1 00:00:08,575 --> 00:00:12,579 - Welcome to the backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood, 2 00:00:12,612 --> 00:00:16,850 our home for the semifinals on "American Ninja Warrior." 3 00:00:16,883 --> 00:00:18,627 Hello, everyone. And thanks for being with us. 4 00:00:18,651 --> 00:00:20,820 I'm Matt Iseman. - And Akbar Gbajabiamila. 5 00:00:20,854 --> 00:00:23,490 Matt, this is where the movie magic happens, 6 00:00:23,523 --> 00:00:25,892 and we may see some ninjas show some magic tonight. 7 00:00:25,925 --> 00:00:28,628 - Well, the plot tonight: journey far enough 8 00:00:28,661 --> 00:00:31,331 to make it to the third part of our trilogy, 9 00:00:31,364 --> 00:00:33,967 the national finals in Vegas, and have a shot 10 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:36,636 at the blockbuster million-dollar prize. 11 00:00:36,670 --> 00:00:38,405 - And we're gonna see some ninjas tonight 12 00:00:38,438 --> 00:00:41,174 who can absolutely win it all, 13 00:00:41,207 --> 00:00:43,109 including the heavy metal rocker 14 00:00:43,143 --> 00:00:45,812 from Orlando, R.J. Roman. 15 00:00:45,845 --> 00:00:48,915 - Let's go! 16 00:00:48,948 --> 00:00:50,450 - The Papal Ninja, 17 00:00:50,483 --> 00:00:52,886 Catholic church worker Sean Bryan. 18 00:00:52,919 --> 00:00:54,454 - He's done it! 19 00:00:54,487 --> 00:00:57,190 - They're gonna be pushed by some talented teenagers, 20 00:00:57,223 --> 00:01:00,193 including the two-time "Ninja Junior" champion, 21 00:01:00,226 --> 00:01:02,595 16-year-old Vance Walker. 22 00:01:02,629 --> 00:01:04,931 - This kid is the real deal! 23 00:01:04,964 --> 00:01:06,208 - We're also gonna see the winner 24 00:01:06,232 --> 00:01:08,234 of our women's championship, 25 00:01:08,268 --> 00:01:11,338 rock climber and model Meagan Martin. 26 00:01:11,371 --> 00:01:14,074 - Meagan Martin has done it! 27 00:01:14,107 --> 00:01:17,477 Our semifinals course is made up of ten obstacles, 28 00:01:17,510 --> 00:01:19,179 and we've switched up the choices 29 00:01:19,212 --> 00:01:21,080 they'll face at Split Decision. 30 00:01:21,081 --> 00:01:23,683 For all the details, let's go down to Zuri Hall. 31 00:01:23,717 --> 00:01:24,918 - That's right, guys. 32 00:01:24,951 --> 00:01:27,253 If the ninjas reach the ninth obstacle, 33 00:01:27,287 --> 00:01:30,357 they'll face two new options at Split Decision. 34 00:01:30,390 --> 00:01:33,326 On one side is the draining upper-body obstacle, 35 00:01:33,360 --> 00:01:34,427 the Dungeon. 36 00:01:34,461 --> 00:01:36,996 Both: No! 37 00:01:37,097 --> 00:01:39,232 - Or the ninjas take their chances on the quicker 38 00:01:39,265 --> 00:01:42,635 but riskier balance obstacle, Diving Boards. 39 00:01:42,669 --> 00:01:44,904 - Oh! Face plant! 40 00:01:44,938 --> 00:01:46,539 - And at the end of the night, 41 00:01:46,573 --> 00:01:48,742 we move to the 40-foot monster, 42 00:01:48,775 --> 00:01:50,343 the Power Tower, 43 00:01:50,377 --> 00:01:53,179 home to some of the most intense head-to-head races 44 00:01:53,213 --> 00:01:54,981 in ninja history. 45 00:01:55,015 --> 00:01:56,950 The winner earns a safety pass, 46 00:01:56,983 --> 00:01:58,551 which gives them a second chance 47 00:01:58,585 --> 00:02:02,722 if they fall on stage one or two at the national finals. 48 00:02:02,756 --> 00:02:04,424 - I got this guy. I'm coming back. 49 00:02:04,457 --> 00:02:07,227 - Zuri, get our first runner going. 50 00:02:07,260 --> 00:02:09,496 - No doubt they are turning the TV on 51 00:02:09,529 --> 00:02:11,464 at the Vatican right now, because heading 52 00:02:11,498 --> 00:02:14,934 to the start line is the Papal Ninja, Sean Bryan. 53 00:02:14,968 --> 00:02:18,070 Ninja fans know him as one of the best athletes in the sport. 54 00:02:18,071 --> 00:02:19,539 And now, the northern California 55 00:02:19,572 --> 00:02:21,207 Catholic church worker has combined 56 00:02:21,241 --> 00:02:24,210 his lifetime of service and his love of ninja 57 00:02:24,244 --> 00:02:26,079 into a new way to help his community. 58 00:02:29,683 --> 00:02:31,594 - I recently opened up a gym in Richmond, California 59 00:02:31,618 --> 00:02:33,953 called Traverse Fitness, and it is massive. 60 00:02:36,189 --> 00:02:37,557 - It's just a fun playground. 61 00:02:41,094 --> 00:02:44,130 - Richmond, California, is a very underserved community. 62 00:02:51,304 --> 00:02:55,175 - And I wanted to bring life and vitalization to Richmond. 63 00:02:55,208 --> 00:02:56,343 Today we have kids coming in 64 00:02:56,376 --> 00:02:57,853 from the Salesian Boys and Girls Club. 65 00:02:57,877 --> 00:02:59,913 Are you guys ready to go in? All: Yeah! 66 00:02:59,946 --> 00:03:01,848 - All right. Let's do this. Come on. 67 00:03:14,761 --> 00:03:16,572 - They came in and they saw how big the gym was 68 00:03:16,596 --> 00:03:17,940 and were really excited about that. 69 00:03:17,964 --> 00:03:19,966 It's humongous! 70 00:03:20,066 --> 00:03:21,668 - Even in the warmup, there were smiles, 71 00:03:21,701 --> 00:03:23,837 and there... they started to pound the ground, 72 00:03:23,870 --> 00:03:25,772 and just playfulness. 73 00:03:30,877 --> 00:03:33,847 all: Beat that wall! Beat that wall! 74 00:03:33,880 --> 00:03:36,081 - Go! Go, dude! Nice. 75 00:03:36,082 --> 00:03:38,385 Bringing a sense of encouragement to kids 76 00:03:38,418 --> 00:03:41,554 who sometimes don't get that at home is really life-giving. 77 00:03:45,358 --> 00:03:47,827 - It's more than just playing and having a great time. 78 00:03:47,861 --> 00:03:51,096 It's giving their soul a place in the world. 79 00:03:54,768 --> 00:03:57,102 - Tonight, I might be competing in Los Angeles... 80 00:03:57,103 --> 00:03:59,372 After today, you are all officially ninjas. 81 00:03:59,406 --> 00:04:01,040 - But I know I have 82 00:04:01,041 --> 00:04:02,842 a whole bunch of new fans back in Richmond. 83 00:04:02,876 --> 00:04:04,444 High fives all around. 84 00:04:11,284 --> 00:04:12,886 - Gotta love Sean Bryan. 85 00:04:12,919 --> 00:04:14,354 And, of course, those kids he helps 86 00:04:14,387 --> 00:04:17,056 are gonna be watching from back in Richmond. 87 00:04:17,057 --> 00:04:19,059 Sean's parents never miss one of his runs. 88 00:04:19,092 --> 00:04:20,827 - Let's go! Here you go, big guy! 89 00:04:20,860 --> 00:04:23,730 - And another big supporter is Father Michael Sweeney, 90 00:04:23,763 --> 00:04:27,066 one of the priests Sean works with. 91 00:04:27,067 --> 00:04:29,869 And a bow over to his roommate, Adam Rayl, 92 00:04:29,903 --> 00:04:32,071 who's on the sideline. 93 00:04:32,072 --> 00:04:33,606 And as he does before every run, 94 00:04:33,640 --> 00:04:36,910 the former gymnast raises his hand, bows, 95 00:04:36,943 --> 00:04:39,112 and then sets his watch. [countdown clock beeping] 96 00:04:39,145 --> 00:04:41,314 - Go, Sean! - This guy can go fast. 97 00:04:41,348 --> 00:04:43,683 And believe me, he wants to get to the Power Tower. 98 00:04:43,717 --> 00:04:45,518 Did it a couple years ago in Tacoma. 99 00:04:45,552 --> 00:04:47,587 - And getting to the Power Tower is a big deal. 100 00:04:47,620 --> 00:04:49,489 Why? Because you get a chance to compete 101 00:04:49,522 --> 00:04:51,091 for that Safety Pass. 102 00:04:51,124 --> 00:04:53,827 Sean Bryan knows it could help him win a million dollars. 103 00:04:53,860 --> 00:04:55,628 And he's a threat to win it all. 104 00:04:55,662 --> 00:04:59,799 - He's come close before. Made it to stage three twice. 105 00:05:01,835 --> 00:05:04,036 - And those kids would love to see it! 106 00:05:04,037 --> 00:05:06,506 - Now jumping up to take on Ring Chaser. 107 00:05:06,539 --> 00:05:07,707 And look at that good pace. 108 00:05:07,741 --> 00:05:09,175 - Nice! - Got the ring. 109 00:05:09,209 --> 00:05:11,043 - And, Matt, you can see he's got a watch on, 110 00:05:11,044 --> 00:05:13,004 because he always likes to keep track of his time. 111 00:05:13,046 --> 00:05:14,381 That's a veteran move. 112 00:05:14,414 --> 00:05:16,092 You don't see a lot of ninjas wearing a watch. 113 00:05:17,884 --> 00:05:19,519 - The kids have the chant going 114 00:05:19,552 --> 00:05:21,755 as the former gymnast from Cal-Berkeley 115 00:05:21,788 --> 00:05:23,323 approaches Diamond Dash. 116 00:05:23,356 --> 00:05:25,425 All: Let's go, Sean! Let's go! - Nice. 117 00:05:25,458 --> 00:05:26,802 - He's got his foot on the accelerator. 118 00:05:26,826 --> 00:05:28,094 - Yes, he does. 119 00:05:28,128 --> 00:05:29,405 - I don't think speeding is a sin, is it? 120 00:05:29,429 --> 00:05:31,231 No, it's not a sin. 121 00:05:31,264 --> 00:05:34,134 - But this next obstacle will slow you down. 122 00:05:34,167 --> 00:05:35,468 It's Drop Zone. 123 00:05:35,502 --> 00:05:37,270 Got to slide the pipes around. 124 00:05:37,303 --> 00:05:39,172 And you saw him keeping his head to the side. 125 00:05:39,205 --> 00:05:40,940 - Yeah, and he took that one to the chest. 126 00:05:40,974 --> 00:05:43,977 He got up above and got it up near the chest area. 127 00:05:46,479 --> 00:05:48,314 - Now onto this middle bar. 128 00:05:48,348 --> 00:05:49,883 And you have to prepare yourself. 129 00:05:49,916 --> 00:05:52,084 There's another big drop coming on this one. 130 00:05:52,085 --> 00:05:53,186 Whoa! - Oh, my goodness! 131 00:05:53,219 --> 00:05:55,188 - And he took it! - Sha-bah-nah! 132 00:05:55,221 --> 00:05:56,956 - Wow! - Whoa! 133 00:05:56,990 --> 00:05:58,625 - He's hurting. 134 00:05:58,658 --> 00:06:00,527 - Am I bleeding? - Did you hear that? 135 00:06:00,560 --> 00:06:02,228 "Is it bleeding?" 136 00:06:02,262 --> 00:06:03,897 Oh! Got another one. 137 00:06:03,930 --> 00:06:05,498 And he does have a cut above his eye. 138 00:06:05,532 --> 00:06:06,609 - Yeah, he does have a cut, 139 00:06:06,633 --> 00:06:08,033 and I think he might be bleeding. 140 00:06:08,034 --> 00:06:10,070 - Oh, that blood is really coming down. 141 00:06:10,103 --> 00:06:11,938 - Oh, my goodness. 142 00:06:12,038 --> 00:06:13,106 - Oh, my God. 143 00:06:13,139 --> 00:06:15,241 - You good, Sean? - Yeah. 144 00:06:15,275 --> 00:06:16,452 - Matt, let's take another look 145 00:06:16,476 --> 00:06:17,911 at this hellacious blow. 146 00:06:17,944 --> 00:06:20,146 You can see, he was on the inside of the bar 147 00:06:20,180 --> 00:06:21,781 instead of the outside, 148 00:06:21,815 --> 00:06:24,551 so when that thing dropped, it hit him right in the face. 149 00:06:24,584 --> 00:06:27,287 - And you can see, that gash is bad. 150 00:06:27,320 --> 00:06:30,123 But he's gonna fight through it and take on the Warped Wall. 151 00:06:30,156 --> 00:06:32,459 - Get that wall. Beat that wall. 152 00:06:32,492 --> 00:06:35,328 - This dude is a warrior. This man has no quit. 153 00:06:37,797 --> 00:06:39,299 - And a misstep there. 154 00:06:39,332 --> 00:06:41,668 And just barely gets up the Warped Wall. 155 00:06:41,701 --> 00:06:43,269 Sean Bryan is shaken up. 156 00:06:43,303 --> 00:06:45,070 - Yeah, yeah, Matt. I mean, with that type of cut 157 00:06:45,071 --> 00:06:47,240 right now, he doesn't have a cut man in his corner, 158 00:06:47,273 --> 00:06:49,776 but I can tell you, the blood starts to drip in the eye, 159 00:06:49,809 --> 00:06:52,345 it can mess with your confidence on an obstacle. 160 00:06:54,814 --> 00:06:57,484 - And you can see his mom. She's worried sick. 161 00:06:58,685 --> 00:07:00,019 Rubbing that blood in. 162 00:07:00,020 --> 00:07:01,654 - That's a pretty nice laceration 163 00:07:01,688 --> 00:07:03,432 right there above the eye, but he doesn't care. 164 00:07:03,456 --> 00:07:04,657 He's going for it. 165 00:07:04,691 --> 00:07:06,259 - Well, this guy's been a two-time 166 00:07:06,292 --> 00:07:09,562 Super Salmon Ladder champion in the Skills Challenge. 167 00:07:09,596 --> 00:07:11,564 - Ooh! - Skipping a rung... wow! 168 00:07:11,598 --> 00:07:14,100 - Matt, he just wants to get out of there. 169 00:07:14,134 --> 00:07:16,469 - And fights his way to the top of the Salmon Ladder. 170 00:07:16,503 --> 00:07:19,706 Now facing this tricky eighth obstacle, Padlock. 171 00:07:19,739 --> 00:07:22,208 Got to swing up and grab the circles. 172 00:07:22,242 --> 00:07:25,345 - This is what it means to endure through tough times. 173 00:07:25,378 --> 00:07:28,148 You can see, not making any excuses. 174 00:07:28,181 --> 00:07:29,182 Oh! - Whoa. 175 00:07:29,215 --> 00:07:30,550 Not using his feet at all! 176 00:07:30,583 --> 00:07:32,228 - Yeah, you see him now trying to control it. 177 00:07:32,252 --> 00:07:34,487 He's gotta use his knees and get that up there. 178 00:07:34,521 --> 00:07:37,357 - That was impressive. What a recovery, Akbar. 179 00:07:37,390 --> 00:07:38,601 - With a cut on his face, Matt, 180 00:07:38,625 --> 00:07:41,695 this looks like 1960s NFL football. 181 00:07:41,728 --> 00:07:43,797 - Trying to figure out how to get that hand down, 182 00:07:43,830 --> 00:07:45,131 make the drop. 183 00:07:46,733 --> 00:07:48,501 - Nice. - We've seen his skills. 184 00:07:48,535 --> 00:07:50,069 What we're seeing right now is his heart. 185 00:07:50,070 --> 00:07:52,138 - He's got one more to go! 186 00:07:52,172 --> 00:07:53,473 - Got it! 187 00:07:53,506 --> 00:07:57,077 Now just has to hang on and rotate this around. 188 00:07:57,110 --> 00:08:00,113 Sean Bryan is gonna get through this! 189 00:08:00,146 --> 00:08:01,514 And he's through! 190 00:08:01,548 --> 00:08:03,416 - Nice. Nice job. 191 00:08:03,450 --> 00:08:06,152 - Look at that. Mama can't believe it! 192 00:08:06,186 --> 00:08:08,822 And neither can those kids. 193 00:08:08,855 --> 00:08:10,724 Sean Bryan, the blood continues 194 00:08:10,757 --> 00:08:12,292 to pour down his face. 195 00:08:12,325 --> 00:08:14,026 And checking the watch. 196 00:08:14,027 --> 00:08:16,896 Still thinking about getting to that Power Tower. 197 00:08:16,930 --> 00:08:19,733 Now, he faces Split Decision. 198 00:08:19,766 --> 00:08:21,735 - Which way you gonna go? 199 00:08:21,768 --> 00:08:23,169 Diving Boards on the inside, 200 00:08:23,203 --> 00:08:25,805 and on the outside, you've got the Dungeon. 201 00:08:25,839 --> 00:08:27,674 - Sean Bryan going to the Dungeon. 202 00:08:27,707 --> 00:08:30,043 - No pain, no gain. No pain, no gain! 203 00:08:30,076 --> 00:08:31,611 No pain, no gain! 204 00:08:31,644 --> 00:08:33,155 - Hold up, did I just hear the kid say, 205 00:08:33,179 --> 00:08:34,147 "No pain, no gain"? 206 00:08:34,180 --> 00:08:35,582 He's taught them well. 207 00:08:35,615 --> 00:08:38,151 - Well, the Dungeon can definitely cause pain. 208 00:08:38,184 --> 00:08:40,387 Gotta climb up the pegs. 209 00:08:40,420 --> 00:08:43,423 Once you reach the top, the panel will flatten out. 210 00:08:43,456 --> 00:08:45,234 - He knows that he's got the upper-body strength 211 00:08:45,258 --> 00:08:46,292 to get through it. 212 00:08:46,326 --> 00:08:48,928 - Sean Bryan fighting through. 213 00:08:48,962 --> 00:08:52,064 This is where the challenge really escalates. 214 00:08:52,065 --> 00:08:54,367 With these poles pointing straight down, 215 00:08:54,401 --> 00:08:57,103 there is nothing to keep your hands from slipping off. 216 00:08:58,705 --> 00:09:01,908 Sean Bryan's grip looks rock solid, like his faith. 217 00:09:02,008 --> 00:09:03,677 Yes, it does. 218 00:09:03,710 --> 00:09:06,046 - Look at that face. 219 00:09:06,079 --> 00:09:08,114 Gotta swing over to the final panel. 