here for five nights of qualifying, 56 00:02:14,701 --> 00:02:16,903 then it's LA for the semifinals, 57 00:02:16,936 --> 00:02:21,141 and then we're going back to Vegas for the national finals. 58 00:02:21,174 --> 00:02:24,077 - And we've got some groundbreaking changes for you 59 00:02:24,110 --> 00:02:27,080 this year including who you're gonna see on the course. 60 00:02:27,113 --> 00:02:28,982 We've changed the rules, 61 00:02:29,082 --> 00:02:30,850 and you're gonna meet competitors 62 00:02:30,884 --> 00:02:32,752 as young as 15 years old. 63 00:02:32,786 --> 00:02:34,220 - The future is now. 64 00:02:34,254 --> 00:02:36,523 They got their start on "Ninja Junior." 65 00:02:36,556 --> 00:02:39,693 Tonight they make their debut on the big course. 66 00:02:39,726 --> 00:02:42,862 From Texas, 15-year-old Isaiah Thomas. 67 00:02:42,896 --> 00:02:45,865 Tennessee's 16-year-old Elijah Browning. 68 00:02:45,899 --> 00:02:49,969 And Houston's 17-year-old Isabella Wakeham. 69 00:02:50,003 --> 00:02:52,739 But we've still got lots of fan favorites, 70 00:02:52,772 --> 00:02:56,509 including the man who won it all last year, Daniel Gil. 71 00:02:56,543 --> 00:03:00,347 The kingdom ninja reigns supreme! 72 00:03:00,380 --> 00:03:02,816 - The course our Ninjas will face tonight is filled 73 00:03:02,849 --> 00:03:05,051 with new twists and new obstacles. 74 00:03:05,051 --> 00:03:07,487 For more on that, let's go down to Zuri Hall. 75 00:03:07,520 --> 00:03:10,056 - Guys, it is so great to be back, 76 00:03:10,056 --> 00:03:12,459 but right now I'm at a crossroads. 77 00:03:12,492 --> 00:03:14,861 That's because for the first time ever, 78 00:03:14,894 --> 00:03:18,098 when our ninjas hit the course, they'll have to make a choice. 79 00:03:18,131 --> 00:03:20,266 It's called Split Decision, 80 00:03:20,300 --> 00:03:24,738 where our ninjas must decide between two balance obstacles: 81 00:03:24,771 --> 00:03:26,906 Domino Effect on one side 82 00:03:26,940 --> 00:03:29,275 and Spinning Log on the other. 83 00:03:29,309 --> 00:03:31,478 - If you fall on the one you pick, 84 00:03:31,511 --> 00:03:33,680 you're always gonna wonder, 85 00:03:33,713 --> 00:03:35,648 what if you had picked the other one? 86 00:03:35,682 --> 00:03:38,451 - Plus, we have three new obstacles: 87 00:03:38,485 --> 00:03:40,653 Overpass in the number two position, 88 00:03:40,687 --> 00:03:42,555 Tipping Point at the number four, 89 00:03:42,589 --> 00:03:46,159 and the very tough V Formation at number five. 90 00:03:46,192 --> 00:03:51,297 And it all ends with a run up the 14 1/2-foot Warped Wall, 91 00:03:51,331 --> 00:03:52,799 or if you're feeling confident, 92 00:03:52,832 --> 00:03:55,268 you can take a shot at the 18-foot Mega Wall 93 00:03:55,301 --> 00:03:57,270 for 10,000 bucks. 94 00:03:57,303 --> 00:03:58,872 Let's do this, guys. 95 00:03:58,905 --> 00:04:01,708 - Well, you're gonna see a lot of teenagers this season, 96 00:04:01,741 --> 00:04:04,711 but we're gonna start with the original kid. 97 00:04:04,744 --> 00:04:07,280 We're talking Kid Owhadi. 98 00:04:07,313 --> 00:04:09,215 The 22-year-old from the Houston area, 99 00:04:09,249 --> 00:04:11,117 he's the one who blazed the trail 100 00:04:11,151 --> 00:04:13,319 for this new generation of ninjas. 101 00:04:13,353 --> 00:04:17,057 Three years ago, we lowered the age limit to 19, 102 00:04:17,057 --> 00:04:19,092 and Owhadi made history... 103 00:04:19,125 --> 00:04:20,527 - Look at him go! 104 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:22,962 - as the first teenager ever to finish a course 105 00:04:23,063 --> 00:04:24,931 on "American Ninja Warrior." 106 00:04:24,964 --> 00:04:27,600 The youngest ever to hit the buzzer, 107 00:04:27,634 --> 00:04:30,403 what a debut by the Kid! 108 00:04:30,437 --> 00:04:33,740 Now at 22, he's a seasoned veteran, 109 00:04:33,773 --> 00:04:35,809 and he wants the new kids to know 110 00:04:35,842 --> 00:04:37,844 he's not going anywhere. 111 00:04:37,877 --> 00:04:39,713 - I may not be the youngest anymore, 112 00:04:39,746 --> 00:04:41,548 but I'll still be the Kid forever. 113 00:04:41,581 --> 00:04:43,583 - And the Kid will have lots of support 114 00:04:43,616 --> 00:04:45,919 from his Houston area ninjas he trains with, 115 00:04:45,952 --> 00:04:48,755 Daniel Gil and Jody Avila. 116 00:04:48,788 --> 00:04:50,824 And that's one of the new kids we'll see tonight, 117 00:04:50,857 --> 00:04:53,126 16-year-old Elijah Browning. 118 00:04:53,159 --> 00:04:55,095 - All you, man. - Let's get it! 119 00:04:55,128 --> 00:04:56,730 - Come on, Kid! 120 00:04:56,763 --> 00:04:59,432 - Kid typically fast and aggressive on the course, 121 00:04:59,466 --> 00:05:02,102 and just sprints through the Shrinking Steps. 122 00:05:02,135 --> 00:05:04,437 Now brand-new obstacle Overpass. 123 00:05:04,471 --> 00:05:06,239 The bar above him starts rolling, 124 00:05:06,272 --> 00:05:08,141 gotta time his grab. 125 00:05:08,174 --> 00:05:09,542 - Just like that. 126 00:05:09,576 --> 00:05:11,611 - Now he has to swing over to the final bar. 127 00:05:11,644 --> 00:05:14,047 He's making quick work of this one. 128 00:05:14,047 --> 00:05:15,915 - There you go! - Yeah, boy. 129 00:05:15,949 --> 00:05:19,386 - Now gonna be the first ever to face Split Decision, 130 00:05:19,419 --> 00:05:21,454 a choice between two balance obstacles: 131 00:05:21,488 --> 00:05:23,923 Domino Effect or Spinning Log. 132 00:05:23,957 --> 00:05:25,859 - And he's going straight for Spinning Log. 133 00:05:25,892 --> 00:05:28,528 - Oh, my--oh, my goodness! 134 00:05:28,561 --> 00:05:30,230 - No! - No freaking way. 135 00:05:30,263 --> 00:05:32,132 - What is going on here, man? 136 00:05:32,165 --> 00:05:34,067 - What a way to start, 137 00:05:34,067 --> 00:05:37,937 one of our top ninjas out on just the third obstacle. 138 00:05:37,971 --> 00:05:39,239 - What? 139 00:05:39,272 --> 00:05:42,509 - That's not supposed to happen to the Kid! 140 00:05:42,542 --> 00:05:45,679 - Kid has never fallen on a qualifying course, 141 00:05:45,712 --> 00:05:47,847 but when he jumped over that divider in the middle, 142 00:05:47,881 --> 00:05:50,083 his foot lands off to the right side, 143 00:05:50,116 --> 00:05:52,719 and he couldn't save it, and just like that, 144 00:05:52,752 --> 00:05:55,955 his season is over. 145 00:05:55,989 --> 00:05:59,526 - Whoa, I didn't see that one coming. 146 00:05:59,559 --> 00:06:03,363 - So a top veteran goes down, but stepping up, 147 00:06:03,396 --> 00:06:05,298 the first of our next generation 148 00:06:05,331 --> 00:06:06,633 of ninja stars, 149 00:06:06,666 --> 00:06:08,468 and she'll be the youngest athlete ever 150 00:06:08,501 --> 00:06:11,071 to run the "American Ninja Warrior" course. 151 00:06:11,104 --> 00:06:14,274 This is 16-year-old Sophie Shaft. 152 00:06:14,307 --> 00:06:17,644 Sophie's a high school sophomore from Michigan, 153 00:06:17,677 --> 00:06:20,447 and she calls herself "the Beast." 154 00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:22,282 - Good boy. Come on, good boy. 155 00:06:22,315 --> 00:06:25,652 - Sophie may seem like an ordinary tenth grader, 156 00:06:25,685 --> 00:06:28,822 but the first 16-year-old to run the "Ninja Warrior" course 157 00:06:28,855 --> 00:06:31,491 is both a powerhouse athlete 158 00:06:31,524 --> 00:06:35,061 and a talented musician. 159 00:06:35,095 --> 00:06:38,765 She can delicately tap out a concerto on the piano, 160 00:06:38,798 --> 00:06:41,935 and she can deadlift 300 pounds. 161 00:06:41,968 --> 00:06:43,403 - Nice. 162 00:06:43,436 --> 00:06:45,672 - I just think that girls should really be able 163 00:06:45,705 --> 00:06:47,974 to like, be proud of their muscles and strength. 164 00:06:48,074 --> 00:06:51,144 People might underestimate me because I'm only 5 foot tall, 165 00:06:51,177 --> 00:06:53,113 but I've got pretty big arms. 166 00:06:53,146 --> 00:06:54,981 * * 167 00:06:55,982 --> 00:06:59,085 - Only 5 foot tall, she is a powerhouse, Matt. 168 00:06:59,085 --> 00:07:01,855 Waving to her mom and sister back in Michigan. 169 00:07:01,888 --> 00:07:04,691 - Go sissy! - Go sissy! 170 00:07:04,724 --> 00:07:06,092 - Do this, come on! 171 00:07:06,126 --> 00:07:08,495 - And her dad, Jeremy, down on the sideline, 172 00:07:08,528 --> 00:07:09,929 a proud papa. 173 00:07:10,030 --> 00:07:12,298 She's the first of many impressive teens 174 00:07:12,332 --> 00:07:14,701 we're gonna see this season. 175 00:07:14,734 --> 00:07:16,836 - We saw her compete 176 00:07:16,870 --> 00:07:18,672 on "American Ninja Warrior Junior." 177 00:07:18,705 --> 00:07:20,140 She's a little dynamo! 178 00:07:20,173 --> 00:07:22,175 - There we go, there we go! 179 00:07:22,208 --> 00:07:24,344 - 5 feet, 125. 180 00:07:24,377 --> 00:07:25,879 - Let's go! You got this! 181 00:07:25,912 --> 00:07:28,615 - Now facing this brand-new obstacle Overpass. 182 00:07:28,648 --> 00:07:30,617 - Timing is everything on this one. 183 00:07:30,650 --> 00:07:33,086 She's gotta go for it. 184 00:07:33,119 --> 00:07:35,055 Oh, she let the bar pass. 185 00:07:35,088 --> 00:07:37,457 Now gotta make a long lache. 186 00:07:37,490 --> 00:07:38,858 - Oh, good job. 187 00:07:38,892 --> 00:07:41,127 - Former gymnast and a CrossFit athlete. 188 00:07:41,161 --> 00:07:42,629 Her dad's a CrossFitter, 189 00:07:42,662 --> 00:07:44,464 and he got her into powerlifting. 190 00:07:44,497 --> 00:07:47,767 And at 16 years old, she's got a motor that won't quit. 191 00:07:47,801 --> 00:07:51,071 - Yeah! Yeah, come on! 192 00:07:51,104 --> 00:07:53,673 - And she's reached Split Decision. 193 00:07:53,707 --> 00:07:55,675 It looks like she's taking a different route 194 00:07:55,709 --> 00:07:56,676 than Kid Owhadi. 195 00:07:56,710 --> 00:07:58,578 She's going left. 196 00:07:58,611 --> 00:08:01,014 Okay, Sophie! 197 00:08:01,047 --> 00:08:03,149 - Yes! Yeah! 198 00:08:03,183 --> 00:08:06,319 - Well, the top five women from tonight will move on. 199 00:08:06,353 --> 00:08:09,022 Sophie Shaft trying to be one of them, 200 00:08:09,022 --> 00:08:12,292 now looking up at another new obstacle Tipping Point. 201 00:08:12,325 --> 00:08:13,927 We know she's strong, 202 00:08:14,027 --> 00:08:17,731 but she's gonna need technique for this one. 203 00:08:17,764 --> 00:08:21,334 Has to climb up that first plank until it tilts, 204 00:08:21,368 --> 00:08:24,871 really need a strong grip to grab the sides. 205 00:08:24,904 --> 00:08:26,339 - All right, here we go. 206 00:08:26,373 --> 00:08:28,208 This is where that board is gonna start to tilt, 207 00:08:28,241 --> 00:08:30,210 so she's going to have to use a lot of her body 208 00:08:30,243 --> 00:08:31,478 to try to get that thing 209 00:08:31,511 --> 00:08:33,246 and maneuver to a parallel position. 210 00:08:33,279 --> 00:08:35,048 - Come on, Soph! 211 00:08:35,048 --> 00:08:37,150 - Oh, actually over-ratcheted it. 212 00:08:37,183 --> 00:08:39,185 Now has to climb back to the right, 213 00:08:39,219 --> 00:08:41,087 then transfer to the other plank. 214 00:08:41,121 --> 00:08:43,089 She might have the wingspan, but it's gonna be tough. 215 00:08:43,123 --> 00:08:45,558 - Well, this one might require her to fly. 216 00:08:45,592 --> 00:08:47,327 - Come on. - You can do it! 217 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:48,962 - Oh, okay, she got it! She got it! 218 00:08:49,062 --> 00:08:50,163 - Oh, my. - Oh, she good-- 219 00:08:50,196 --> 00:08:52,665 - Oh no! 220 00:08:52,699 --> 00:08:56,503 Sophie Shaft just can't get over the Tipping Point, 221 00:08:56,536 --> 00:09:00,173 but what a rookie run from the tenth grader. 222 00:09:00,206 --> 00:09:03,109 - She almost missed that fourth domino entirely-- 223 00:09:03,143 --> 00:09:05,578 right there, but was able to save it. 224 00:09:05,612 --> 00:09:08,281 And then made the reach across Tipping Point, 225 00:09:08,314 --> 00:09:10,884 but look at her left hand, struggled to find her grip, 226 00:09:10,917 --> 00:09:13,653 and slipped right off. 227 00:09:13,687 --> 00:09:15,855 - A great start for our teenagers. 228 00:09:15,889 --> 00:09:18,625 We'll see if that run gets Sophie Shaft 229 00:09:18,658 --> 00:09:20,026 into the semifinals. 230 00:09:20,026 --> 00:09:23,063 - Great job! - Good job! 231 00:09:23,096 --> 00:09:25,065 - Tonight... - Oh, my goodness. 232 00:09:25,098 --> 00:09:31,538 - we've got tears, joy, and everything in between. 233 00:09:31,571 --> 00:09:33,473 - What was that? 234 00:09:33,506 --> 00:09:35,308 - You'll see superheroes... 235 00:09:35,342 --> 00:09:37,744 - Don't worry, he's got a cape, he can fly. 236 00:09:37,777 --> 00:09:42,215 - super stars, and even "Star Wars" stars! 237 00:09:42,248 --> 00:09:44,050 - We can't wait! 238 00:09:44,084 --> 00:09:46,453 - History will be made. 239 00:09:46,486 --> 00:09:50,056 - One small step for a man. 240 00:09:50,056 --> 00:09:53,660 - And you never know what you might see... 241 00:09:53,693 --> 00:09:55,061 - Get off of my lawn! 242 00:09:55,061 --> 00:09:57,063 - on the season premiere... 243 00:09:57,063 --> 00:09:59,065 - Right here, I'm open! Let's go! 244 00:09:59,065 --> 00:10:01,935 - of "American Ninja Warrior." 245 00:10:08,808 --> 00:10:10,977 - Welcome back to our season premiere. 246 00:10:11,011 --> 00:10:13,446 While we were away, two more ninjas tried 247 00:10:13,480 --> 00:10:16,483 to make some noise on our qualifying course. 248 00:10:16,516 --> 00:10:19,085 The bagpipe ninja, Victor Huff, 249 00:10:19,119 --> 00:10:21,855 showed amazing grace at the start line 250 00:10:21,888 --> 00:10:24,391 as he paid tribute to his Scottish heritage. 251 00:10:24,424 --> 00:10:25,725 Now, that's an entrance. 252 00:10:25,759 --> 00:10:27,594 The 22-year-old teacher from Abilene, Texas, 253 00:10:27,627 --> 00:10:30,130 looked like Mel Gibson in "Braveheart." 254 00:10:30,163 --> 00:10:32,899 But he let the bar go past him on Overpass, 255 00:10:32,932 --> 00:10:35,101 and he was left with a long lache 256 00:10:35,135 --> 00:10:36,903 that he couldn't conquer. 257 00:10:36,936 --> 00:10:38,705 - Oh, missed it! 258 00:10:38,738 --> 00:10:41,474 - Victor just looked like he was out of breath. 259 00:10:41,508 --> 00:10:43,443 - Engineering student Chynna Hart 260 00:10:43,476 --> 00:10:46,046 had perfect technique on overpass. 261 00:10:46,079 --> 00:10:47,747 - That's how you do it! 262 00:10:47,781 --> 00:10:49,849 - But the Texas native took a tumble 263 00:10:49,883 --> 00:10:52,552 when she reached Domino Effect. 264 00:10:52,585 --> 00:10:54,888 And boom, splash! 265 00:10:54,921 --> 00:10:58,324 - I committed! 266 00:10:58,358 --> 00:11:00,960 - Well, it just might take a superhero 267 00:11:01,061 --> 00:11:02,295 to get through this course tonight. 268 00:11:02,328 --> 00:11:04,431 And luckily, we've got one. 269 00:11:04,464 --> 00:11:08,735 This is Ernesto Perez, AKA Flybird, 270 00:11:08,768 --> 00:11:10,670 who's got his own YouTube series 271 00:11:10,704 --> 00:11:13,073 and a very special sidekick. 272 00:11:13,073 --> 00:11:17,277 [cheers and applause] 273 00:11:17,310 --> 00:11:22,382 - In a city where bullying has run rampant, 274 00:11:22,415 --> 00:11:25,785 one hero delivers justice. 275 00:11:25,819 --> 00:11:28,788 [dramatic music] 276 00:11:28,822 --> 00:11:30,623 * * 277 00:11:30,657 --> 00:11:35,295 - Flybird stands for those who can't defend themselves. 278 00:11:35,328 --> 00:11:36,830 When I was a kid, I was bullied 279 00:11:36,863 --> 00:11:38,131 for the way my nose was shaped, 280 00:11:38,164 --> 00:11:39,599 as well as being overweight. 281 00:11:39,632 --> 00:11:43,269 They used to call me Big Bird, peacock, flamingo. 282 00:11:43,303 --> 00:11:45,271 When I put on the Flybird mask, 283 00:11:45,305 --> 00:11:48,441 not only do I feel like I represent myself, 284 00:11:48,475 --> 00:11:50,210 but I also carry the hopes and dreams 285 00:11:50,243 --> 00:11:52,012 of everybody else who gets bullied around. 286 00:11:52,112 --> 00:11:55,315 Dr. Cockatoo, I will find you. 287 00:11:55,348 --> 00:11:57,217 I've always loved making videos to the point 288 00:11:57,250 --> 00:11:59,552 that we shot and produced two full seasons 289 00:11:59,586 --> 00:12:02,522 of Flybird TV series on YouTube. 290 00:12:02,555 --> 00:12:05,692 And when I do, it's all over. 291 00:12:05,725 --> 00:12:07,761 * * 292 00:12:07,794 --> 00:12:11,231 - Good job, Flybird. - Thanks, man. 293 00:12:11,264 --> 00:12:12,932 - I posted my submission video 294 00:12:12,966 --> 00:12:14,868 for "Ninja Warrior" on Facebook. 295 00:12:14,901 --> 00:12:17,237 What's up, y'all? It's your boy, Ernesto. 296 00:12:17,270 --> 00:12:19,305 I told my story about how I was bullied 297 00:12:19,339 --> 00:12:20,840 and overcame adversity. 298 00:12:20,874 --> 00:12:22,976 And so Jude's mom apparently saw it, 299 00:12:23,076 --> 00:12:25,512 and she reached out to me, and she told me the story 300 00:12:25,545 --> 00:12:28,081 of how Jude was also bullied for his disabilities, 301 00:12:28,114 --> 00:12:30,150 and so it allowed me to reach out to him. 302 00:12:30,183 --> 00:12:32,085 Now Jude is my best buddy. 303 00:12:32,085 --> 00:12:35,789 - It is a really good feeling to have someone 304 00:12:35,822 --> 00:12:38,625 like Ernesto to have my back. 305 00:12:38,658 --> 00:12:40,293 - Want to be my sidekick? - Yeah. 306 00:12:40,326 --> 00:12:42,495 - Jude has always been a big supporter 307 00:12:42,529 --> 00:12:43,963 of everything that I've done. 308 00:12:43,997 --> 00:12:45,465 From this day forward, 309 00:12:45,498 --> 00:12:48,668 you shall now be known as Skybird. 310 00:12:48,702 --> 00:12:50,503 - Skybird. 311 00:12:50,537 --> 00:12:52,539 Now Flybird and Skybird 312 00:12:52,572 --> 00:12:54,574 is gonna fight bullying everywhere. 313 00:12:54,607 --> 00:12:55,975 [bird screeches] 314 00:12:56,009 --> 00:12:57,877 I know you can hit a buzzer this year. 315 00:12:57,911 --> 00:13:00,113 I'm so confident that we're going to be eating 316 00:13:00,146 --> 00:13:02,549 beignets up the Warped Wall. 317 00:13:02,582 --> 00:13:04,684 - Me too, Jude. 318 00:13:04,718 --> 00:13:06,653 [bird screeches] 319 00:13:06,686 --> 00:13:09,556 [applause] 320 00:13:09,589 --> 00:13:11,458 - And there's his sidekick, Jude. 321 00:13:11,491 --> 00:13:13,593 - He'll be watching back in Louisiana, 322 00:13:13,626 --> 00:13:15,962 along with Ernesto's family. 323 00:13:16,062 --> 00:13:19,466 [countdown beeping] 324 00:13:19,499 --> 00:13:21,067 - Now, we can all use a superhero 325 00:13:21,067 --> 00:13:23,069 in our life to get our back. 326 00:13:23,069 --> 00:13:24,904 - Absolutely. - And I love it. 327 00:13:24,938 --> 00:13:27,607 - Captain NBC would be proud, he's running with a cape! 328 00:13:27,640 --> 00:13:30,677 - I hope that cape can save him though. 