220 00:09:08,148 --> 00:09:09,883 Yes! - Yes! Yes! 221 00:09:09,916 --> 00:09:11,551 - Rotating around! 222 00:09:11,584 --> 00:09:12,686 - Open that! 223 00:09:12,719 --> 00:09:14,888 - Oh, my! 224 00:09:20,060 --> 00:09:22,195 And he's gonna pause for a prayer. 225 00:09:22,228 --> 00:09:23,797 And I don't blame him! 226 00:09:23,830 --> 00:09:25,365 He's had some divine intervention 227 00:09:25,398 --> 00:09:28,033 to survive this run. 228 00:09:28,034 --> 00:09:31,404 Has a chance to finish our very first run of the night, 229 00:09:31,438 --> 00:09:35,308 but still has to climb 35 feet up the Spider Trap. 230 00:09:35,342 --> 00:09:36,910 What determination! 231 00:09:36,943 --> 00:09:39,446 - If you want to take a picture of determination, 232 00:09:39,479 --> 00:09:41,348 it would look just like Sean Bryan. 233 00:09:41,381 --> 00:09:43,550 Sean! Sean! Sean! 234 00:09:45,251 --> 00:09:46,953 - Oh, my goodness. - Blood in your face, 235 00:09:47,053 --> 00:09:49,055 and still focused on the goal. 236 00:09:50,757 --> 00:09:53,626 - Look at this, Akbar! He is risen. 237 00:09:53,660 --> 00:09:57,931 The Papal Ninja's gonna do it. What an incredible run! 238 00:09:57,964 --> 00:10:00,233 - He never gave up. He never quit. 239 00:10:00,266 --> 00:10:03,370 - The Papal Ninja's going to Sin City! 240 00:10:03,403 --> 00:10:05,772 - Yes! Yeah! 241 00:10:10,110 --> 00:10:11,644 - Yeah, Sean! Good job. 242 00:10:16,316 --> 00:10:19,419 - Yes! - Nice, Sean! Whoo-hoo! 243 00:10:19,452 --> 00:10:21,554 - The first buzzer of the night, 244 00:10:21,588 --> 00:10:23,423 from our first run of the night. 245 00:10:28,161 --> 00:10:29,662 - Unbelievable. 246 00:10:29,696 --> 00:10:32,966 - Sean, this turned from ninja to a boxing match. 247 00:10:32,999 --> 00:10:34,467 I mean, you got cut on your face. 248 00:10:34,501 --> 00:10:35,902 What kept you going? 249 00:10:35,935 --> 00:10:38,004 - I don't know. I'm just hungry, you know? 250 00:10:38,038 --> 00:10:39,372 Just gotta have it this year. 251 00:10:39,406 --> 00:10:41,341 Mount Midoriyama, here I come. 252 00:10:41,374 --> 00:10:43,743 - Oh, okay! Calling it out right here. 253 00:10:43,777 --> 00:10:45,245 - You better back your bags, 254 00:10:45,278 --> 00:10:47,147 'cause you're going back to Vegas, Seanie! 255 00:10:52,919 --> 00:10:54,921 - He took a blow on Drop Zone, 256 00:10:54,954 --> 00:10:56,656 and then dealt with the blood. 257 00:10:56,690 --> 00:10:58,958 But nothing was gonna stop Sean Bryan. 258 00:10:58,992 --> 00:11:01,127 He showed the way on the eighth obstacle, 259 00:11:01,161 --> 00:11:02,495 the ninth obstacle, 260 00:11:02,529 --> 00:11:05,165 and got a buzzer on our first run of the night. 261 00:11:10,303 --> 00:11:13,807 - Tonight's semifinal is so good, 262 00:11:13,840 --> 00:11:15,241 it's scary. 263 00:11:15,275 --> 00:11:18,244 - Oh, he's a little mad scientist. 264 00:11:18,278 --> 00:11:21,548 - We've got ninja all-stars, present... 265 00:11:21,581 --> 00:11:24,484 - The Queen of Ninja, Meagan Martin. 266 00:11:24,517 --> 00:11:25,952 - And future... 267 00:11:25,985 --> 00:11:27,187 Speed Walker! 268 00:11:27,220 --> 00:11:28,955 - Let's go! 269 00:11:28,988 --> 00:11:32,359 - All fighting to win a spot at the national finals. 270 00:11:32,392 --> 00:11:35,094 - Oh, my goodness! 271 00:11:35,095 --> 00:11:36,896 - But it won't be easy. 272 00:11:36,930 --> 00:11:39,699 - Oh! Got hit in the head. 273 00:11:39,733 --> 00:11:41,368 Oh! Ooh! 274 00:11:41,401 --> 00:11:43,536 - It's a night of surprises... 275 00:11:43,570 --> 00:11:46,539 He's gonna be a dad! 276 00:11:46,573 --> 00:11:48,208 - Oh! 277 00:11:48,241 --> 00:11:50,443 - On "American Ninja Warrior." 278 00:11:54,114 --> 00:11:56,016 - Welcome back to Los Angeles. 279 00:11:56,116 --> 00:11:58,551 Moments ago, Atlanta's Brad Giles 280 00:11:58,585 --> 00:12:00,653 shook things up at the start line. 281 00:12:00,687 --> 00:12:02,689 - Oh, oh. Get it, get it, get it. 282 00:12:02,722 --> 00:12:05,725 - The energetic 38-year-old healthcare CEO 283 00:12:05,759 --> 00:12:07,794 made it to the semifinals as a rookie. 284 00:12:07,827 --> 00:12:09,295 - Nice. 285 00:12:09,329 --> 00:12:10,606 - But he was put out of business 286 00:12:10,630 --> 00:12:12,064 by the Double Twister. 287 00:12:12,065 --> 00:12:13,166 - Ooh! No! 288 00:12:13,199 --> 00:12:15,702 Rejected! Rejected! 289 00:12:15,735 --> 00:12:19,205 - Florida rocker Josh Wagg lived up to his nickname... 290 00:12:19,239 --> 00:12:21,608 The Death Metal Ninja. 291 00:12:21,641 --> 00:12:23,376 - Look at him, Matt. He looks possessed. 292 00:12:23,410 --> 00:12:25,645 - The 25-year-old rookie from Orlando 293 00:12:25,679 --> 00:12:27,614 rocked the early obstacles... 294 00:12:27,647 --> 00:12:29,683 - Oh, that death metal stuff is serious. 295 00:12:29,716 --> 00:12:31,785 - But got rolled by Ring Chaser. 296 00:12:31,818 --> 00:12:33,386 - Oh, he missed that. 297 00:12:36,790 --> 00:12:39,359 - Megan Budway's also a musician, 298 00:12:39,392 --> 00:12:41,594 though she took a more soft rock approach. 299 00:12:41,628 --> 00:12:42,729 - Whoa! Okay! 300 00:12:42,762 --> 00:12:44,531 - You got this. 301 00:12:44,564 --> 00:12:46,804 - The elementary school music teacher from North Carolina 302 00:12:46,833 --> 00:12:49,402 hit some high notes on the course. 303 00:12:49,436 --> 00:12:51,838 - Megan Budway making her own way. 304 00:12:51,871 --> 00:12:53,540 - And the first-year ninja made it 305 00:12:53,573 --> 00:12:54,808 to the fourth obstacle. 306 00:12:54,841 --> 00:12:56,743 - Here we go. Boom, boom, boom... oh. 307 00:12:59,512 --> 00:13:02,282 - Dang it. I thought I had it. 308 00:13:02,315 --> 00:13:05,652 - Well, our next ninja has something to say. 309 00:13:05,685 --> 00:13:09,356 This is Francisco Barajas, a swimming pool technician. 310 00:13:09,389 --> 00:13:12,325 And you can see on his shirt, he's the One Percent Ninja, 311 00:13:12,359 --> 00:13:17,062 because he represents the 1% of Americans who stutter. 312 00:13:18,598 --> 00:13:21,066 - I've lacked confidence in the past 313 00:13:21,067 --> 00:13:23,803 because of my stutter. 314 00:13:30,577 --> 00:13:32,645 - A lot of things that are easy to most people, 315 00:13:32,679 --> 00:13:36,483 like talking, having conversations, 316 00:13:36,516 --> 00:13:37,917 I have a hard time with them. 317 00:13:37,951 --> 00:13:40,487 - Can I get you guys anything to start off with? 318 00:13:40,520 --> 00:13:44,357 - Can I get a charcuterie board? 319 00:13:44,391 --> 00:13:47,092 Dealing with, like, a stutter, 320 00:13:47,093 --> 00:13:49,129 it's like overcoming an obstacle every day. 321 00:13:49,162 --> 00:13:50,697 Oh, yeah. 322 00:13:50,730 --> 00:13:53,500 - Ninja really gave me confidence again, 323 00:13:53,533 --> 00:13:55,669 doing something I love, doing something 324 00:13:55,702 --> 00:13:57,246 I never thought I'd have the chance to do, 325 00:13:57,270 --> 00:13:58,672 but I am doing it. 326 00:13:58,705 --> 00:13:59,673 - Boop. All right. Get it. 327 00:13:59,706 --> 00:14:00,940 Go, go, go, go, go. 328 00:14:01,041 --> 00:14:03,810 - Brian and Jose, two of my best friends, 329 00:14:03,843 --> 00:14:07,647 we've been training partners for the last two, three years. 330 00:14:07,681 --> 00:14:10,316 - There, there. Good. Go, go, go, go, go. 331 00:14:10,350 --> 00:14:11,651 - Honestly, it means everything 332 00:14:11,685 --> 00:14:13,053 having that support... 333 00:14:16,890 --> 00:14:18,625 Through my journey. 334 00:14:18,658 --> 00:14:20,060 - Oh, nice. Ooh. 335 00:14:20,093 --> 00:14:21,895 - Good strong start there on Shrinking Steps. 336 00:14:21,928 --> 00:14:23,630 - Yeah! - Oh, Matt, he ain't playing. 337 00:14:23,663 --> 00:14:24,731 - One at a time, baby. 338 00:14:24,764 --> 00:14:26,299 One at a time. Come on, Francisco! 339 00:14:26,332 --> 00:14:29,102 - I'm hoping that I can be that person 340 00:14:29,135 --> 00:14:30,637 that people see on TV and be like, 341 00:14:30,670 --> 00:14:33,606 "Man, like, if he can take control of the stutter 342 00:14:33,640 --> 00:14:35,074 "and not have it control his life, 343 00:14:35,075 --> 00:14:36,376 I'd be able to do that too." 344 00:14:36,409 --> 00:14:38,912 - Yeah! Let's go! - Let's do it! 345 00:14:38,945 --> 00:14:40,280 - Smack! Buzzers. - The buzzer? 346 00:14:40,313 --> 00:14:43,116 - Hey! - Buzzers for days. 347 00:14:43,149 --> 00:14:45,485 - This is a ninja who has found his voice. 348 00:14:45,518 --> 00:14:47,754 And as you saw, he's got some great friends. 349 00:14:47,787 --> 00:14:49,155 - Whoo! Yeah! 350 00:14:49,189 --> 00:14:50,690 - There they are on the sidelines, 351 00:14:50,724 --> 00:14:52,292 the two ninjas he trains with, 352 00:14:52,325 --> 00:14:54,494 Jose Gomez and Brian Montagnese. 353 00:14:54,527 --> 00:14:57,230 And a lot of support up in Northern California... 354 00:14:57,263 --> 00:14:59,141 - Come on, Chico. - Including his mom and dad... 355 00:14:59,165 --> 00:15:02,602 - You got this, son. - And his girlfriend. 356 00:15:05,338 --> 00:15:07,374 - Matt, he doesn't let stuttering stop him 357 00:15:07,407 --> 00:15:08,675 from his dream of becoming 358 00:15:08,708 --> 00:15:10,210 the next American Ninja Warrior. 359 00:15:10,243 --> 00:15:12,112 - Whoo! Nice catch. - Let's go, Francisco! 360 00:15:12,145 --> 00:15:13,313 - Come on. 361 00:15:13,346 --> 00:15:15,548 - Had no problem on the Shrinking Steps, 362 00:15:15,582 --> 00:15:17,217 but now it's Double Twister. 363 00:15:17,250 --> 00:15:19,919 Needs to fly across these twisting handles. 364 00:15:19,953 --> 00:15:21,354 - You got this. - You got it. 365 00:15:22,789 --> 00:15:24,424 - Barajas talked about how the stutter 366 00:15:24,457 --> 00:15:26,693 actually impacts him athletically. 367 00:15:26,726 --> 00:15:29,562 His lungs can sometimes feel like they're constricting. 368 00:15:29,596 --> 00:15:31,698 - There you go. - And he's through. 369 00:15:31,731 --> 00:15:33,800 - Yeah! - Let's go! Here we go! 370 00:15:33,833 --> 00:15:36,336 - He's on to the third obstacle, Ring Chaser. 371 00:15:36,369 --> 00:15:38,905 When he jumps up, the ring will start rolling. 372 00:15:38,938 --> 00:15:40,940 - Nice. There it is. - Go, go, go, go! Go, go! 373 00:15:40,974 --> 00:15:42,418 - It's okay, it's okay. - You're good. 374 00:15:42,442 --> 00:15:44,210 - Missed the ring. That's okay. 375 00:15:44,244 --> 00:15:46,078 But now he'll have to use the smaller ring, 376 00:15:46,079 --> 00:15:47,914 which does make it a little tougher. 377 00:15:47,947 --> 00:15:49,759 Keep one hand on the bar to build up the momentum, 378 00:15:49,783 --> 00:15:51,718 pull back, give it a good swing. 379 00:15:51,751 --> 00:15:53,319 - All right, come on. - Launch. 380 00:15:53,353 --> 00:15:56,089 Great job! 381 00:15:56,122 --> 00:15:58,458 - Nice! - Let's go, Francisco! 382 00:15:58,491 --> 00:15:59,826 - There you go! 383 00:15:59,859 --> 00:16:02,128 - Barajas now facing the balance obstacle, 384 00:16:02,162 --> 00:16:03,697 Diamond Dash. 385 00:16:03,730 --> 00:16:05,331 Taking a deep breath. 386 00:16:05,365 --> 00:16:07,076 - All right, quick feet. Nice. Fall forward. 387 00:16:07,100 --> 00:16:09,034 Oh, my! - Oh, my goodness! 388 00:16:09,035 --> 00:16:11,036 - That was a faceplant! 389 00:16:11,037 --> 00:16:12,439 - And he's smiling. - You good? 390 00:16:12,472 --> 00:16:14,240 You faceplanted on that one. 391 00:16:15,442 --> 00:16:18,044 - There you go. There you go. 392 00:16:18,078 --> 00:16:19,512 - Barajas moving on 393 00:16:19,546 --> 00:16:21,414 to the new obstacle, Drop Zone. 394 00:16:21,448 --> 00:16:22,882 - You got it. 395 00:16:22,916 --> 00:16:25,385 - He saw what this did to Sean Bryan minutes ago. 396 00:16:25,418 --> 00:16:27,454 They drop hard. 397 00:16:27,487 --> 00:16:30,256 Just like that. And it is a jolt. 398 00:16:30,290 --> 00:16:31,734 Now got to swing over to the middle bar. 399 00:16:31,758 --> 00:16:32,959 - Nice. - Now he's moving 400 00:16:33,059 --> 00:16:34,303 side-to-side. He needs to kind of 401 00:16:34,327 --> 00:16:35,862 get going north and south. 402 00:16:35,895 --> 00:16:37,797 - You got it. Big up! 403 00:16:37,831 --> 00:16:39,165 Yes! Yes! - Whoa! Yes. 404 00:16:39,199 --> 00:16:40,600 - That's impressive! 405 00:16:40,633 --> 00:16:43,269 - Gotta slide this around and brace for another drop. 406 00:16:43,303 --> 00:16:44,914 - Watch out with the drop, okay? There it is. 407 00:16:44,938 --> 00:16:46,639 - He handled that well. - You got this. 408 00:16:46,673 --> 00:16:48,808 - You can see right there, he's going one-handed here, 409 00:16:48,842 --> 00:16:50,186 to try to give his arm a little rest. 410 00:16:50,210 --> 00:16:51,487 - There you go, Francisco. There you go. 411 00:16:51,511 --> 00:16:52,822 - Needs to swing up to that last bar. 412 00:16:52,846 --> 00:16:54,814 - All day. All day. - All day. 413 00:16:57,717 --> 00:16:58,852 And up. - Whoo! 414 00:16:58,885 --> 00:17:00,620 - Good long reach. That 6'0" frame. 415 00:17:00,653 --> 00:17:02,021 - Just the way he's moving, 416 00:17:02,022 --> 00:17:04,124 he's got his ninja movement on point. 417 00:17:04,157 --> 00:17:05,468 - Drop. Here it comes... There it is. 418 00:17:05,492 --> 00:17:08,027 - Ooh, and there was that final drop. 419 00:17:08,028 --> 00:17:09,629 This is a tough new obstacle, 420 00:17:09,662 --> 00:17:11,798 but Barajas is figuring it out. 421 00:17:11,831 --> 00:17:13,566 He just needs the dismount. 422 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:15,034 And he's through. 423 00:17:15,035 --> 00:17:16,936 - Yeah! Whoo! - Let's go! Let's go! 424 00:17:18,605 --> 00:17:19,773 - This is the first time 425 00:17:19,806 --> 00:17:21,408 he's faced a Warped Wall in competition. 426 00:17:21,441 --> 00:17:23,943 - Come on. - Get up that wall! Let's go! 427 00:17:24,044 --> 00:17:26,045 - Come on. - You got it, Francisco! 428 00:17:26,046 --> 00:17:27,156 - Let's go. Let's go. - You're good. 429 00:17:27,180 --> 00:17:28,381 You got this, Francisco. 430 00:17:28,415 --> 00:17:29,725 - Come on. Come on. - All right. Come on. 431 00:17:29,749 --> 00:17:31,951 - And you just know there's some kids watching this, 432 00:17:32,052 --> 00:17:33,753 they struggle with a speech impediment. 433 00:17:33,787 --> 00:17:36,055 Seeing him out here, truly fearless, 434 00:17:36,056 --> 00:17:37,696 crushing this course, sharing his story... 435 00:17:39,092 --> 00:17:40,460 - Makes a difference, Akbar. 436 00:17:40,493 --> 00:17:41,728 - Yeah! 437 00:17:41,761 --> 00:17:43,697 Look at him! Yeah! Take it in. 438 00:17:43,730 --> 00:17:46,065 If only I did that weeks ago. 439 00:17:46,066 --> 00:17:47,500 - Hey, but you're doing it now! 440 00:17:47,534 --> 00:17:48,735 - Exactly. - Yeah, come on. 441 00:17:48,768 --> 00:17:51,070 - Better late than never. - Yes, sir! 442 00:17:51,071 --> 00:17:53,106 And Matt, you can tell, not stuttering. 443 00:17:53,139 --> 00:17:54,784 Very confident right now. - Oh, you heard it. 444 00:17:54,808 --> 00:17:56,752 - That says a lot about what's going on inside of him. 445 00:17:56,776 --> 00:17:57,844 - Let's go, Francisco. 446 00:17:57,877 --> 00:17:59,121 Come on now. - Come on, Francisco. 447 00:17:59,145 --> 00:18:01,114 - Good job, mijo. 448 00:18:01,147 --> 00:18:02,716 Proud of you, son. 449 00:18:02,749 --> 00:18:05,785 - But now he starts the final four obstacles. 450 00:18:05,819 --> 00:18:07,787 First up is the Salmon Ladder. 451 00:18:07,821 --> 00:18:08,822 - You got it. 452 00:18:08,855 --> 00:18:11,157 - Gotta jump it up four rungs. 453 00:18:11,191 --> 00:18:12,926 - Yes. - Yes. 454 00:18:13,026 --> 00:18:14,394 Come on. Breathe. 455 00:18:14,427 --> 00:18:15,662 Nice. - You got this. 456 00:18:15,695 --> 00:18:16,930 - Ooh! - One more. 457 00:18:17,030 --> 00:18:18,431 Both: Ooh! - Watch out! Watch out! 458 00:18:18,465 --> 00:18:21,167 - Oh, this is gonna be an impressive save. 459 00:18:21,201 --> 00:18:23,370 - My goodness! - Corrects it! 460 00:18:23,403 --> 00:18:25,138 - Ooh! - And there it is! 461 00:18:25,171 --> 00:18:28,108 He may be fearless, but he is flirting with disaster. 462 00:18:28,141 --> 00:18:29,609 - He is, Matt. 463 00:18:29,642 --> 00:18:31,611 - Nice save, Francisco! - Nice save. Nice save. 464 00:18:31,644 --> 00:18:34,147 - Now it's the eighth obstacle, Padlock. 465 00:18:34,180 --> 00:18:38,050 Need a good grip, because these padlocks will spin. 466 00:18:38,051 --> 00:18:39,486 Can he... 467 00:18:42,789 --> 00:18:45,057 - You know what? That was still an awesome run. 468 00:18:45,058 --> 00:18:46,593 - Good job, mijo. Good job. 469 00:18:46,626 --> 00:18:49,229 - And we'll see, he may have gone far enough fast enough 470 00:18:49,262 --> 00:18:52,799 to earn a trip to the national finals. 471 00:18:52,832 --> 00:18:56,136 - He survived some close calls on Ring Chaser 472 00:18:56,169 --> 00:18:57,904 and on Diamond Dash, 473 00:18:57,937 --> 00:19:00,140 and then again on the Salmon Ladder. 474 00:19:00,173 --> 00:19:02,342 He never got a grip on Padlock, 475 00:19:02,375 --> 00:19:05,812 but still, a great run by the One Percent Ninja. 476 00:19:08,782 --> 00:19:11,384 - And his buddies coming over to show their support. 477 00:19:11,418 --> 00:19:13,720 - Wow, look at that. That's friendship. 478 00:19:13,753 --> 00:19:16,389 That's ninja right there. 479 00:19:16,423 --> 00:19:19,459 - She's a model, a rock climber, 480 00:19:19,492 --> 00:19:21,728 an Olympic commentator, 481 00:19:21,761 --> 00:19:23,363 and one heck of a ninja. 482 00:19:24,698 --> 00:19:26,833 - And Meagan Martin's coming up 483 00:19:26,866 --> 00:19:29,135 on "American Ninja Warrior." 484 00:19:33,773 --> 00:19:36,041 - We're here on the Universal Studios backlot in Los Angeles 485 00:19:36,042 --> 00:19:38,712 and are thrilled that Universal Studios Hollywood 486 00:19:38,745 --> 00:19:42,047 is open and welcoming guests back to the theme park 487 00:19:42,048 --> 00:19:45,752 to experience the amazing new Indominus Rex 488 00:19:45,785 --> 00:19:48,053 on Jurassic World: The Ride. 489 00:19:48,054 --> 00:19:49,756 - Plus, you gotta check out 490 00:19:49,789 --> 00:19:52,192 Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, 491 00:19:52,225 --> 00:19:55,662 where you can now ride Jurassic World: Velocicoaster, 492 00:19:55,695 --> 00:19:58,298 the apex predator of roller coasters. 493 00:20:00,066 --> 00:20:03,069 - Our next athlete is about to put a charge in the night, 494 00:20:03,103 --> 00:20:04,938 Electric Enzo Wilson. 495 00:20:04,971 --> 00:20:07,741 You can see his middle name, DeFerrari. 496 00:20:07,774 --> 00:20:09,075 This kid is fast. 497 00:20:09,109 --> 00:20:10,777 And a few weeks ago, in qualifying, 498 00:20:10,810 --> 00:20:12,746 when he just turned 15, 499 00:20:12,779 --> 00:20:15,982 he made history as the youngest ever to hit a buzzer. 500 00:20:16,016 --> 00:20:18,752 And oh, yeah, he's also saving the planet. 501 00:20:26,092 --> 00:20:28,228 - I've grown up on the ocean my whole life. 502 00:20:28,261 --> 00:20:31,064 My backyard course is on the Gulf of Mexico, 503 00:20:31,097 --> 00:20:33,299 so it's awesome to be able to train on the ocean, 504 00:20:33,333 --> 00:20:35,835 especially with my ocean conservation work. 505 00:20:35,869 --> 00:20:37,237 I was six years old 506 00:20:37,270 --> 00:20:39,205 and I was invited to my first beach cleanup, 507 00:20:39,239 --> 00:20:40,940 and that's when I really figured out 508 00:20:40,974 --> 00:20:42,509 how much trash was on the beach. 509 00:20:42,542 --> 00:20:44,310 If we ever went to the beach for leisure, 510 00:20:44,344 --> 00:20:45,845 I would have to pick up trash. 511 00:20:45,879 --> 00:20:47,814 Today, we're doing this awesome beach cleanup. 512 00:20:49,015 --> 00:20:50,183 It's such a passion of mine. 513 00:20:50,216 --> 00:20:51,618 I now have my own organization 514 00:20:51,651 --> 00:20:52,819 called Ocean Needs Everyone, 515 00:20:52,852 --> 00:20:54,487 which I started three years ago now. 516 00:20:54,521 --> 00:20:56,322 So let's go pick up some trash. 517 00:21:07,834 --> 00:21:09,302 - Beach cleanups are really important 518 00:21:09,336 --> 00:21:11,838 because if we don't pick up all the trash on this beach, 519 00:21:11,871 --> 00:21:14,741 it could seriously affect the creatures and ecosystems 520 00:21:14,774 --> 00:21:16,242 that are in our oceans. 521 00:21:16,276 --> 00:21:17,811 Just because you're young 522 00:21:17,844 --> 00:21:19,612 does not mean you can't make a difference. 523 00:21:19,646 --> 00:21:21,457 I'm the youngest ninja ever on "Ninja Warrior," 524 00:21:21,481 --> 00:21:24,083 and I'm just getting started as an ocean conservationist. 525 00:21:24,084 --> 00:21:25,552 The plan is to keep plastic 526 00:21:25,585 --> 00:21:27,387 and myself out of the water tonight. 527 00:21:31,791 --> 00:21:34,527 - Enzo's got lots of folks watching this run, 528 00:21:34,561 --> 00:21:38,465 including his mom, sister, and grandma back in Florida. 529 00:21:38,498 --> 00:21:40,367 Another top teenager, Elijah Browning, 530 00:21:40,400 --> 00:21:41,868 also showing support. 531 00:21:41,901 --> 00:21:44,304 Elijah's already punched his ticket to Vegas. 532 00:21:44,337 --> 00:21:46,539 And on the sideline, Enzo's dad... 533 00:21:46,573 --> 00:21:48,708 - Come on, buddy! Let's go, Enzo! 534 00:21:48,742 --> 00:21:51,478 - Along with his coach, R.J. Roman. 535 00:21:51,511 --> 00:21:52,979 - You got this! - Come on, buddy! 536 00:21:53,013 --> 00:21:54,347 Let's go, Enzo! 537 00:21:56,783 --> 00:21:58,852 - Ten teens have already qualified 538 00:21:58,885 --> 00:22:00,353 for the national finals. 539 00:22:00,387 --> 00:22:01,755 Enzo's hoping to join them. 540 00:22:01,788 --> 00:22:03,890 - Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. - Extra swing. 541 00:22:03,923 --> 00:22:06,259 - Okay. Nice. All right. 542 00:22:06,292 --> 00:22:08,161 - Oh, yeah! 543 00:22:08,194 --> 00:22:10,062 - 5'8", 130 pounds. 544 00:22:10,063 --> 00:22:12,465 He's bulked up since we first saw him, Akbar. 545 00:22:12,499 --> 00:22:14,834 4'11", 100 pounds when we saw him competing 546 00:22:14,868 --> 00:22:16,302 on "American Ninja Warrior Junior." 547 00:22:16,336 --> 00:22:17,480 - Well, that's three years ago. 548 00:22:17,504 --> 00:22:18,972 He's grown since then. 549 00:22:19,072 --> 00:22:20,740 - Quickly off Double Twister. 550 00:22:22,342 --> 00:22:23,910 - Right hand moves first. 551 00:22:23,943 --> 00:22:25,779 - Watch him race out to get that ring. 552 00:22:25,812 --> 00:22:27,080 - Still got peach fuzz. 553 00:22:27,113 --> 00:22:29,382 Missed the ring. 554 00:22:29,416 --> 00:22:31,551 - Surprising. 555 00:22:31,584 --> 00:22:33,687 Looked like he was moving at a good clip there. 556 00:22:33,720 --> 00:22:35,188 Difficulty level goes up. 557 00:22:35,221 --> 00:22:37,257 Much smaller diameter for this ring. 558 00:22:38,825 --> 00:22:40,493 - Nice. - No problem. 559 00:22:40,527 --> 00:22:42,328 - All right, Enzo! Let's go! 560 00:22:46,232 --> 00:22:48,268 - Now stepping up to face Diamond Dash. 561 00:22:48,301 --> 00:22:49,779 - Nice and straight. You got this, Enzo. 562 00:22:49,803 --> 00:22:51,171 - Go, go, go, go, go, go! Yes! 563 00:22:51,204 --> 00:22:53,807 - And he gets through. 564 00:22:53,840 --> 00:22:56,943 His family hanging on every step. 565 00:22:56,976 --> 00:22:59,813 Now, it's this new obstacle, Drop Zone. 566 00:22:59,846 --> 00:23:03,383 You gotta hang on for dear life as these pipes drop. 567 00:23:04,584 --> 00:23:06,419 That's a shock when it comes down. 568 00:23:08,621 --> 00:23:11,056 - Now got to swing over to the middle bar. 569 00:23:11,057 --> 00:23:12,092 Got it. 570 00:23:12,125 --> 00:23:13,793 The top 15 from tonight, 571 00:23:13,827 --> 00:23:16,062 those who go the farthest the fastest, 572 00:23:16,096 --> 00:23:17,964 will move on to the national finals. 573 00:23:18,064 --> 00:23:21,167 The top two tonight will face off on the Power Tower 574 00:23:21,201 --> 00:23:23,068 at the end of the night. 575 00:23:23,069 --> 00:23:24,270 - He's a smart kid. 576 00:23:24,304 --> 00:23:26,406 Barely 15 and working to save the planet. 577 00:23:26,439 --> 00:23:28,975 I think he can figure out this obstacle. 578 00:23:29,075 --> 00:23:30,777 Whoa! There's the drop. 579 00:23:30,810 --> 00:23:33,580 - You got this! - Looking good! 580 00:23:33,613 --> 00:23:35,915 - Still needs the dismount. 581 00:23:35,949 --> 00:23:37,851 And he's through. 582 00:23:40,286 --> 00:23:42,956 - Yes! Let's go! 583 00:23:42,989 --> 00:23:45,090 - Now facing the Warped Wall. 584 00:23:45,091 --> 00:23:46,493 - You got it, Enzo. 585 00:23:46,526 --> 00:23:48,328 - Catch your breath. 586 00:23:48,361 --> 00:23:52,632 All: Beat that wall! Beat that wall! 587 00:23:52,665 --> 00:23:54,968 - And no problem for the 15-year-old! 588 00:23:57,504 --> 00:23:59,506 - I see you, Enzo. - I see you, Akbar. 589 00:23:59,539 --> 00:24:01,150 - Hey, you know what your name means, right? 590 00:24:01,174 --> 00:24:02,609 You know what Enzo means, right? 591 00:24:02,642 --> 00:24:04,577 - Winner! - Yeah, that's right. 592 00:24:04,611 --> 00:24:07,047 Enzo means "winner" in Italian. 593 00:24:07,080 --> 00:24:08,524 - That would have been funny if he had no idea. 594 00:24:08,548 --> 00:24:10,192 He's like, "No, I just thought it sounded cool." 595 00:24:11,885 --> 00:24:14,087 - You can see the family back in Florida. Look at them. 596 00:24:14,120 --> 00:24:15,522 They are all bunched up together. 597 00:24:15,555 --> 00:24:16,923 They're nervous. 598 00:24:16,956 --> 00:24:19,125 - He's got four more obstacles to go, 599 00:24:19,159 --> 00:24:20,694 starting with the Salmon Ladder. 600 00:24:20,727 --> 00:24:22,529 - All right. Muscle up now. 601 00:24:22,562 --> 00:24:25,198 Big, big, big, authoritative moves. 602 00:24:25,231 --> 00:24:26,633 - Gets through it. 603 00:24:26,666 --> 00:24:27,934 - Yeah! - Go, Enzo! All right! 604 00:24:27,967 --> 00:24:29,436 - Let's go, Enzo! Come on! 605 00:24:29,469 --> 00:24:31,304 - And Mom's gonna be really nervous 606 00:24:31,338 --> 00:24:33,473 about this next obstacle, Padlock. 607 00:24:33,506 --> 00:24:36,576 It is so difficult to control the spin. 608 00:24:36,609 --> 00:24:37,977 - Yeah! - Nice. 609 00:24:38,078 --> 00:24:39,446 - Watch out. Watch out. 610 00:24:39,479 --> 00:24:42,182 Nice. - Great job. 611 00:24:42,215 --> 00:24:44,217 Check his flexibility here on the mount. 612 00:24:44,250 --> 00:24:45,752 - Oh, no. Watch out, watch out. 613 00:24:45,785 --> 00:24:47,921 - Those hands are awkward! - Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! 614 00:24:47,954 --> 00:24:49,789 Enzo?! 615 00:24:51,891 --> 00:24:54,928 Went into a spin and couldn't stop it. 616 00:24:54,961 --> 00:24:56,296 He's disappointed, 617 00:24:56,329 --> 00:24:57,964 but still a great run by the 15-year-old. 618 00:24:57,997 --> 00:24:59,542 - All right, all right. - Great job, Enzo! 619 00:24:59,566 --> 00:25:01,301 That's all right! - Way to go! 620 00:25:01,334 --> 00:25:04,304 - This run nearly ended on the first obstacle. 621 00:25:04,337 --> 00:25:06,473 He missed the rope with his right hand, 622 00:25:06,506 --> 00:25:07,941 but was able to recover 623 00:25:08,041 --> 00:25:11,077 and came back strong on the next six obstacles. 624 00:25:11,111 --> 00:25:13,913 But on Padlock, got turned sideways 625 00:25:13,947 --> 00:25:16,316 and couldn't recover. 626 00:25:18,518 --> 00:25:20,129 I'm not sure if that's gonna be fast enough. 627 00:25:20,153 --> 00:25:21,187 I really hope so. 628 00:25:29,362 --> 00:25:31,231 - Welcome back to the semifinals, 629 00:25:31,264 --> 00:25:34,734 where three ninja veterans took their shot minutes ago. 630 00:25:34,768 --> 00:25:37,437 The Mermaid Ninja, Charity LeBlanc, 631 00:25:37,470 --> 00:25:39,806 always makes a splash. 632 00:25:39,839 --> 00:25:42,776 The social influencer lives on a boat with her family, 633 00:25:42,809 --> 00:25:44,277 and she was sailing at the start. 634 00:25:44,310 --> 00:25:46,546 - Powerful. Nice. She got it. 635 00:25:46,579 --> 00:25:48,314 - But after making it to the semifinals 636 00:25:48,348 --> 00:25:49,816 for the first time, 637 00:25:49,849 --> 00:25:51,718 this three-time veteran was sunk 638 00:25:51,751 --> 00:25:53,620 when she slipped off Ring Chaser. 639 00:25:55,555 --> 00:25:59,626 Matt, she is bedazzled and befuddled! 640 00:25:59,659 --> 00:26:02,696 - Then it was the oldest competitor in this semifinals, 641 00:26:02,729 --> 00:26:05,098 58-year-old Glenn Davis. 642 00:26:05,131 --> 00:26:06,766 - He doesn't move like a 58-year-old. 643 00:26:06,800 --> 00:26:09,035 - The gym owner from Atlanta was trying to become 644 00:26:09,069 --> 00:26:11,938 the oldest ever to qualify for the national finals. 645 00:26:12,038 --> 00:26:14,841 - Yeah! - Whoa! Okay! 646 00:26:14,874 --> 00:26:16,910 - Davis is a former college gymnast 647 00:26:16,943 --> 00:26:19,179 who's never fallen on a balance obstacle... 648 00:26:19,212 --> 00:26:20,447 - He's gotta go. He's gotta go. 649 00:26:20,480 --> 00:26:23,183 He's gotta... oh! Oh! Oh, oh! 650 00:26:23,216 --> 00:26:25,719 - Until tonight. - Aw, man. 651 00:26:25,752 --> 00:26:28,488 - Then, it was another elder statesman, 652 00:26:28,521 --> 00:26:30,390 43-year-old David Campbell. 653 00:26:30,423 --> 00:26:31,658 - That's my ninja right there. 654 00:26:31,691 --> 00:26:34,127 - Campbell's competed on every season, 655 00:26:34,160 --> 00:26:37,364 but he's never had a run quite like tonight. 656 00:26:37,397 --> 00:26:39,064 - Oh! - Oh, my goodness. 657 00:26:39,065 --> 00:26:40,934 Took a shot right in the eye. 658 00:26:40,967 --> 00:26:44,237 - The Godfather was more like Rocky on Drop Zone, 659 00:26:44,270 --> 00:26:46,639 as he took blow after blow. 660 00:26:46,673 --> 00:26:47,841 Ooh! - Oh, my goodness! 661 00:26:47,874 --> 00:26:49,476 And now he got hit in the head! 662 00:26:49,509 --> 00:26:52,112 This thing is turning into a boxing match! 663 00:26:52,145 --> 00:26:53,413 - Come on, David. Fight. 664 00:26:53,446 --> 00:26:54,881 - Bloodied but unbowed, 665 00:26:54,914 --> 00:26:58,618 the 13-time veteran kept fighting till the end. 666 00:26:58,651 --> 00:26:59,919 - That's his battle move. 667 00:27:02,155 --> 00:27:05,291 - When his foot hit the water, his night was over, 668 00:27:05,325 --> 00:27:06,826 and likely, so were his chances 669 00:27:06,860 --> 00:27:08,828 of going back to Vegas. 670 00:27:08,862 --> 00:27:12,232 - Oh, my goodness. 