329 00:13:30,710 --> 00:13:33,079 - There you go, there you go! 330 00:13:33,113 --> 00:13:35,348 [cheers and applause] 331 00:13:35,382 --> 00:13:38,385 - Flybird should be right at home flying through Overpass. 332 00:13:38,418 --> 00:13:40,887 - Oh boy, man he's letting that get away from him. 333 00:13:40,920 --> 00:13:43,289 Don't worry, he's got a cape, he can fly! 334 00:13:43,323 --> 00:13:44,891 - He's going to have to fly. 335 00:13:44,924 --> 00:13:48,428 - With a name like Flybird, and that cape he better go! 336 00:13:48,461 --> 00:13:50,764 - There it is, generating the power of the hips. 337 00:13:50,797 --> 00:13:52,098 - Big. Big, nice. 338 00:13:52,132 --> 00:13:57,137 - Great lache. - Play it safe, one more. 339 00:13:57,170 --> 00:13:59,139 - He's got that cape, that's why he feels 340 00:13:59,172 --> 00:14:01,808 good and confident. - Super powers, Akbar. 341 00:14:01,841 --> 00:14:05,045 - Make sure you get that on nice and even. 342 00:14:05,045 --> 00:14:06,646 Okay, Ernesto. 343 00:14:06,680 --> 00:14:09,849 - First person in his family to graduate from high school, 344 00:14:09,883 --> 00:14:12,252 he continues to do super things, 345 00:14:12,285 --> 00:14:14,387 - Flybird! Flybird! 346 00:14:14,421 --> 00:14:17,924 - But now he's got to make a split decision. 347 00:14:17,957 --> 00:14:19,659 And he's asking his friends on the screen, 348 00:14:19,693 --> 00:14:22,595 "Do I try Domino Effect or Spinning Log?" 349 00:14:22,629 --> 00:14:24,264 [cheering] 350 00:14:24,297 --> 00:14:26,566 - And he looks like he's going to try Spinning Log 351 00:14:26,599 --> 00:14:29,469 even though Kid Owhadi fell here minutes ago! 352 00:14:29,502 --> 00:14:31,471 - Flybird, Flybird! - Oh, boy. 353 00:14:31,504 --> 00:14:33,073 - Ooh! - Oh, okay! 354 00:14:33,106 --> 00:14:34,674 - Ain't no kryptonite for him! 355 00:14:34,708 --> 00:14:39,279 - The Flybird continuing to fight through this course. 356 00:14:39,312 --> 00:14:42,449 Now the fourth obstacle, Tipping Point. 357 00:14:42,482 --> 00:14:45,919 - Nice, I like the way he flew into that, no pun intended. 358 00:14:45,952 --> 00:14:47,354 Okay, it was intended, 359 00:14:47,387 --> 00:14:50,290 but he did fly right into that honeycomb plank. 360 00:14:50,323 --> 00:14:52,492 - He's got to climb his way up, 361 00:14:52,525 --> 00:14:54,594 then it will tilt, and he's gotta transfer 362 00:14:54,627 --> 00:14:56,096 over to the other plank. 363 00:14:56,129 --> 00:14:57,731 - Well, this is where he's got to muscle up and muscle 364 00:14:57,764 --> 00:14:59,933 that thing down till it's even. 365 00:15:00,033 --> 00:15:01,868 - Trying to control it, Akbar - Too much time. 366 00:15:01,901 --> 00:15:04,037 - Spending a lot of time, absolutely. 367 00:15:04,037 --> 00:15:05,238 A lot of grip strength. 368 00:15:05,271 --> 00:15:07,040 - You got it, you got it. - You got this! 369 00:15:07,073 --> 00:15:08,675 - Come on! - As you can see, 370 00:15:08,708 --> 00:15:11,044 he's trying to hold on to the back end of that honeycomb. 371 00:15:11,044 --> 00:15:13,279 - Oh boy, that grip seems to be giving out. 372 00:15:13,313 --> 00:15:14,647 - But then it's going to take away -- 373 00:15:14,681 --> 00:15:16,049 he's got to go make that transfer quick. 374 00:15:16,049 --> 00:15:17,584 He has no real estate to purchase onto. 375 00:15:17,617 --> 00:15:19,586 Come on, you're a superhero, fight for your life! Fight! 376 00:15:19,619 --> 00:15:22,555 - Flap your wings! - Oh, boy. 377 00:15:22,589 --> 00:15:24,491 - Flybird is fighting. - If he makes 378 00:15:24,524 --> 00:15:27,861 this transition--he's holding up, he's doing the iron cross, 379 00:15:27,894 --> 00:15:29,963 but that's the wrong technique here. 380 00:15:30,063 --> 00:15:31,965 - Oh, no! 381 00:15:32,065 --> 00:15:35,769 Flybird splashes down on Tipping Point. 382 00:15:35,802 --> 00:15:39,372 The masked man, though, a valiant effort. 383 00:15:39,406 --> 00:15:41,508 [cheering] 384 00:15:41,541 --> 00:15:43,376 - I'm thankful for these people. 385 00:15:43,410 --> 00:15:46,413 That's what's it all about, that's why I fight. 386 00:15:46,446 --> 00:15:47,647 - Yeah! 387 00:15:47,681 --> 00:15:50,850 [chanting] Flybird, Flybird, Flybird, Flybird! 388 00:15:50,884 --> 00:15:53,319 - Banners of greats like Jessie Graff 389 00:15:53,353 --> 00:15:54,554 hang from the rafters. 390 00:15:54,587 --> 00:15:57,223 And here is another Ninja legend. 391 00:15:57,257 --> 00:16:01,227 Out of Houston Texas, this is Sam Sann. 392 00:16:01,261 --> 00:16:02,462 He's competed seven times, 393 00:16:02,495 --> 00:16:04,531 but hasn't been here in three years, 394 00:16:04,564 --> 00:16:06,533 so he's looking for a comeback. 395 00:16:06,566 --> 00:16:09,035 Six years ago, he had one of the greatest runs 396 00:16:09,035 --> 00:16:12,072 ever at the age of 47, when he finished 397 00:16:12,105 --> 00:16:15,041 all 10 obstacles in the Houston City finals. 398 00:16:15,041 --> 00:16:20,413 - Wow! Hit that buzzer! Hit that buzzer! 399 00:16:20,447 --> 00:16:24,617 - Now at 53, Sam is going to try to recapture the magic. 400 00:16:24,651 --> 00:16:26,252 - Come on, Sam! 401 00:16:26,286 --> 00:16:27,754 - There's his girlfriend, Karen Madaras. 402 00:16:27,787 --> 00:16:30,190 She's battling stage four breast cancer. 403 00:16:30,223 --> 00:16:33,259 Sam has been with her every step of the way. 404 00:16:33,293 --> 00:16:36,062 And watching from Texas are Karen's daughters. 405 00:16:36,096 --> 00:16:38,231 - Oh, yeah, yeah! 406 00:16:38,264 --> 00:16:40,600 - And Sam's daughter, Amber. 407 00:16:40,633 --> 00:16:43,136 [countdown beeping] 408 00:16:43,169 --> 00:16:46,239 - Sam Sann started the first real ninja super gym, 409 00:16:46,272 --> 00:16:50,543 Iron Sports in Houston, where Daniel Gil, Kid Owhadi, 410 00:16:50,577 --> 00:16:52,679 and so many others for their start. 411 00:16:52,712 --> 00:16:54,581 - Now he's got a brand new gym, 412 00:16:54,614 --> 00:16:57,751 Sam Sann's Ninja Warrior. 413 00:16:57,784 --> 00:16:59,686 - There's that bar, got to go for it. 414 00:16:59,719 --> 00:17:01,855 An extra swing he's going for that max distance. 415 00:17:01,888 --> 00:17:03,656 - Well, he's got the talent, he's been doing this 416 00:17:03,690 --> 00:17:06,026 for a long time, an OG on the course. 417 00:17:06,059 --> 00:17:08,895 - And he got it, that's about a nine foot lache, 418 00:17:08,928 --> 00:17:10,363 and he held on. - You got it, Sam! 419 00:17:10,397 --> 00:17:14,034 - Good job by Sam Sann. - Try to grab! Try to grab! 420 00:17:14,067 --> 00:17:16,403 - Eight-time ninja veteran, back at it. 421 00:17:16,436 --> 00:17:19,039 - 53, this is equivalent to Tom Brady 422 00:17:19,072 --> 00:17:21,174 getting on the course, Matt. 423 00:17:21,207 --> 00:17:23,343 - He's pulling something out of his shoe! 424 00:17:23,376 --> 00:17:25,145 - Matt, he's gonna try to flip coin here 425 00:17:25,178 --> 00:17:26,646 as Split Decision, 426 00:17:26,680 --> 00:17:28,782 let that decide which balance obstacle to choose. 427 00:17:28,815 --> 00:17:31,551 Heads or tails, let me see. 428 00:17:31,584 --> 00:17:33,053 - Yeah! - And he's going 429 00:17:33,086 --> 00:17:35,255 with Spinning Log! - Got it, come on. 430 00:17:37,691 --> 00:17:39,292 - Come on, come on, come on, come on! 431 00:17:39,325 --> 00:17:41,561 - And running through the Spinning Log. 432 00:17:41,594 --> 00:17:43,296 - Matt, hey, come on now, 433 00:17:43,329 --> 00:17:44,898 he's about to hit the fourth obstacle. 434 00:17:44,931 --> 00:17:46,466 He's still got it! 435 00:17:46,499 --> 00:17:48,968 - That's Thomas Stillings he's gonna be running later, 436 00:17:49,069 --> 00:17:50,470 showing support to Karen. 437 00:17:50,503 --> 00:17:53,740 She's been in the fight of her life against cancer. 438 00:17:53,773 --> 00:17:55,141 Sam Sann's helping her through it 439 00:17:55,175 --> 00:17:56,710 with frequent doctor visits. 440 00:17:56,743 --> 00:18:00,113 She is a survivor, and that's his nickname. 441 00:18:00,146 --> 00:18:01,681 Well, this guy escaped Cambodia 442 00:18:01,715 --> 00:18:03,350 when he was young with his family. 443 00:18:03,383 --> 00:18:05,618 Still has siblings he hasn't seen 444 00:18:05,652 --> 00:18:07,220 since he was five years old. 445 00:18:07,253 --> 00:18:08,888 Part of the reason he comes on "Ninja Warrior" 446 00:18:08,922 --> 00:18:10,690 is hoping that they will see this, 447 00:18:10,724 --> 00:18:13,026 that he might reunite with them someday. 448 00:18:13,026 --> 00:18:15,195 - And he is showing that Ninja knowledge 449 00:18:15,228 --> 00:18:16,629 here on Tipping Point. 450 00:18:16,663 --> 00:18:18,832 He's moving through this better than anyone so far. 451 00:18:18,865 --> 00:18:21,301 - You got this, Sam! - And Matt, think about this-- 452 00:18:21,334 --> 00:18:25,138 he's 38 years older than some of the teenage competitors. 453 00:18:25,171 --> 00:18:28,375 How many sports have an age range like that? 454 00:18:28,408 --> 00:18:31,444 - And he has been dominant there on Tipping Point. 455 00:18:31,478 --> 00:18:33,747 - Right there! - Yeah! 456 00:18:33,780 --> 00:18:35,582 - Okay, old dude! 457 00:18:35,615 --> 00:18:38,051 - But now he's gonna give us our first look tonight 458 00:18:38,051 --> 00:18:42,055 at this very difficult fifth obstacle, V Formation. 459 00:18:42,055 --> 00:18:44,924 Can the 53-year-old possibly get past this? 460 00:18:44,958 --> 00:18:46,526 - I swear I'm going to run out of this booth. 461 00:18:46,559 --> 00:18:47,660 - Could be impress us once again, Akbar? 462 00:18:47,694 --> 00:18:49,362 - If he gets through this one, I'm gonna 463 00:18:49,396 --> 00:18:51,131 run out this booth. 464 00:18:51,164 --> 00:18:53,667 - He's got to jerk that triangle-shaped handle up 465 00:18:53,700 --> 00:18:56,870 through the four stops. 466 00:18:56,903 --> 00:18:58,672 - Nice. 467 00:18:58,705 --> 00:19:00,807 [chatter] 468 00:19:00,840 --> 00:19:02,676 - Now, Ninjas should be watching. 469 00:19:02,709 --> 00:19:06,079 He's using that momentum going in the direction of the course 470 00:19:06,112 --> 00:19:07,480 letting those hips carry him up 471 00:19:07,514 --> 00:19:09,015 rather than having use the back, 472 00:19:09,015 --> 00:19:11,151 and that may say something for this decent. 473 00:19:11,184 --> 00:19:14,054 - But going down the backside is even harder. 474 00:19:14,087 --> 00:19:17,323 He's gotta grab the upside down Vs with both hands. 475 00:19:17,357 --> 00:19:19,726 - But he's trying it with one. And this is risky. 476 00:19:19,759 --> 00:19:21,194 - Oh, oh! - He levitated there. 477 00:19:21,227 --> 00:19:23,697 - He's got that soft touch. He put soft touch on it. 478 00:19:23,730 --> 00:19:25,331 - And he's going to skip the second one! 479 00:19:25,365 --> 00:19:27,267 Skips down to the third level. 480 00:19:27,300 --> 00:19:29,202 You must go to the fourth handle, 481 00:19:29,235 --> 00:19:31,304 you must use the fourth handle for the dismount. 482 00:19:31,338 --> 00:19:35,175 [chatter] - It's right there, Sam. 483 00:19:35,208 --> 00:19:37,711 - No! - Ooh! 484 00:19:39,346 --> 00:19:40,847 - 53 years old, 485 00:19:40,880 --> 00:19:44,718 and he was this close to finishing our course. 486 00:19:44,751 --> 00:19:47,587 - Look at this, the second V is over here, 487 00:19:47,620 --> 00:19:49,322 but Sam skips it entirely 488 00:19:49,356 --> 00:19:52,425 and goes straight to the third one and lands it. 489 00:19:52,459 --> 00:19:54,761 But on the fourth, just got the left hand 490 00:19:54,794 --> 00:19:58,264 too far in front of the right and couldn't hold on. 491 00:20:00,433 --> 00:20:04,671 - Well, there comes Karen. She's happy because that run 492 00:20:04,704 --> 00:20:07,907 could likely get Sam Sann into the semifinals. 493 00:20:07,941 --> 00:20:09,509 Coming up... 494 00:20:09,542 --> 00:20:13,313 This brother and sister are best friends off the course, 495 00:20:13,346 --> 00:20:14,948 but who's better on it? 496 00:20:14,981 --> 00:20:17,183 - She's an absolute monster of an athlete. 497 00:20:17,217 --> 00:20:20,420 - Plus, she just had a baby three months ago, 498 00:20:20,453 --> 00:20:22,822 now she's taking on a ninja course? 499 00:20:22,856 --> 00:20:26,426 Is she crazy or mama strong? - There you go. 500 00:20:26,459 --> 00:20:29,763 Find out when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 501 00:20:33,633 --> 00:20:34,801 - Welcome back! 502 00:20:34,834 --> 00:20:36,770 This season, for the first time ever, 503 00:20:36,803 --> 00:20:38,004 our athletes have to make 504 00:20:38,038 --> 00:20:39,873 a difficult choice on the course 505 00:20:39,906 --> 00:20:42,876 and Split Decision is already giving 506 00:20:42,909 --> 00:20:45,011 our ninjas splitting headaches. 507 00:20:45,045 --> 00:20:48,014 Musician Emmanuel Aouad danced his way through 508 00:20:48,048 --> 00:20:49,883 the first two obstacles... 509 00:20:49,916 --> 00:20:52,585 [cheers and applause] 510 00:20:52,619 --> 00:20:55,855 But then had to choose between two tests of balance. 511 00:20:58,324 --> 00:21:00,860 - New guy, new obstacle. Let's go. 512 00:21:00,894 --> 00:21:02,328 - The ninja rookie went left 513 00:21:02,362 --> 00:21:04,564 to try his luck on Domino Effect, 514 00:21:04,597 --> 00:21:06,700 a decision he quickly regretted. 515 00:21:06,733 --> 00:21:08,134 Oh, oh, oh! 516 00:21:08,168 --> 00:21:09,836 [buzzer blares] 517 00:21:09,869 --> 00:21:11,638 - Whew! - That's a tough one, Matt. 518 00:21:11,671 --> 00:21:12,972 That's a tough one. 519 00:21:13,073 --> 00:21:15,709 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana's Ken Singletary 520 00:21:15,742 --> 00:21:17,610 made his way to the same spot. 521 00:21:17,644 --> 00:21:20,380 - Whoo! Which one, guys? 522 00:21:20,413 --> 00:21:21,381 - Rolling logs! - Logs! 523 00:21:21,414 --> 00:21:22,615 - Logs! - Rolling logs! 524 00:21:22,649 --> 00:21:24,484 - He followed his family's advice 525 00:21:24,517 --> 00:21:26,986 and went right and tried the other choice, 526 00:21:27,087 --> 00:21:28,488 Spinning Log. 527 00:21:28,521 --> 00:21:29,789 - Oh! - Oh! 528 00:21:29,823 --> 00:21:31,825 My goodness. - No! 529 00:21:31,858 --> 00:21:34,094 - I should have gone with dominoes I guess. 530 00:21:34,094 --> 00:21:36,830 - So it's no wonder Oklahoma's Wade Lopp 531 00:21:36,863 --> 00:21:39,699 was confused when he reached Split Decision, 532 00:21:39,733 --> 00:21:41,334 first choosing the Spinning Log. 533 00:21:41,368 --> 00:21:43,670 - The Spinning Log, Matt. This one can be very tricky. 534 00:21:43,703 --> 00:21:44,871 Ah! 535 00:21:44,904 --> 00:21:46,539 - Oh, he's switching to the dominoes. 536 00:21:46,573 --> 00:21:47,974 - Log! - Go log! 537 00:21:48,008 --> 00:21:50,343 - But after some thought, he left the dominoes 538 00:21:50,377 --> 00:21:52,545 and went back to Spinning Log. 539 00:21:52,579 --> 00:21:54,848 Ooh, ooh, ooh, nice! 540 00:21:54,881 --> 00:21:57,884 The rookie made the right call and fought his way 541 00:21:57,917 --> 00:22:00,420 to the fifth obstacle, V-Formation, 542 00:22:00,453 --> 00:22:03,289 before his run finally ended. - No! 543 00:22:03,323 --> 00:22:04,824 [buzzer blares] 544 00:22:04,858 --> 00:22:06,126 [upbeat music] 545 00:22:06,159 --> 00:22:08,962 - I just gassed out. I didn't have the juice. 546 00:22:09,062 --> 00:22:10,930 * * 547 00:22:10,964 --> 00:22:14,267 - Well, on the start pad ready for takeoff, 548 00:22:14,300 --> 00:22:16,736 it's the space ninja Adam Naids. 549 00:22:16,770 --> 00:22:18,071 [imitates radio crackle] Over. 550 00:22:18,104 --> 00:22:19,572 Do you copy? 551 00:22:19,606 --> 00:22:23,543 Looking to take one small step for a man, 552 00:22:23,576 --> 00:22:24,944 one giant leap 553 00:22:24,978 --> 00:22:27,347 for an aerospace engineer space ninja. 554 00:22:27,380 --> 00:22:31,584 As a project manager at NASA, Adam is helping design 555 00:22:31,618 --> 00:22:33,486 the tools that astronauts will use 556 00:22:33,520 --> 00:22:36,990 to bring back moon rocks and the special American flag 557 00:22:37,090 --> 00:22:39,693 that will be planted on the moon's surface. 558 00:22:39,726 --> 00:22:43,563 Tonight, he wants to plant his flag atop the Warped Wall. 559 00:22:43,596 --> 00:22:44,998 - I'm excited to be out here 560 00:22:45,098 --> 00:22:47,500 representing space nerds everywhere. 561 00:22:47,534 --> 00:22:50,103 I'm on a mission, a mission to hit that buzzer. 562 00:22:50,136 --> 00:22:51,705 [triumphant music] 563 00:22:51,738 --> 00:22:55,342 - All of his family watching back in Texas 564 00:22:55,375 --> 00:22:59,779 including his wife, even cousins with some aliens. 565 00:22:59,813 --> 00:23:01,681 - Houston, we are go for launch. 566 00:23:01,715 --> 00:23:03,850 Three, two, one. 567 00:23:06,052 --> 00:23:07,854 - Here he is on takeoff. 568 00:23:07,887 --> 00:23:09,856 Good boost for the space ninja. 569 00:23:09,889 --> 00:23:12,625 - Propelled himself forward. - And he's pumped. 570 00:23:12,659 --> 00:23:14,227 He's due on Overpass. 571 00:23:14,260 --> 00:23:16,663 - One down, let's go! Come on. 572 00:23:16,696 --> 00:23:19,065 - This is like trying to dock in mid space. 573 00:23:19,099 --> 00:23:22,268 Your timing has to be precise. - Nice. 574 00:23:22,302 --> 00:23:23,570 - Nice. 575 00:23:23,603 --> 00:23:24,971 - Good job there controlling his momentum. 576 00:23:25,071 --> 00:23:27,273 - Ooh, catch that ride to the space station! 577 00:23:27,307 --> 00:23:28,441 - Come on! - Whoo! 578 00:23:28,475 --> 00:23:30,310 - Real smooth right there. 579 00:23:31,344 --> 00:23:33,713 Well, in outer space, not as much gravity, 580 00:23:33,747 --> 00:23:35,882 but here in Tacoma, lot of weight 581 00:23:35,915 --> 00:23:37,217 pulling him down... - Good job! 582 00:23:37,250 --> 00:23:38,852 - But the astronaut touches down! 583 00:23:38,885 --> 00:23:40,587 - Whoo! 584 00:23:40,620 --> 00:23:43,423 - Now he's got a choice-- Domino Effect on the left, 585 00:23:43,456 --> 00:23:45,592 Spinning Log on the right. 586 00:23:45,625 --> 00:23:48,128 - Adam Naids is a tall ninja, 6'2", 587 00:23:48,161 --> 00:23:50,630 I think he's gonna go with the spinning log. 588 00:23:50,663 --> 00:23:52,932 - Well, he's looking to do it in less than 12 parsecs. 589 00:23:52,966 --> 00:23:54,668 Of course, that's the time the Millennium Falcon took 590 00:23:54,701 --> 00:23:56,903 to get through the Kessel Run. 591 00:23:56,936 --> 00:23:58,505 - Nice--oh! - Oh, no! 592 00:23:58,538 --> 00:23:59,506 - Survives it! - He made it! 593 00:23:59,539 --> 00:24:01,074 He made it! - Yes! 594 00:24:01,107 --> 00:24:03,076 - We were ready, Houston. We thought we had a problem. 595 00:24:03,109 --> 00:24:04,711 - No, no problem here, Houston. 596 00:24:04,744 --> 00:24:06,880 - But he survives it, a hard landing. 597 00:24:06,913 --> 00:24:10,684 - Hey, Elon Musk just called. He's impressed. 598 00:24:11,785 --> 00:24:13,520 - Come on, baby! - Good job. 599 00:24:13,553 --> 00:24:16,122 - He's 6'2", 185. 600 00:24:16,156 --> 00:24:18,358 It's gonna be a challenge on the tipping point, Akbar. 601 00:24:19,793 --> 00:24:21,828 - A'ight, you can get excited, but you do have 602 00:24:21,861 --> 00:24:23,329 three more obstacles to go 603 00:24:23,363 --> 00:24:25,098 starting with this one, Tipping Point. 604 00:24:25,131 --> 00:24:26,566 - He's an engineer. 605 00:24:26,599 --> 00:24:28,668 He understands the mechanics of how to control this. 606 00:24:28,702 --> 00:24:30,437 - Yeah, see, he got the plank 607 00:24:30,470 --> 00:24:31,938 cranked up to the right height. 608 00:24:31,971 --> 00:24:33,973 - Come on, Adam, come on. - You got this, Adam. 609 00:24:34,074 --> 00:24:36,076 - Nice, get over there. 610 00:24:36,076 --> 00:24:39,112 Get over there, you, astronaut, you. 611 00:24:39,145 --> 00:24:41,948 - This plank's gonna tilt too. 612 00:24:41,981 --> 00:24:44,417 Smooth right now. 613 00:24:44,451 --> 00:24:47,620 Buzz Aldrin I'm sure is watching and gotta be proud 614 00:24:47,654 --> 00:24:49,589 of this space ninja. 615 00:24:49,622 --> 00:24:50,824 - Yeah! 616 00:24:50,857 --> 00:24:52,125 - Whoo! - Go, babe! 617 00:24:52,158 --> 00:24:53,593 - Let's go! Let's go! 618 00:24:53,626 --> 00:24:56,529 - He'll try to be the first to get past V-Formation. 619 00:24:56,563 --> 00:24:58,531 He's gonna grab this triangular handle. 620 00:24:58,565 --> 00:25:00,734 You can see--18 inches apart. 621 00:25:00,767 --> 00:25:03,470 Has to slide this handle up four times. 622 00:25:06,239 --> 00:25:07,907 - And skipped it. Did you see that? 623 00:25:07,941 --> 00:25:09,042 - Ooh! - Two in one. 624 00:25:09,042 --> 00:25:10,143 - Oh, he's ready! - Wow! 625 00:25:10,176 --> 00:25:11,478 - He ready! 626 00:25:11,511 --> 00:25:13,546 - Well, Adam Naids being very efficient. 627 00:25:13,580 --> 00:25:15,515 It's like a Saturn V rocket 628 00:25:15,548 --> 00:25:17,317 with the power to ascend right there, 629 00:25:17,350 --> 00:25:19,452 but now the descent. 630 00:25:19,486 --> 00:25:21,454 He'll have to jump back and forth 631 00:25:21,488 --> 00:25:23,223 on these upside-down Vs. 632 00:25:24,524 --> 00:25:27,927 - We're talking about interplanetary travel, okay! 633 00:25:27,961 --> 00:25:29,696 No! 634 00:25:29,729 --> 00:25:32,165 - Splash down for Adam Naids, 635 00:25:32,198 --> 00:25:33,566 but we will see. - [screams] 636 00:25:33,600 --> 00:25:34,801 - That run may be good enough 637 00:25:34,834 --> 00:25:36,469 to get him into the semifinals. 638 00:25:36,503 --> 00:25:39,739 - Look at him power up through the first half of V-Formation, 639 00:25:39,773 --> 00:25:42,108 but on the back, you want to catch those Vs 640 00:25:42,142 --> 00:25:44,344 with both hands at the same time. 641 00:25:44,377 --> 00:25:47,180 Naids didn't, and his mission was over. 642 00:25:48,515 --> 00:25:51,084 We need makeup to come out. - My head is stuck, mmm! 643 00:25:51,117 --> 00:25:53,386 - All right, how am I working with you? 644 00:25:53,420 --> 00:25:55,221 You are such a clown. 645 00:25:55,255 --> 00:25:56,589 * * 646 00:25:56,623 --> 00:25:59,159 Well, we've got some special guests tonight 647 00:25:59,192 --> 00:26:02,729 including pilot Snap Wexley from "Star Wars," 648 00:26:02,762 --> 00:26:05,298 actor Greg Grunberg. - Yeah, baby! 649 00:26:05,331 --> 00:26:07,367 - Olympic medalist figure skater Adam Rippon... 650 00:26:07,400 --> 00:26:08,401 - Whoo! 651 00:26:08,435 --> 00:26:10,270 - And some basketball legends! 652 00:26:10,303 --> 00:26:12,639 - Oh, she's still got it. Yeah, she's still got it. 653 00:26:12,672 --> 00:26:16,676 - They're all coming up on "American Ninja Warrior." 654 00:26:22,582 --> 00:26:23,650 [upbeat music] 655 00:26:23,683 --> 00:26:25,118 - Welcome back! 656 00:26:25,151 --> 00:26:28,054 Some fun stuff on our course while you were away. 657 00:26:28,088 --> 00:26:30,323 Oklahoma zookeeper Tom Mortimer 658 00:26:30,357 --> 00:26:33,159 got some Hollywood help during his run. 659 00:26:33,193 --> 00:26:34,461 Grundy, how you doing, buddy? 660 00:26:34,494 --> 00:26:35,929 As his friend and mine, 661 00:26:35,962 --> 00:26:38,131 "Star Wars" actor Greg Grunberg 662 00:26:38,164 --> 00:26:39,265 was cheering him on. 663 00:26:39,299 --> 00:26:40,734 - Go Tommy! - Tom! 664 00:26:40,767 --> 00:26:42,102 - Both men have sons with epilepsy, 665 00:26:42,135 --> 00:26:44,137 and they've teamed up to raise awareness 666 00:26:44,170 --> 00:26:47,741 of this disorder that affects 3 million Americans. 667 00:26:47,774 --> 00:26:51,244 - I created talkaboutit.org, and Tom and I work together, 668 00:26:51,277 --> 00:26:52,779 and he's just our hero. 669 00:26:52,812 --> 00:26:54,848 He's gonna kill it. We can't wait! 670 00:26:54,881 --> 00:26:57,083 Tom, go get 'em, buddy! 671 00:26:57,083 --> 00:26:59,486 - And Mortimer looked inspired 672 00:26:59,519 --> 00:27:02,288 as the 41-year-old made an amazing save 673 00:27:02,322 --> 00:27:03,556 on Domino Effect. 674 00:27:03,590 --> 00:27:04,724 Oh! - Oh, oh! 675 00:27:04,758 --> 00:27:06,259 Oh, my goodness! I think he's good! 676 00:27:06,292 --> 00:27:08,128 I think he's good! - Yeah! 677 00:27:08,161 --> 00:27:10,263 - And then fought hard on Tipping Point 678 00:27:10,296 --> 00:27:12,032 before finally losing his grip. 679 00:27:12,065 --> 00:27:14,034 - Oh, no! [buzzer blares] 680 00:27:14,034 --> 00:27:15,835 He sent a great message. 681 00:27:15,869 --> 00:27:17,671 - Dude, you're the best. - You're incredible. 682 00:27:17,704 --> 00:27:19,706 - You're the best. - Thank you, guys. 683 00:27:19,739 --> 00:27:21,808 [cheers and applause] 684 00:27:21,841 --> 00:27:24,611 - Brownsville, Texas college student Gloria Orta 685 00:27:24,644 --> 00:27:26,746 came out looking for redemption. 686 00:27:26,780 --> 00:27:28,848 The 20-year-old was embarrassed when she fell 687 00:27:28,882 --> 00:27:30,784 on the first obstacle last season... 688 00:27:30,817 --> 00:27:32,686 Oh! 689 00:27:32,719 --> 00:27:36,189 So she was overjoyed to get past it tonight. 690 00:27:36,222 --> 00:27:39,859 - 19, she fell there. 20, she conquered it. 691 00:27:39,893 --> 00:27:42,729 - But like so many others, she let the bar go past her 692 00:27:42,762 --> 00:27:44,764 on Overpass, and she couldn't recover. 693 00:27:44,798 --> 00:27:46,900 [buzzer blares] 694 00:27:46,933 --> 00:27:48,134 - I'm happy. 695 00:27:48,168 --> 00:27:50,437 - Air force officer Cody McCloud 696 00:27:50,470 --> 00:27:52,806 is the grandson of one of my idols, 697 00:27:52,839 --> 00:27:55,742 the legendary daredevil Evel Knievel, 698 00:27:55,775 --> 00:27:56,876 and he wasn't the only one rocking 699 00:27:56,910 --> 00:27:58,645 the red, white, and blue. 700 00:27:58,678 --> 00:28:01,781 - What is this, leather? - It's legit. 701 00:28:01,815 --> 00:28:05,685 Like his famous grandpa, McCloud provided some thrills. 702 00:28:05,719 --> 00:28:08,021 - Here's that timing. Nice, hold it! 703 00:28:08,922 --> 00:28:10,857 - And just like his grandfather, 704 00:28:10,890 --> 00:28:12,325 an epic crash. 705 00:28:12,359 --> 00:28:13,326 - Go, go, go, go, go! - Oh, no! 706 00:28:13,360 --> 00:28:16,496 - Oh, goodness! - No! 707 00:28:16,529 --> 00:28:17,664 - At least I got to wear this suit. 708 00:28:17,697 --> 00:28:18,898 - Yes, you did, Matt. 709 00:28:18,932 --> 00:28:20,567 - Do I just keep this on the rest of the show? 710 00:28:20,600 --> 00:28:23,036 * * 711 00:28:23,036 --> 00:28:26,106 Get ready 'cause here comes the future! 712 00:28:26,139 --> 00:28:28,108 This is one of the talented teenagers 713 00:28:28,141 --> 00:28:29,576 we've been talking about. 714 00:28:29,609 --> 00:28:31,478 Meet Elijah Browning. 715 00:28:31,511 --> 00:28:33,413 He's a 16-year-old high school student 716 00:28:33,446 --> 00:28:36,249 from Tennessee whose nickname is the Boss 717 00:28:36,282 --> 00:28:38,885 because he's in charge when he's running the course 718 00:28:38,918 --> 00:28:41,054 or running his own business. 719 00:28:41,087 --> 00:28:44,190 * * 720 00:28:44,224 --> 00:28:46,860 - I am an entrepreneur. I love business. 721 00:28:46,893 --> 00:28:49,896 I have a sports card business. It's called Boss Sports Cards. 722 00:28:49,929 --> 00:28:52,465 * * 723 00:28:52,499 --> 00:28:54,868 I buy and sell high-end sports cards-- 724 00:28:54,901 --> 00:28:56,736 football, basketball, baseball. 725 00:28:56,770 --> 00:28:58,304 I buy 'em at a lower price 726 00:28:58,338 --> 00:29:00,006 and then sell 'em when the market's hot. 727 00:29:00,040 --> 00:29:01,207 * * 728 00:29:01,241 --> 00:29:02,909 The LeBron draft card I have over there, 729 00:29:03,009 --> 00:29:04,544 I bought for, like, $400, 730 00:29:04,577 --> 00:29:06,513 and right now it's probably around 2 grand, 731 00:29:06,546 --> 00:29:09,549 but I think it'll hit 5 grand before it's all said and done. 732 00:29:09,582 --> 00:29:11,317 I also train kids in my backyard, 733 00:29:11,351 --> 00:29:12,485 so a ninja business. 734 00:29:12,519 --> 00:29:13,687 Ready Christian? Let's go. 735 00:29:13,720 --> 00:29:15,021 Grab that bar. Grab that bar. 736 00:29:15,021 --> 00:29:16,489 Easy, easy. Yes, sir! 737 00:29:16,523 --> 00:29:17,490 * * 738 00:29:17,524 --> 00:29:18,692 - * Let's go * 739 00:29:18,725 --> 00:29:20,894 * Let's roll, let's ride * 740 00:29:20,927 --> 00:29:24,397 - Elijah is very driven. He's very focused. 741 00:29:24,431 --> 00:29:25,932 I never have to worry about him getting up 742 00:29:26,032 --> 00:29:27,801 and getting his school done. 743 00:29:27,834 --> 00:29:30,203 - I've had the nickname the Boss for a very long time. 744 00:29:30,236 --> 00:29:32,405 When other kids were talking about the cartoons, 745 00:29:32,439 --> 00:29:33,907 I was like, "Did y'all see the deal 746 00:29:33,940 --> 00:29:35,809 on 'Shark Tank' that went down?" 747 00:29:35,842 --> 00:29:37,477 And they're like, "What's that?" 748 00:29:37,510 --> 00:29:39,312 And I was like, "Oh, y'all are missing out." 749 00:29:40,413 --> 00:29:42,048 I've been dreaming about being 750 00:29:42,082 --> 00:29:44,150 on the adult "American Ninja Warrior" course 751 00:29:44,184 --> 00:29:46,286 since I was five years old. 752 00:29:46,319 --> 00:29:47,554 I know I can go all the way 753 00:29:47,587 --> 00:29:49,189 and take the million dollars home. 754 00:29:49,222 --> 00:29:50,423 Hi, I'm Elijah the Boss... 755 00:29:50,457 --> 00:29:51,591 * * 756 00:29:51,624 --> 00:29:53,526 And buzzers are my business. 757 00:29:56,429 --> 00:30:00,066 - This kid is so impressive, and at just 16, 758 00:30:00,066 --> 00:30:02,035 he's about to be the youngest male ever 759 00:30:02,068 --> 00:30:05,071 to hit our course, so lots of eyes on this run. 760 00:30:05,105 --> 00:30:06,573 His dad and other family members 761 00:30:06,606 --> 00:30:08,508 watching from back in Tennessee. 762 00:30:08,541 --> 00:30:10,076 - This is mom on the sideline 763 00:30:10,110 --> 00:30:12,746 along with many other ninjas who know Elijah. 764 00:30:12,779 --> 00:30:15,015 - Everyone wants to see this kid's debut. 765 00:30:15,048 --> 00:30:16,516 - Let's go! - Whoo! 766 00:30:16,549 --> 00:30:18,585 - Whoo! - Let's go! 767 00:30:18,618 --> 00:30:21,654 - When we saw him compete back on "Ninja Warrior Junior," 768 00:30:21,688 --> 00:30:23,289 he was a semifinalist, 769 00:30:23,323 --> 00:30:25,792 and he's only gotten bigger and better since then. 770 00:30:25,825 --> 00:30:27,360 - I'm sure the nerves are kicking in. 771 00:30:27,394 --> 00:30:28,695 He's 16 years old. 772 00:30:28,728 --> 00:30:30,730 He's on a big stage, a different platform 773 00:30:30,764 --> 00:30:32,632 than "American Ninja Warrior Junior." 774 00:30:32,665 --> 00:30:34,834 - Elijah and many of the teens we'll see this season 775 00:30:34,868 --> 00:30:36,670 got their start on "Ninja Junior," 776 00:30:36,703 --> 00:30:39,773 and there's a new season coming up this September 777 00:30:39,806 --> 00:30:42,142 streaming only on Peacock. 778 00:30:42,175 --> 00:30:43,576 Well, he's not looking intimidated 779 00:30:43,610 --> 00:30:46,446 by this course so far. Now at Split Decision. 780 00:30:47,914 --> 00:30:50,283 - And he's gonna go right and try Spinning Log. 781 00:30:52,285 --> 00:30:53,687 - And right through. 782 00:30:53,720 --> 00:30:56,089 - [chuckles] He is feeling it now. 783 00:30:56,122 --> 00:30:57,390 - Yeah! - Yeah, baby! 784 00:30:57,424 --> 00:30:59,592 - These ninjas are excited for this debut. 785 00:30:59,626 --> 00:31:02,896 They've seen Elijah grow up. Heck, we've seen him grow up. 786 00:31:02,929 --> 00:31:05,298 Take a look at this picture from 2016. 787 00:31:05,331 --> 00:31:09,369 He's a lot bigger now. 6'1", Akbar, only 155. 788 00:31:09,402 --> 00:31:11,371 - Ooh, 6'1". - Got a motor that won't quit. 789 00:31:11,404 --> 00:31:13,340 - He grew since the last time we saw him. 790 00:31:13,373 --> 00:31:14,941 These ninjas just growing everywhere. 791 00:31:14,974 --> 00:31:16,976 - Boss Browning looking in control. 792 00:31:17,077 --> 00:31:18,912 This boss was born to run, Akbar. 793 00:31:18,945 --> 00:31:20,447 - Yeah, Matt, he's definitely owning the course. 794 00:31:20,480 --> 00:31:21,848 That's for sure. 795 00:31:21,881 --> 00:31:23,383 That's how you get that nickname, "the Boss." 796 00:31:24,984 --> 00:31:26,753 - Oh, Mom needs a hug she's so excited. 797 00:31:26,786 --> 00:31:28,722 - Do what you need to do! Breathe! 798 00:31:28,755 --> 00:31:30,090 - All right, think about your strategy. 799 00:31:30,090 --> 00:31:32,158 - Taking a breath before V-Formation. 800 00:31:32,192 --> 00:31:33,960 No one has gotten through it yet. 801 00:31:33,993 --> 00:31:35,328 - Whoo! 802 00:31:35,362 --> 00:31:37,897 - His mom can barely watch. So nervous. 803 00:31:37,931 --> 00:31:39,699 - I would be nervous too. 804 00:31:39,733 --> 00:31:41,101 All right, there we go. 805 00:31:41,101 --> 00:31:42,736 - Let's watch the technique here, Akbar. 806 00:31:43,803 --> 00:31:44,904 Not as much power as we were expecting. 807 00:31:44,938 --> 00:31:46,106 Using the hips. 808 00:31:46,106 --> 00:31:47,273 - Oh, that hat's about to come off. 809 00:31:47,307 --> 00:31:48,808 Ah, that's what his hair looks like. 810 00:31:48,842 --> 00:31:50,877 - That is incredible salad. 811 00:31:50,910 --> 00:31:52,178 People say he looks 812 00:31:52,212 --> 00:31:54,147 like the NFL's number one draft pick, 813 00:31:54,180 --> 00:31:56,549 Trevor Lawrence, but he too 814 00:31:56,583 --> 00:31:58,118 is an elite athlete. 815 00:31:58,151 --> 00:32:00,353 The boss looking at home here on V-Formation. 816 00:32:00,387 --> 00:32:02,055 - Nice! Hair flying around. 817 00:32:02,055 --> 00:32:04,424 - No one saw this obstacle yet. 818 00:32:04,457 --> 00:32:06,626 Can the teenager lead the way? 819 00:32:06,659 --> 00:32:08,128 - Well, Matt, like Trevor Lawrence, 820 00:32:08,161 --> 00:32:10,296 he's about to make a touchdown to hit that buzzer. 821 00:32:10,330 --> 00:32:13,066 Nice. - One more move. 822 00:32:14,434 --> 00:32:16,569 Trying to be our first finisher! 823 00:32:17,904 --> 00:32:18,872 [cheers and applause] 824 00:32:18,905 --> 00:32:20,273 - And he's through! 825 00:32:20,306 --> 00:32:24,210 The 16-year-old heads to the Warped Wall! 826 00:32:24,244 --> 00:32:26,579 He's gonna make history, and he's done it! 827 00:32:26,613 --> 00:32:29,315 - Yeah! What's up? 828 00:32:29,349 --> 00:32:31,117 - * Whoa * 829 00:32:31,151 --> 00:32:33,353 - * This is where it all begins * 830 00:32:33,386 --> 00:32:36,156 - The youngest ever to hit a buzzer 831 00:32:36,189 --> 00:32:38,425 on "American Ninja Warrior"! 832 00:32:38,458 --> 00:32:40,760 - * This is where it all begins * 833 00:32:40,794 --> 00:32:43,730 - I feel so stoked! Oh, my gosh! 834 00:32:43,763 --> 00:32:47,100 This is incredible! Yes! 835 00:32:47,133 --> 00:32:49,169 - That's what I'm talking about! 836 00:32:49,202 --> 00:32:51,204 - Look at that joy. 837 00:32:51,237 --> 00:32:53,740 - * This is where it all begins * 838 00:32:53,773 --> 00:32:54,874 * * 839 00:32:54,908 --> 00:32:56,209 - Let's go! 840 00:32:56,242 --> 00:32:57,544 - You just hit your first buzzer 841 00:32:57,577 --> 00:32:59,746 on the big show. How's it feel, big man? 842 00:32:59,779 --> 00:33:01,881 - This is so incredible. This is a dream come true. 843 00:33:01,915 --> 00:33:04,684 I've been dreaming of this since I was five years old. 844 00:33:04,718 --> 00:33:07,721 Oh, my goodness. This is so incredible. 845 00:33:07,754 --> 00:33:09,089 Thank y'all. 846 00:33:09,122 --> 00:33:11,691 - You truly are the boss because you owned this course! 847 00:33:11,725 --> 00:33:13,159 - Yes! 848 00:33:13,193 --> 00:33:14,527 * * 849 00:33:14,561 --> 00:33:16,830 - Nobody had figured out V-Formation 850 00:33:16,863 --> 00:33:19,132 until this teenager showed the way 851 00:33:19,165 --> 00:33:21,067 and then ran up the wall 852 00:33:21,067 --> 00:33:23,069 for our first buzzer of the night! 853 00:33:23,069 --> 00:33:26,272 And it may be the first of many for Elijah Browning. 854 00:33:26,306 --> 00:33:28,241 - Yeah! 855 00:33:28,274 --> 00:33:29,809 - * To feel * 856 00:33:29,843 --> 00:33:31,177 * Alive * 857 00:33:31,211 --> 00:33:32,679 - Wow, unbelievable. 858 00:33:32,712 --> 00:33:35,448 Everybody's happy to see the Boss right now. 859 00:33:35,482 --> 00:33:37,584 Been dreaming of it since he was five years old. 860 00:33:37,617 --> 00:33:39,619 We just watched the dream come true. 861 00:33:39,652 --> 00:33:42,088 - Matt, he went off like he was in homeroom or something, Matt. 862 00:33:42,088 --> 00:33:43,256 This is great. 863 00:33:43,289 --> 00:33:45,291 - * This is where it all begins * 864 00:33:45,325 --> 00:33:47,861 * * 865 00:33:47,894 --> 00:33:51,331 - Guys, he's the best ninja to never make it to Vegas. 866 00:33:51,364 --> 00:33:52,632 Do you know who it is? 867 00:33:52,665 --> 00:33:55,935 His run is next on "American Ninja Warrior." 868 00:33:55,969 --> 00:33:58,104 * * 869 00:34:01,841 --> 00:34:02,809 [upbeat music] 870 00:34:02,842 --> 00:34:04,310 - Welcome back! 871 00:34:04,344 --> 00:34:08,048 We are inside the Tacoma Dome where some top athletes 872 00:34:08,081 --> 00:34:10,316 just took on our qualifying course. 873 00:34:10,350 --> 00:34:14,387 Evan Perperis is an Army Special Forces officer 874 00:34:14,421 --> 00:34:17,290 and extreme OCR competitor who runs races 875 00:34:17,323 --> 00:34:20,193 that last more than 24 hours. 876 00:34:20,226 --> 00:34:21,494 Tonight... 877 00:34:21,528 --> 00:34:24,531 - Oh, no! - His run was much shorter. 