671 00:27:12,265 --> 00:27:14,634 - Well, this is 16-year-old Nate Pardo, 672 00:27:14,668 --> 00:27:16,636 jumping up onto Drop Zone, 673 00:27:16,670 --> 00:27:19,739 and he just watched what this did to David Campbell. 674 00:27:19,773 --> 00:27:22,242 And you can see that drop caught him a little unawares, 675 00:27:22,275 --> 00:27:24,644 but able to hold on. 676 00:27:24,678 --> 00:27:25,745 - Nice adjustment. 677 00:27:25,779 --> 00:27:27,514 Learning from Campbell's mistake. 678 00:27:27,547 --> 00:27:29,182 Staying on the outside of that bar. 679 00:27:29,215 --> 00:27:30,750 - This is a smart kid. 680 00:27:30,784 --> 00:27:33,052 About to start his senior year of high school. 681 00:27:33,053 --> 00:27:34,688 Works on the school newspaper. 682 00:27:34,721 --> 00:27:38,258 May want to write about himself making it to the semifinals. 683 00:27:39,759 --> 00:27:43,063 Gets the final bar. Now the drop... ooh! 684 00:27:43,096 --> 00:27:45,098 But hangs on. 685 00:27:45,131 --> 00:27:46,900 You can see him using his lower body 686 00:27:46,933 --> 00:27:49,703 to control his momentum. 687 00:27:49,736 --> 00:27:51,738 And he is through. 688 00:27:51,771 --> 00:27:53,540 - Whoo! - There's his mom. 689 00:27:53,573 --> 00:27:55,208 She's as pumped as he is. 690 00:27:55,241 --> 00:27:58,678 And Nate Pardo goes for his first Warped Wall. 691 00:27:58,712 --> 00:28:01,081 And he got it. - Okay, Nate! 692 00:28:01,114 --> 00:28:03,783 Another one of our teenagers headed to the back half. 693 00:28:03,817 --> 00:28:06,386 - He's got his dad watching back in Massachusetts, 694 00:28:06,419 --> 00:28:08,154 along with his older brother. 695 00:28:08,188 --> 00:28:11,624 You can see great hair runs in the family. 696 00:28:11,658 --> 00:28:13,059 - Man, we first saw him 697 00:28:13,093 --> 00:28:15,428 on "American Ninja Warrior Junior" season one. 698 00:28:15,462 --> 00:28:17,630 He was the runner-up to Vance Walker, 699 00:28:17,664 --> 00:28:18,832 who we'll see later. 700 00:28:20,433 --> 00:28:22,502 - Nate attends a well-known school, 701 00:28:22,535 --> 00:28:24,037 Cambridge Rindge and Latin. 702 00:28:24,070 --> 00:28:26,940 Famous alumni include Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. 703 00:28:27,040 --> 00:28:29,041 - Oh, okay! - You can see that shirt. 704 00:28:29,042 --> 00:28:30,877 "Don't Par-think. Just Par-do." 705 00:28:30,910 --> 00:28:34,047 - Okay! Par-do! I like that. 706 00:28:34,080 --> 00:28:36,549 - You got this, Nate! 707 00:28:36,583 --> 00:28:39,085 - Pardo now ready for the Salmon Ladder. 708 00:28:41,054 --> 00:28:43,656 - There you go, Nate. 709 00:28:43,690 --> 00:28:45,258 - Look at that! Skipping rungs! 710 00:28:45,291 --> 00:28:46,559 - Okay, Skippy! 711 00:28:49,062 --> 00:28:51,965 - This is a kid who's not afraid to take some risks. 712 00:28:52,065 --> 00:28:53,400 - Yeah, he made some big moves. 713 00:28:53,433 --> 00:28:55,769 - Watch the control here. This is a challenge. 714 00:28:55,802 --> 00:28:57,737 - Gotta control it. Nice. - Excellent. 715 00:28:57,771 --> 00:28:59,506 That was real smooth. 716 00:28:59,539 --> 00:29:02,007 A lot of problems here on this second padlock. 717 00:29:02,008 --> 00:29:04,110 Ooh! - Watch out. Watch out now. 718 00:29:04,144 --> 00:29:05,779 Anticipate this roll now 719 00:29:05,812 --> 00:29:07,447 and being able to get it centered 720 00:29:07,480 --> 00:29:10,684 so you can drop down to that little lip at the bottom. 721 00:29:10,717 --> 00:29:12,228 - You can see him dropping his hips down, 722 00:29:12,252 --> 00:29:15,020 trying to help him control that spin on the tumbler. 723 00:29:15,021 --> 00:29:18,725 That is just incredible body awareness out of Nate Pardo. 724 00:29:18,758 --> 00:29:20,760 - Oh! Watch out. - Locks it in. 725 00:29:20,794 --> 00:29:22,529 Gotta rotate it 180, go for the dismount. 726 00:29:22,562 --> 00:29:24,173 - Oh! Whoa, watch out! He's fighting with it. 727 00:29:24,197 --> 00:29:26,199 He's wrestling with it, Matt. 728 00:29:26,232 --> 00:29:29,636 - Nate Pardo about to conquer the eighth obstacle. 729 00:29:29,669 --> 00:29:31,036 And he's through! 730 00:29:31,037 --> 00:29:32,839 - Let's go! Come on! 731 00:29:32,872 --> 00:29:34,507 - Let's go. He's ready. 732 00:29:36,209 --> 00:29:39,346 - Now the 16-year-old is facing Split Decision. 733 00:29:39,379 --> 00:29:41,548 Will it be Dungeon or Diving Boards? 734 00:29:41,581 --> 00:29:44,884 - Only one ninja last week picked balance obstacle. 735 00:29:44,918 --> 00:29:47,120 But look, he's going straight for it. 736 00:29:47,153 --> 00:29:48,855 - A bold move here, big man. 737 00:29:48,888 --> 00:29:50,657 - He's going right for it. That's it. 738 00:29:53,460 --> 00:29:55,962 - I beg your Pardo! 739 00:29:57,230 --> 00:29:58,932 - So close! Good job! 740 00:29:58,965 --> 00:30:03,603 - A great run by Nate Pardo, but he comes up just short. 741 00:30:03,636 --> 00:30:05,638 - On Diving Boards, you want to land 742 00:30:05,672 --> 00:30:08,308 right in the middle, right here, above the spring. 743 00:30:08,341 --> 00:30:11,277 But Pardo came up short, and it tripped him up. 744 00:30:11,311 --> 00:30:14,614 But that run should be good enough to get him to Vegas. 745 00:30:16,716 --> 00:30:19,452 - Strutting up to the start line is Brittney Durant. 746 00:30:19,486 --> 00:30:22,856 And as you can see, she's got a style all her own. 747 00:30:22,889 --> 00:30:24,190 Though only 20 years old, 748 00:30:24,224 --> 00:30:26,092 she's got her own clothing line, 749 00:30:26,126 --> 00:30:28,161 and she's got some moves. 750 00:30:29,996 --> 00:30:31,798 - I absolutely love to dance. 751 00:30:34,067 --> 00:30:37,671 I started competitive dancing when I was about 11 years old. 752 00:30:37,704 --> 00:30:41,341 It's definitely hard to juggle being a ninja myself 753 00:30:41,374 --> 00:30:44,511 and a dancer and running a small business. 754 00:30:49,416 --> 00:30:51,718 I started a clothing company as the artist. 755 00:30:51,751 --> 00:30:53,720 I actually started drawing something up. 756 00:30:53,753 --> 00:30:55,321 - That looks so cool. 757 00:30:55,355 --> 00:30:57,857 - My mom was her own boss, and I always looked up to her. 758 00:30:57,891 --> 00:31:01,461 We have combined to create Xpressionz. 759 00:31:03,697 --> 00:31:07,467 I talk to the manufacturers, create the website, 760 00:31:07,500 --> 00:31:11,237 and package, send things out, make things more personalized. 761 00:31:11,271 --> 00:31:13,907 - You're learning fast. I'm so impressed. 762 00:31:13,940 --> 00:31:16,743 - I'm making this happen, and I'm following my dreams 763 00:31:16,776 --> 00:31:19,145 in dance, designing clothes, and in ninja. 764 00:31:20,480 --> 00:31:22,282 - I would love to be an inspiration 765 00:31:22,315 --> 00:31:26,853 to young girls out there to follow their passion. 766 00:31:26,886 --> 00:31:29,489 I'm definitely gonna dance my way to a buzzer tonight, 767 00:31:29,522 --> 00:31:31,458 in style. 768 00:31:35,395 --> 00:31:38,398 - Brittney's got a big group of supporters up in Vacaville, 769 00:31:38,431 --> 00:31:40,266 including her mom and brother, 770 00:31:40,300 --> 00:31:41,701 and on the sidelines, 771 00:31:41,735 --> 00:31:43,670 fellow ninjas Brian Kretsch and Meagan Martin. 772 00:31:43,703 --> 00:31:45,171 One obstacle at a time. 773 00:31:45,205 --> 00:31:47,407 - We'll see both those veterans later tonight. 774 00:31:50,710 --> 00:31:51,878 - Oh, she ready to go. 775 00:31:51,911 --> 00:31:53,313 She's got the hat on backwards. 776 00:31:53,346 --> 00:31:54,848 She looks like a fly girl, Matt. 777 00:31:54,881 --> 00:31:56,716 Now let's see if she can fly. 778 00:31:56,750 --> 00:32:00,887 - And the shirt she's wearing comes from her clothing line. 779 00:32:00,920 --> 00:32:03,356 Bouncing up on the Double Twister. 780 00:32:03,390 --> 00:32:06,259 - I like the cap keeping her hair from flying in her face. 781 00:32:06,292 --> 00:32:08,061 - That's actually a good point, Akbar, 782 00:32:08,094 --> 00:32:10,497 something you and I really wouldn't have to worry about. 783 00:32:12,365 --> 00:32:14,401 - Come on. 784 00:32:14,434 --> 00:32:15,869 - Nice. - Good flight. 785 00:32:15,902 --> 00:32:18,304 Been doing gymnastics ever since she could walk. 786 00:32:18,338 --> 00:32:20,540 A little trouble controlling the momentum here, Akbar. 787 00:32:20,573 --> 00:32:22,074 A little surprised. 788 00:32:22,075 --> 00:32:24,644 - Very important to stay calm in this situation. 789 00:32:26,780 --> 00:32:28,248 - And she's through. 790 00:32:28,281 --> 00:32:30,183 - Yeah! Way to go, Britt. 791 00:32:30,216 --> 00:32:33,386 - Durant was also a high-level competitive cheerleader. 792 00:32:33,420 --> 00:32:36,088 Now looking to bring it on against the Ring Chaser. 793 00:32:36,089 --> 00:32:37,657 - Just gotta go. Move, move, move. 794 00:32:38,925 --> 00:32:41,127 - Difficulty level just increased. 795 00:32:41,161 --> 00:32:44,197 You can see how the smaller diameter on this handle... 796 00:32:44,230 --> 00:32:45,574 How much more difficult it makes it. 797 00:32:45,598 --> 00:32:47,834 You gotta precise. - And not only precise. 798 00:32:47,867 --> 00:32:51,304 I mean, just the grip... That just stresses you out. 799 00:32:51,338 --> 00:32:52,806 Both: Got it. - Oh, yeah. 800 00:32:52,839 --> 00:32:54,140 Oh, she's ready to play. 801 00:32:54,174 --> 00:32:55,608 - Come on. Go. 802 00:32:57,610 --> 00:32:59,679 - There you go! Yeah! 803 00:32:59,713 --> 00:33:02,148 - Matt, and you can see, she's bouncing around like a boxer, 804 00:33:02,182 --> 00:33:04,117 getting ready to fight through Diamond Dash. 805 00:33:04,150 --> 00:33:06,519 - She's used to balancing her clothing line, dance, 806 00:33:06,553 --> 00:33:10,357 and ninja training, but can she balance this? 807 00:33:10,390 --> 00:33:12,192 - Speed through, speed through, speed through. 808 00:33:13,693 --> 00:33:15,929 - Oh, my! Survives it! 809 00:33:15,962 --> 00:33:18,164 Wasn't pretty, but she got through. 810 00:33:18,198 --> 00:33:20,242 - She looked back, saying, "What? What? What you want?" 811 00:33:20,266 --> 00:33:22,135 - And Brittney Durant now staring up 812 00:33:22,168 --> 00:33:25,438 at the fifth obstacle, Drop Zone. 813 00:33:25,472 --> 00:33:28,208 It's these unanticipated drops. Get that head to the side. 814 00:33:28,241 --> 00:33:30,075 - Ooh. Ooh, yeah. Quick reaction. 815 00:33:30,076 --> 00:33:31,478 Looking like Laila Ali. 816 00:33:31,511 --> 00:33:33,213 You saw how she dodged that punch? 817 00:33:33,246 --> 00:33:35,215 - Well, if she can survive this obstacle, 818 00:33:35,248 --> 00:33:38,084 she'll have a good shot at making the women's top three 819 00:33:38,118 --> 00:33:40,086 and moving on to the national finals. 820 00:33:43,723 --> 00:33:44,858 Watch the drop here again. 821 00:33:44,891 --> 00:33:46,593 - And you see, she's in front of it. 822 00:33:46,626 --> 00:33:48,728 - And lots of good ninjas still to come, 823 00:33:48,762 --> 00:33:50,296 including Meagan Martin, 824 00:33:50,330 --> 00:33:53,098 but Brittney Durant putting it together here tonight. 825 00:33:53,099 --> 00:33:55,100 This is only her second year competing. 826 00:33:55,101 --> 00:33:56,536 - Come on, Britt. 827 00:33:56,569 --> 00:33:58,271 - Tonight could be a special night, Matt. 828 00:33:58,304 --> 00:33:59,272 A magical night. 829 00:33:59,305 --> 00:34:00,573 - Watch this final drop. 830 00:34:00,607 --> 00:34:03,042 - Watch your head. Watch your head. Come on. 831 00:34:03,043 --> 00:34:05,478 - Ooh, nice. Whoa! Dodged it again! 832 00:34:05,512 --> 00:34:07,247 - Just needs the dismount. 833 00:34:07,280 --> 00:34:10,216 - She looks like she has a lot left in the tank. 834 00:34:10,250 --> 00:34:11,494 - Come on. Here it is. - You got it. 835 00:34:11,518 --> 00:34:12,686 You got it. You got it... no! 836 00:34:12,719 --> 00:34:14,354 - Oh! - No! 837 00:34:14,387 --> 00:34:16,156 - The grip gave out! 838 00:34:18,058 --> 00:34:21,628 Brittney Durant splashing down in the Drop Zone. 839 00:34:21,661 --> 00:34:24,197 - The fly girl flew across Diamond Dash 840 00:34:24,230 --> 00:34:26,065 and kept her run alive. 841 00:34:26,066 --> 00:34:28,435 On Drop Zone, she just needed the dismount, 842 00:34:28,468 --> 00:34:30,303 but her hands couldn't hold on. 843 00:34:30,337 --> 00:34:33,540 And that's her best run ever. 844 00:34:33,573 --> 00:34:36,276 - Good save! I was like, "Move, move, move!" 845 00:34:36,309 --> 00:34:37,744 That was awesome. 846 00:34:37,777 --> 00:34:40,146 - We'll see if she went far enough fast enough 847 00:34:40,180 --> 00:34:43,083 to earn a spot in Vegas. 848 00:34:43,116 --> 00:34:44,951 - He's only 15, 849 00:34:44,984 --> 00:34:47,454 but he's been trained by one of the best. 850 00:34:47,487 --> 00:34:48,955 - Back up. Come on. Keep pushing. 851 00:34:48,988 --> 00:34:51,358 - Najee Richardson sends out his protégé, 852 00:34:51,391 --> 00:34:52,792 Josiah Pippel... 853 00:34:52,826 --> 00:34:54,327 - You got it. Good. 854 00:34:54,361 --> 00:34:57,097 - When "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 855 00:35:01,568 --> 00:35:04,938 - Welcome back to LA and our semifinals. 856 00:35:05,038 --> 00:35:07,941 Moments ago, it was Lancaster, Massachusetts' 857 00:35:08,041 --> 00:35:10,443 16-year-old Sophia Lavallee. 858 00:35:10,477 --> 00:35:11,878 - She knows how to do it. 859 00:35:11,911 --> 00:35:14,046 - Lavallee's one of five teenage girls 860 00:35:14,047 --> 00:35:16,049 to qualify for the semifinals. 861 00:35:16,082 --> 00:35:17,517 - Yes! All right! 862 00:35:17,550 --> 00:35:20,353 - And she was flying through the early obstacles. 863 00:35:20,387 --> 00:35:22,054 - Nice... oh! 864 00:35:22,055 --> 00:35:24,657 - But she couldn't make the connection on Ring Chaser. 865 00:35:24,691 --> 00:35:26,326 - I'm upset. 866 00:35:26,359 --> 00:35:28,895 - Then, Atlanta DJ DeShawn Harris 867 00:35:28,928 --> 00:35:31,164 took the course for a spin. 868 00:35:31,197 --> 00:35:33,500 Let's go, baby! Rise up! 869 00:35:33,533 --> 00:35:35,502 - The passionate four-time veteran 870 00:35:35,535 --> 00:35:37,871 had never made it past the fifth obstacle. 871 00:35:37,904 --> 00:35:41,274 - Oh! I think it's about to happen for him, Matt. 872 00:35:41,307 --> 00:35:44,310 He's about to get past number five! 873 00:35:44,344 --> 00:35:46,913 Okay, DJ! 874 00:35:46,946 --> 00:35:48,348 - Fired up! - That's my DJ! 875 00:35:48,381 --> 00:35:51,418 - And the former college football star kept going. 876 00:35:51,451 --> 00:35:53,753 - Baby! Oh, this feels good! 877 00:35:53,787 --> 00:35:56,956 - When a DJ takes off his shirt, it's about to get real. 878 00:35:56,990 --> 00:35:59,292 - And he made it to the eighth obstacle... 879 00:35:59,325 --> 00:36:01,026 Whoo! Turntable. 880 00:36:01,027 --> 00:36:03,697 - Which could get him to his first national finals. 881 00:36:06,166 --> 00:36:08,301 - Well, our next competitor made a big impression 882 00:36:08,335 --> 00:36:09,536 back in qualifying. 883 00:36:09,569 --> 00:36:12,572 This is 15-year-old Josiah Pippel. 884 00:36:12,605 --> 00:36:15,742 Tonight, he's honoring his mentor by wearing his shirt 885 00:36:15,775 --> 00:36:18,111 and striking the pose of the Phoenix, 886 00:36:18,144 --> 00:36:20,046 Najee Richardson. 