878 00:34:24,564 --> 00:34:26,766 - Oh, that's gotta hurt. 879 00:34:26,800 --> 00:34:28,868 * * 880 00:34:28,902 --> 00:34:30,370 - [laughs] 881 00:34:30,403 --> 00:34:33,106 - Mallory Simpson was a three sport athlete 882 00:34:33,139 --> 00:34:34,941 in high school, and now he's one 883 00:34:34,974 --> 00:34:37,944 of the top personal trainers in Washington, D.C. 884 00:34:37,977 --> 00:34:39,813 - That's a big body right there, Matt. 885 00:34:39,846 --> 00:34:42,248 - Let's go, bruh! Let's go! 886 00:34:42,282 --> 00:34:44,284 - But when he reached Spinning Log, 887 00:34:44,317 --> 00:34:47,587 he too suffered a shocking and painful exit. 888 00:34:47,620 --> 00:34:48,588 - Ooh, oh, oh! 889 00:34:48,621 --> 00:34:49,656 [buzzer blares] 890 00:34:51,358 --> 00:34:53,493 - We've had several racecar drivers 891 00:34:53,526 --> 00:34:56,763 compete over the years, but NASCAR's Jade Buford 892 00:34:56,796 --> 00:34:59,199 was trying to outrun them all tonight. 893 00:34:59,232 --> 00:35:00,500 - Let's go! 894 00:35:00,533 --> 00:35:01,868 - Well, the course doesn't have 895 00:35:01,901 --> 00:35:02,869 a speed limit, so you can just go. 896 00:35:02,902 --> 00:35:04,371 Let it rip. 897 00:35:04,404 --> 00:35:05,772 - The 33-year-old came out with his foot 898 00:35:05,805 --> 00:35:08,775 firmly on the accelerator. - Yeah! 899 00:35:08,808 --> 00:35:10,443 - And when he crossed Spinning Log... 900 00:35:10,477 --> 00:35:12,846 - Don't spin out! Don't spin out! 901 00:35:12,879 --> 00:35:14,848 - He joined Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 902 00:35:14,881 --> 00:35:18,051 as the only drivers to reach the first obstacle, 903 00:35:18,051 --> 00:35:19,886 and with NASCAR's Austin Cindric 904 00:35:19,919 --> 00:35:21,454 cheering him on... - Go. 905 00:35:21,488 --> 00:35:24,357 - Buford came within inches of making it to the fifth. 906 00:35:24,391 --> 00:35:25,725 - Ooh, oh, hold on! - No! 907 00:35:25,759 --> 00:35:28,328 - Hold on, no! No, no, no, no, is he good? 908 00:35:28,361 --> 00:35:30,397 - Ah. - Oh, no! 909 00:35:30,430 --> 00:35:32,565 - Ah, oh, my God. 910 00:35:32,599 --> 00:35:34,534 - But a strong running Jade Buford 911 00:35:34,567 --> 00:35:36,336 put himself in excellent position 912 00:35:36,369 --> 00:35:38,071 to move on to the semifinals. 913 00:35:38,071 --> 00:35:39,773 * * 914 00:35:39,806 --> 00:35:42,575 Well, just a reminder-- the Summer Olympics 915 00:35:42,609 --> 00:35:45,812 are coming to NBC starting July 23rd, 916 00:35:45,845 --> 00:35:47,180 and we're gonna have Olympians 917 00:35:47,213 --> 00:35:49,549 all over "American Ninja Warrior" this season, 918 00:35:49,582 --> 00:35:51,484 and here is our first. 919 00:35:51,518 --> 00:35:54,087 It's our old pal Jonathan Horton. 920 00:35:54,120 --> 00:35:56,089 He won a silver medal in gymnastics 921 00:35:56,089 --> 00:35:58,458 and he's also a very good Ninja. 922 00:35:58,491 --> 00:36:00,593 He's competed six times on our course 923 00:36:00,627 --> 00:36:04,030 but he's never made it to the National Finals. 924 00:36:04,030 --> 00:36:06,166 Most people feel he's the best Ninja 925 00:36:06,199 --> 00:36:07,500 never to make it to Vegas 926 00:36:07,534 --> 00:36:09,803 but this year, he's got a good luck charm 927 00:36:09,836 --> 00:36:10,870 cheering for him, 928 00:36:10,904 --> 00:36:12,605 a fellow Olympian. 929 00:36:12,639 --> 00:36:16,843 2018 bronze medalist figure skater, Adam Rippon. 930 00:36:16,876 --> 00:36:18,645 Adam, you know what it's like 931 00:36:18,678 --> 00:36:20,413 to come up big in big moments. 932 00:36:20,447 --> 00:36:22,582 What advice would you have for Jonathan 933 00:36:22,615 --> 00:36:23,917 on the start line right now? 934 00:36:23,950 --> 00:36:26,419 - Uh, my biggest advice to Jonathan right now 935 00:36:26,453 --> 00:36:30,090 would be to imagine what I would do in this situation 936 00:36:30,123 --> 00:36:32,225 and just do the complete opposite. 937 00:36:32,258 --> 00:36:34,060 [laughter] 938 00:36:34,060 --> 00:36:36,296 - Okay, so Adam, are you then telling me 939 00:36:36,329 --> 00:36:37,764 you think you could run this course 940 00:36:37,797 --> 00:36:39,966 at a high level and then hit the buzzer? 941 00:36:40,066 --> 00:36:41,334 - If I was at that course, the only thing 942 00:36:41,368 --> 00:36:43,570 I'd be running towards is the door. 943 00:36:43,603 --> 00:36:46,406 So I think that Jonathan, 944 00:36:46,439 --> 00:36:47,407 he's got it. 945 00:36:47,440 --> 00:36:49,342 I am behind him all the way. 946 00:36:49,376 --> 00:36:51,077 - All right, well, fingers crossed 947 00:36:51,077 --> 00:36:52,645 for Jonathan Horton on the course. 948 00:36:52,679 --> 00:36:54,381 The Olympian supporting him. 949 00:36:54,414 --> 00:36:55,882 - [cheers] 950 00:36:55,915 --> 00:36:58,518 [countdown clock beeping] 951 00:36:58,551 --> 00:37:01,354 - If Horton wants to keep his Vegas dreams alive, 952 00:37:01,388 --> 00:37:05,025 he likely needs to get past the fourth obstacle. 953 00:37:05,025 --> 00:37:06,826 - He's been close many times, Matt. 954 00:37:06,860 --> 00:37:08,495 Maybe this is his year. 955 00:37:08,528 --> 00:37:11,931 This dude is an Olympian. He needs to tap into that. 956 00:37:13,800 --> 00:37:17,570 5'1, 135, can clearly generate power and look at that, 957 00:37:17,604 --> 00:37:18,638 will he have the timing? 958 00:37:18,672 --> 00:37:19,706 - Oh, boy, can't miss it. 959 00:37:19,739 --> 00:37:20,774 - Just see a little bit off 960 00:37:20,807 --> 00:37:21,875 and let that bar settle. 961 00:37:21,908 --> 00:37:23,443 Shouldn't be a problem to fly. 962 00:37:23,476 --> 00:37:26,680 - Nice, wow. That was easy for him, okay? 963 00:37:26,713 --> 00:37:29,049 - He was a specialist on the rings. 964 00:37:29,082 --> 00:37:31,384 Horton, what a stud he is. 965 00:37:31,418 --> 00:37:32,452 But just feels he hasn't lived up 966 00:37:32,485 --> 00:37:34,120 to his athletic potential here. 967 00:37:34,154 --> 00:37:36,456 - [clapping] 968 00:37:36,489 --> 00:37:38,525 - And he's taking a path to the right. 969 00:37:38,558 --> 00:37:40,360 Gonna try the Spinning Log. 970 00:37:40,393 --> 00:37:42,128 He is ready. Taking his breath. 971 00:37:42,162 --> 00:37:43,897 Had a good pace to this point, Akbar. 972 00:37:43,930 --> 00:37:45,632 He knows he can be far enough, fast enough. 973 00:37:45,665 --> 00:37:48,368 - Nice. - And he is through. 974 00:37:48,401 --> 00:37:49,669 He gets through this, 975 00:37:49,703 --> 00:37:52,072 he'll be in great position to move on. 976 00:37:52,072 --> 00:37:54,908 Season seven, he missed Vegas by one place. 977 00:37:54,941 --> 00:37:57,644 Says that has haunted him. Had his stumbles. 978 00:37:57,677 --> 00:38:00,814 Tremendous grip strength here, Akbar, but at 5'1, 979 00:38:00,847 --> 00:38:03,383 gonna need to be precise with the rotation 980 00:38:03,416 --> 00:38:05,385 on this honeycomb plank. - And it's the grip strength 981 00:38:05,418 --> 00:38:07,487 that I'm really trying to see here. 982 00:38:07,520 --> 00:38:09,356 How much has he mastered the Ninja technique 983 00:38:09,389 --> 00:38:10,623 to be able to get that thing--oh, boy. 984 00:38:10,657 --> 00:38:12,058 Over-rotated, but that's all right. 985 00:38:12,092 --> 00:38:13,727 - But he's made it harder for himself. 986 00:38:13,760 --> 00:38:15,228 He's high on the first plank, 987 00:38:15,261 --> 00:38:17,764 gonna have to reach down to that second one. 988 00:38:17,797 --> 00:38:19,232 Doesn't have the wingspan. He's gonna have to do 989 00:38:19,265 --> 00:38:21,368 a two-hand transfer. This is high risk. 990 00:38:21,401 --> 00:38:22,669 - I don't like that two-handed transfer. 991 00:38:22,702 --> 00:38:24,104 - Reaching out. - Go now, go now, go now. 992 00:38:24,137 --> 00:38:25,505 - Barely hanging on. 993 00:38:25,538 --> 00:38:26,706 - All right, good, Matt. 994 00:38:26,740 --> 00:38:29,275 - Adam Rippon can barely contain himself. 995 00:38:29,309 --> 00:38:30,710 - Yeah, he's got it now. 996 00:38:30,744 --> 00:38:33,346 He just needs to slide down for the dismount. 997 00:38:33,380 --> 00:38:35,815 - Oh, no! - That was close! 998 00:38:35,849 --> 00:38:38,618 - No, the struggles continue! 999 00:38:38,651 --> 00:38:42,555 Jonathan Horton had it, couldn't stick the dismount. 1000 00:38:42,589 --> 00:38:44,657 - Oh, man! 1001 00:38:44,691 --> 00:38:46,860 - Here's where things started to go wrong. 1002 00:38:46,893 --> 00:38:48,962 He tipped the first plank too high, 1003 00:38:49,062 --> 00:38:52,065 which made it a long reach down to the second plank. 1004 00:38:52,065 --> 00:38:53,533 He couldn't get a good grip 1005 00:38:53,566 --> 00:38:56,069 and he peeled off just inches away 1006 00:38:56,102 --> 00:39:00,240 from the safe landing. 1007 00:39:00,273 --> 00:39:02,008 - I went too soon. 1008 00:39:02,008 --> 00:39:03,576 - We'll have to wait and see 1009 00:39:03,610 --> 00:39:06,179 if that's good enough for Jonathan Horton to move on 1010 00:39:06,212 --> 00:39:09,015 and keep his Vegas dreams alive. 1011 00:39:09,015 --> 00:39:10,550 - Right now, here comes another 1012 00:39:10,583 --> 00:39:13,019 of this season's talented teenagers, 1013 00:39:13,053 --> 00:39:14,554 out of Cyprus, Texas, 1014 00:39:14,587 --> 00:39:16,256 this is 17 year old 1015 00:39:16,289 --> 00:39:17,891 Isabella Wakeham. 1016 00:39:17,924 --> 00:39:20,927 She's been dreaming of this since she was ten. 1017 00:39:21,027 --> 00:39:22,562 And she's got a great training partner, 1018 00:39:22,595 --> 00:39:25,031 her brother Isaiah. 1019 00:39:25,031 --> 00:39:27,100 - Come on, girl. 1020 00:39:27,133 --> 00:39:28,868 [upbeat music] 1021 00:39:28,902 --> 00:39:30,603 - My brother is my best friend. 1022 00:39:30,637 --> 00:39:32,038 - Hold on. 1023 00:39:32,038 --> 00:39:33,740 - And we are competing together on this season 1024 00:39:33,773 --> 00:39:35,942 of "Ninja Warrior." 1025 00:39:36,042 --> 00:39:37,744 Isaiah is three years older than me 1026 00:39:37,777 --> 00:39:39,145 and I know a lot of older brothers 1027 00:39:39,179 --> 00:39:41,147 don't want to include their little sisters, 1028 00:39:41,181 --> 00:39:42,949 but he always included me. 1029 00:39:43,049 --> 00:39:44,517 He's pushed me to get into athletics 1030 00:39:44,551 --> 00:39:47,053 and that's a huge part of why I'm a Ninja. 1031 00:39:47,053 --> 00:39:48,054 - You ready? - As a mom, 1032 00:39:48,054 --> 00:39:49,389 it is a dream come true to see 1033 00:39:49,422 --> 00:39:51,524 both of my kids competing on "American Ninja Warrior." 1034 00:39:51,558 --> 00:39:53,293 I'm proud of their strength and their abilities 1035 00:39:53,326 --> 00:39:55,595 but mostly, I'm proud of how they treat each other. 1036 00:39:55,628 --> 00:39:57,063 - Bro. [both laugh] 1037 00:39:57,063 --> 00:39:58,231 We've been best friends ever since 1038 00:39:58,264 --> 00:39:59,366 we were little kids. 1039 00:39:59,399 --> 00:40:00,467 Training with Isabella has just been 1040 00:40:00,500 --> 00:40:01,868 one of the most fun things because 1041 00:40:01,901 --> 00:40:03,770 she's not just really fun to be around 1042 00:40:03,803 --> 00:40:05,038 and a cool person, 1043 00:40:05,071 --> 00:40:07,741 but she's an absolute monster of an athlete. 1044 00:40:07,774 --> 00:40:10,443 - I was ten when I first started training. 1045 00:40:10,477 --> 00:40:12,445 Growing up, I wasn't very athletic. 1046 00:40:12,479 --> 00:40:14,447 I was like, super skinny. 1047 00:40:14,481 --> 00:40:15,749 - * Glowed up * 1048 00:40:15,782 --> 00:40:17,350 * Like I'm rolling first class * 1049 00:40:17,384 --> 00:40:19,919 - When I found Ninja, I just loved it so much. 1050 00:40:19,953 --> 00:40:23,189 This is my only sport. Ninja is the only thing I do. 1051 00:40:23,223 --> 00:40:25,425 - She definitely keeps me on edge, 1052 00:40:25,458 --> 00:40:26,659 keeps me working hard. 1053 00:40:26,693 --> 00:40:28,294 - We have push-up competitions, 1054 00:40:28,328 --> 00:40:29,462 pull-up competitions, 1055 00:40:29,496 --> 00:40:31,064 even handstand competitions. 1056 00:40:31,097 --> 00:40:33,266 [all cheering] 1057 00:40:33,299 --> 00:40:35,301 Isaiah and I have been training for this 1058 00:40:35,335 --> 00:40:37,904 for the last seven years. 1059 00:40:37,937 --> 00:40:39,339 And we are ready to show everyone 1060 00:40:39,372 --> 00:40:41,241 that we're ready for the big leagues. 1061 00:40:41,274 --> 00:40:42,575 * * 1062 00:40:42,609 --> 00:40:43,910 - * I like it like that * 1063 00:40:43,943 --> 00:40:46,312 * * 1064 00:40:46,346 --> 00:40:47,580 [cheering] 1065 00:40:47,614 --> 00:40:49,282 - Isaiah will run a bit later. 1066 00:40:49,315 --> 00:40:52,352 He's gonna be on the sideline with their mom, J. 1067 00:40:52,385 --> 00:40:53,920 Some of the Ninjas she trains with, 1068 00:40:53,953 --> 00:40:57,557 Daniel Gil and Jody Avila also over there. 1069 00:40:57,590 --> 00:41:00,060 [countdown clock beeping] 1070 00:41:00,060 --> 00:41:01,628 The top five women from tonight 1071 00:41:01,661 --> 00:41:03,496 move on to the semi-finals. 1072 00:41:03,530 --> 00:41:06,766 Isabella hoping to be one of them. 1073 00:41:06,800 --> 00:41:07,901 - Mom's got to be proud. 1074 00:41:07,934 --> 00:41:09,202 She's got two kids 1075 00:41:09,235 --> 00:41:11,137 running the course tonight. 1076 00:41:11,171 --> 00:41:13,073 - Now on Overpass. This can be trouble 1077 00:41:13,106 --> 00:41:16,376 if your timing's not in sync with that moving bar. 1078 00:41:16,409 --> 00:41:18,078 And great job there with the timing. 1079 00:41:18,078 --> 00:41:19,446 - Nice, okay, great. 1080 00:41:19,479 --> 00:41:22,415 - That was just a textbook approach. 1081 00:41:22,449 --> 00:41:23,683 - For a second I thought she might've been 1082 00:41:23,717 --> 00:41:25,151 a little off but she made it. 1083 00:41:25,185 --> 00:41:28,288 - And Akbar, you could just see how calm she was. 1084 00:41:28,321 --> 00:41:30,323 Had that timing perfect. 1085 00:41:30,357 --> 00:41:32,759 Just needs the dismount here. 1086 00:41:32,792 --> 00:41:35,195 And she's got it. [crowd cheering] 1087 00:41:35,228 --> 00:41:36,396 - Come on, Bell. 1088 00:41:36,429 --> 00:41:38,164 - And went straight to the Dominoes. 1089 00:41:38,198 --> 00:41:39,666 She already had her mind made up 1090 00:41:39,699 --> 00:41:40,834 for a Split Decision. 1091 00:41:40,867 --> 00:41:42,469 - Weighs just 130 pounds, 1092 00:41:42,502 --> 00:41:44,304 she may not even move the Dominoes. 1093 00:41:44,337 --> 00:41:46,139 - Push, push, push, push! 1094 00:41:46,172 --> 00:41:47,474 - Oh, she's through. 1095 00:41:47,507 --> 00:41:49,275 [crowd cheering] 1096 00:41:49,309 --> 00:41:52,312 - Yeah, let's go, Bell! You got it! 1097 00:41:52,345 --> 00:41:54,347 - Now at Tipping Point. 1098 00:41:54,381 --> 00:41:57,784 No woman has made it past this fourth obstacle tonight. 1099 00:41:57,817 --> 00:41:59,853 Jonathan Horton, an experienced Ninja, 1100 00:41:59,886 --> 00:42:01,588 had trouble just minutes ago here. 1101 00:42:01,621 --> 00:42:03,923 - And Isabella is another one of those kids 1102 00:42:03,957 --> 00:42:06,059 we saw compete on "Ninja Junior." 1103 00:42:06,059 --> 00:42:08,528 And these kids are coming in with such confidence. 1104 00:42:08,561 --> 00:42:11,331 - And she's positioned this first plank perfectly, 1105 00:42:11,364 --> 00:42:13,266 something Horton didn't do. 1106 00:42:13,299 --> 00:42:14,434 - Oh, oh, oh! - Uh-oh! 1107 00:42:14,467 --> 00:42:17,837 Great save there, great presence! 1108 00:42:17,871 --> 00:42:20,173 That is such a challenge, Akbar. 1109 00:42:20,206 --> 00:42:21,975 - Mama is looking nervous. 1110 00:42:22,075 --> 00:42:24,444 She's holding onto Isaiah right now for this one. 1111 00:42:24,477 --> 00:42:27,147 - A missed hand placement so often ends a run 1112 00:42:27,180 --> 00:42:28,381 but not for Wakeham. 1113 00:42:28,415 --> 00:42:29,949 - We saw Horton go out here. 1114 00:42:29,983 --> 00:42:31,584 Gotta be very careful on that dismount. 1115 00:42:31,618 --> 00:42:32,652 Nice dismount. 1116 00:42:33,253 --> 00:42:36,856 Her dad and family back in Houston, going nuts! 1117 00:42:36,890 --> 00:42:39,492 Now V Formation stands between 1118 00:42:39,526 --> 00:42:42,095 this 17 year old and the Warped Wall. 1119 00:42:42,128 --> 00:42:43,496 - Come on. - Once you start, don't stop. 1120 00:42:43,530 --> 00:42:45,832 - Only another teenager, Elijah Browning, 1121 00:42:45,865 --> 00:42:47,701 has gotten past this obstacle tonight. 1122 00:42:47,734 --> 00:42:49,969 - The teen invasion is on, Matt. 1123 00:42:50,003 --> 00:42:51,905 - Look at the power, Akbar. - Nice. 1124 00:42:51,938 --> 00:42:53,139 And clean, too. 1125 00:42:53,173 --> 00:42:54,341 - Well, she's already gone farther 1126 00:42:54,374 --> 00:42:55,875 than any woman tonight. 1127 00:42:55,909 --> 00:42:57,711 Isabella Wakeham can start 1128 00:42:57,744 --> 00:43:00,513 thinking about a buzzer. - Squeeze, squeeze! 1129 00:43:00,547 --> 00:43:02,048 [crowd cheering] 1130 00:43:02,082 --> 00:43:04,751 - This decent, though. This has been so challenging. 1131 00:43:04,784 --> 00:43:06,653 - Oh, come on, you go, girl! 1132 00:43:06,686 --> 00:43:09,055 You go, girl! - The hands are sliding, Akbar. 1133 00:43:09,055 --> 00:43:10,190 This is gonna be tough. 1134 00:43:10,223 --> 00:43:11,491 She's going for that third handle. 1135 00:43:11,524 --> 00:43:12,659 Oh! 1136 00:43:12,692 --> 00:43:15,528 Just couldn't hang on! 1137 00:43:15,562 --> 00:43:17,430 But Isabella Wakeham 1138 00:43:17,464 --> 00:43:19,699 just put herself in first place 1139 00:43:19,733 --> 00:43:21,768 amongst the women. 1140 00:43:21,801 --> 00:43:25,105 - These teenagers are coming out ready for the big course. 1141 00:43:25,138 --> 00:43:27,140 Isabella handled Overpass 1142 00:43:27,173 --> 00:43:29,342 as well as anyone we've seen tonight. 1143 00:43:29,376 --> 00:43:32,112 And was powering through V Formation 1144 00:43:32,145 --> 00:43:36,783 but just couldn't handle that third V. 1145 00:43:36,816 --> 00:43:38,585 - [sighs] So much fun! 1146 00:43:38,618 --> 00:43:39,919 An amazing course. 1147 00:43:39,953 --> 00:43:41,454 - Well, we'll likely see her 1148 00:43:41,488 --> 00:43:44,290 in a few weeks in the semi-finals. 1149 00:43:44,324 --> 00:43:47,961 She's a beloved Ninja athlete and one of our favorites, 1150 00:43:47,994 --> 00:43:50,797 now Barclay Stockett is back. 1151 00:43:50,830 --> 00:43:52,932 Her emotional return is up next 1152 00:43:52,966 --> 00:43:56,102 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1153 00:43:59,105 --> 00:44:00,373 - Welcome back to 1154 00:44:00,407 --> 00:44:03,043 "American Ninja Warrior's" season premiere 1155 00:44:03,076 --> 00:44:04,644 where we're about mid-way through 1156 00:44:04,678 --> 00:44:05,945 tonight's qualifying round. 1157 00:44:06,046 --> 00:44:07,414 - And Matt, the story so far 1158 00:44:07,447 --> 00:44:08,915 has been these teenagers. 1159 00:44:08,948 --> 00:44:11,351 They're not kidding around. 1160 00:44:11,384 --> 00:44:14,254 The only athlete to finish the course to this point, 1161 00:44:14,287 --> 00:44:17,757 Elijah Browning, is just 16-years-old. 1162 00:44:17,791 --> 00:44:19,693 - The boss is here! 1163 00:44:19,726 --> 00:44:21,628 - And the top woman thus far, 1164 00:44:21,661 --> 00:44:25,198 Isabella Wakeham, is only 17-years-old. 1165 00:44:25,231 --> 00:44:28,101 - First place amongst the women. 1166 00:44:28,134 --> 00:44:30,370 And minutes ago, Isabella's brother, 1167 00:44:30,403 --> 00:44:31,604 Isaiah Wakeham, 1168 00:44:31,638 --> 00:44:33,340 also had a strong run. 1169 00:44:33,373 --> 00:44:35,241 - Making it look easy. 1170 00:44:35,275 --> 00:44:36,509 - Before he fell 1171 00:44:36,543 --> 00:44:38,478 at the exact same spot as his sister. 1172 00:44:38,511 --> 00:44:41,181 - Oh, no! 1173 00:44:41,214 --> 00:44:44,284 - Another youngster, 16 year old Nate Pardo 1174 00:44:44,317 --> 00:44:47,420 looked like he was speeding towards our second finish. 1175 00:44:47,454 --> 00:44:48,688 - Just amazing. 1176 00:44:48,722 --> 00:44:50,323 - Before he also fell 1177 00:44:50,357 --> 00:44:52,926 on that fifth obstacle, V Formation. 1178 00:44:52,959 --> 00:44:53,927 - No! 1179 00:44:53,960 --> 00:44:55,261 - But his fast time 1180 00:44:55,295 --> 00:44:57,430 also assures him of moving on 1181 00:44:57,464 --> 00:44:58,898 to the semi-finals. 1182 00:44:58,932 --> 00:45:01,201 Then it was another speedy 16 year old, 1183 00:45:01,234 --> 00:45:03,603 Christian Youst, out of Dallas, Texas. 1184 00:45:03,636 --> 00:45:04,804 - These young kids, 1185 00:45:04,838 --> 00:45:06,573 they have come prepared to play, 1186 00:45:06,606 --> 00:45:09,509 - At only 5'4 and 115 pounds, 1187 00:45:09,542 --> 00:45:11,311 he's often underestimated, 1188 00:45:11,344 --> 00:45:13,880 so he calls himself "The Dark Horse Ninja." 1189 00:45:13,913 --> 00:45:16,783 Look at the Ninja fly. 1190 00:45:16,816 --> 00:45:18,351 - The high school sophomore 1191 00:45:18,385 --> 00:45:20,787 was absolutely sprinting through the course. 1192 00:45:20,820 --> 00:45:23,056 - This kid barely has his driver's license 1193 00:45:23,056 --> 00:45:26,393 and he's clearly exceeding the speed limit. 1194 00:45:26,426 --> 00:45:28,061 But the run of the Dark Horse 1195 00:45:28,061 --> 00:45:30,230 finally ended at V Formation. 1196 00:45:30,263 --> 00:45:32,065 - Oh! 1197 00:45:32,098 --> 00:45:33,533 - But his fast pace meant 1198 00:45:33,566 --> 00:45:36,269 he also earned a spot in the semi-finals. 1199 00:45:36,302 --> 00:45:37,303 - But I had fun. 1200 00:45:37,337 --> 00:45:39,572 [crowd cheering] 1201 00:45:39,606 --> 00:45:41,307 - Right now, we are so happy 1202 00:45:41,341 --> 00:45:42,876 to welcome back to the start line, 1203 00:45:42,909 --> 00:45:45,345 one of the most beloved Ninja athletes, 1204 00:45:45,378 --> 00:45:47,180 Barclay Stockett. 1205 00:45:47,213 --> 00:45:48,648 Barclay missed last season 1206 00:45:48,682 --> 00:45:50,150 to be with her mother 1207 00:45:50,183 --> 00:45:52,318 who died of cancer less than a year ago. 1208 00:45:52,352 --> 00:45:54,354 Her mom meant so much to her. 1209 00:45:54,387 --> 00:45:56,823 You can see the tears in Barclay's eyes. 1210 00:45:56,856 --> 00:45:59,459 You know this is gonna be an emotional run. 1211 00:45:59,492 --> 00:46:01,661 [emotional music] 1212 00:46:03,630 --> 00:46:06,366 - Last season, I wasn't able to be here. 1213 00:46:06,399 --> 00:46:09,336 I've had a hard past two years. 1214 00:46:09,369 --> 00:46:12,372 * * 1215 00:46:12,405 --> 00:46:15,041 - Whoo! 1216 00:46:15,041 --> 00:46:16,476 That's awesome. 1217 00:46:16,509 --> 00:46:18,778 * * 1218 00:46:18,812 --> 00:46:20,647 - My mom... 1219 00:46:20,680 --> 00:46:24,351 was the most magical person. 1220 00:46:24,384 --> 00:46:27,253 Yeah, she was my superhero. 1221 00:46:27,287 --> 00:46:31,057 - You were made for that thing. 1222 00:46:31,057 --> 00:46:32,859 You do so well. - That's my favorite obstacle. 1223 00:46:32,892 --> 00:46:34,627 I love the Salmon Ladder. 1224 00:46:34,661 --> 00:46:37,630 She taught me to live in service of others. 1225 00:46:37,664 --> 00:46:41,301 When your mama makes you buttermilk biscuits, 1226 00:46:41,334 --> 00:46:44,070 even if you're gluten-free, 1227 00:46:44,104 --> 00:46:45,672 you eat them. - Eat 'em. 1228 00:46:45,705 --> 00:46:47,741 - [whispers] You eat them. 1229 00:46:47,774 --> 00:46:49,376 She was still-- 1230 00:46:49,409 --> 00:46:54,280 she was still hand making cards and crocheting baby blankets 1231 00:46:54,314 --> 00:46:56,750 when her hands weren't working anymore. 1232 00:46:56,783 --> 00:46:57,917 - She's not impressed. 1233 00:46:57,951 --> 00:46:59,619 Look at her, she's not impressed. 1234 00:46:59,652 --> 00:47:01,121 - [chuckling] 1235 00:47:01,154 --> 00:47:02,322 - Are you impressed, Mom? 1236 00:47:02,355 --> 00:47:03,823 - I'm posting it. 1237 00:47:03,857 --> 00:47:06,326 - Oh! [laughter] 1238 00:47:06,359 --> 00:47:07,594 * * 1239 00:47:07,627 --> 00:47:10,363 I think my mom would want 1240 00:47:10,397 --> 00:47:13,299 me to share that life is worth fighting for. 1241 00:47:13,333 --> 00:47:15,201 * * 1242 00:47:15,235 --> 00:47:18,738 I think she'd want me to tell those 1243 00:47:18,772 --> 00:47:20,540 who are struggling 1244 00:47:20,573 --> 00:47:23,510 to continue living right now. 1245 00:47:23,543 --> 00:47:25,812 That life is worth fighting for. 1246 00:47:25,845 --> 00:47:28,815 * * 1247 00:47:28,848 --> 00:47:30,450 I had the best mom. 1248 00:47:30,483 --> 00:47:33,119 [sniffles, sighs] 1249 00:47:33,153 --> 00:47:35,388 [crowd cheering] 1250 00:47:35,422 --> 00:47:37,457 - All of Barclay's family members 1251 00:47:37,490 --> 00:47:40,694 showing support for her as she returns. 1252 00:47:40,727 --> 00:47:43,663 And she really is fighting back the tears. 1253 00:47:43,697 --> 00:47:45,532 See her patting that sunflower patch 1254 00:47:45,565 --> 00:47:46,700 on her chest. 1255 00:47:46,733 --> 00:47:47,801 That was her mom's favorite flower. 1256 00:47:47,834 --> 00:47:49,769 - Come on, Barclay! We love you! 1257 00:47:49,803 --> 00:47:51,905 - And so much support on the sideline, 1258 00:47:51,938 --> 00:47:53,673 including good friends Jeri D'Aurelio 1259 00:47:53,707 --> 00:47:56,076 and Maggi Thorne. - Mom's smiling on you, babe! 1260 00:47:56,076 --> 00:47:57,844 We love you so much! 1261 00:47:57,877 --> 00:47:59,679 [countdown clock beeping] 1262 00:47:59,713 --> 00:48:01,348 - This is so hard for her, Matt, 1263 00:48:01,381 --> 00:48:02,816 but she's fighting through it. 1264 00:48:02,849 --> 00:48:05,418 This is a great way to be able to pay respect 1265 00:48:05,452 --> 00:48:07,187 and honor your mom. Nice. 1266 00:48:07,220 --> 00:48:08,321 - You totally got this. 1267 00:48:08,355 --> 00:48:10,023 You look great, looking strong. 1268 00:48:10,056 --> 00:48:12,025 - Barclay's been one of the top Ninja athletes 1269 00:48:12,025 --> 00:48:13,426 across five seasons 1270 00:48:13,460 --> 00:48:15,795 but has not been able to train as much 1271 00:48:15,829 --> 00:48:16,796 over the past year. 1272 00:48:16,830 --> 00:48:18,164 Only five feet tall. 1273 00:48:20,867 --> 00:48:22,669 Laches, no problem for Barclay. 1274 00:48:22,702 --> 00:48:25,205 She can fly. A level ten gymnast. 1275 00:48:25,238 --> 00:48:27,173 - Nice, look at that. She's showing it. 1276 00:48:27,207 --> 00:48:29,209 You can see now, she's starting to focus in. 1277 00:48:29,242 --> 00:48:31,144 You can see the face going from tears-- 1278 00:48:31,177 --> 00:48:34,047 - Oh, no! - Hold on! 1279 00:48:34,047 --> 00:48:35,949 - Oh, no! - No! 1280 00:48:36,049 --> 00:48:39,052 - Left hand just couldn't hold on to the bar. 1281 00:48:39,052 --> 00:48:40,820 A disappointing result. 1282 00:48:40,854 --> 00:48:42,956 She's been dealing with so much, 1283 00:48:43,056 --> 00:48:45,959 but just awesome to have her back on the course. 1284 00:48:46,059 --> 00:48:47,527 - Matt, well said. 1285 00:48:47,560 --> 00:48:49,796 She's fighting through a lot of emotion 1286 00:48:49,829 --> 00:48:51,931 so it's hard to focus on the course. 1287 00:48:51,965 --> 00:48:54,601 She made the big leap to catch that bar 1288 00:48:54,634 --> 00:48:55,769 but when she grabbed it, 1289 00:48:55,802 --> 00:48:57,370 it popped out of the cradle 1290 00:48:57,404 --> 00:48:59,739 and her hand slipped off. 1291 00:49:00,874 --> 00:49:02,742 [airhorn blares] 1292 00:49:02,776 --> 00:49:05,612 Well, her Ninja friends there to lift her up. 1293 00:49:05,645 --> 00:49:08,548 They know all that she's been through. 1294 00:49:08,581 --> 00:49:11,551 And hopefully, we'll see Barclay back next season. 1295 00:49:11,584 --> 00:49:12,919 - I'm so proud of you. 1296 00:49:13,019 --> 00:49:14,054 You're incredible. 1297 00:49:23,129 --> 00:49:25,799 - Welcome back to "American Ninja Warrior." 1298 00:49:25,832 --> 00:49:28,768 This season, our Ninjas face a Split Decision, 1299 00:49:28,802 --> 00:49:31,204 a choice between two balance obstacles 1300 00:49:31,237 --> 00:49:35,108 and so far, it's creating lots of second guessing. 1301 00:49:35,141 --> 00:49:37,077 Take Nashville's Ben Wilson. 1302 00:49:37,110 --> 00:49:39,312 After getting through the first two obstacles, 1303 00:49:39,346 --> 00:49:41,815 the pharmacist had to pick his poison. 1304 00:49:41,848 --> 00:49:45,218 Go left to Domino Effect or right to Spinning Log? 1305 00:49:45,251 --> 00:49:46,686 - What you gonna do? 1306 00:49:46,720 --> 00:49:49,422 - With his wife, the former Mrs. Tennessee watching, 1307 00:49:49,456 --> 00:49:51,057 Wilson went left 1308 00:49:51,057 --> 00:49:53,827 and got a splitting headache. 1309 00:49:53,860 --> 00:49:54,828 - Oh, is he okay? 1310 00:49:54,861 --> 00:49:56,930 - That's okay, that's okay. 1311 00:49:56,963 --> 00:49:58,431 That's okay, baby. 1312 00:49:58,465 --> 00:50:00,467 - Air Force veteran Christie Brophy 1313 00:50:00,500 --> 00:50:02,736 was flying through the first part of the course. 1314 00:50:02,769 --> 00:50:04,004 - Yes, go! 1315 00:50:04,037 --> 00:50:05,705 - And when she got to Split Decision, 1316 00:50:05,739 --> 00:50:08,675 the mama of four also decided to go left 1317 00:50:08,708 --> 00:50:10,443 and try Domino Effect. 1318 00:50:10,477 --> 00:50:12,212 - She's close, she's close. 1319 00:50:12,245 --> 00:50:14,614 Ooh! 1320 00:50:14,647 --> 00:50:15,949 - No! 1321 00:50:15,982 --> 00:50:18,885 - Prairieville, Louisiana's Wes Meador 1322 00:50:18,918 --> 00:50:21,187 was another who made it to Split Decision. 1323 00:50:21,221 --> 00:50:22,422 [cheering] 1324 00:50:22,455 --> 00:50:24,324 And after going back and forth, 1325 00:50:24,357 --> 00:50:26,593 - Come on, make up your mind, man. 1326 00:50:26,626 --> 00:50:29,963 - He decided to go right to try the spinning log. 1327 00:50:29,996 --> 00:50:32,132 - Gotta keep that balance. 1328 00:50:32,165 --> 00:50:33,767 Nice--oh! 1329 00:50:33,800 --> 00:50:35,335 [both groan] 1330 00:50:36,069 --> 00:50:38,004 - Should have went with Dominoes, I guess. 1331 00:50:39,339 --> 00:50:41,808 - Still only one finisher tonight, 1332 00:50:41,841 --> 00:50:44,778 but up next, another one of our talented youngsters, 1333 00:50:44,811 --> 00:50:48,148 this is 16-year-old Jonathan Godbout. 1334 00:50:48,181 --> 00:50:51,384 And this high school junior is about to beat this course 1335 00:50:51,418 --> 00:50:53,153 like a drum. 1336 00:50:53,186 --> 00:50:56,156 [playing lively drum music] 1337 00:50:56,189 --> 00:50:57,590 * * 1338 00:50:57,624 --> 00:51:00,226 [cheers and applause] 1339 00:51:00,260 --> 00:51:01,428 - I've been playing drums 1340 00:51:01,461 --> 00:51:03,063 since I was about ten years old. 1341 00:51:03,063 --> 00:51:04,964 But I started out with the pots and pans 1342 00:51:05,065 --> 00:51:06,466 all over the basement. 1343 00:51:06,499 --> 00:51:07,901 And that didn't last too long 1344 00:51:07,934 --> 00:51:09,369 'cause we eventually got a drum set. 1345 00:51:09,402 --> 00:51:12,072 * * 1346 00:51:12,072 --> 00:51:14,474 - The music does get loud. I'll be honest. 1347 00:51:14,507 --> 00:51:16,076 * * 1348 00:51:16,076 --> 00:51:18,211 We definitely close the windows 1349 00:51:18,244 --> 00:51:20,580 and wear noise reduction headphones. 1350 00:51:20,914 --> 00:51:21,881 - I'm in a band 1351 00:51:21,915 --> 00:51:23,883 with my brother called PB&J. 1352 00:51:23,917 --> 00:51:25,452 This past year, 1353 00:51:25,485 --> 00:51:27,487 we wrote an album called "Freedom of the Unknown." 1354 00:51:27,520 --> 00:51:30,423 [band playing pop-rock music] 1355 00:51:30,457 --> 00:51:37,430 * * 1356 00:51:37,464 --> 00:51:39,666 - We wanted to focus on some of the issues 1357 00:51:39,699 --> 00:51:41,368 that were going on in the world. 1358 00:51:41,401 --> 00:51:43,636 It addresses social inequality 1359 00:51:43,670 --> 00:51:45,005 and social injustice. 1360 00:51:45,105 --> 00:51:47,107 It can really spread that positive message 1361 00:51:47,140 --> 00:51:50,110 of how teens can do these great things. 1362 00:51:50,110 --> 00:51:51,978 It gives me a lot of pride, 1363 00:51:52,012 --> 00:51:54,814 knowing the music we produce can spread a positive message. 1364 00:51:54,848 --> 00:51:56,916 - Get it! 1365 00:51:56,950 --> 00:51:58,418 Whoo! [cheers and applause] 1366 00:51:58,451 --> 00:52:01,421 - I spend just about as much time playing drums 1367 00:52:01,454 --> 00:52:03,189 as I do in ninja. 1368 00:52:03,223 --> 00:52:06,359 - Nice! - And I train six days a week. 1369 00:52:06,393 --> 00:52:08,294 Running tonight, what I'm trying to prove 1370 00:52:08,328 --> 00:52:11,131 is that I can do just what these adults can do, 1371 00:52:11,164 --> 00:52:13,466 and I can do better than the adults can do. 1372 00:52:13,500 --> 00:52:15,168 I'm ready to rock this course. 1373 00:52:15,201 --> 00:52:18,905 * * 1374 00:52:19,639 --> 00:52:22,242 - There's Team Godbout back in Massachusetts, 1375 00:52:22,275 --> 00:52:24,711 including his brother and bandmate, Ben, 1376 00:52:24,744 --> 00:52:25,945 and his dad, Stephen. 1377 00:52:25,979 --> 00:52:28,081 - Jonathan! - There's his mom, Barri, 1378 00:52:28,114 --> 00:52:30,984 on the sidelines, along with Barclay Stockett. 1379 00:52:31,084 --> 00:52:33,353 She fell earlier, but still out here 1380 00:52:33,386 --> 00:52:34,821 showing her support. 1381 00:52:34,854 --> 00:52:36,990 [countdown clock beeping] - Come on, Jon! 1382 00:52:37,090 --> 00:52:38,458 [clock dings] - Here we go. 1383 00:52:38,491 --> 00:52:39,793 Jonathan Godbout. 1384 00:52:39,826 --> 00:52:42,529 - Showing that good rhythm on the steps. 1385 00:52:42,562 --> 00:52:44,531 Competed on "Ninja Junior" twice. 1386 00:52:44,564 --> 00:52:46,666 Came in third place in his age group one year. 1387 00:52:46,700 --> 00:52:48,835 Now out here competing with the big kids. 1388 00:52:51,838 --> 00:52:54,507 And surprisingly, lets the bar go by. 1389 00:52:54,541 --> 00:52:57,477 So now gotta make a 9-foot lache. 1390 00:52:57,510 --> 00:52:59,012 - Wow. - Ooh! 1391 00:52:59,112 --> 00:53:00,947 - Oh, my goodness. Boy. - No wonder. 1392 00:53:01,047 --> 00:53:03,149 - Okay, Jonathan. - Did you see that? 1393 00:53:03,183 --> 00:53:04,784 That body went to parallel. 1394 00:53:04,818 --> 00:53:07,187 His back hit the bar behind him. 1395 00:53:07,220 --> 00:53:08,655 Now Split Decision. 1396 00:53:08,688 --> 00:53:11,191 And his mind's made up. He's going to the Dominoes. 1397 00:53:11,224 --> 00:53:13,126 - Whoo! - Come on, Jon! 1398 00:53:13,159 --> 00:53:14,594 - 5'7". 1399 00:53:16,129 --> 00:53:17,497 - Look how fast that is! - Good balance. 1400 00:53:17,530 --> 00:53:19,332 - Look how fast that is! 1401 00:53:19,366 --> 00:53:21,568 - He doesn't even stop to take a breath. 1402 00:53:21,601 --> 00:53:23,403 Goes right into Tipping Point. 1403 00:53:23,436 --> 00:53:25,338 - Matt, I like how high up he got too. 1404 00:53:25,372 --> 00:53:27,607 He threw his body up, and that makes it a lot easier 1405 00:53:27,640 --> 00:53:29,109 to turn this thing parallel. 1406 00:53:29,142 --> 00:53:31,311 - Well, Barclay got to mentor a lot of these athletes 1407 00:53:31,344 --> 00:53:32,779 on "Ninja Junior," 1408 00:53:32,812 --> 00:53:34,881 and now they're out here running with her. 1409 00:53:34,914 --> 00:53:37,951 But these kids have grown up a lot since "Ninja Junior." 1410 00:53:37,984 --> 00:53:40,253 Godbout has gained a few inches since then. 1411 00:53:40,286 --> 00:53:41,688 Now 5'7". 1412 00:53:41,721 --> 00:53:45,091 And the musician is rocking this course. 1413 00:53:46,526 --> 00:53:47,861 Looking so efficient. 1414 00:53:47,894 --> 00:53:50,397 These young ninjas, they seem to just have 1415 00:53:50,430 --> 00:53:51,965 a different level of endurance. 1416 00:53:51,998 --> 00:53:53,533 Nice to be 16, Akbar. 1417 00:53:53,566 --> 00:53:55,935 - [laughing] Whoa. - Uh, is this real? 1418 00:53:55,969 --> 00:53:57,237 - And Matt, I think he's saying, 1419 00:53:57,270 --> 00:53:58,938 "Is this real?" 1420 00:53:58,972 --> 00:54:00,373 - This is so awesome. 1421 00:54:00,407 --> 00:54:02,442 - You think he's not having fun? 1422 00:54:02,475 --> 00:54:03,877 - I bet he is, Matt. - Dude, you're rocking. 1423 00:54:03,910 --> 00:54:05,345 - Ey! - You're rocking! 1424 00:54:05,378 --> 00:54:07,647 - Whoo! Let's do it. 1425 00:54:07,681 --> 00:54:09,649 - Whoo! Whoo-hoo! 1426 00:54:09,683 --> 00:54:11,084 - Think about it, Akbar. 1427 00:54:11,117 --> 00:54:12,519 This would be like you playing the NFL 1428 00:54:12,552 --> 00:54:13,753 when you were 16. - I couldn't even believe it. 1429 00:54:13,787 --> 00:54:15,288 Going pro at 16? 1430 00:54:15,321 --> 00:54:17,057 NBA players can't even go pro that young. 1431 00:54:17,057 --> 00:54:18,491 - And these athletes, 1432 00:54:18,525 --> 00:54:20,260 they're proving their-- - Ooh! Powerful! 1433 00:54:20,293 --> 00:54:21,695 - Up two! 1434 00:54:21,728 --> 00:54:24,197 - Ooh, that boy got his reverse candles on. 1435 00:54:24,230 --> 00:54:25,231 - Uh-oh. 1436 00:54:25,265 --> 00:54:26,599 But like many others, 1437 00:54:26,633 --> 00:54:29,069 having some trouble here on V Formation. 1438 00:54:29,069 --> 00:54:31,071 - Oh, boy. - Uh-oh. Uh-oh. 1439 00:54:31,071 --> 00:54:32,939 May be gassed. - Nice. 1440 00:54:32,972 --> 00:54:35,475 - Well, even youth has its limits, Akbar. 1441 00:54:37,944 --> 00:54:40,080 But now seems he's recovered. 1442 00:54:40,080 --> 00:54:41,648 But it's this descent. 1443 00:54:41,681 --> 00:54:43,083 Will those extra moves cost him? 1444 00:54:43,083 --> 00:54:45,085 What do those arms have left? 1445 00:54:46,086 --> 00:54:48,121 - You know, kids don't fatigue as quickly as we do. 1446 00:54:48,154 --> 00:54:49,356 - Well, look at that. - Whoa, Matt. 1447 00:54:49,389 --> 00:54:50,824 - You can see, just throwing those hips 1448 00:54:50,857 --> 00:54:53,326 so he has plenty of time to place his hands. 1449 00:54:53,360 --> 00:54:55,995 Great job visualizing these moves. 