887 00:36:20,080 --> 00:36:21,748 Fly, Phoenix, fly! 888 00:36:25,418 --> 00:36:29,189 Najee Richardson destroys this course! 889 00:36:29,222 --> 00:36:31,057 - Najee Richardson's my coach, 890 00:36:31,091 --> 00:36:33,727 and we've been training for this for ten years. 891 00:36:33,760 --> 00:36:36,896 - Josiah Pippel! 892 00:36:39,899 --> 00:36:41,968 Let's go! 893 00:36:42,068 --> 00:36:43,546 - We really just kind of formed this bond, 894 00:36:43,570 --> 00:36:46,439 and he's been kind of taking me under his wing, 895 00:36:46,473 --> 00:36:47,640 no pun intended. 896 00:36:50,076 --> 00:36:51,411 - Josiah is the next generation 897 00:36:51,444 --> 00:36:52,712 of "American Ninja Warrior." 898 00:36:55,415 --> 00:36:57,450 - So I'm trying to get you as close 899 00:36:57,484 --> 00:37:00,120 to what you're gonna feel on the actual course as possible. 900 00:37:00,153 --> 00:37:02,489 Boom. Good. Let's go. 901 00:37:02,522 --> 00:37:04,657 He works so hard. 902 00:37:04,691 --> 00:37:07,093 You know, he just is so dedicated to the sport. 903 00:37:07,127 --> 00:37:09,763 Got to go. 904 00:37:09,796 --> 00:37:11,031 - Come on. Keep pushing. 905 00:37:11,064 --> 00:37:12,932 - Naj likes to do big moves. 906 00:37:15,135 --> 00:37:16,703 And he's definitely pushed me 907 00:37:16,736 --> 00:37:18,471 into doing some big moves like that. 908 00:37:18,505 --> 00:37:21,508 Yes! 909 00:37:21,541 --> 00:37:23,109 - This is your sport now. 910 00:37:23,143 --> 00:37:25,111 That makes me a very, very proud coach, dude. 911 00:37:25,145 --> 00:37:26,246 Very, very proud. 912 00:37:26,279 --> 00:37:27,947 - Thanks, Naj. - Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. 913 00:37:28,048 --> 00:37:30,049 - Naj hasn't been able to compete 914 00:37:30,050 --> 00:37:32,619 due to injury this season, so I'm just really hoping 915 00:37:32,652 --> 00:37:34,387 that I can make him proud and show him 916 00:37:34,421 --> 00:37:36,589 that all he's taught me is really gonna pay off. 917 00:37:39,726 --> 00:37:41,628 - Good work, dude. 918 00:37:41,661 --> 00:37:42,729 Good work, man. 919 00:37:42,762 --> 00:37:44,364 Want to do it again? - No. 920 00:37:46,533 --> 00:37:48,244 Naj knows that I'm gonna be wearing his shirt, 921 00:37:48,268 --> 00:37:49,502 so when I get up there, 922 00:37:49,536 --> 00:37:51,771 he'll see that I'm kind of representing him. 923 00:37:57,544 --> 00:37:59,612 - And of course Josiah's gonna have Najee 924 00:37:59,646 --> 00:38:01,448 watching his run from back in Philly. 925 00:38:01,481 --> 00:38:03,683 - Let's go, Josiah. You got this, dude. 926 00:38:03,717 --> 00:38:05,752 - Josiah's mom and siblings will be watching 927 00:38:05,785 --> 00:38:07,287 from their home in New Jersey. 928 00:38:07,320 --> 00:38:09,322 - Go, Josiah! 929 00:38:09,356 --> 00:38:10,857 - Let's go! Whoo! 930 00:38:10,890 --> 00:38:12,225 - And down on the sidelines, 931 00:38:12,258 --> 00:38:14,861 Josiah's dad, Frank, and some other ninjas. 932 00:38:17,697 --> 00:38:20,333 - He's 6'0" and 150 pounds. 933 00:38:20,367 --> 00:38:22,702 Don't let his long, lanky stature fool you. 934 00:38:22,736 --> 00:38:24,404 He can go now. 935 00:38:24,437 --> 00:38:25,815 - And you can see, these young kids, 936 00:38:25,839 --> 00:38:28,408 they run with an urgency but an efficiency. 937 00:38:28,441 --> 00:38:30,286 - It's like they're running through the hallways 938 00:38:30,310 --> 00:38:33,179 or something. 939 00:38:33,213 --> 00:38:35,949 - And Josiah Pippel's already through two obstacles. 940 00:38:36,049 --> 00:38:38,651 Going up to tackle Ring Chaser. 941 00:38:38,685 --> 00:38:40,052 Skipping any rungs here? 942 00:38:40,053 --> 00:38:41,721 - Oh, the ring! - Oh! 943 00:38:41,755 --> 00:38:43,265 - You're good. You're good. Don't panic. 944 00:38:43,289 --> 00:38:44,791 - Missed the ring. Now has to regroup 945 00:38:44,824 --> 00:38:46,426 and use the smaller one. 946 00:38:46,459 --> 00:38:48,671 - I thought he was gonna go "go, go, gadget arms" on 'em. 947 00:38:48,695 --> 00:38:51,131 - Well, at 15, he's one of the youngest competitors 948 00:38:51,164 --> 00:38:52,665 to make it to semifinals, 949 00:38:52,699 --> 00:38:54,434 - These kids don't panic. 950 00:38:54,467 --> 00:38:56,870 Nice. 951 00:38:56,903 --> 00:38:58,738 - And he gets through. 952 00:38:58,772 --> 00:39:01,006 - Yes! 953 00:39:01,007 --> 00:39:03,009 - Takes a breath here before Diamond Dash. 954 00:39:03,043 --> 00:39:05,378 - Go, go, go, go, go, go! - And he's through. 955 00:39:07,080 --> 00:39:08,281 Not slowing down. 956 00:39:08,314 --> 00:39:09,916 He's hopping right up to Drop Zone, 957 00:39:10,016 --> 00:39:11,117 but this has been 958 00:39:11,151 --> 00:39:12,819 a head-banging obstacle all night long. 959 00:39:12,852 --> 00:39:15,655 That took him by surprise. 960 00:39:15,689 --> 00:39:17,590 It will just drop on you. Doesn't even warn you. 961 00:39:17,624 --> 00:39:20,093 - Well, this is a complex obstacle here. 962 00:39:20,126 --> 00:39:22,362 A lot of different movements required of you. 963 00:39:22,395 --> 00:39:23,730 Having to figure out 964 00:39:23,763 --> 00:39:26,031 how to build up that momentum with the lower body. 965 00:39:26,032 --> 00:39:27,443 - And you can see him going switch grip, 966 00:39:27,467 --> 00:39:28,735 anticipating the drop 967 00:39:28,768 --> 00:39:30,370 so he doesn't spin out. That's great. 968 00:39:30,403 --> 00:39:32,305 You can tell he's been watching and learning 969 00:39:32,339 --> 00:39:33,773 from the other ninjas. 970 00:39:33,807 --> 00:39:36,810 - Gotta swing up to that last bar. 971 00:39:36,843 --> 00:39:38,211 Got it! 972 00:39:38,244 --> 00:39:40,747 The kid just has incredible athleticism, 973 00:39:40,780 --> 00:39:42,882 but more importantly, incredible work ethic. 974 00:39:42,916 --> 00:39:45,050 - Almost there. 975 00:39:45,051 --> 00:39:47,052 Come on, dude. - You got it. 976 00:39:47,053 --> 00:39:48,154 - Good job. 977 00:39:48,188 --> 00:39:50,457 And Pippel not stopping to take a breath. 978 00:39:50,490 --> 00:39:53,360 He's going right up the Warped Wall. 979 00:39:53,393 --> 00:39:55,495 - Nice! 980 00:39:55,528 --> 00:39:57,364 Look at him! He's not even breathing heavy. 981 00:39:57,397 --> 00:39:58,665 - Let's go. 982 00:39:58,698 --> 00:40:01,034 - Akbar, he didn't even... So focused. 983 00:40:01,067 --> 00:40:02,769 - I mean, Matt, look at that walk. 984 00:40:02,802 --> 00:40:04,838 He is a rob... he's a machine! - He is. 985 00:40:04,871 --> 00:40:06,573 - He is a machine. Do you see that? 986 00:40:09,209 --> 00:40:12,379 - Well, he was a machine in qualifying. Hit a buzzer. 987 00:40:12,412 --> 00:40:14,814 And hasn't lost a beat here in semifinals. 988 00:40:14,848 --> 00:40:16,516 Now on the Salmon Ladder. 989 00:40:16,549 --> 00:40:18,084 - Nice. Long arms. - There he goes. 990 00:40:18,118 --> 00:40:19,619 - Using it... nice. - Moving quickly. 991 00:40:19,652 --> 00:40:21,397 - You saw him pick up the speed as he was going up. 992 00:40:21,421 --> 00:40:22,655 - Yes. - Nice, Josiah. 993 00:40:22,689 --> 00:40:24,324 - Blows through the Salmon Ladder. 994 00:40:24,357 --> 00:40:27,394 Now it's Padlock. 995 00:40:27,427 --> 00:40:28,995 - Nice. - Good throw there. 996 00:40:29,029 --> 00:40:31,064 - Yeah. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Whoa, whoa, whoa. 997 00:40:31,097 --> 00:40:32,575 Get in that middle part. - There it is. 998 00:40:32,599 --> 00:40:34,134 - The ring... ooh. - Well done. 999 00:40:34,167 --> 00:40:35,378 - Last-minute grab right there. 1000 00:40:35,402 --> 00:40:36,836 That could have been dangerous. 1001 00:40:36,870 --> 00:40:39,406 - This is where so many fell last week. 1002 00:40:39,439 --> 00:40:40,983 See if he can get his foot on the cleat, 1003 00:40:41,007 --> 00:40:42,876 get those hands up wide. 1004 00:40:42,909 --> 00:40:44,678 - Nice. Let's go, Josiah. Come on. 1005 00:40:44,711 --> 00:40:47,047 - He's more leg than he is torso, 1006 00:40:47,080 --> 00:40:50,316 so he's gonna have to kind of really reach down there. 1007 00:40:50,350 --> 00:40:52,485 - Test his flexibility. 1008 00:40:52,519 --> 00:40:54,130 - And so, you can kind of see him trying to stable 1009 00:40:54,154 --> 00:40:55,155 and get into the middle. 1010 00:40:55,188 --> 00:40:57,357 Nice drop. Here we go. 1011 00:41:00,060 --> 00:41:02,762 And now he's gotta open that thing up. 1012 00:41:02,796 --> 00:41:05,065 - An easy ride here. 1013 00:41:05,098 --> 00:41:07,934 Just needs the dismount. 1014 00:41:07,967 --> 00:41:09,636 - Jump backwards. - Yes! 1015 00:41:09,669 --> 00:41:11,604 - And look at that. - Look at that walk! 1016 00:41:11,638 --> 00:41:13,573 He's never been tardy for a class. 1017 00:41:13,606 --> 00:41:16,242 - And he is walking right towards the Dungeon. 1018 00:41:19,079 --> 00:41:22,081 And look at Najee, just beaming with pride. 1019 00:41:22,082 --> 00:41:23,759 - Come on, Josiah. - That's his pops right there. 1020 00:41:23,783 --> 00:41:25,452 Look at the smile on his face right there. 1021 00:41:25,485 --> 00:41:26,786 - That's the smile of a dad 1022 00:41:26,820 --> 00:41:29,155 who knows his son is going to Vegas. 1023 00:41:29,189 --> 00:41:31,725 - Here goes Josiah on the Dungeon. 1024 00:41:31,758 --> 00:41:33,593 Sean Bryan, our only finisher, 1025 00:41:33,626 --> 00:41:35,362 conquered this obstacle earlier 1026 00:41:35,395 --> 00:41:36,663 and has the time to beat. 1027 00:41:36,696 --> 00:41:38,698 - Nice. - Come on. Come on. 1028 00:41:40,166 --> 00:41:41,601 - But it may be in jeopardy, 1029 00:41:41,634 --> 00:41:45,205 because Josiah Pippel is sailing through the pegs. 1030 00:41:45,238 --> 00:41:48,541 He's making this difficult obstacle look way too easy. 1031 00:41:48,575 --> 00:41:51,644 This kid is so fluid, Akbar. 1032 00:41:51,678 --> 00:41:52,979 - And he's way ahead 1033 00:41:53,013 --> 00:41:55,114 of Sean Bryan's time right now. 1034 00:41:55,115 --> 00:41:58,117 - And he's through nine obstacles! 1035 00:41:58,118 --> 00:42:00,887 Oh, now he's smiling. Oh, now he's feeling it. 1036 00:42:00,920 --> 00:42:01,921 He's sensing it. 1037 00:42:01,955 --> 00:42:03,723 - Let's go! 1038 00:42:03,757 --> 00:42:05,825 - 35 feet up the Spider Trap, 1039 00:42:05,859 --> 00:42:07,694 and he'll have his second buzzer. 1040 00:42:07,727 --> 00:42:10,463 - Those doors weigh 100 pounds. 1041 00:42:10,497 --> 00:42:12,732 - It's gonna take a lot of upper-body strength. 1042 00:42:12,766 --> 00:42:14,668 - A lot of it too is how you lock it in, 1043 00:42:14,701 --> 00:42:16,403 the flexibility of those hips. 1044 00:42:16,436 --> 00:42:17,804 And he's doing them simultaneously. 1045 00:42:17,837 --> 00:42:19,215 That's a little more of a challenge. 1046 00:42:19,239 --> 00:42:20,373 - I've tried that before. 1047 00:42:20,407 --> 00:42:22,142 That's difficult. Yeah, that's it. 1048 00:42:22,175 --> 00:42:24,077 He's putting his back into it and raising up. 1049 00:42:24,110 --> 00:42:26,413 - Pippel continues his climb. 1050 00:42:26,446 --> 00:42:29,449 And looks like he's gonna beat Sean Bryan's time. 1051 00:42:29,482 --> 00:42:32,085 So we could see this 15-year-old 1052 00:42:32,118 --> 00:42:34,120 on the Power Tower later tonight. 1053 00:42:34,154 --> 00:42:35,455 - He's got one more door to go. 1054 00:42:35,488 --> 00:42:36,990 - Go, man, go! 1055 00:42:39,092 --> 00:42:41,995 - Ninjosiah going to Vegas! [buzzer blares] 1056 00:42:42,095 --> 00:42:44,764 These young kids continue to impress. 1057 00:42:48,835 --> 00:42:50,637 15 years old, 1058 00:42:50,670 --> 00:42:53,406 and he's gonna be in the national finals. 1059 00:42:53,440 --> 00:42:56,943 The Phoenix pose, paying tribute to his coach. 1060 00:42:56,976 --> 00:42:59,713 - Let's go! Whoo! 1061 00:42:59,746 --> 00:43:01,046 Let's go! 1062 00:43:01,047 --> 00:43:02,916 - Josiah Pippel, 1063 00:43:02,949 --> 00:43:05,185 you just punched your ticket to Vegas, my friend. 1064 00:43:05,218 --> 00:43:07,554 Yeah! 1065 00:43:10,090 --> 00:43:11,291 - Good job. 1066 00:43:11,324 --> 00:43:12,859 - Let's go! 1067 00:43:14,461 --> 00:43:18,164 - She's the only ninja who brings an axe to the course. 1068 00:43:18,198 --> 00:43:20,367 And Megan Rowe is up next. 1069 00:43:20,400 --> 00:43:23,068 Plus, it's our first gender reveal. 1070 00:43:23,069 --> 00:43:24,671 - Oh, my God. - Oh! 1071 00:43:24,704 --> 00:43:26,940 - And that's not all we're celebrating... 1072 00:43:26,973 --> 00:43:29,476 - Oh, my goodness! That's a perfect 10. 1073 00:43:29,509 --> 00:43:32,078 - On "American Ninja Warrior." 1074 00:43:39,152 --> 00:43:41,421 - Welcome back to "American Ninja Warrior," 1075 00:43:41,454 --> 00:43:43,857 where we're about halfway through tonight's semifinals 1076 00:43:43,890 --> 00:43:45,925 here at Universal Studios Hollywood. 1077 00:43:45,959 --> 00:43:47,927 - And Matt, for the second week in a row, 1078 00:43:47,961 --> 00:43:50,430 Padlock has been a roadblock. 1079 00:43:50,463 --> 00:43:53,967 Moments ago, baby-faced 20-year-old Tage Herrington 1080 00:43:54,000 --> 00:43:55,902 was tearing up the course. 1081 00:43:55,935 --> 00:43:57,904 - Boom, baby! - The kid is smooth. 1082 00:43:57,937 --> 00:43:59,873 - In his second year of competition, 1083 00:43:59,906 --> 00:44:03,143 the Arizona college student raced to the eighth obstacle. 1084 00:44:03,176 --> 00:44:05,044 - And watch those hands. Watch that left hand. 1085 00:44:05,045 --> 00:44:06,045 There it goes. 1086 00:44:06,046 --> 00:44:07,480 - But spun out. - Oh. 1087 00:44:07,514 --> 00:44:09,616 - Ninja Blue blown away on the Padlock. 1088 00:44:09,649 --> 00:44:11,084 - Dang it. 1089 00:44:11,117 --> 00:44:14,053 - The Maker, Kevin Carbone, is an obstacle designer, 1090 00:44:14,054 --> 00:44:15,321 who's had many submissions 1091 00:44:15,355 --> 00:44:17,490 to our Obstacle Design Challenge, 1092 00:44:17,524 --> 00:44:18,825 like the Ring Chaser. 1093 00:44:18,858 --> 00:44:21,661 - He knows how to do it. He is looking confident. 1094 00:44:21,695 --> 00:44:22,829 - Nice, bro! 1095 00:44:22,862 --> 00:44:24,631 - But even this obstacle expert 1096 00:44:24,664 --> 00:44:27,434 couldn't get a handle on Padlock. 1097 00:44:28,601 --> 00:44:30,503 - And there it is. [air horn blares] 1098 00:44:30,537 --> 00:44:32,205 - No one has more years 1099 00:44:32,238 --> 00:44:34,574 of ninja experience than Brian Kretsch, 1100 00:44:34,607 --> 00:44:38,077 who's competed on all 13 seasons of "Ninja Warrior." 1101 00:44:38,078 --> 00:44:40,080 After getting past his nemesis, 1102 00:44:40,113 --> 00:44:41,247 the balance obstacle... 1103 00:44:41,281 --> 00:44:42,816 Yes! He did it! Yes! - Oh, there it is! 1104 00:44:42,849 --> 00:44:45,952 - This 37-year-old cruised to the back half. 1105 00:44:45,985 --> 00:44:48,388 But even this wily ninja veteran 1106 00:44:48,421 --> 00:44:50,757 didn't have the secret to Padlock. 1107 00:44:50,790 --> 00:44:53,793 - Come on, Brian. You can... Both: Oh, no! 1108 00:44:53,827 --> 00:44:56,796 - That's six falls on this obstacle already tonight. 1109 00:44:59,132 --> 00:45:01,634 - Our ninjas have been taking a beating tonight, 1110 00:45:01,668 --> 00:45:04,337 but luckily, our next athlete is tough. 1111 00:45:04,371 --> 00:45:06,172 She brings her own axe. 1112 00:45:06,206 --> 00:45:07,707 This is Megan Rowe, 1113 00:45:07,741 --> 00:45:11,277 the Axe-Throwing Ninja out of Green Bay, Wisconsin. 1114 00:45:11,311 --> 00:45:14,047 And this 24-year-old has other talents beyond 1115 00:45:14,080 --> 00:45:16,149 hurling heavy tools around. 1116 00:45:20,086 --> 00:45:22,389 Axe-throwing isn't the only hobby I have. 1117 00:45:22,422 --> 00:45:25,725 I also make custom earrings. 1118 00:45:25,759 --> 00:45:27,861 I got into making custom ninja earrings 1119 00:45:27,894 --> 00:45:31,063 because just being strong on the course isn't enough. 1120 00:45:31,064 --> 00:45:32,665 You gotta have a little pizzazz. 1121 00:45:34,434 --> 00:45:36,369 I started making wingnuts. 1122 00:45:36,403 --> 00:45:39,239 I started making cones, UFOs. 1123 00:45:39,272 --> 00:45:41,207 All right. Just like that. 1124 00:45:41,241 --> 00:45:43,743 Another set of wingnuts are born. 1125 00:45:45,245 --> 00:45:47,347 The possibilities are endless, what you can make. 1126 00:45:47,380 --> 00:45:48,682 You're flying on a wingnut, 1127 00:45:48,715 --> 00:45:52,285 but also your wingnuts are flying on you! 1128 00:45:52,318 --> 00:45:55,321 Every year, there's new obstacles on the ninja course, 1129 00:45:55,355 --> 00:45:58,491 so that means every year, I have new designs 1130 00:45:58,525 --> 00:46:02,162 and new ways to be inspired on the course and on the ears. 1131 00:46:06,332 --> 00:46:08,668 - Megan's not gonna wear earrings on the course, 1132 00:46:08,702 --> 00:46:10,035 but Zuri is. 1133 00:46:10,036 --> 00:46:12,906 - This is taking pierced ears to the next level: 1134 00:46:12,939 --> 00:46:14,708 axe earrings. 1135 00:46:14,741 --> 00:46:17,577 - And Megan Rowe will not only have her boyfriend, 1136 00:46:17,610 --> 00:46:20,113 fellow ninja Dalton Knapp, on her sidelines, 1137 00:46:20,146 --> 00:46:22,082 she'll also have two other Megans: 1138 00:46:22,115 --> 00:46:24,384 Megan Budway and Meagan Martin. 1139 00:46:24,417 --> 00:46:26,051 - Let's go, Megan! 1140 00:46:26,052 --> 00:46:28,822 - Lots of fans watching back in the Midwest, 1141 00:46:28,855 --> 00:46:31,958 including her parents and family members. 1142 00:46:33,760 --> 00:46:36,363 - Megan Rowe looked great back in qualifying. 1143 00:46:36,396 --> 00:46:37,964 Made it to the fifth obstacle. 1144 00:46:38,064 --> 00:46:40,266 And she is a bundle of energy on the course. 1145 00:46:40,300 --> 00:46:42,302 - Control your swings. You got it. 1146 00:46:42,335 --> 00:46:43,436 - So strong. Yeah! 1147 00:46:43,470 --> 00:46:45,105 - 5'4", 135. 1148 00:46:45,138 --> 00:46:46,873 Grew up doing gymnastics, 1149 00:46:46,906 --> 00:46:49,976 so she'll be able to handle flying across Double Twister. 1150 00:46:50,076 --> 00:46:51,311 But she's getting twisted. 1151 00:46:51,344 --> 00:46:52,645 There it is. 1152 00:46:52,679 --> 00:46:54,481 - It's her second year competing, 1153 00:46:54,514 --> 00:46:58,385 trying to earn her first trip to the national finals. 1154 00:46:58,418 --> 00:47:00,620 - Needs to stick the landing. 1155 00:47:00,653 --> 00:47:03,256 There we go. 1156 00:47:03,289 --> 00:47:05,592 Stepping up now to face Ring Chaser. 1157 00:47:05,625 --> 00:47:08,061 - Take your breaths. - Oh, she's staying loose. 1158 00:47:08,094 --> 00:47:10,463 Keeping it fun out here. All right. 1159 00:47:10,497 --> 00:47:12,465 Now, she's got... Boom, boom, boom, boom. Nice. 1160 00:47:12,499 --> 00:47:13,576 - Wow! - That's a great pace. 1161 00:47:13,600 --> 00:47:15,735 That's a great pace. Nice. 1162 00:47:15,769 --> 00:47:17,804 Did that with the near hand. That was great. 1163 00:47:17,837 --> 00:47:19,706 That was the most efficient way to do it. 1164 00:47:19,739 --> 00:47:21,374 Reach with the near hand. - Absolutely. 1165 00:47:21,408 --> 00:47:23,042 - You know how to do this. You got it. 1166 00:47:23,043 --> 00:47:25,245 Really nice. 1167 00:47:28,148 --> 00:47:29,416 And she's through. 1168 00:47:32,252 --> 00:47:34,387 Now staring down Diamond Dash. 1169 00:47:34,421 --> 00:47:37,223 - And she's looking intently. She's thinking about this one. 1170 00:47:37,257 --> 00:47:39,526 All right, go, go, go, go, go, go! 1171 00:47:40,560 --> 00:47:43,229 Yes! Let's go! 1172 00:47:43,263 --> 00:47:44,798 Let's go! 1173 00:47:44,831 --> 00:47:46,199 Come on, Megan Rowe! 1174 00:47:47,801 --> 00:47:49,569 - Nice job! - Whoo! 1175 00:47:49,602 --> 00:47:50,880 - All right, be careful on Drop Zone. 1176 00:47:50,904 --> 00:47:52,839 You saw what it did to David Campbell earlier. 1177 00:47:52,872 --> 00:47:54,441 - And with only two more women left, 1178 00:47:54,474 --> 00:47:56,443 she'll guarantee herself this spot 1179 00:47:56,476 --> 00:47:58,421 in the women's top three if she gets through this. 1180 00:47:58,445 --> 00:47:59,612 - Watch the head. 1181 00:47:59,646 --> 00:48:01,381 - Ooh, that was the head. 1182 00:48:01,414 --> 00:48:03,850 - Yeah, she says, "Ooh, that was the head." 1183 00:48:03,883 --> 00:48:05,385 Let's look at this one again. 1184 00:48:05,418 --> 00:48:08,021 Drop Zone gets another headshot. 1185 00:48:08,054 --> 00:48:10,590 You gotta stay on the side when that thing comes down. 1186 00:48:10,623 --> 00:48:13,025 - You really have to be able to anticipate 1187 00:48:13,026 --> 00:48:16,429 and control the drop on these handles in Drop Zone. 1188 00:48:16,463 --> 00:48:17,807 - She's staying on the outside now, 1189 00:48:17,831 --> 00:48:19,766 so it's not gonna hit her in the face. 1190 00:48:19,799 --> 00:48:22,469 - Watch the drop here. 1191 00:48:22,502 --> 00:48:24,804 - Nice, and you see, she got in front of it that time. 1192 00:48:24,838 --> 00:48:27,374 - She's protecting her head. 1193 00:48:27,407 --> 00:48:29,809 - Gotta swing up to that final bar. 1194 00:48:29,843 --> 00:48:31,778 - Great job with that lower-body control. 1195 00:48:31,811 --> 00:48:33,580 - Whoa! Matt, I think it's about to happen. 1196 00:48:33,613 --> 00:48:35,548 She's about to get past the fifth obstacle 1197 00:48:35,582 --> 00:48:37,022 for the first time. - Watch the head. 1198 00:48:37,050 --> 00:48:39,119 Watch the drop. - Watch your head. Ooh. 1199 00:48:39,152 --> 00:48:41,321 - And she got it again, Akbar. - Yeah. 1200 00:48:41,354 --> 00:48:44,290 - This is a tough woman. 1201 00:48:44,324 --> 00:48:47,059 Megan Rowe's going to Vegas. 1202 00:48:49,362 --> 00:48:51,731 How's the head, Megan? - We good. 1203 00:48:51,765 --> 00:48:54,067 - We good! - Just a little bump. 1204 00:48:54,100 --> 00:48:56,302 [cheering] - Well, here we go. 1205 00:48:56,336 --> 00:48:58,070 Her first time on the Warped Wall. 1206 00:48:58,071 --> 00:49:01,006 - Yes! Yes! - Yeah?! Oh, boy. 1207 00:49:01,007 --> 00:49:04,310 - Oh, I love her energy, Akbar. She is picking it up here. 1208 00:49:04,344 --> 00:49:05,779 All: Beat that wall! Beat that wall! 1209 00:49:05,812 --> 00:49:07,714 - Focus. Got it. Look up. See it. 1210 00:49:07,747 --> 00:49:09,549 - There it is! - Just like that! 1211 00:49:09,582 --> 00:49:11,751 - Whoo! 1212 00:49:11,785 --> 00:49:14,487 Yes! Yes! - Megan, you on a roll! 1213 00:49:14,521 --> 00:49:16,021 - Keep going! Keep going! 1214 00:49:16,022 --> 00:49:18,591 - She's pumped, and why not? 1215 00:49:18,625 --> 00:49:20,927 Making it to the back half of a semifinals course 1216 00:49:21,027 --> 00:49:22,195 in her second year. 1217 00:49:22,228 --> 00:49:24,297 - You got this! - Yeah! 1218 00:49:24,330 --> 00:49:27,334 - Now facing her first Salmon Ladder. 1219 00:49:27,367 --> 00:49:28,802 - Nice. 1220 00:49:28,835 --> 00:49:31,036 You can tell she came into the semifinals ready. 1221 00:49:31,037 --> 00:49:32,339 Ready to compete. - Yeah! 1222 00:49:32,372 --> 00:49:34,107 - Make sure you hit it all the way back. 1223 00:49:34,140 --> 00:49:37,277 - Yeah! Yeah! Come on! 1224 00:49:37,310 --> 00:49:39,112 - Come on! You got it! You got it! 1225 00:49:39,145 --> 00:49:40,313 - Powers her way up. 1226 00:49:40,347 --> 00:49:42,315 And she's through seven obstacles. 1227 00:49:42,349 --> 00:49:44,117 Feet up! 1228 00:49:44,150 --> 00:49:46,453 - My legs? Yeah, the legs are shaking. 1229 00:49:46,486 --> 00:49:48,788 - She's still having fun. 1230 00:49:48,822 --> 00:49:50,390 - Yeah, Meg! 1231 00:49:50,423 --> 00:49:52,559 - Extra points for no hands. 1232 00:49:52,592 --> 00:49:54,728 - She says, does she get extra points for no hands? 1233 00:49:54,761 --> 00:49:56,329 - I'd give it to her! - No. 1234 00:49:56,363 --> 00:49:58,207 - Unfortunately, there are no points in "Ninja Warrior," 1235 00:49:58,231 --> 00:49:59,642 but we give her all the points she wants. 1236 00:49:59,666 --> 00:50:03,370 But what does she have left for Padlock? 1237 00:50:03,403 --> 00:50:05,372 Good, wide grip there, Akbar. 1238 00:50:05,405 --> 00:50:07,173 - Whoa, okay. - Rolls it down. 1239 00:50:07,207 --> 00:50:09,809 She's come in with a plan on this. 1240 00:50:09,843 --> 00:50:13,313 - Oh, Matt, she's starting to look winded. 1241 00:50:13,346 --> 00:50:15,081 If she can get this one, Matt... 1242 00:50:19,819 --> 00:50:21,888 all: Megan! 1243 00:50:21,921 --> 00:50:23,656 Well, she can celebrate. 1244 00:50:23,690 --> 00:50:26,026 Megan just chopped this course down to size 1245 00:50:26,059 --> 00:50:28,862 and earned her first trip to the national finals. 1246 00:50:28,895 --> 00:50:30,363 Zuri's gonna let her know. 1247 00:50:30,397 --> 00:50:32,432 - Megan, that was an incredible run. 1248 00:50:32,465 --> 00:50:34,000 Your best run ever. - Yes. 1249 00:50:34,034 --> 00:50:36,970 - How are you feeling about it? - Oh, my gosh. I'm so floored. 1250 00:50:37,003 --> 00:50:38,738 That was my first time to the Warped Wall. 1251 00:50:38,772 --> 00:50:40,573 - Yes. - Felt so good. 1252 00:50:40,607 --> 00:50:42,208 - You hit your head at one point. 1253 00:50:42,242 --> 00:50:44,644 Talk to me a little bit about that moment. 1254 00:50:44,678 --> 00:50:46,613 - Yeah, I was trying to, like, block off, 1255 00:50:46,646 --> 00:50:48,948 to not slip off of that thing. - Uh-huh. 1256 00:50:48,982 --> 00:50:51,618 - And then just center, right into my forehead. 1257 00:50:51,651 --> 00:50:52,852 - But you're feeling okay now? 1258 00:50:52,886 --> 00:50:54,430 - Oh, I'm good. We're good. We're peachy. 1259 00:50:54,454 --> 00:50:56,956 - Okay, good, 'cause we need you in top condition, 1260 00:50:56,990 --> 00:50:59,092 because you are absolutely headed to Vegas. 1261 00:50:59,125 --> 00:51:00,560 Great work out there. 1262 00:51:00,593 --> 00:51:04,064 I'll be rocking my earrings in Vegas to rep for you too. 1263 00:51:04,097 --> 00:51:05,632 Good job! - Thank you. 1264 00:51:05,665 --> 00:51:08,067 - Of course. - Big names are coming up, 1265 00:51:08,068 --> 00:51:11,438 including the reigning women's champion, Meagan Martin, 1266 00:51:11,471 --> 00:51:13,740 two-time "Ninja Junior" champion, 1267 00:51:13,773 --> 00:51:15,842 16-year-old Vance Walker, 1268 00:51:15,875 --> 00:51:19,212 and the rock-solid concrete worker Adam Rayl, 1269 00:51:19,245 --> 00:51:22,349 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1270 00:51:26,653 --> 00:51:28,788 - Welcome back to Universal Studios Hollywood. 1271 00:51:28,822 --> 00:51:32,092 Minutes ago, former gymnast Alyssa Varsalona 1272 00:51:32,125 --> 00:51:34,594 flipped out at the start. 1273 00:51:34,627 --> 00:51:36,663 The Georgia physical therapy student 1274 00:51:36,696 --> 00:51:39,132 outdueled her husband in qualifying. 1275 00:51:39,165 --> 00:51:41,634 And she came out strong again tonight. 1276 00:51:43,336 --> 00:51:45,138 - Nice. 1277 00:51:45,171 --> 00:51:46,840 - The Never Quit Ninja, 1278 00:51:46,873 --> 00:51:48,908 who's overcome five knee surgeries, 1279 00:51:48,942 --> 00:51:50,844 was worried about the balance obstacle... 1280 00:51:52,712 --> 00:51:54,414 - No... whoa! 1281 00:51:54,447 --> 00:51:55,682 - For good reason. 1282 00:51:59,285 --> 00:52:01,588 Then, it was one of our fastest ninjas, 1283 00:52:01,621 --> 00:52:04,057 the Dream Chaser Tyler Gillett, 1284 00:52:04,090 --> 00:52:06,292 who's trying to chase down his fourth trip 1285 00:52:06,326 --> 00:52:07,794 to the national finals. 1286 00:52:07,827 --> 00:52:09,195 - He's the best a man can get. 1287 00:52:09,229 --> 00:52:10,463 - Come on! Yes! - Whoa! 1288 00:52:10,497 --> 00:52:12,132 - When he reached Split Decision, 1289 00:52:12,165 --> 00:52:14,167 he had a chance for the fastest time 1290 00:52:14,200 --> 00:52:16,202 and a shot at the Power Tower, 1291 00:52:16,236 --> 00:52:18,304 so he took the quicker option, Diving Boards. 1292 00:52:18,338 --> 00:52:19,906 - All right. Yes, yes. - Ooh! Ooh! 1293 00:52:19,939 --> 00:52:21,241 Oh, my goodness! 1294 00:52:21,274 --> 00:52:23,910 But that decision cost him. 1295 00:52:23,943 --> 00:52:26,913 - Though he was tripped up, his fast time to that point 1296 00:52:26,946 --> 00:52:29,249 still guaranteed him a spot in the top 15. 1297 00:52:29,282 --> 00:52:30,417 - Let's go, baby! 1298 00:52:33,086 --> 00:52:36,456 - And on the course right now is another top competitor, 1299 00:52:36,489 --> 00:52:38,324 concrete worker Adam Rayl. 1300 00:52:38,358 --> 00:52:40,527 - And this is a guy who could win it all, 1301 00:52:40,560 --> 00:52:42,362 a six-time veteran. 1302 00:52:42,395 --> 00:52:44,497 - And he's quickly through the Salmon Ladder. 1303 00:52:44,531 --> 00:52:45,832 - Yay! - There are his parents, 1304 00:52:45,865 --> 00:52:47,233 including his mom, Vicki, 1305 00:52:47,267 --> 00:52:49,736 who's always a bundle of emotions. 1306 00:52:49,769 --> 00:52:51,938 On the sideline, his roommate, Sean Bryan, 1307 00:52:51,971 --> 00:52:54,374 still bloody from his run earlier. 1308 00:52:54,407 --> 00:52:56,609 And if Rayl keeps up this pace, 1309 00:52:56,643 --> 00:52:58,110 he could beat Sean Bryan's time 1310 00:52:58,111 --> 00:52:59,646 and get to the Power Tower. 1311 00:52:59,679 --> 00:53:01,815 But first, he's gotta get through Padlock, 1312 00:53:01,848 --> 00:53:03,817 no small feat. 1313 00:53:05,618 --> 00:53:07,052 - Nice. Good grab. 1314 00:53:07,053 --> 00:53:08,922 No. No, no, no, no, no. - He's riding it. 1315 00:53:08,955 --> 00:53:10,523 - You see, he's using that knee. 1316 00:53:10,557 --> 00:53:12,268 You see, he's using that right knee to really control it. 1317 00:53:12,292 --> 00:53:14,361 - Oh, that was good. 1318 00:53:14,394 --> 00:53:16,329 - Come on. Breathe. - You got it, Adam. 1319 00:53:16,363 --> 00:53:17,673 - Yeah, he's using that knee to get... 1320 00:53:17,697 --> 00:53:18,965 Oh, my goodness! 1321 00:53:19,065 --> 00:53:20,333 - Well, his grip was tested. 1322 00:53:20,367 --> 00:53:21,801 It was rock-solid there. 1323 00:53:21,835 --> 00:53:24,571 - That's that concrete-working hands right there. 1324 00:53:27,841 --> 00:53:29,576 - Stay, stay, stay relaxed. 1325 00:53:29,609 --> 00:53:31,344 Go. Go. Get off. 1326 00:53:31,378 --> 00:53:32,979 Yeah! - But he's off. 1327 00:53:33,079 --> 00:53:35,749 - And the former gymnast rolls through Padlock. 1328 00:53:35,782 --> 00:53:37,082 - All right! All right! 1329 00:53:37,083 --> 00:53:39,886 - That one made Vicki very nervous. 1330 00:53:39,919 --> 00:53:42,422 - Can't take too much time here at Split Decision. 