1450 00:54:56,096 --> 00:54:58,098 - Come on! - One more bar to go. 1451 00:54:58,098 --> 00:54:59,599 - You got it. Last one. 1452 00:55:00,867 --> 00:55:02,102 - Nice! - Perfect. 1453 00:55:02,135 --> 00:55:03,837 - Look at this. 1454 00:55:03,870 --> 00:55:05,572 Just needs that dismount. 1455 00:55:05,605 --> 00:55:07,574 Get those hips going north, south. 1456 00:55:07,607 --> 00:55:08,875 - Come on! Come on! 1457 00:55:08,908 --> 00:55:09,876 - Yes! - Okay! 1458 00:55:09,909 --> 00:55:11,177 Okay, you young'un. 1459 00:55:11,211 --> 00:55:12,712 Okay, you young'un. - Oh, my goodness. 1460 00:55:12,746 --> 00:55:15,815 The young guns can-- - Hey, that's ten Gs, man. 1461 00:55:15,849 --> 00:55:17,384 That's ten Gs! 1462 00:55:17,417 --> 00:55:19,419 - Just joking about the Mega Wall. 1463 00:55:19,452 --> 00:55:21,588 Trying to be our second finisher today. 1464 00:55:21,621 --> 00:55:23,690 - Wow. - First time on the big course. 1465 00:55:23,723 --> 00:55:26,092 First buzzer by Jon! 1466 00:55:26,126 --> 00:55:29,095 [cheers and applause] 1467 00:55:29,129 --> 00:55:32,198 [inspirational music] 1468 00:55:32,232 --> 00:55:36,936 * * 1469 00:55:36,970 --> 00:55:38,805 - * I'm on fire * 1470 00:55:38,838 --> 00:55:40,807 * Burning up * 1471 00:55:40,840 --> 00:55:44,444 * I wanna be golden * 1472 00:55:44,477 --> 00:55:46,479 - Enjoy it, man. 1473 00:55:46,513 --> 00:55:47,914 Did you think it was gonna be like this? 1474 00:55:47,947 --> 00:55:49,182 Is this how you imagined it? 1475 00:55:49,215 --> 00:55:51,918 - No. This is even better. This is amazing. 1476 00:55:51,951 --> 00:55:53,386 I can't believe it. 1477 00:55:53,420 --> 00:55:56,256 - The drummer was a rock star on this course. 1478 00:55:56,289 --> 00:55:58,358 He sailed through every obstacle. 1479 00:55:58,391 --> 00:56:00,093 He's just our second finisher, 1480 00:56:00,126 --> 00:56:04,030 and both of them are just 16 years old. 1481 00:56:04,030 --> 00:56:06,366 - I could cry. 1482 00:56:06,399 --> 00:56:07,434 - Go ahead. Cry, man. 1483 00:56:07,467 --> 00:56:08,735 Let it out. 1484 00:56:08,768 --> 00:56:11,037 Let it out. - What a moment. 1485 00:56:11,037 --> 00:56:13,773 - The invasion of the teenagers. 1486 00:56:13,807 --> 00:56:17,744 - But here come the superstar veterans, 1487 00:56:17,777 --> 00:56:19,546 as the Genie Ninja, 1488 00:56:19,579 --> 00:56:20,847 the Big Dog, 1489 00:56:20,880 --> 00:56:22,449 and the reigning champ, 1490 00:56:22,482 --> 00:56:24,751 Daniel Gil, hit the course. 1491 00:56:24,784 --> 00:56:27,053 Plus, this country strong ninja 1492 00:56:27,053 --> 00:56:29,522 is running with a purpose, 1493 00:56:29,556 --> 00:56:32,058 hoping to save the family farm. 1494 00:56:32,058 --> 00:56:34,961 And she was in labor three months ago. 1495 00:56:35,061 --> 00:56:36,563 - There it is. 1496 00:56:36,596 --> 00:56:39,099 - Now this new mama's going for a berth 1497 00:56:39,132 --> 00:56:40,834 in the semifinals 1498 00:56:40,867 --> 00:56:44,337 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1499 00:56:49,442 --> 00:56:52,612 - The Olympics are coming to NBC in July. 1500 00:56:52,645 --> 00:56:55,982 And we'll have Olympians on our course all summer, 1501 00:56:56,082 --> 00:56:58,485 including basketball great, Ruthie Bolton, 1502 00:56:58,518 --> 00:57:00,420 who hit the start line minutes ago. 1503 00:57:00,453 --> 00:57:05,091 Bolton helped Team USA win gold in '96 and 2000. 1504 00:57:05,125 --> 00:57:07,460 And she had two other hoops legends 1505 00:57:07,494 --> 00:57:08,828 cheering her on: 1506 00:57:08,862 --> 00:57:11,398 Teresa Weatherspoon and Tamika Catchings. 1507 00:57:11,431 --> 00:57:13,566 Tamika, you have run this course, okay, 1508 00:57:13,600 --> 00:57:15,635 so do you have any advice for Ruthie tonight? 1509 00:57:15,669 --> 00:57:17,837 - Just have fun, go out there, 1510 00:57:17,871 --> 00:57:20,640 and don't be afraid to fall. 1511 00:57:20,674 --> 00:57:23,043 - And Ruthie took that advice to heart, 1512 00:57:23,043 --> 00:57:25,845 as the 53-year-old had big enthusiasm 1513 00:57:25,879 --> 00:57:27,781 but bad hands. 1514 00:57:27,814 --> 00:57:30,316 - Ooh! She got dunked. 1515 00:57:30,350 --> 00:57:32,185 It's a little tougher than it looks. 1516 00:57:32,752 --> 00:57:35,188 - The Plumbing Ninja, Vinnie Castranova, 1517 00:57:35,221 --> 00:57:36,890 gets his workouts on the job. 1518 00:57:36,923 --> 00:57:38,591 And he came ready to go to work. 1519 00:57:38,625 --> 00:57:39,759 - Come on, Vinnie. 1520 00:57:39,793 --> 00:57:41,761 My daddy was a plumber. 1521 00:57:41,795 --> 00:57:44,097 - The 23-year-old from Lauderhill, Florida, 1522 00:57:44,130 --> 00:57:45,899 had it flowing on the course. 1523 00:57:45,932 --> 00:57:48,234 - Okay, Vinnie Castranova. [family cheering] 1524 00:57:48,268 --> 00:57:51,438 - And this plumber didn't get wet. 1525 00:57:51,471 --> 00:57:52,706 [all cheering] 1526 00:57:52,739 --> 00:57:53,973 Finishing the job 1527 00:57:54,074 --> 00:57:55,775 and becoming just our third finisher 1528 00:57:55,809 --> 00:57:57,077 of the night. 1529 00:57:57,110 --> 00:57:58,645 - [cheering] 1530 00:57:58,678 --> 00:58:02,615 * * 1531 00:58:02,649 --> 00:58:05,151 - Well, don't have a cow, man, 1532 00:58:05,185 --> 00:58:07,754 but our next ninja is coming to the start line 1533 00:58:07,787 --> 00:58:09,189 with an ax. 1534 00:58:09,222 --> 00:58:11,057 This is dairy farmer Caleb Dowden 1535 00:58:11,091 --> 00:58:13,026 showing off his daily workout: 1536 00:58:13,059 --> 00:58:14,728 chopping wood. 1537 00:58:14,761 --> 00:58:16,629 - He's not gonna do that on this course, is he? 1538 00:58:16,663 --> 00:58:19,432 [cheers and applause] 1539 00:58:19,466 --> 00:58:20,900 Oh! Matt, wait. 1540 00:58:20,934 --> 00:58:22,836 Wait, he just cut the big one. 1541 00:58:22,869 --> 00:58:24,637 - [laughing] 1542 00:58:24,671 --> 00:58:25,805 - Lookit again. 1543 00:58:25,839 --> 00:58:27,407 He missed the small one entirely, 1544 00:58:27,440 --> 00:58:30,477 but he split the big log. 1545 00:58:30,510 --> 00:58:33,113 - Well, you can forgive him for being a little distracted. 1546 00:58:33,146 --> 00:58:36,316 This man has some serious responsibilities at home. 1547 00:58:36,349 --> 00:58:39,886 He's got a farm and a family to support. 1548 00:58:39,919 --> 00:58:42,455 [cows mooing] 1549 00:58:42,489 --> 00:58:44,691 * * 1550 00:58:44,724 --> 00:58:46,393 - My family has been dairy farming 1551 00:58:46,426 --> 00:58:47,861 for four generations 1552 00:58:47,894 --> 00:58:50,163 from the small town of Mountain Grove, Missouri. 1553 00:58:50,196 --> 00:58:51,831 * * 1554 00:58:51,865 --> 00:58:55,201 Every day, I get up 4:00 a.m. and get the cows milked. 1555 00:58:55,235 --> 00:58:57,604 I love what I do because I love working with my hands 1556 00:58:57,637 --> 00:59:00,306 and stuff and working outdoors. 1557 00:59:00,340 --> 00:59:05,512 * * 1558 00:59:05,545 --> 00:59:07,013 I would love nothing more 1559 00:59:07,013 --> 00:59:09,516 for my baby boy to carry on the family tradition 1560 00:59:09,549 --> 00:59:10,583 of farming. 1561 00:59:10,617 --> 00:59:12,085 But financially, 1562 00:59:12,118 --> 00:59:13,520 I don't know that that'd be a good thing for him. 1563 00:59:13,553 --> 00:59:15,755 * * 1564 00:59:15,789 --> 00:59:17,724 Being a small dairy farm, 1565 00:59:17,757 --> 00:59:20,527 it's really hard to compete with the big dairy farms. 1566 00:59:20,560 --> 00:59:23,029 They're gonna get better deals when they sell their milk 1567 00:59:23,029 --> 00:59:25,131 than what the small farmer is. 1568 00:59:25,165 --> 00:59:27,334 In the last few years, the feed prices have came up; 1569 00:59:27,367 --> 00:59:29,035 the milk prices have gone down. 1570 00:59:29,069 --> 00:59:33,106 And the payments have been hard to make. 1571 00:59:33,139 --> 00:59:34,874 I'm competing on "American Ninja Warrior" 1572 00:59:34,908 --> 00:59:36,776 so I can pay off the family farm. 1573 00:59:36,810 --> 00:59:38,578 It'd just be great to not have that stress 1574 00:59:38,611 --> 00:59:39,913 and worrying about 1575 00:59:39,946 --> 00:59:41,781 how we're gonna pay off the next bills. 1576 00:59:41,815 --> 00:59:44,951 * * 1577 00:59:45,051 --> 00:59:46,119 [cheers and applause] 1578 00:59:46,152 --> 00:59:47,787 - He is definitely country strong. 1579 00:59:47,821 --> 00:59:49,489 Look at them arms. 1580 00:59:49,522 --> 00:59:52,292 - There's his wife, young son, and in-laws, 1581 00:59:52,325 --> 00:59:53,626 cheering him on. 1582 00:59:53,660 --> 00:59:56,062 And on the sideline, another country boy, 1583 00:59:56,096 --> 00:59:58,531 the Bama Ninja, Casey Suchocki. 1584 00:59:58,565 --> 01:00:01,101 [countdown clock beeping] 1585 01:00:01,134 --> 01:00:02,502 [clock dings] 1586 01:00:02,535 --> 01:00:04,204 May not be the most nimble ninja, 1587 01:00:04,237 --> 01:00:06,740 but man, check out those biceps. 1588 01:00:06,773 --> 01:00:09,142 - Hey, Matt, milk, it does a body good. 1589 01:00:09,175 --> 01:00:10,844 - Now up on Overpass. 1590 01:00:10,877 --> 01:00:12,512 Doesn't get to train on anything like this 1591 01:00:12,545 --> 01:00:14,014 back at the farm. - Wait on it! Wait on it! 1592 01:00:14,047 --> 01:00:16,583 - Oh, he's early. The bar wasn't even there yet. 1593 01:00:16,616 --> 01:00:19,152 - Farmers do everything early. 1594 01:00:19,185 --> 01:00:20,987 Competed back in season seven and eight, 1595 01:00:21,021 --> 01:00:24,391 but never able to get past the third obstacle. 1596 01:00:24,424 --> 01:00:26,593 - Well, Matt, you know he's got a strong grip. 1597 01:00:26,626 --> 01:00:29,329 To hold that ax and power through that wood like that 1598 01:00:29,362 --> 01:00:32,132 you gotta have that strength. 1599 01:00:32,165 --> 01:00:34,300 - Go with what you want. Go with what you want. 1600 01:00:34,334 --> 01:00:36,236 - Getting some advice from Suchocki, 1601 01:00:36,269 --> 01:00:39,639 but the woodchopper's gotta pick the Spinning Log, right? 1602 01:00:39,673 --> 01:00:41,541 - Think fast. 1603 01:00:41,574 --> 01:00:44,177 [cheers and applause] - Come on. Come on. Nice. 1604 01:00:44,210 --> 01:00:47,747 - And makes it past the third obstacle for the first time! 1605 01:00:47,781 --> 01:00:50,083 But if he wants to move onto the semifinals, 1606 01:00:50,116 --> 01:00:52,485 likely needs to get through this fourth obstacle, 1607 01:00:52,519 --> 01:00:53,753 Tipping Point. 1608 01:00:53,787 --> 01:00:55,221 - Okay, Woodchuck Ninja. 1609 01:00:55,255 --> 01:00:57,090 - This guy trains with a 60-pound vest. 1610 01:00:57,123 --> 01:00:59,526 You can just see, he's looking light out here, Akbar. 1611 01:00:59,559 --> 01:01:02,295 Looking like he's getting a little more comfortable, here. 1612 01:01:02,328 --> 01:01:04,164 Maybe the nerves are starting to calm. 1613 01:01:04,197 --> 01:01:05,565 - Well, Matt, he also has a little bit 1614 01:01:05,598 --> 01:01:07,200 of a sense of urgency to himself-- 1615 01:01:07,233 --> 01:01:09,069 like, he wants to get it. 1616 01:01:09,069 --> 01:01:11,404 - Well, he's running with a purpose, Akbar. 1617 01:01:11,438 --> 01:01:13,740 Winning $1 million could make such a difference 1618 01:01:13,773 --> 01:01:14,741 to his family 1619 01:01:14,774 --> 01:01:17,077 in preserving that dairy farm. 1620 01:01:17,110 --> 01:01:18,178 - Atta boy. 1621 01:01:18,211 --> 01:01:19,746 - And he's through! - Ooh. 1622 01:01:19,779 --> 01:01:22,315 Puts himself in great position to move on. 1623 01:01:22,349 --> 01:01:23,883 - Yeah, man. 1624 01:01:23,917 --> 01:01:25,852 - The other ninjas coming out to watch Caleb Dowden. 1625 01:01:25,885 --> 01:01:28,188 That's 69-year-old John Loobey, 1626 01:01:28,221 --> 01:01:29,522 our oldest competitor. 1627 01:01:29,556 --> 01:01:31,224 - Come on, baby. 1628 01:01:31,257 --> 01:01:32,726 - Now V Formation, 1629 01:01:32,759 --> 01:01:34,694 the only thing between Caleb Dowden 1630 01:01:34,728 --> 01:01:36,262 and the Warped Wall. 1631 01:01:36,296 --> 01:01:39,366 - Out here representing all them hardworking farmers 1632 01:01:39,399 --> 01:01:40,767 across America, 1633 01:01:40,800 --> 01:01:42,369 getting up at 4:00 in the morning. 1634 01:01:42,402 --> 01:01:45,605 - He's gonna need all that country strength 1635 01:01:45,638 --> 01:01:48,675 Only three competitors have survived it so far. 1636 01:01:48,708 --> 01:01:49,943 And I like it, Akbar. 1637 01:01:49,976 --> 01:01:51,378 Full swings. - Nice. 1638 01:01:51,411 --> 01:01:52,946 - Really used his whole body to generate the power 1639 01:01:52,979 --> 01:01:54,447 trying to save those arms. 1640 01:01:54,481 --> 01:01:56,416 - He lost a little bit of momentum on that swing. 1641 01:01:56,449 --> 01:01:58,351 Ran into that bar, but he's back. 1642 01:01:58,385 --> 01:02:00,887 Gotta use those big woodchopping arms 1643 01:02:00,920 --> 01:02:02,455 to pull himself up now. 1644 01:02:02,489 --> 01:02:04,591 - Well, he is 170 pounds, 1645 01:02:04,624 --> 01:02:06,226 and this is a big reach. 1646 01:02:06,259 --> 01:02:07,694 - Nice. 1647 01:02:07,727 --> 01:02:09,896 He definitely has the strength and the grip. 1648 01:02:09,929 --> 01:02:11,464 - Yes, sir. Come on, baby. 1649 01:02:11,498 --> 01:02:13,867 - Now he needs a soft touch on the way down. 1650 01:02:13,900 --> 01:02:15,735 No! [audience shouts] 1651 01:02:15,769 --> 01:02:17,437 Dang! 1652 01:02:17,470 --> 01:02:18,738 - Oh, good try, Caleb. 1653 01:02:18,772 --> 01:02:20,407 - Well, he didn't get a buzzer, 1654 01:02:20,440 --> 01:02:22,842 but Caleb Dowden had the run of his life, 1655 01:02:22,876 --> 01:02:25,278 showing farmers are ninjas too. 1656 01:02:25,311 --> 01:02:27,881 - Well, his ax swinging was a little off, 1657 01:02:27,914 --> 01:02:30,116 but Caleb was on everywhere else. 1658 01:02:30,150 --> 01:02:31,885 He chopped up the course, 1659 01:02:31,918 --> 01:02:33,753 had his best run ever, 1660 01:02:33,787 --> 01:02:35,188 and I think we're gonna see him 1661 01:02:35,221 --> 01:02:36,523 in the semifinals. 1662 01:02:36,556 --> 01:02:37,824 - Whew. 1663 01:02:37,857 --> 01:02:39,526 Thank you, guys. I had a good time. 1664 01:02:39,559 --> 01:02:40,894 * * 1665 01:02:40,927 --> 01:02:43,963 - There are more unforgettable moments to come, 1666 01:02:43,997 --> 01:02:45,565 including one that made Akbar say... 1667 01:02:45,598 --> 01:02:48,201 - Oh, no! - What the what? 1668 01:02:48,234 --> 01:02:51,104 - When "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1669 01:02:55,275 --> 01:02:56,476 [cool rock music] 1670 01:02:56,509 --> 01:02:58,345 - Welcome back to the Tacoma Dome 1671 01:02:58,378 --> 01:02:59,846 for the first night of qualifying 1672 01:02:59,879 --> 01:03:01,781 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1673 01:03:01,815 --> 01:03:04,384 While we were away, our oldest competitor, 1674 01:03:04,417 --> 01:03:06,886 69-year-old John Loobey, 1675 01:03:06,920 --> 01:03:09,689 let us know what he thinks of these new teenagers. 1676 01:03:09,723 --> 01:03:11,524 - Hey! You kids! 1677 01:03:11,558 --> 01:03:14,427 Get off of my lawn! - Get off of my lawn! 1678 01:03:14,461 --> 01:03:17,197 - [laughing] - He's back! 1679 01:03:17,230 --> 01:03:18,631 - [laughing] They took off. 1680 01:03:18,665 --> 01:03:21,067 - Loobey holds the record as the oldest person 1681 01:03:21,067 --> 01:03:22,836 to reach the third obstacle. 1682 01:03:22,869 --> 01:03:24,170 Wow. 1683 01:03:24,204 --> 01:03:26,406 But tonight, he couldn't get past the first. 1684 01:03:26,439 --> 01:03:28,708 No! - Oh, boy, Matt. 1685 01:03:28,742 --> 01:03:30,243 That ended fast. 1686 01:03:30,276 --> 01:03:31,878 - Well, I had a good landing. 1687 01:03:31,911 --> 01:03:34,848 - Then, down from her base in Anchorage, Alaska, 1688 01:03:34,881 --> 01:03:37,550 it was army captain Jeri D'Aurelio, 1689 01:03:37,584 --> 01:03:40,286 who was cheered on by her drum-playing dad. 1690 01:03:40,320 --> 01:03:41,888 [family cheering] 1691 01:03:41,921 --> 01:03:43,223 [playing rapid drum beat] 1692 01:03:43,256 --> 01:03:44,824 - The seven-time "Ninja" veteran 1693 01:03:44,858 --> 01:03:47,227 looked strong on Overpass... 1694 01:03:47,260 --> 01:03:50,497 [cheers and applause] 1695 01:03:50,530 --> 01:03:52,932 But took a tumble on Domino Effect. 1696 01:03:52,966 --> 01:03:54,134 - Ah-ta-ta-ta... 1697 01:03:54,167 --> 01:03:56,002 - Oh, no! - Ooh. Domino game over. 1698 01:03:56,102 --> 01:03:57,404 [family groans] 1699 01:03:57,437 --> 01:03:59,239 - Her fall left her fifth among the women, 1700 01:03:59,272 --> 01:04:01,441 with one left to run. 1701 01:04:03,877 --> 01:04:05,912 And here comes that final woman. 1702 01:04:05,945 --> 01:04:09,783 This is Huntsville, Alabama's Lindsay Eskildsen. 1703 01:04:09,816 --> 01:04:12,252 You may remember Lindsay was one of our top competitors 1704 01:04:12,285 --> 01:04:13,486 a few years ago, 1705 01:04:13,520 --> 01:04:15,221 but she's been away for a while, 1706 01:04:15,255 --> 01:04:17,190 and for good reason. 1707 01:04:17,223 --> 01:04:20,193 [chill music] 1708 01:04:20,226 --> 01:04:23,063 * * 1709 01:04:23,063 --> 01:04:25,065 - It's been a wild ride since you saw me last. 1710 01:04:25,065 --> 01:04:26,299 I've been busy, 1711 01:04:26,332 --> 01:04:28,368 and I've been so blessed. 1712 01:04:28,401 --> 01:04:30,704 I met the love of my life, Joe Greene, 1713 01:04:30,737 --> 01:04:32,205 at a ninja competition. 1714 01:04:32,238 --> 01:04:34,574 We got married in 2018. 1715 01:04:34,607 --> 01:04:37,610 Ava Madison was born in 2019, 1716 01:04:37,644 --> 01:04:40,213 and Houston Eli was born 3 1/2 months ago 1717 01:04:40,246 --> 01:04:41,848 and now we're a family of four. 1718 01:04:41,881 --> 01:04:43,750 - Wanna pet the baby? - Yeah. 1719 01:04:43,783 --> 01:04:45,518 - The baby? - It's a baby horse. 1720 01:04:45,552 --> 01:04:47,587 - Yeah, he's only a month old. 1721 01:04:47,620 --> 01:04:48,621 - Whee! 1722 01:04:48,655 --> 01:04:50,090 I love being a mom. 1723 01:04:50,090 --> 01:04:52,325 I love watching them grow and learn 1724 01:04:52,359 --> 01:04:54,294 and it just gives me a whole new purpose in life. 1725 01:04:54,327 --> 01:04:56,696 But I literally am changing diapers, 1726 01:04:56,730 --> 01:04:58,998 feeding babies, cleaning up all day long. 1727 01:04:59,099 --> 01:05:01,034 I do not have much time at all to exercise. 1728 01:05:01,067 --> 01:05:02,736 So you have to get really creative 1729 01:05:02,769 --> 01:05:03,870 with your training. 1730 01:05:03,903 --> 01:05:06,439 - * Better, better for me * 1731 01:05:06,473 --> 01:05:08,074 * Getting better * 1732 01:05:08,108 --> 01:05:09,509 - Sometimes I'll strap on a baby or two 1733 01:05:09,542 --> 01:05:11,544 and use them as a little baby weight vest. 1734 01:05:11,578 --> 01:05:13,113 I'll do planks or push-ups, and sometimes, 1735 01:05:13,146 --> 01:05:14,714 you have to wait till they go to bed at night 1736 01:05:14,748 --> 01:05:16,349 and work out at 11:30. 1737 01:05:16,383 --> 01:05:18,385 * * 1738 01:05:18,418 --> 01:05:22,055 - After Lindsay had Houston, she trained every single day, 1739 01:05:22,055 --> 01:05:23,623 multiple times a day. 1740 01:05:23,656 --> 01:05:26,760 She's committed to be a mom and a ninja at the same time. 1741 01:05:26,793 --> 01:05:28,228 both: Yay! 1742 01:05:28,261 --> 01:05:29,963 - Good job, baby. 1743 01:05:30,063 --> 01:05:31,197 If I can be a mom of two babies, 1744 01:05:31,231 --> 01:05:33,199 I know I can take on this course. 1745 01:05:33,233 --> 01:05:35,402 - * Better for me * 1746 01:05:35,435 --> 01:05:38,071 - I'm gonna show the world that I'm "mama strong." 1747 01:05:38,071 --> 01:05:40,206 [cheers and applause] 1748 01:05:40,240 --> 01:05:42,742 - And sending love to her family. 1749 01:05:42,776 --> 01:05:44,744 Her husband Joe, working back in Alabama. 1750 01:05:44,778 --> 01:05:46,212 - Do this. Let's go, babe. Come on. 1751 01:05:46,246 --> 01:05:48,748 - While those two babies are with the grandparents... 1752 01:05:48,782 --> 01:05:50,383 - Mama strong! 1753 01:05:50,417 --> 01:05:51,851 - Mama! 1754 01:05:51,885 --> 01:05:54,254 [countdown clock beeping] 1755 01:05:54,287 --> 01:05:55,655 [countdown clock dings] - Think of it, Akbar. 1756 01:05:55,689 --> 01:05:58,692 Just 3 1/2 months ago, she was giving birth! 1757 01:05:58,725 --> 01:06:01,494 Now out here running our obstacle course. 1758 01:06:01,528 --> 01:06:04,064 - Today, she's looking for postpartum stardom. 1759 01:06:04,097 --> 01:06:06,132 - There's another ninja mom, Maggi Thorne, 1760 01:06:06,166 --> 01:06:07,434 showing her support. 1761 01:06:07,467 --> 01:06:08,868 - And she knows what it's like 1762 01:06:08,902 --> 01:06:11,204 to balance motherhood and ninja training. 1763 01:06:11,237 --> 01:06:13,940 During the day, she worries about diapers and feedings. 1764 01:06:14,040 --> 01:06:16,343 And now she has to deal with this mess. 1765 01:06:16,376 --> 01:06:17,410 Overpass. 1766 01:06:17,444 --> 01:06:18,411 Nice! - Got it! 1767 01:06:18,445 --> 01:06:19,746 - Okay, good catch. 1768 01:06:19,779 --> 01:06:21,114 - Oh, she's very athletic. 1769 01:06:21,147 --> 01:06:22,782 She was a competitive gymnast growing up. 1770 01:06:22,816 --> 01:06:25,418 Was a college cheerleader at Sacramento State, 1771 01:06:25,452 --> 01:06:29,756 but tough to come back this soon after childbirth. 1772 01:06:29,789 --> 01:06:32,158 - Looks like she's gonna get through Overpass. 1773 01:06:32,192 --> 01:06:33,927 - And she does. 1774 01:06:33,960 --> 01:06:35,662 - Yes! - Yes! 1775 01:06:35,695 --> 01:06:38,365 - Come on! Come on, Mama! 1776 01:06:38,398 --> 01:06:41,067 - And she's heading down the path towards Dominoes. 1777 01:06:41,067 --> 01:06:44,070 - Quick feet and commit to it! Quick feet and commit to it! 1778 01:06:44,104 --> 01:06:46,639 - And that's 16-year-old Elijah Browning, 1779 01:06:46,673 --> 01:06:49,075 offering advice to the 39-year-old mom. 1780 01:06:49,075 --> 01:06:50,210 - Come on! 1781 01:06:50,243 --> 01:06:51,411 - Elijah finished the course earlier. 1782 01:06:51,444 --> 01:06:54,114 He can probably babysit her kids. 1783 01:06:54,147 --> 01:06:55,882 - Here we go. Hot feet, here, on Dominoes. 1784 01:06:55,915 --> 01:06:57,384 - 105 pounds. 1785 01:06:57,417 --> 01:06:58,885 Those dominoes shouldn't move a ton, 1786 01:06:58,918 --> 01:07:01,354 but as we saw with D'Aurelio, anything can happen. 1787 01:07:01,388 --> 01:07:02,589 - Oh, here we go. Nice. 1788 01:07:02,622 --> 01:07:04,024 Go, go, go, go! 1789 01:07:04,057 --> 01:07:05,492 - Whoa, stay there. 1790 01:07:05,525 --> 01:07:08,261 - Nice! - She's alive! 1791 01:07:08,294 --> 01:07:09,596 - Whoo! 1792 01:07:09,629 --> 01:07:11,598 - This is what you call postpartum stardom. 1793 01:07:11,631 --> 01:07:13,433 [cheers and applause] 1794 01:07:13,466 --> 01:07:15,902 [both laughing] 1795 01:07:15,935 --> 01:07:19,072 - She goes tumbling through those last couple of Dominoes, 1796 01:07:19,105 --> 01:07:22,242 and her head and shoulders were hanging over the water. 1797 01:07:22,275 --> 01:07:24,144 She was mama strong. 1798 01:07:24,177 --> 01:07:27,113 - That hair bow almost touched the water, Akbar. 1799 01:07:27,147 --> 01:07:28,948 Sometimes you need a break, 1800 01:07:29,049 --> 01:07:30,950 and Lindsay caught it right there. 1801 01:07:31,051 --> 01:07:33,319 And she is still catching her breath. 1802 01:07:33,353 --> 01:07:35,055 - Yes! - Yes, Mama! 1803 01:07:35,055 --> 01:07:36,389 There you go! 1804 01:07:36,423 --> 01:07:39,726 - Now onto Tipping Point. 1805 01:07:39,759 --> 01:07:42,195 Only Sophie Shaft and Isabella Wakeham 1806 01:07:42,228 --> 01:07:43,930 made it this far for the women. 1807 01:07:43,963 --> 01:07:45,231 - Here we go. 1808 01:07:45,265 --> 01:07:46,466 Now, this is gonna be a real challenge. 1809 01:07:46,499 --> 01:07:49,302 Fighting to get up past that fulcrum. 1810 01:07:49,336 --> 01:07:52,072 Trying to get this hexagon board up. 1811 01:07:52,072 --> 01:07:53,740 - She's a beast, though. 1812 01:07:55,275 --> 01:07:57,177 And a really good job controlling it. 1813 01:07:57,210 --> 01:07:58,712 That was impressive. 1814 01:07:58,745 --> 01:08:00,680 - There you go. - Oh, my. 1815 01:08:00,714 --> 01:08:02,415 Well, Matt, for every woman, 1816 01:08:02,449 --> 01:08:03,850 postpartum's journey is different, 1817 01:08:03,883 --> 01:08:05,185 but for Lindsay, it's ninja, 1818 01:08:05,218 --> 01:08:07,020 all day, every day. 1819 01:08:07,053 --> 01:08:09,022 - Well, this is a cheerleader, 1820 01:08:09,022 --> 01:08:11,424 and she's giving everybody something to cheer about. 1821 01:08:11,458 --> 01:08:14,027 What a performance. - Man, this is nuts. 1822 01:08:14,027 --> 01:08:16,296 - 39-year-old mother of two. - This is nuts. 1823 01:08:16,329 --> 01:08:18,231 - We haven't seen her since season ten, 1824 01:08:18,264 --> 01:08:20,567 and she comes back in season 13 like this. 1825 01:08:20,600 --> 01:08:23,336 - Well, she has been pregnant for a significant portion 1826 01:08:23,370 --> 01:08:25,739 of that time, and now here she is, 1827 01:08:25,772 --> 01:08:28,308 doing what only a handful of women have done: 1828 01:08:28,341 --> 01:08:31,111 making it to this fifth obstacle. 1829 01:08:31,144 --> 01:08:32,812 - Good job, babe. Good job. 1830 01:08:32,846 --> 01:08:34,114 - She's done it in the past. 1831 01:08:34,147 --> 01:08:35,915 Can this be the year she breaks through 1832 01:08:35,949 --> 01:08:37,550 and gets through the fifth obstacle? 1833 01:08:37,584 --> 01:08:38,618 - Yeah, this is gonna go viral. 1834 01:08:38,651 --> 01:08:40,120 - You just had a baby. 1835 01:08:40,153 --> 01:08:42,122 This course got nothing on you. 1836 01:08:42,155 --> 01:08:43,423 - Let's go! 1837 01:08:43,456 --> 01:08:45,058 - That shirt says it all. Mama strong. 1838 01:08:45,058 --> 01:08:46,626 - It's gonna be a long time before they can watch this 1839 01:08:46,659 --> 01:08:49,429 and understand how impressive their mama is. 1840 01:08:49,462 --> 01:08:51,164 - Save this one on the DVR. 1841 01:08:51,197 --> 01:08:53,600 I see you. Okay! 1842 01:08:53,633 --> 01:08:55,101 Okay! 1843 01:08:55,135 --> 01:08:56,436 - Good job, Linds. 1844 01:08:56,469 --> 01:08:58,505 - And her babies are now gonna watch mama 1845 01:08:58,538 --> 01:09:00,774 tackle this beast of an obstacle. 1846 01:09:00,807 --> 01:09:02,475 V Formation. 1847 01:09:02,509 --> 01:09:04,644 This is so impressive. 1848 01:09:04,678 --> 01:09:06,613 - You got this. - Come on, sissy. 1849 01:09:06,646 --> 01:09:08,915 - Can she generate some power here? 1850 01:09:09,015 --> 01:09:10,250 - She's got all the power. 1851 01:09:10,283 --> 01:09:12,185 This is straight woman power right here. 1852 01:09:12,218 --> 01:09:14,854 - Wow. Full body! - Come on. 1853 01:09:14,888 --> 01:09:17,290 - Using those hips, the legs, everything. 1854 01:09:17,323 --> 01:09:19,159 - This is exciting. Get up. 1855 01:09:19,192 --> 01:09:23,129 Come on! - Mama strong. 1856 01:09:23,163 --> 01:09:24,831 - Almost! 1857 01:09:24,864 --> 01:09:26,032 - Good one! - Oh! 1858 01:09:26,066 --> 01:09:28,568 - That is mama strong all day, every day. 1859 01:09:28,601 --> 01:09:30,036 - You know those kids are saying, 1860 01:09:30,036 --> 01:09:31,371 "That's my mama." 1861 01:09:31,404 --> 01:09:32,839 - Yeah, they are. Mama! 1862 01:09:32,872 --> 01:09:34,941 both: Oh! [audience exclaims] 1863 01:09:35,041 --> 01:09:36,876 - Oh! 1864 01:09:36,910 --> 01:09:38,545 - She splashes down, 1865 01:09:38,578 --> 01:09:41,314 but not before one of the most impressive runs of the night. 1866 01:09:41,348 --> 01:09:44,050 - That was amazing! 1867 01:09:44,050 --> 01:09:45,618 - Mamma mia. 1868 01:09:45,652 --> 01:09:49,122 - Lindsay Eskildsen proved that moms can handle anything, 1869 01:09:49,155 --> 01:09:51,358 even a really difficult ninja course. 1870 01:09:51,391 --> 01:09:54,194 And you gotta love that smile of hers. 1871 01:09:54,227 --> 01:09:56,496 - Right now she's standing by with Zuri. 1872 01:09:56,529 --> 01:09:58,865 - Lindsay, showing the ladies and the gents 1873 01:09:58,898 --> 01:10:00,500 how it is done. 1874 01:10:00,533 --> 01:10:02,302 What a performance on the course tonight. 1875 01:10:02,335 --> 01:10:03,370 How are you feeling? 1876 01:10:03,403 --> 01:10:05,205 - I feel amazing. - [laughs] 1877 01:10:05,238 --> 01:10:07,240 - It's been a while since I've been back out here, 1878 01:10:07,273 --> 01:10:09,576 so I was just excited to be back at it. 1879 01:10:09,609 --> 01:10:10,577 - So impressive. 1880 01:10:10,610 --> 01:10:12,045 You've got your two babies 1881 01:10:12,078 --> 01:10:13,780 and you've bounced back stronger than ever. 1882 01:10:13,813 --> 01:10:15,982 What does it mean to have your family behind you, 1883 01:10:16,016 --> 01:10:17,484 cheering you on? - Oh, my gosh. 1884 01:10:17,517 --> 01:10:18,852 It's the best feeling in the world. 1885 01:10:18,885 --> 01:10:20,887 They've been so supportive, and I wouldn't be here 1886 01:10:20,920 --> 01:10:22,288 without them. They're... 1887 01:10:22,322 --> 01:10:24,057 they're everything to me. 1888 01:10:24,090 --> 01:10:26,526 - And how long ago, just for the people at home, 1889 01:10:26,559 --> 01:10:27,761 did you have the baby? 1890 01:10:27,794 --> 01:10:30,764 - 3 1/2 months ago. - 3 1/2 months ago! Okay. 1891 01:10:30,797 --> 01:10:33,066 On that note, con congratulations. 1892 01:10:33,099 --> 01:10:34,801 We will see you in the semifinals. 1893 01:10:34,834 --> 01:10:36,036 - Thank you, thank you. - Mama strong. 1894 01:10:36,069 --> 01:10:37,037 We love to see it. Good work. 1895 01:10:37,070 --> 01:10:38,104 - Thanks. 1896 01:10:38,138 --> 01:10:40,940 - That's a nice story. Wowzer. 1897 01:10:40,974 --> 01:10:42,409 - Coming up, 1898 01:10:42,442 --> 01:10:45,545 one of the new kids tries to make history. 1899 01:10:45,578 --> 01:10:47,280 The 15-year-old from Dallas, 1900 01:10:47,313 --> 01:10:48,782 Isaiah Thomas, 1901 01:10:48,815 --> 01:10:50,617 tries to become the youngest ever 1902 01:10:50,650 --> 01:10:51,918 to hit a buzzer. 1903 01:10:51,951 --> 01:10:53,920 - It's gonna be a wild finish. 1904 01:10:53,953 --> 01:10:55,655 - It's in the water too! 1905 01:10:55,689 --> 01:10:56,990 That's in the water! 1906 01:10:57,023 --> 01:10:59,693 - When "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1907 01:11:05,298 --> 01:11:08,068 - Welcome back to "American Ninja Warrior." 1908 01:11:08,068 --> 01:11:10,070 While we were away, three more ninjas 1909 01:11:10,070 --> 01:11:12,672 tried their luck on the course. 1910 01:11:12,706 --> 01:11:16,242 Lane Saling's a former kicker at the University of Arkansas, 1911 01:11:16,276 --> 01:11:19,646 and he kicked off his season with a kick. 1912 01:11:19,679 --> 01:11:23,083 - That's about 40 yards. Let's see if he makes this. 1913 01:11:23,083 --> 01:11:26,086 - Game on the line. For three. 1914 01:11:26,119 --> 01:11:28,688 Oh, it is up. - Oh! 1915 01:11:28,722 --> 01:11:30,990 - It is good! - It's good! It's good! 1916 01:11:31,091 --> 01:11:34,594 Hit the water, too! Woo pig sooie! 1917 01:11:34,627 --> 01:11:37,464 - But after taking off the jersey and starting his run, 1918 01:11:37,497 --> 01:11:40,233 the 26-year-old rookie couldn't hit the crossbar 1919 01:11:40,266 --> 01:11:41,935 on Overpass. 1920 01:11:41,968 --> 01:11:43,236 - Ohh! 1921 01:11:43,269 --> 01:11:45,538 - Just didn't have the length, Akbar. 1922 01:11:46,539 --> 01:11:48,908 The Genie Ninja, Tomas Stillings 1923 01:11:48,942 --> 01:11:50,477 was wishing for a buzzer, 1924 01:11:50,510 --> 01:11:53,113 as he brought Aladdin's lamp to the start line 1925 01:11:53,113 --> 01:11:55,515 to bring him success. - I like it. 1926 01:11:55,548 --> 01:11:57,384 - And a few others got in on the act. 1927 01:11:57,417 --> 01:11:59,886 - I wish for "Ninja" to film in Maui. 1928 01:11:59,919 --> 01:12:06,059 - I wish, I wish Matt Iseman can run the course! [laughs] 1929 01:12:06,059 --> 01:12:07,927 - Well, Akbar, that wish is never gonna come true. 1930 01:12:07,961 --> 01:12:11,264 But Stillings looked like he could make some magic. 1931 01:12:11,297 --> 01:12:12,899 - The Genie can move. 1932 01:12:12,932 --> 01:12:14,267 - The six-time national finalist 1933 01:12:14,300 --> 01:12:15,935 had never failed to hit a buzzer 1934 01:12:15,969 --> 01:12:19,406 on a qualifying course until tonight. 1935 01:12:20,473 --> 01:12:22,809 - Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. 1936 01:12:22,842 --> 01:12:25,812 No! [air horn blares] 1937 01:12:25,845 --> 01:12:27,313 That wasn't his wish. 1938 01:12:28,081 --> 01:12:29,916 - 39-year-old Mississippi nurse 1939 01:12:29,949 --> 01:12:32,919 Jeremy Clark brought a different good luck charm-- 1940 01:12:32,952 --> 01:12:35,588 a painting of his favorite TV hosts. 1941 01:12:35,622 --> 01:12:38,358 - Yeah, this is gonna go for a lot of money. 1942 01:12:38,391 --> 01:12:40,260 - And this 39-year-old father of four 1943 01:12:40,293 --> 01:12:43,463 had the run of his life... - Ooh, nice. 1944 01:12:43,496 --> 01:12:45,765 - With big saves on the Spinning Log... 1945 01:12:45,799 --> 01:12:49,102 - Ooh! He barely made that one, Matt. 1946 01:12:49,102 --> 01:12:51,871 - Let's go! Let's go! 1947 01:12:51,905 --> 01:12:53,540 - Oh, he's pumped. Okay, Clark. 1948 01:12:53,573 --> 01:12:55,375 - And on Tipping Point. 1949 01:12:55,408 --> 01:12:57,610 - Ah! - And--oh! Whoa! 1950 01:12:57,644 --> 01:13:00,847 Oh, my goodness, that was the save of the century. 1951 01:13:00,880 --> 01:13:03,049 - And though he fell at V Formation... 1952 01:13:03,049 --> 01:13:05,051 - [screams] - Ooh! 1953 01:13:05,051 --> 01:13:06,886 - It was still enough to earn him a spot 1954 01:13:06,920 --> 01:13:08,254 in the semifinals. 1955 01:13:08,288 --> 01:13:10,623 - All in all, it was beautiful. Let's go. 1956 01:13:10,657 --> 01:13:12,058 - This looks like me. 1957 01:13:12,092 --> 01:13:13,560 - Look, you've got a little friend over here, 1958 01:13:13,593 --> 01:13:15,495 we got another friend over here. 1959 01:13:15,528 --> 01:13:17,597 - I notice how they gave you two chins, here. 1960 01:13:17,630 --> 01:13:19,265 - Oh, you're killin' me. 1961 01:13:20,900 --> 01:13:22,602 Okay, back to the action. 1962 01:13:22,635 --> 01:13:25,338 We've got tonight's youngest competitor, 1963 01:13:25,372 --> 01:13:27,741 15-year-old Isaiah Thomas. 1964 01:13:27,774 --> 01:13:29,909 He's a 10th grader from the Dallas area. 1965 01:13:29,943 --> 01:13:32,278 Calls himself the Flyboy, 1966 01:13:32,312 --> 01:13:34,647 but he's also a mama's boy. 1967 01:13:34,681 --> 01:13:36,383 * * 1968 01:13:36,416 --> 01:13:39,386 Mom, can we make these enchiladas, like, really juicy? 1969 01:13:39,419 --> 01:13:41,388 - Yeah. You wanna make a lot of sauce? 1970 01:13:41,421 --> 01:13:42,722 - Yeah. - Okay. 1971 01:13:42,756 --> 01:13:44,657 - My mom is the most important person in my life. 1972 01:13:44,691 --> 01:13:45,959 Here you go. 1973 01:13:47,093 --> 01:13:48,728 Psych! I lie. 1974 01:13:48,762 --> 01:13:50,697 - [laughs] - This pot is mine. 1975 01:13:50,730 --> 01:13:51,931 What are you doing? 1976 01:13:51,965 --> 01:13:54,167 - I raise Isaiah by myself most of his life. 1977 01:13:54,200 --> 01:13:57,337 * * 1978 01:13:57,370 --> 01:13:59,506 Isaiah's very helpful around the house, 1979 01:13:59,539 --> 01:14:02,175 - I clean the kitchen, take the trash out 1980 01:14:02,208 --> 01:14:03,610 take care of my dogs. 1981 01:14:03,643 --> 01:14:05,412 - I've always taken care of Isaiah, 1982 01:14:05,445 --> 01:14:07,781 but he definitely takes care of me. 1983 01:14:07,814 --> 01:14:10,150 - I don't think I could've done this without you, Mom. 1984 01:14:10,183 --> 01:14:12,052 - Make the enchiladas? 1985 01:14:12,052 --> 01:14:13,753 - Yeah. - [laughs] 1986 01:14:13,787 --> 01:14:16,322 I'm so proud of the man that he's turned into. 1987 01:14:16,356 --> 01:14:18,525 - Man, these are the best enchiladas I've ever had. 1988 01:14:18,558 --> 01:14:19,526 - Thank you. 1989 01:14:19,559 --> 01:14:21,728 [cheers and applause] 1990 01:14:21,761 --> 01:14:24,197 I've seen Isaiah put in a lot of hard work to Ninja. 1991 01:14:24,230 --> 01:14:26,833 - You know you're gonna see a lot of passion out of him. 1992 01:14:26,866 --> 01:14:28,435 You know you're gonna see a lot of passion! 1993 01:14:28,468 --> 01:14:30,637 - Isaiah Thomas. 1994 01:14:30,670 --> 01:14:32,639 - I definitely think Isaiah has 1995 01:14:32,672 --> 01:14:34,107 the possibility to win it all. 1996 01:14:34,140 --> 01:14:35,709 - Do you think you could take this all the way? 1997 01:14:35,742 --> 01:14:38,545 - I bet I can. - Oh! 1998 01:14:38,578 --> 01:14:41,147 - My mom's been the biggest influence on my Ninja career. 1999 01:14:41,181 --> 01:14:45,151 - [screams] That's my baby! 2000 01:14:45,185 --> 01:14:46,519 - That's what I thought! 2001 01:14:46,553 --> 01:14:47,987 * * 2002 01:14:48,088 --> 01:14:50,690 She puts a lot of time and effort into what I do. 2003 01:14:50,724 --> 01:14:52,425 For instance, she drove me all the way to Houston 2004 01:14:52,459 --> 01:14:55,161 just so I could train Mega Walls. 2005 01:14:55,195 --> 01:14:56,496 * * 2006 01:14:56,529 --> 01:14:58,531 I thought I'd have to wait till I was 19-year-old 2007 01:14:58,565 --> 01:15:00,033 to compete on "American Ninja Warrior," 2008 01:15:00,066 --> 01:15:02,202 and doing it at 15 is unbelievable. 2009 01:15:02,235 --> 01:15:06,039 * * 2010 01:15:06,072 --> 01:15:07,640 I'm not intimidated. I feel like 2011 01:15:07,674 --> 01:15:09,242 I've trained for this, and this is what I do. 2012 01:15:09,275 --> 01:15:10,910 So I'm just ready to show them what I got. 2013 01:15:10,944 --> 01:15:13,046 - I know you're gonna hit that buzzer, Isiah. 