1331 00:53:42,455 --> 00:53:44,357 Looks like he's going to the Diving Boards. 1332 00:53:44,391 --> 00:53:46,526 - And that would give him the best opportunity 1333 00:53:46,559 --> 00:53:47,961 to beat Sean Bryan's time. 1334 00:53:47,994 --> 00:53:49,129 And he'd have a chance 1335 00:53:49,162 --> 00:53:50,530 to compete for the Power Tower. 1336 00:53:50,563 --> 00:53:52,365 - He's been close to winning it all before. 1337 00:53:52,399 --> 00:53:55,468 He'd love to have that Safety Pass in Vegas. 1338 00:53:55,502 --> 00:53:57,771 Looking it over, using up a lot of time 1339 00:53:57,804 --> 00:53:58,838 while he decides. 1340 00:53:58,872 --> 00:53:59,873 - Go for it. 1341 00:53:59,906 --> 00:54:01,708 You know how to save it, right? 1342 00:54:01,741 --> 00:54:03,943 - And now looks like he's gonna try the Dungeon. 1343 00:54:04,044 --> 00:54:06,046 But that indecision may have cost him 1344 00:54:06,079 --> 00:54:07,580 a chance at the Power Tower. 1345 00:54:07,614 --> 00:54:09,349 - Come on. You got it. 1346 00:54:09,382 --> 00:54:10,817 - All right. You gotta go, Adam. 1347 00:54:10,850 --> 00:54:12,318 - Study long, study wrong. 1348 00:54:12,352 --> 00:54:14,554 He spent way too much time thinking about it. 1349 00:54:14,587 --> 00:54:16,356 No way he can beat Sean Bryan now. 1350 00:54:16,389 --> 00:54:19,392 - Nice. Nice. - All right, here we go. 1351 00:54:19,426 --> 00:54:21,795 Watch his grip strength on full display here. 1352 00:54:21,828 --> 00:54:23,129 - And that's why it's surprising 1353 00:54:23,163 --> 00:54:25,398 he didn't go straight to this obstacle. 1354 00:54:25,432 --> 00:54:28,201 Upper-body obstacles are his wheelhouse. 1355 00:54:28,234 --> 00:54:30,136 - Whoa! Ooh! - Hard impact. 1356 00:54:30,170 --> 00:54:31,705 - Yeah. - And barely grabbed on. 1357 00:54:34,107 --> 00:54:35,709 - Though he makes it through, 1358 00:54:35,742 --> 00:54:37,610 didn't catch Sean Bryan, 1359 00:54:37,644 --> 00:54:39,346 but still has a chance to finish. 1360 00:54:39,379 --> 00:54:41,815 Just needs the 35 feet up the Spider Trap. 1361 00:54:41,848 --> 00:54:44,651 - You see his mom in the back. Look, she's still so nervous. 1362 00:54:44,684 --> 00:54:47,754 Mama, he's at the tenth obstacle. 1363 00:54:47,787 --> 00:54:49,289 - Yeah, nothing to worry about here. 1364 00:54:49,322 --> 00:54:50,890 He's a concrete worker. 1365 00:54:50,924 --> 00:54:52,759 He can handle 100-pound doors. 1366 00:54:52,792 --> 00:54:54,461 He won't have a Safety Pass, 1367 00:54:54,494 --> 00:54:57,230 but still gonna be dangerous in Vegas. 1368 00:54:57,263 --> 00:55:00,032 He's made it to stage two every year he's been there. 1369 00:55:00,033 --> 00:55:01,368 - He's so strong. 1370 00:55:01,401 --> 00:55:04,170 - 100-pound doors, no problem for Adam Rayl. 1371 00:55:04,204 --> 00:55:06,406 - Boom. Boom. Boom chakalaka. 1372 00:55:06,439 --> 00:55:09,142 - His second straight semifinals finish. 1373 00:55:18,051 --> 00:55:21,388 Adam Rayl's going back to Vegas for the fifth time. 1374 00:55:25,825 --> 00:55:27,961 - Rock-solid as always. 1375 00:55:28,061 --> 00:55:29,295 - Cheers. Thank you guys. 1376 00:55:29,329 --> 00:55:31,498 - Well, hit that buzzer one more time, Adam. 1377 00:55:32,866 --> 00:55:34,834 - He wasn't fast enough for the Power Tower, 1378 00:55:34,868 --> 00:55:36,970 but Adam Rayl's still a threat 1379 00:55:37,070 --> 00:55:41,474 to win the million dollars at the national finals. 1380 00:55:41,508 --> 00:55:44,678 Well, it is a big day for our next athlete, 1381 00:55:44,711 --> 00:55:46,279 his 40th birthday, 1382 00:55:46,312 --> 00:55:48,148 and he is dressed for the occasion. 1383 00:55:48,181 --> 00:55:50,617 This is Jose Gomez, 1384 00:55:50,650 --> 00:55:52,686 the Bow Tie Ninja. 1385 00:55:52,719 --> 00:55:53,920 Happy birthday. 1386 00:55:53,953 --> 00:55:55,555 We're gonna help him celebrate. 1387 00:55:55,588 --> 00:55:58,291 - You know we had to dress up for Bow tie Ninja's birthday. 1388 00:55:58,324 --> 00:56:00,427 - His training partners also dressed up 1389 00:56:00,460 --> 00:56:02,027 for the birthday boy. 1390 00:56:02,028 --> 00:56:05,598 Gomez has a big group of supporters ready to party, 1391 00:56:05,632 --> 00:56:08,301 including his mom, dad, and sister, 1392 00:56:08,335 --> 00:56:11,671 his brother and sister-in-law in Florida, 1393 00:56:11,705 --> 00:56:13,506 and finally, his wife and daughter 1394 00:56:13,540 --> 00:56:16,076 back home in Folsom, California. 1395 00:56:16,109 --> 00:56:19,044 - It is so good. Oh, this is for you! 1396 00:56:20,880 --> 00:56:22,949 - The man can still move! 1397 00:56:23,049 --> 00:56:24,584 - Oh, this is gonna be fun. 1398 00:56:24,617 --> 00:56:26,920 - Well, he can celebrate with a trip to Vegas. 1399 00:56:29,422 --> 00:56:31,056 And to do that, probably needs 1400 00:56:31,057 --> 00:56:33,326 to get to the eighth obstacle to have a chance. 1401 00:56:33,360 --> 00:56:34,961 Good, aggressive start. - Nice. 1402 00:56:36,463 --> 00:56:38,631 - This guy made it to the semifinals as a rookie, 1403 00:56:38,665 --> 00:56:41,434 and he's competing against 15-year-olds at 40. 1404 00:56:41,468 --> 00:56:44,270 - Everything with intention. - Cybersecurity expert. 1405 00:56:44,304 --> 00:56:45,781 - He can't have a breach here tonight. 1406 00:56:45,805 --> 00:56:47,474 - There it is. Big. 1407 00:56:47,507 --> 00:56:48,808 Yeah! There you go! There you go! 1408 00:56:50,944 --> 00:56:53,313 - He always wears bow ties at work. 1409 00:56:53,346 --> 00:56:55,115 Decided to keep wearing them 1410 00:56:55,148 --> 00:56:57,417 when he started ninja competitions. 1411 00:56:57,450 --> 00:56:59,686 Now gonna try to do some work on Ring Chaser. 1412 00:56:59,719 --> 00:57:01,187 - Nice. - Ooh. 1413 00:57:01,221 --> 00:57:02,522 - Nice. Nice. Get it... ah! 1414 00:57:02,555 --> 00:57:03,857 - You're good. You're good. 1415 00:57:03,890 --> 00:57:06,826 - The 40-year-old was a little too slow. 1416 00:57:06,860 --> 00:57:08,228 - There you go. 1417 00:57:08,261 --> 00:57:11,598 Line it up where you want it, where you want it. 1418 00:57:11,631 --> 00:57:13,833 Go. - Oh, watch it. 1419 00:57:13,867 --> 00:57:15,044 That handle's close to sliding. 1420 00:57:15,068 --> 00:57:18,605 - Whoa. Got it. - Great job. 1421 00:57:18,638 --> 00:57:22,475 And the Bow Tie Ninja is through three. 1422 00:57:22,509 --> 00:57:23,810 Yeah, buddy! 1423 00:57:23,843 --> 00:57:25,588 - See you guys down there. - Yeah, I see you too. 1424 00:57:25,612 --> 00:57:28,047 - We're looking sharp, buddy. Happy birthday. 1425 00:57:29,449 --> 00:57:30,950 - Only 5'5". 1426 00:57:31,051 --> 00:57:33,253 Now getting ready to take on Diamond Dash. 1427 00:57:33,286 --> 00:57:35,455 Oh, no. There it goes. - Okay! All right! 1428 00:57:35,488 --> 00:57:37,490 All right. - Whoo! 1429 00:57:42,062 --> 00:57:44,364 - He's having a birthday to remember. 1430 00:57:44,397 --> 00:57:46,433 - Yeah, baby. 1431 00:57:46,466 --> 00:57:48,835 - And here he is on Drop Zone. 1432 00:57:48,868 --> 00:57:50,236 - Well, in qualifying, he went out 1433 00:57:50,270 --> 00:57:52,181 on the fifth obstacle. All he wants for his birthday 1434 00:57:52,205 --> 00:57:54,307 is to get past this fifth obstacle. 1435 00:57:54,341 --> 00:57:55,909 - Good job. - Oh! All right! 1436 00:57:55,942 --> 00:57:57,444 - Really just riding that around. 1437 00:57:57,477 --> 00:57:58,545 That was efficient. 1438 00:57:58,578 --> 00:58:00,246 - Let's go now, Jose. Big. Go big. 1439 00:58:00,280 --> 00:58:02,615 - It's a small platform to hold on to, 1440 00:58:02,649 --> 00:58:05,385 so you know it's stressing out the forearms. 1441 00:58:05,418 --> 00:58:08,121 Oh! Hold on! Great save. - Great save! 1442 00:58:08,154 --> 00:58:10,357 - Come on, birthday boy. Let's go! Let's go! 1443 00:58:10,390 --> 00:58:12,158 Nice. - Wow. Oh! 1444 00:58:12,192 --> 00:58:14,561 This is more difficult than tying a bow tie. 1445 00:58:14,594 --> 00:58:17,897 I'm 41 years old, and I still don't know how to tie one. 1446 00:58:17,931 --> 00:58:19,299 - Well, he is getting taxed here. 1447 00:58:19,332 --> 00:58:21,434 Here is really gripping hard, Akbar. 1448 00:58:21,468 --> 00:58:23,103 He's gonna need that grip strength here. 1449 00:58:23,136 --> 00:58:25,538 - You got, you got it. You got this, Big. 1450 00:58:25,572 --> 00:58:27,383 - Man, he been hanging up there for a long time. 1451 00:58:27,407 --> 00:58:28,818 - Trust yourself, Jose. There you go. 1452 00:58:28,842 --> 00:58:29,876 Good reset. Good reset. 1453 00:58:32,212 --> 00:58:34,414 - Oh! Darn it! 1454 00:58:34,447 --> 00:58:36,649 Both: Aww. 1455 00:58:36,683 --> 00:58:38,351 - Didn't get as far as he wanted, 1456 00:58:38,385 --> 00:58:42,255 but still a birthday to remember for Jose Gomez. 1457 00:58:50,797 --> 00:58:52,241 - You gotta actually take it. - Yeah, I gotta flip it around. 1458 00:58:52,265 --> 00:58:53,967 - There you go. Yeah! 1459 00:58:54,067 --> 00:58:55,869 - Hey, man, gotta do this for the 'Gram. 1460 00:58:55,902 --> 00:58:57,704 - Hey! We're back! - Oh! 1461 00:58:57,737 --> 00:59:00,607 - Minutes ago, Arizona anesthesiologist 1462 00:59:00,640 --> 00:59:03,343 Cody Johnston had his family watching 1463 00:59:03,376 --> 00:59:06,312 as he tried to earn his first trip to the national finals. 1464 00:59:06,346 --> 00:59:08,148 - All right. Here we go. Boom! 1465 00:59:08,181 --> 00:59:10,717 - Cody and his 19-year-old daughter, Riley, 1466 00:59:10,750 --> 00:59:13,018 both competed in qualifying, 1467 00:59:13,019 --> 00:59:15,722 but only Dad earned a spot in semifinals. 1468 00:59:15,755 --> 00:59:19,526 So tonight, the 45-year-old was flying solo, 1469 00:59:19,559 --> 00:59:21,428 and he flew so low... 1470 00:59:22,896 --> 00:59:25,432 - He couldn't grab the Double Twister. 1471 00:59:25,465 --> 00:59:26,866 - Man. 1472 00:59:26,900 --> 00:59:28,902 - The Speedo Ninja, Mike Wright, 1473 00:59:28,935 --> 00:59:32,138 always gets things off to a rip-roaring start. 1474 00:59:32,172 --> 00:59:34,039 - Look at that grand entrance. 1475 00:59:34,040 --> 00:59:36,943 - At 6'2" and 205 pounds, 1476 00:59:37,043 --> 00:59:38,478 Wright's one of the bigger ninjas. 1477 00:59:38,511 --> 00:59:40,213 - Mike Wright feels very comfortable 1478 00:59:40,246 --> 00:59:42,649 competing in his Speedos. - Good job, Michael. 1479 00:59:42,682 --> 00:59:45,685 - Yet the former college diver and current diving coach 1480 00:59:45,719 --> 00:59:47,821 showed he can still be graceful 1481 00:59:47,854 --> 00:59:49,054 no matter what happens. 1482 00:59:49,055 --> 00:59:50,724 - Oh, no! - Oh! 1483 00:59:50,757 --> 00:59:53,660 You see that dive though? Oh, my goodness! 1484 00:59:53,693 --> 00:59:55,729 That's a perfect 10. - Perfect 10, Mike Wright. 1485 00:59:57,497 --> 01:00:00,900 Up next, we've got something cooking at the start line. 1486 01:00:00,934 --> 01:00:02,302 - Oh, he's a little mad scientist. 1487 01:00:02,335 --> 01:00:04,371 - A mad scientist. 1488 01:00:04,404 --> 01:00:07,474 What experiment is he undertaking? 1489 01:00:08,842 --> 01:00:10,977 - Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. What? 1490 01:00:11,011 --> 01:00:13,580 Oh, it's Vincent Pane. 1491 01:00:13,613 --> 01:00:16,416 well, as you can tell, he's a bit of a character, 1492 01:00:16,449 --> 01:00:18,585 a PhD student at Stanford. 1493 01:00:18,618 --> 01:00:21,054 - But what is that outfit that he changed into? 1494 01:00:21,087 --> 01:00:22,722 - That is handmade, 1495 01:00:22,756 --> 01:00:24,858 repurposed clothing that he put together himself. 1496 01:00:24,891 --> 01:00:27,827 But clothing design is just one of his talents. 1497 01:00:27,861 --> 01:00:29,162 - He's a chemist, 1498 01:00:29,195 --> 01:00:30,230 a tailor, 1499 01:00:30,263 --> 01:00:31,731 an artist, 1500 01:00:31,765 --> 01:00:34,134 and a dancer. 1501 01:00:34,167 --> 01:00:36,903 - He's got an exciting group of supporters, 1502 01:00:36,936 --> 01:00:38,638 including his mom, Elizabeth, 1503 01:00:38,672 --> 01:00:40,507 his sister, Lydia, 1504 01:00:40,540 --> 01:00:43,643 and some of his fellow students back at Stanford. 1505 01:00:43,677 --> 01:00:45,278 And he'll have David Campbell 1506 01:00:45,311 --> 01:00:47,947 and other Northern California ninjas down on the sideline. 1507 01:00:51,317 --> 01:00:52,919 - He's definitely a brainiac, 1508 01:00:52,952 --> 01:00:55,388 but he likes to have fun on the course. 1509 01:00:55,422 --> 01:00:57,424 - Yeah, Vince. Whoo! Yeah, you got this! 1510 01:00:57,457 --> 01:01:00,126 - He's getting a PhD in chemistry at Stanford, 1511 01:01:00,160 --> 01:01:02,595 but already has a master's in engineering 1512 01:01:02,629 --> 01:01:04,964 and two minors in mathematics and physics. 1513 01:01:05,065 --> 01:01:07,233 A scientific mastermind. 1514 01:01:07,267 --> 01:01:08,735 - Yeah. - Understands how to operate. 1515 01:01:08,768 --> 01:01:10,937 Gonna see how this chemist... - That was a scient... 1516 01:01:10,970 --> 01:01:13,473 - How he reacts with the course, Akbar. 1517 01:01:13,506 --> 01:01:15,742 - Well, hopefully, it's a positive reaction. 1518 01:01:15,775 --> 01:01:18,278 I think that's what he's looking for. 1519 01:01:18,311 --> 01:01:19,846 - Whoo! - Yes. 1520 01:01:19,879 --> 01:01:21,214 - Let's go, Vincent. 1521 01:01:21,247 --> 01:01:23,516 - He could perhaps use that engineering degree 1522 01:01:23,550 --> 01:01:24,617 on Ring Chaser. 1523 01:01:24,651 --> 01:01:26,920 - Fast moves, fast moves, fast moves. 1524 01:01:26,953 --> 01:01:28,922 - Ooh, but he missed the ring, Akbar. 1525 01:01:28,955 --> 01:01:30,357 - It's all good. He's smart. 1526 01:01:30,390 --> 01:01:33,693 He'll figure out how to use the smaller ring. 1527 01:01:33,727 --> 01:01:35,328 Come on. Here we go. 1528 01:01:35,362 --> 01:01:37,163 - Yep. 1529 01:01:37,197 --> 01:01:39,099 - You can see he's having trouble controlling... 1530 01:01:39,132 --> 01:01:40,533 Well, he made a mistake, Akbar. 1531 01:01:40,567 --> 01:01:42,511 It's much more difficult to control the momentum... 1532 01:01:42,535 --> 01:01:43,846 - Matt, he's about to come off that. 1533 01:01:43,870 --> 01:01:45,114 - Watch, it's sliding off. - Nice. 1534 01:01:45,138 --> 01:01:46,639 - Got it! - Whoa. 1535 01:01:46,673 --> 01:01:48,108 - Vincent Pane. 1536 01:01:48,141 --> 01:01:51,378 - He might be a little fatigued after that one. 1537 01:01:51,411 --> 01:01:53,313 - Well, he's gonna have to bring the Pane here 1538 01:01:53,346 --> 01:01:55,648 to try to survive the Diamond Dash. 1539 01:01:55,682 --> 01:01:58,518 - Cheat forward a little bit. Err on the side of forward. 1540 01:01:58,551 --> 01:02:00,687 - David Campbell offering advice. 1541 01:02:00,720 --> 01:02:03,089 The OG, the Godfather. 1542 01:02:03,123 --> 01:02:04,657 - Yeah. Both: Ooh! 1543 01:02:04,691 --> 01:02:07,327 - Whoa! My goodness! - Tasting the Pane. 1544 01:02:09,929 --> 01:02:13,065 - Let's see how he handles this new one, Drop Zone. 1545 01:02:13,066 --> 01:02:15,935 - Should I catch reverse? - Yes. Switch grip. 1546 01:02:15,969 --> 01:02:17,804 - Getting more advice from the Godfather. 1547 01:02:17,837 --> 01:02:19,272 - Yeah. Perfect. 1548 01:02:20,707 --> 01:02:21,908 - Right in the head! 1549 01:02:21,941 --> 01:02:23,810 - Yeah, it hit him right in the nose! 1550 01:02:23,843 --> 01:02:25,755 - It's pretty good when you have the Godfather there 1551 01:02:25,779 --> 01:02:28,114 answering your ninja questions. 