2014 01:15:13,046 --> 01:15:14,581 - Yeah. 2015 01:15:14,614 --> 01:15:16,483 I can see myself hitting it. 2016 01:15:16,516 --> 01:15:18,351 Tonight, I wanna be the first 15-year-old 2017 01:15:18,385 --> 01:15:19,886 to ever hit that buzzer. 2018 01:15:24,924 --> 01:15:26,960 - Well, he looks calm and confident, 2019 01:15:27,060 --> 01:15:29,329 but his mom already looks worried. 2020 01:15:29,362 --> 01:15:31,631 - Isiah's also got his dad and aunt watching 2021 01:15:31,664 --> 01:15:33,466 back in Texas, and his coach, 2022 01:15:33,500 --> 01:15:37,303 Ninja great Karsten Williams, he's in the back there, 2023 01:15:37,337 --> 01:15:39,205 but he's got a watch party going on. 2024 01:15:39,239 --> 01:15:41,975 Karsten's the one who gave him the nickname Flyboy. 2025 01:15:42,075 --> 01:15:43,710 Mom and some of the Texas Ninjas 2026 01:15:43,743 --> 01:15:45,779 have started the Flyboy chant. 2027 01:15:45,812 --> 01:15:47,714 [chanting] Flyboy! Flyboy! Flyboy! 2028 01:15:47,747 --> 01:15:49,883 [countdown beeping] 2029 01:15:49,916 --> 01:15:52,986 15 years old. Six feet tall. 2030 01:15:53,086 --> 01:15:54,087 - We remember him from 2031 01:15:54,087 --> 01:15:55,255 "American Ninja Warrior Junior," 2032 01:15:55,288 --> 01:15:56,389 and this kid can go. 2033 01:15:56,423 --> 01:15:57,757 I'm telling you now, 2034 01:15:57,791 --> 01:15:59,359 I think today we might see the launching 2035 01:15:59,392 --> 01:16:00,593 of a human satellite. 2036 01:16:00,627 --> 01:16:02,195 He wants to fly. 2037 01:16:02,228 --> 01:16:03,897 - And look at that. - Whoa. 2038 01:16:03,930 --> 01:16:05,865 - Perfect and you saw him reaching back 2039 01:16:05,899 --> 01:16:07,567 so he could control his swing. 2040 01:16:07,600 --> 01:16:10,103 Every Ninja should watch what Isaiah just did 2041 01:16:10,136 --> 01:16:11,871 right there on Overpass. 2042 01:16:11,905 --> 01:16:15,809 That is how you time the bar and control your momentum. 2043 01:16:15,842 --> 01:16:17,544 - He's asking the people at home 2044 01:16:17,577 --> 01:16:20,313 which way he should go. [all cheering] 2045 01:16:20,347 --> 01:16:23,516 - Looks like he's going Spinning Log. 2046 01:16:23,550 --> 01:16:24,651 - The one thing I remember about him 2047 01:16:24,684 --> 01:16:26,386 is how passionate he is. - Wow! 2048 01:16:26,419 --> 01:16:27,620 He's got so much passion, 2049 01:16:27,654 --> 01:16:28,788 so much energy. - Oh, my! 2050 01:16:28,822 --> 01:16:30,724 - He ready. - I'm built different! 2051 01:16:30,757 --> 01:16:32,425 - He said he's built different. 2052 01:16:32,459 --> 01:16:34,728 I like the swag from the young gun. 2053 01:16:34,761 --> 01:16:36,396 - And he's on the fourth obstacle 2054 01:16:36,429 --> 01:16:38,665 in under 40 seconds, Akbar. 2055 01:16:38,698 --> 01:16:41,201 - Matt, this ain't the bad boy Isaiah Thomas, 2056 01:16:41,234 --> 01:16:43,870 this is the Flyboy, and he's a bad boy. 2057 01:16:43,903 --> 01:16:46,506 Look at him go. - So impressive. 2058 01:16:46,539 --> 01:16:48,808 Making short work of this course, 2059 01:16:48,842 --> 01:16:50,810 and looking so in control. - And the thing is, 2060 01:16:50,844 --> 01:16:52,078 I don't even think he's tired. 2061 01:16:52,112 --> 01:16:53,480 I don't think he's even pumped out. 2062 01:16:53,513 --> 01:16:54,748 I don't even think he's gonna shake his hand. 2063 01:16:54,781 --> 01:16:55,849 I don't-- look, he's done it, look. 2064 01:16:55,882 --> 01:16:56,850 Okay, just a little bit. 2065 01:16:56,883 --> 01:16:58,151 He's not even tired! 2066 01:16:58,184 --> 01:17:00,086 - Well, another teenager, Elijah Browning, 2067 01:17:00,120 --> 01:17:01,755 has the fastest finish so far, 2068 01:17:01,788 --> 01:17:03,623 but Isaiah Thomas on pace 2069 01:17:03,656 --> 01:17:05,925 to blow that time out of the water. 2070 01:17:06,026 --> 01:17:07,227 What a run! 2071 01:17:07,260 --> 01:17:09,696 [all cheering] - Let's go! 2072 01:17:09,729 --> 01:17:12,399 - But V Formation has been taking down Ninjas 2073 01:17:12,432 --> 01:17:14,034 all night long. 2074 01:17:14,034 --> 01:17:15,435 And look at him, Akbar. 2075 01:17:15,468 --> 01:17:17,270 You can see him swaying that full body 2076 01:17:17,303 --> 01:17:19,572 like a pendulum--two moves! - What? Two moves! 2077 01:17:19,606 --> 01:17:21,207 Two moves! 2078 01:17:21,241 --> 01:17:23,677 - But this is where it's really dangerous, 2079 01:17:23,710 --> 01:17:25,245 onto Descent. 2080 01:17:25,278 --> 01:17:27,047 - Nice, you see him-- all right, now let's see 2081 01:17:27,047 --> 01:17:28,248 if he pops through here. - Good correction. 2082 01:17:28,281 --> 01:17:29,616 - Or is he gonna go straight down? 2083 01:17:29,649 --> 01:17:31,951 Nice. - Oh, my, Akbar. 2084 01:17:32,052 --> 01:17:34,354 The future of "Ninja Warrior" is here 2085 01:17:34,387 --> 01:17:36,523 with these young athletes. - Matt, he's passionate, 2086 01:17:36,556 --> 01:17:39,225 he's a hard worker, and he's got natural talent. 2087 01:17:39,259 --> 01:17:41,428 That is dangerous for a ninja. 2088 01:17:41,461 --> 01:17:43,229 - And he just held on there. 2089 01:17:43,263 --> 01:17:45,265 - And his ponytail is still intact. 2090 01:17:45,298 --> 01:17:46,800 Oh, is he going for-- - Is he going for Mega Wall? 2091 01:17:46,833 --> 01:17:48,968 - No--what? What? 2092 01:17:49,069 --> 01:17:49,969 What? 2093 01:17:50,070 --> 01:17:51,371 - He's going for the big one! 2094 01:17:51,404 --> 01:17:52,906 - Mega Wall! 2095 01:17:52,939 --> 01:17:55,342 - Ten Gs for a 15-year-old? 2096 01:17:55,375 --> 01:17:56,676 Oh, my goodness. 2097 01:17:56,710 --> 01:17:58,578 [cheers and applause] 2098 01:17:58,611 --> 01:18:01,448 - No one has even tried the Mega Wall tonight. 2099 01:18:01,481 --> 01:18:04,784 The 15-year-old, for ten grand. 2100 01:18:04,818 --> 01:18:06,619 Oh! 2101 01:18:06,653 --> 01:18:08,388 - Ohh! 2102 01:18:08,421 --> 01:18:09,756 - But even with the miss, 2103 01:18:09,789 --> 01:18:12,492 he's still got a shot at the fastest time. 2104 01:18:12,525 --> 01:18:14,260 [cheers and applause] 2105 01:18:14,294 --> 01:18:15,662 [horn blares] And he's done it! 2106 01:18:15,695 --> 01:18:18,264 The youngest ever to hit a buzzer. 2107 01:18:18,298 --> 01:18:20,200 [cheers and applause] 2108 01:18:20,233 --> 01:18:22,602 - * Time to stand up * 2109 01:18:22,635 --> 01:18:25,472 * Show 'em what you're made of * 2110 01:18:25,505 --> 01:18:27,340 - Let's go, Flyboy! 2111 01:18:27,374 --> 01:18:28,608 [all cheering] 2112 01:18:28,641 --> 01:18:29,642 - * Every moment you can take it * 2113 01:18:29,676 --> 01:18:31,811 * But you burn so bright * 2114 01:18:31,845 --> 01:18:33,913 * * 2115 01:18:33,947 --> 01:18:35,615 - I'm built different! 2116 01:18:35,648 --> 01:18:37,684 - Oh, ho. Yeah! 2117 01:18:37,717 --> 01:18:39,652 He is built different. 2118 01:18:39,686 --> 01:18:42,055 And they call him Flyboy for a reason, 2119 01:18:42,055 --> 01:18:44,357 'cause he just flew through this course. 2120 01:18:44,391 --> 01:18:47,060 And let's face it, the kid is just fly. 2121 01:18:47,060 --> 01:18:48,294 - * Don't ever let go * 2122 01:18:48,328 --> 01:18:50,597 - Isaiah, you remember when you were even younger 2123 01:18:50,630 --> 01:18:52,065 watching this show, 2124 01:18:52,065 --> 01:18:54,901 did you ever imagine that at 15 2125 01:18:54,934 --> 01:18:57,170 you would be standing atop the Warped Wall 2126 01:18:57,203 --> 01:18:59,205 with the fastest time of the night. 2127 01:18:59,239 --> 01:19:00,507 - Every day. 2128 01:19:00,540 --> 01:19:02,308 - Oh! - * Don't ever let go * 2129 01:19:02,342 --> 01:19:04,110 - Go home. Go home. 2130 01:19:04,144 --> 01:19:05,311 School's over. 2131 01:19:05,345 --> 01:19:06,880 [bell rings] The bell just rang. 2132 01:19:06,913 --> 01:19:08,782 The bell just rang. 2133 01:19:09,883 --> 01:19:13,019 - Well if anybody can take these teenagers down a notch, 2134 01:19:13,053 --> 01:19:14,721 it's Daniel Gil. 2135 01:19:14,754 --> 01:19:16,756 Not only is he our defending champion, 2136 01:19:16,790 --> 01:19:20,794 he hasn't fallen on an obstacle in three years. 2137 01:19:20,827 --> 01:19:24,731 We'll see him next on "American Ninja Warrior." 2138 01:19:29,069 --> 01:19:30,170 [cheers and applause] 2139 01:19:30,203 --> 01:19:31,371 - We're nearing the end 2140 01:19:31,404 --> 01:19:32,872 of the first night of qualifying, 2141 01:19:32,906 --> 01:19:34,107 and minutes ago, 2142 01:19:34,140 --> 01:19:37,744 a trio of Texans took their shot. 2143 01:19:37,777 --> 01:19:39,279 Houston's Nate Burkhalter 2144 01:19:39,312 --> 01:19:42,215 always brings positive energy to the course. 2145 01:19:42,248 --> 01:19:44,217 - Boom! I like it. 2146 01:19:44,250 --> 01:19:47,187 - But No Limits Nate reached his limits tonight. 2147 01:19:47,220 --> 01:19:49,222 - You got it, you got it. Yeah! 2148 01:19:49,255 --> 01:19:50,724 - The seven-time Ninja veteran, 2149 01:19:50,757 --> 01:19:54,060 was shockingly sent home on just the second obstacle. 2150 01:19:54,060 --> 01:19:57,364 - No! Oh, my word. [air horn blares] 2151 01:19:57,397 --> 01:20:00,066 - Eight-time Ninja veteran Abel Gonzalez 2152 01:20:00,066 --> 01:20:02,469 had the kids from his gym in Edinburg, Texas 2153 01:20:02,502 --> 01:20:05,138 staying up late to watch his run. 2154 01:20:05,171 --> 01:20:08,241 The 37-year-old put together a gritty performance, 2155 01:20:08,274 --> 01:20:10,744 and battled his way to the fifth obstacle. 2156 01:20:10,777 --> 01:20:13,146 - [grunts] - Ooh, he is mustering 2157 01:20:13,179 --> 01:20:14,147 with everything he's got. 2158 01:20:14,180 --> 01:20:16,483 - No! - Oh, my goodness. 2159 01:20:16,516 --> 01:20:18,918 - And it was enough to guarantee him a spot 2160 01:20:18,952 --> 01:20:21,388 in the semifinals. [cheering] 2161 01:20:21,421 --> 01:20:23,690 Then it was the Big Dog, 2162 01:20:23,723 --> 01:20:26,960 Sugar Land, Texas' 6'6" Jody Avila. 2163 01:20:26,993 --> 01:20:28,828 - Okay, Big Dog. Okay, I see you. 2164 01:20:28,862 --> 01:20:31,331 - Papi! - Yay! 2165 01:20:31,364 --> 01:20:34,134 - The 35-year-old heating and air conditioning technician 2166 01:20:34,167 --> 01:20:36,236 tried to put some heat on the teenagers, 2167 01:20:36,269 --> 01:20:39,739 and came out gunning for the night's fastest time. 2168 01:20:39,773 --> 01:20:41,341 - Excellent. I see you, big boy. 2169 01:20:41,374 --> 01:20:42,909 - Akbar, he's gonna be close. 2170 01:20:42,942 --> 01:20:44,978 Oh, boy, he missed! - Oh, the 6'6" missed it? 2171 01:20:45,011 --> 01:20:47,047 - It's okay. - Come on! 2172 01:20:47,080 --> 01:20:49,282 - Even with the miss at the Warped Wall, 2173 01:20:49,315 --> 01:20:52,652 Avila still had the third fastest finish. 2174 01:20:52,686 --> 01:20:53,853 [horn blaring] 2175 01:20:53,887 --> 01:20:55,121 - Oh, there it is. 2176 01:20:55,155 --> 01:20:57,257 [all cheering] 2177 01:20:57,290 --> 01:20:59,659 - At 35, what do you gotta say to these young guys? 2178 01:20:59,693 --> 01:21:01,127 - Slow down, guys. Give me a chance. 2179 01:21:01,161 --> 01:21:03,129 - [laughs] 2180 01:21:03,163 --> 01:21:04,798 - Give me a chance. 2181 01:21:06,599 --> 01:21:09,135 - Guys, we've got some great Ninjas on the course tonight, 2182 01:21:09,169 --> 01:21:12,072 but only one of 'em is last year's champion. 2183 01:21:12,105 --> 01:21:14,307 It's none other than Daniel Gil. 2184 01:21:14,341 --> 01:21:16,409 The Houston worship leader is back, 2185 01:21:16,443 --> 01:21:19,646 trying to be the top Ninja leader two years in a row. 2186 01:21:19,679 --> 01:21:21,247 He's like money in the bank. 2187 01:21:21,281 --> 01:21:23,950 He's never fallen on a qualifying course, 2188 01:21:23,983 --> 01:21:26,920 and he hasn't fallen off any obstacle 2189 01:21:26,953 --> 01:21:29,522 in three seasons. 2190 01:21:29,556 --> 01:21:32,359 - They love Daniel Gil back in Houston. 2191 01:21:32,392 --> 01:21:33,626 He's gonna have lots of support, 2192 01:21:33,660 --> 01:21:35,528 including from his wife, Abby, 2193 01:21:35,562 --> 01:21:36,963 who's watching with other friends. 2194 01:21:36,996 --> 01:21:40,100 And on the sideline, buddy Jody Avila, 2195 01:21:40,100 --> 01:21:42,435 who nearly had the fastest finish minutes ago. 2196 01:21:42,469 --> 01:21:43,570 - You got this! 2197 01:21:43,603 --> 01:21:44,971 - Well, you know Daniel Gil 2198 01:21:45,005 --> 01:21:47,173 is gonna be gunning for the fastest time. 2199 01:21:47,207 --> 01:21:48,641 He always is. 2200 01:21:48,675 --> 01:21:50,477 [countdown clock beeping] 2201 01:21:50,510 --> 01:21:52,812 He's been one of the most consistent competitors 2202 01:21:52,846 --> 01:21:54,447 we've had on "American Ninja Warrior," 2203 01:21:54,481 --> 01:21:56,182 and the fact that he's got a big target 2204 01:21:56,216 --> 01:21:58,685 on his back, especially with these young guys coming in-- 2205 01:21:58,718 --> 01:22:01,388 his ability to perform in high-pressure situations 2206 01:22:01,421 --> 01:22:03,256 is what makes him so consistent. 2207 01:22:03,289 --> 01:22:05,291 - Well, believe me, he could be going 2208 01:22:05,325 --> 01:22:07,627 for the Mega Wall and the top time. 2209 01:22:07,660 --> 01:22:10,230 Certainly within his capabilities. 2210 01:22:10,263 --> 01:22:11,798 Placed number one in qualifying 2211 01:22:11,831 --> 01:22:13,400 four times in his career. 2212 01:22:14,634 --> 01:22:15,602 [cheers and applause] 2213 01:22:15,635 --> 01:22:17,070 - Yes, sir! Let's go! 2214 01:22:17,103 --> 01:22:19,105 - And he's going with the Spinning Log, 2215 01:22:19,139 --> 01:22:22,442 despite the fact many veterans have fallen here tonight. 2216 01:22:22,475 --> 01:22:23,643 - Get it, let's get it. 2217 01:22:23,677 --> 01:22:24,878 - Yeah! [cheers and applause] 2218 01:22:24,911 --> 01:22:27,280 - Wow! - Nice! 2219 01:22:27,313 --> 01:22:29,783 - That log didn't even look like it moved. 2220 01:22:31,184 --> 01:22:34,521 A good pace, but Akbar, as we often see with him, 2221 01:22:34,554 --> 01:22:36,690 he looks completely in control. 2222 01:22:36,723 --> 01:22:38,124 - Yeah, he is in control, and I bet you 2223 01:22:38,158 --> 01:22:39,592 the teenagers are missing this 2224 01:22:39,626 --> 01:22:42,262 because all of them, this is past their bedtime. 2225 01:22:42,295 --> 01:22:46,199 - 5'9", 165-- Daniel Gil, no flaws 2226 01:22:46,232 --> 01:22:47,534 in his game. - Are you seeing 2227 01:22:47,567 --> 01:22:50,170 how fast he's moving? - And effortless. 2228 01:22:50,203 --> 01:22:51,905 Well, he's gone fast enough. 2229 01:22:51,938 --> 01:22:54,574 He's definitely moving on to the semifinals. 2230 01:22:54,607 --> 01:22:55,909 - Look, he's yawning. 2231 01:22:55,942 --> 01:22:57,944 That means he's locked in. 2232 01:22:57,977 --> 01:23:00,046 - And he's got over a minute left 2233 01:23:00,046 --> 01:23:02,582 to catch Isaiah Thomas for the fastest time, 2234 01:23:02,615 --> 01:23:04,951 but needs to survive V Formation first. 2235 01:23:05,051 --> 01:23:06,653 - Yes, sir. - Nice. 2236 01:23:06,686 --> 01:23:08,188 - Oh, no! - What the-- 2237 01:23:08,221 --> 01:23:09,622 - Ohh! - What the what? 2238 01:23:09,656 --> 01:23:11,291 - Oh, no way! 2239 01:23:14,828 --> 01:23:16,429 - That wasn't the plan. 2240 01:23:16,463 --> 01:23:17,497 - A shocking exit. 2241 01:23:18,565 --> 01:23:20,600 - What the heck happened? 2242 01:23:20,633 --> 01:23:24,504 - He's never fallen on a qualifying obstacle before. 2243 01:23:24,537 --> 01:23:26,072 But take a closer look. 2244 01:23:26,072 --> 01:23:28,174 He did get that handle all the way up. 2245 01:23:28,208 --> 01:23:31,411 It wedged against the rail, but it's not locked in. 2246 01:23:31,444 --> 01:23:34,948 And when he's shifting his hands, it came crashing down. 2247 01:23:34,981 --> 01:23:39,219 He's still moving on, but that is a shock. 2248 01:23:39,252 --> 01:23:42,455 - Daniel, what happened? 2249 01:23:42,489 --> 01:23:44,357 - I don't know. It felt good. - Yeah. 2250 01:23:44,391 --> 01:23:46,559 - Locked, heard the noise and everything. 2251 01:23:46,593 --> 01:23:48,461 And the next thing I know I'm falling. 2252 01:23:48,495 --> 01:23:50,563 - Oh, my goodness. Well, I have to say, 2253 01:23:50,597 --> 01:23:52,799 you were blazing through that course. 2254 01:23:52,832 --> 01:23:54,167 You were making it look like you've done this thing 2255 01:23:54,200 --> 01:23:56,102 a thousand times. - At this point I have. 2256 01:23:56,102 --> 01:23:57,537 [both laugh] 2257 01:23:57,570 --> 01:23:58,538 - No more water for you. 2258 01:23:58,571 --> 01:23:59,839 Promise? - No more water, 2259 01:23:59,873 --> 01:24:01,107 all right, Zuri, promise. - All right, there we go. 2260 01:24:01,141 --> 01:24:02,375 Good work. - Thank you, thank you. 2261 01:24:02,409 --> 01:24:04,177 [sighs] - A very off night 2262 01:24:04,210 --> 01:24:07,047 for our veterans, and just look at our leaderboard. 2263 01:24:07,080 --> 01:24:09,582 Three of the top five are teenagers. 2264 01:24:09,616 --> 01:24:11,518 They are the future of "Ninja Warrior," 2265 01:24:11,551 --> 01:24:13,386 and the future is now. 2266 01:24:13,420 --> 01:24:14,521 And while we look at the others 2267 01:24:14,554 --> 01:24:16,189 moving on to the semifinals, 2268 01:24:16,222 --> 01:24:19,959 enjoy the return of Akbar's Gbajabia-Moments. 2269 01:24:20,060 --> 01:24:23,730 - Here we go. Number three. Juliana Wilson, 2270 01:24:23,763 --> 01:24:26,766 the former Mrs. Tennessee looked like a pageant winner 2271 01:24:26,800 --> 01:24:30,136 she had the sash, the tiara, and even the tears. 2272 01:24:30,170 --> 01:24:33,440 But unfortunately, she didn't have the footwork. 2273 01:24:33,473 --> 01:24:34,507 - Ohh! [air horn blares] 2274 01:24:35,342 --> 01:24:38,144 - Number two, Oklahoma's Dana Kielar 2275 01:24:38,178 --> 01:24:41,648 had her beloved horse, Gus, watching from the barn. 2276 01:24:41,681 --> 01:24:43,116 [neighs] 2277 01:24:43,149 --> 01:24:45,719 But Dana didn't have enough giddy-up. 2278 01:24:45,752 --> 01:24:47,187 Oh, my! 2279 01:24:47,220 --> 01:24:48,288 [neighs] 2280 01:24:48,321 --> 01:24:50,423 And number one, another horse, 2281 01:24:50,457 --> 01:24:54,094 Nikki Asirvadam is a moonwalking college mascot 2282 01:24:54,094 --> 01:24:55,895 who loves Michael Jackson. 2283 01:24:55,929 --> 01:24:58,131 - Oh, this run, it should be a thriller, Akbar. 2284 01:24:58,164 --> 01:24:59,666 - But after removing the suit, 2285 01:24:59,699 --> 01:25:01,167 he was off the wall. 2286 01:25:01,201 --> 01:25:02,235 Hee-hee! 2287 01:25:02,268 --> 01:25:05,805 - That was bad! - [laughs] 2288 01:25:06,639 --> 01:25:08,341 - For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, 2289 01:25:08,375 --> 01:25:09,776 I'm Matt Iseman. 2290 01:25:09,809 --> 01:25:13,046 We'll see you next week on "American Ninja Warrior."