1552 01:02:28,148 --> 01:02:31,117 - Well, now he's trying to use that lower body, that core. 1553 01:02:31,151 --> 01:02:33,085 Whoa! That drop. 1554 01:02:33,086 --> 01:02:34,988 It's, like, a little surprising. 1555 01:02:35,088 --> 01:02:37,457 - He made it to the fifth obstacle in qualifying, 1556 01:02:37,490 --> 01:02:40,694 and Vincent Pane showing it was not a fluke. 1557 01:02:42,862 --> 01:02:45,098 - All right. - Good transition there. 1558 01:02:45,131 --> 01:02:47,109 He is surviving, Akbar. - Watch out. Watch your nose. 1559 01:02:47,133 --> 01:02:48,601 - All right. Just like the first one. 1560 01:02:48,635 --> 01:02:49,936 - You got this. Come on. 1561 01:02:51,604 --> 01:02:53,783 - Well, you'd like to see him being more efficient, Akbar, 1562 01:02:53,807 --> 01:02:55,642 but he's doing what he has to do to survive. 1563 01:02:55,675 --> 01:02:57,877 - All right, you got this. Come on. 1564 01:02:57,911 --> 01:02:58,978 Yeah! 1565 01:02:59,012 --> 01:03:00,246 - And he's out of there. 1566 01:03:03,683 --> 01:03:05,719 - Now gonna face his first Warped Wall. 1567 01:03:05,752 --> 01:03:08,555 - Hey, Vincent, you made that? Your outfit? 1568 01:03:08,588 --> 01:03:11,257 - Me and my friend, Bruce. - You make it in my size? 1569 01:03:11,291 --> 01:03:12,792 - Oh, yeah, yeah. - XXX. 1570 01:03:12,826 --> 01:03:14,928 - Just squeeze into it, right? - Squeeze into it. 1571 01:03:14,961 --> 01:03:16,329 All right, all right. 1572 01:03:16,363 --> 01:03:19,666 - 14 1/2 feet to get on the back half of the course. 1573 01:03:19,699 --> 01:03:22,335 And no problem for Vincent Pane. 1574 01:03:24,771 --> 01:03:26,139 - He's ready for the second half. 1575 01:03:26,172 --> 01:03:29,109 - Whoa, whoa, whoa, Akbar! 1576 01:03:29,142 --> 01:03:30,543 Here we go. 1577 01:03:30,577 --> 01:03:31,911 - Is he taking it off? 1578 01:03:31,945 --> 01:03:34,381 - Take it off! Both: Yeah! 1579 01:03:35,782 --> 01:03:37,283 - You wanted to try it on, right? 1580 01:03:37,317 --> 01:03:38,985 - Oh, no, no, no. You can put it back on. 1581 01:03:39,085 --> 01:03:41,688 No, you can put it back on. I was just playing. 1582 01:03:41,721 --> 01:03:44,157 - Changing the impression of science geeks, 1583 01:03:44,190 --> 01:03:45,525 dude is shredded. 1584 01:03:46,993 --> 01:03:48,228 - Little shaky-shake. 1585 01:03:48,261 --> 01:03:50,797 Shaking his hands, shaking his hips. 1586 01:03:50,830 --> 01:03:52,198 - Loosen it up, man. 1587 01:03:52,232 --> 01:03:54,300 - Now gonna get going on the Salmon Ladder. 1588 01:03:54,334 --> 01:03:56,870 And this Stanford brainiac is on the seventh obstacle. 1589 01:03:56,903 --> 01:03:59,706 Pretty impressive. - Yeah! 1590 01:03:59,739 --> 01:04:01,775 - Go. - Go! 1591 01:04:01,808 --> 01:04:04,210 - Uh-oh. - A little uneven. Got it. 1592 01:04:04,244 --> 01:04:07,147 - Good save. Real aggressive. 1593 01:04:07,180 --> 01:04:10,517 - Vincent Pane continues to survive the obstacles, Akbar. 1594 01:04:10,550 --> 01:04:13,453 Does the chemist have the solution for Padlock? 1595 01:04:13,486 --> 01:04:15,422 It's been knocking out ninjas all night long. 1596 01:04:15,455 --> 01:04:16,656 - Nice! - Good control. 1597 01:04:16,690 --> 01:04:17,970 - Uh-oh, he's wrestling with it. 1598 01:04:18,058 --> 01:04:19,859 He's going... whoa! - Great catch there. 1599 01:04:19,893 --> 01:04:22,195 - Last-minute catch. - That was impressive. 1600 01:04:22,228 --> 01:04:23,439 What is he gonna have left here? 1601 01:04:23,463 --> 01:04:25,131 This is the most challenging, 1602 01:04:25,165 --> 01:04:26,833 this middle tumbler here. 1603 01:04:26,866 --> 01:04:28,702 - Big swing. Go! 1604 01:04:28,735 --> 01:04:30,870 - No! - Oh! 1605 01:04:30,904 --> 01:04:34,207 Oh, Vincent Pane with a surprising run, 1606 01:04:34,240 --> 01:04:36,710 making it all the way to the eighth obstacle. 1607 01:04:36,743 --> 01:04:37,977 We'll have to wait to see 1608 01:04:38,078 --> 01:04:40,714 if he went far enough fast enough. 1609 01:04:40,747 --> 01:04:42,882 Her Olympic duties are over. 1610 01:04:42,916 --> 01:04:44,984 Meagan Martin's back for ninja. 1611 01:04:45,085 --> 01:04:46,252 - Time to have some fun. 1612 01:04:46,286 --> 01:04:47,687 - And we'll see her next 1613 01:04:47,721 --> 01:04:49,956 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1614 01:04:54,394 --> 01:04:55,571 - We've got reason to celebrate 1615 01:04:55,595 --> 01:04:57,764 here at Universal Studios. 1616 01:04:57,797 --> 01:05:00,533 Moments ago, Florida's Austin Hair 1617 01:05:00,567 --> 01:05:01,901 and his pregnant wife, Lisa, 1618 01:05:01,935 --> 01:05:04,036 gave us our first-ever gender reveal. 1619 01:05:04,037 --> 01:05:05,472 - What do you think? 1620 01:05:05,505 --> 01:05:09,041 - I mean, if I had to guess, I would just say... 1621 01:05:09,042 --> 01:05:11,077 a girl. 1622 01:05:11,111 --> 01:05:13,313 - Well, you're right! - Oh, my God. 1623 01:05:13,346 --> 01:05:16,082 - Oh! It's a girl! 1624 01:05:16,116 --> 01:05:18,251 Girl, dad. [laughter] 1625 01:05:18,284 --> 01:05:20,854 - On the course, the 33-year-old picked up 1626 01:05:20,887 --> 01:05:22,722 where he left off in qualifying 1627 01:05:22,756 --> 01:05:24,056 when he hit a buzzer. 1628 01:05:24,057 --> 01:05:25,625 - Oh! - Oh! What a snag! 1629 01:05:25,658 --> 01:05:27,127 - He made that look pretty cool. 1630 01:05:27,160 --> 01:05:29,329 - The former world champion wakeboarder 1631 01:05:29,362 --> 01:05:31,431 seemed like a shoo-in on Diamond Dash. 1632 01:05:31,464 --> 01:05:32,808 - And he's got great balance... - Ooh! 1633 01:05:32,832 --> 01:05:34,066 - And he should have it here! 1634 01:05:35,568 --> 01:05:37,069 - But he can still celebrate 1635 01:05:37,070 --> 01:05:38,471 because he's gonna be a dad. 1636 01:05:38,505 --> 01:05:40,507 - The pregnancy belly, it's weighing me down. 1637 01:05:40,540 --> 01:05:42,842 Great job, babe. 1638 01:05:42,876 --> 01:05:45,712 - Ninja veteran Brett Sims wore stripes on his arm 1639 01:05:45,745 --> 01:05:48,114 for all ten seasons he's competed. 1640 01:05:48,148 --> 01:05:49,382 - Watch this. 1641 01:05:49,416 --> 01:05:51,418 This is how you earn your stripes. 1642 01:05:51,451 --> 01:05:52,819 Like that. 1643 01:05:52,852 --> 01:05:55,155 - Sims was in complete control on the course, 1644 01:05:55,188 --> 01:05:59,091 but almost celebrated too early on Padlock. 1645 01:05:59,092 --> 01:06:00,860 - Oh, look at that... oh! 1646 01:06:00,894 --> 01:06:01,928 Geez, Brett! 1647 01:06:02,028 --> 01:06:03,296 Oh, my God! 1648 01:06:03,329 --> 01:06:05,365 - Whoa, whoa, whoa! He was showing off! 1649 01:06:05,398 --> 01:06:07,334 - The South Carolina gym owner 1650 01:06:07,367 --> 01:06:09,502 chose the Dungeon over Diving Boards. 1651 01:06:09,536 --> 01:06:11,147 - Once you jump on and you get on the Dungeon, 1652 01:06:11,171 --> 01:06:12,572 Matt, it's fight or flight. 1653 01:06:12,605 --> 01:06:15,342 - And the 35-year-old climbed 35 feet 1654 01:06:15,375 --> 01:06:16,876 up the Spider Trap. 1655 01:06:16,910 --> 01:06:18,511 - He's telling these young folks, 1656 01:06:18,545 --> 01:06:19,946 "Don't mess with me. 1657 01:06:20,046 --> 01:06:21,448 Respect your elders." 1658 01:06:21,481 --> 01:06:23,650 - He's going to Vegas for the fourth time. 1659 01:06:26,152 --> 01:06:28,955 - Take that. Take that. 1660 01:06:34,260 --> 01:06:36,763 - The next ninja to race down our course 1661 01:06:36,796 --> 01:06:39,099 is an elite mountain climber, 1662 01:06:39,132 --> 01:06:40,867 so I decided to come up here 1663 01:06:40,900 --> 01:06:42,736 to get a better view of her run. 1664 01:06:42,769 --> 01:06:46,606 Meagan Martin didn't get a break during the Tokyo Games. 1665 01:06:46,639 --> 01:06:51,111 Instead, she was working as an Olympic commentator for NBC. 1666 01:06:51,144 --> 01:06:54,447 - To see so many amazing athletes go after their dreams 1667 01:06:54,481 --> 01:06:56,216 and, you know, have these moments 1668 01:06:56,249 --> 01:06:58,885 that every athlete dreams of, 1669 01:06:58,918 --> 01:07:01,287 those moments where everything goes perfectly.. 1670 01:07:01,321 --> 01:07:04,023 - Oh, my goodness! Meagan pulled ahead! 1671 01:07:05,225 --> 01:07:08,094 - Meagan Martin takes the title! 1672 01:07:08,128 --> 01:07:09,596 - And you end up on a podium, 1673 01:07:09,629 --> 01:07:11,231 I mean, it's so inspiring, 1674 01:07:11,264 --> 01:07:14,601 and I'm hoping to carry some of that inspiration 1675 01:07:14,634 --> 01:07:16,369 and motivation into tonight. 1676 01:07:19,339 --> 01:07:21,941 - she's definitely going for gold tonight, Akbar, 1677 01:07:22,042 --> 01:07:23,810 but not without the support of her family 1678 01:07:23,843 --> 01:07:26,312 watching at home. 1679 01:07:26,346 --> 01:07:27,747 She'll have fellow competitors 1680 01:07:27,781 --> 01:07:32,118 Megan Budway and Megan Rowe on her sidelines. 1681 01:07:32,152 --> 01:07:34,587 You got this! 1682 01:07:34,621 --> 01:07:36,623 - Hard to believe it's been eight years 1683 01:07:36,656 --> 01:07:38,758 since Meagan started on "Ninja Warrior." 1684 01:07:38,792 --> 01:07:40,894 And now she's an Olympic commentator! 1685 01:07:40,927 --> 01:07:42,529 - Yeah! So good! 1686 01:07:42,562 --> 01:07:45,198 - Come on, Meg! Come on, Meg! 1687 01:07:45,231 --> 01:07:47,200 - Matt, she's so inspired by what she saw 1688 01:07:47,233 --> 01:07:49,269 in Tokyo and the Games, 1689 01:07:49,302 --> 01:07:50,670 she's hoping to go Simone Biles 1690 01:07:50,704 --> 01:07:52,272 on this course tonight. 1691 01:07:52,305 --> 01:07:54,974 - You got it! 1692 01:07:55,075 --> 01:07:56,343 - Whoa. 1693 01:07:56,376 --> 01:07:58,211 - Meagan's been busy the past couple years. 1694 01:07:58,244 --> 01:08:01,548 In addition to her commentating for NBC and ESPN, 1695 01:08:01,581 --> 01:08:05,017 she still models, and she also got engaged. 1696 01:08:05,018 --> 01:08:06,920 - Nice. All right. Good job. 1697 01:08:07,020 --> 01:08:09,089 - Needs to glide through Ring Chaser. 1698 01:08:09,122 --> 01:08:10,766 - Quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, quick. 1699 01:08:10,790 --> 01:08:12,525 Good pace. 1700 01:08:12,559 --> 01:08:13,999 - That's all right. That's all right. 1701 01:08:14,027 --> 01:08:15,328 - It's okay. That's okay. 1702 01:08:15,362 --> 01:08:16,906 - Well, we know her fiancé put a ring on it. 1703 01:08:16,930 --> 01:08:18,898 Meagan just lost her grip on that ring. 1704 01:08:18,932 --> 01:08:20,400 - Yeah, she didn't want that ring. 1705 01:08:20,433 --> 01:08:22,569 - You can do this. - With intention. 1706 01:08:22,602 --> 01:08:23,903 - A little more challenging here. 1707 01:08:23,937 --> 01:08:26,306 You can see it's a much narrower diameter. 1708 01:08:26,339 --> 01:08:27,607 Watch the handle sliding. 1709 01:08:27,640 --> 01:08:29,275 - Come on. You got this. - There you go. 1710 01:08:29,309 --> 01:08:31,144 - Come on. - Yeah! 1711 01:08:31,177 --> 01:08:34,046 - Wow! - Nice! The claws are out! 1712 01:08:34,047 --> 01:08:36,649 - And you could see that was precarious. 1713 01:08:36,683 --> 01:08:38,418 She can breathe a little more easily. 1714 01:08:38,451 --> 01:08:41,388 - Deep breath. - You're good. You're good. 1715 01:08:41,421 --> 01:08:43,323 - As the last woman to run tonight, 1716 01:08:43,356 --> 01:08:45,058 if she gets through Diamond Dash, 1717 01:08:45,091 --> 01:08:46,626 she's going back to Vegas. 1718 01:08:46,659 --> 01:08:49,229 - Well, she's got this. This is money in the bank. 1719 01:08:51,197 --> 01:08:54,067 Oh! - And there you have it. 1720 01:08:54,100 --> 01:08:57,070 Meagan Martin is going to Vegas for the sixth time, 1721 01:08:57,103 --> 01:09:00,240 knocking Megan Budway out of the top three. 1722 01:09:00,273 --> 01:09:01,508 But she's not done. 1723 01:09:01,541 --> 01:09:04,244 Would love to add another buzzer to her résumé, 1724 01:09:04,277 --> 01:09:06,579 but first, gotta survive Drop Zone. 1725 01:09:06,613 --> 01:09:08,882 - Ooh! Those drops are vicious! 1726 01:09:08,915 --> 01:09:10,250 But she's a rock climber though. 1727 01:09:10,283 --> 01:09:13,119 - This obstacle is in her wheelhouse, Akbar. 1728 01:09:13,153 --> 01:09:15,020 - Yeah, watch her grip strength on this. 1729 01:09:15,021 --> 01:09:16,423 - What an athlete she is. 1730 01:09:16,456 --> 01:09:19,024 Record-holding pole vaulter at Vanderbilt. 1731 01:09:19,025 --> 01:09:21,428 Has been rock climbing since she was 11. 1732 01:09:21,461 --> 01:09:23,229 - But brace yourself for this drop. 1733 01:09:23,263 --> 01:09:25,799 - Get ready for it. Both: Oh! 1734 01:09:25,832 --> 01:09:28,702 - But she hangs on. 1735 01:09:28,735 --> 01:09:30,203 Good power out of Martin. 1736 01:09:30,236 --> 01:09:32,081 - All right, now she's going with the switch grip. 1737 01:09:32,105 --> 01:09:33,239 - Come on. - Come on! 1738 01:09:33,273 --> 01:09:35,875 - There it is. - Yeah! 1739 01:09:35,909 --> 01:09:37,677 Get it, Meagan! Both: There you go. 1740 01:09:37,711 --> 01:09:39,879 - Having a little trouble maneuvering this bar. 1741 01:09:39,913 --> 01:09:41,948 - Come on, Meg. - Here it comes. 1742 01:09:42,048 --> 01:09:44,918 - Watch out. - There it is. 1743 01:09:44,951 --> 01:09:47,921 Pole vaulters, they're very good at controlling their body, 1744 01:09:47,954 --> 01:09:50,323 building up momentum. And she's through. 1745 01:09:50,357 --> 01:09:52,125 There it is! - Got it. 1746 01:09:52,158 --> 01:09:54,470 - I think her heart's just been beating a little fast, Akbar. 1747 01:09:54,494 --> 01:09:56,563 She's had some close calls. 1748 01:09:56,596 --> 01:09:59,366 Got her first Warped Wall eight years ago. 1749 01:09:59,399 --> 01:10:02,035 And she gets another one. 1750 01:10:02,068 --> 01:10:04,070 Meagan Martin atop the Warped Wall. 1751 01:10:04,104 --> 01:10:05,472 - Got it. 1752 01:10:05,505 --> 01:10:08,074 - You having fun, Meagan? 1753 01:10:08,108 --> 01:10:09,342 There it is! - Shake it out! 1754 01:10:09,376 --> 01:10:10,744 Yeah, clearly she's having fun. 1755 01:10:10,777 --> 01:10:12,879 A little dance at the top of the Warped Wall. 1756 01:10:12,912 --> 01:10:14,848 - I just love her energy, Akbar. 1757 01:10:14,881 --> 01:10:16,316 - Come on, Meggie. - She finished 1758 01:10:16,349 --> 01:10:18,718 the ten-obstacle course in the women's championship. 1759 01:10:18,752 --> 01:10:20,820 Gonna try to do it again tonight. 1760 01:10:20,854 --> 01:10:22,322 - There we go. 1761 01:10:22,355 --> 01:10:24,958 - Final four obstacles start here on Salmon Ladder. 1762 01:10:24,991 --> 01:10:26,926 - Now, watch the back muscles on this one. 1763 01:10:26,960 --> 01:10:28,428 Watch her. I mean, you can see. 1764 01:10:28,461 --> 01:10:31,898 She uses... got nice Ls. Both: Yeah! 1765 01:10:31,931 --> 01:10:34,234 - Got a great command of this obstacle. 1766 01:10:34,267 --> 01:10:35,835 - One more. One more. - One more! 1767 01:10:35,869 --> 01:10:37,537 - You can never underestimate this one, 1768 01:10:37,570 --> 01:10:39,806 'cause this is where you start getting pumped out. 1769 01:10:42,308 --> 01:10:43,677 - Now it's Padlock, 1770 01:10:43,710 --> 01:10:46,212 where Megan Rowe and so many others fell. 1771 01:10:46,246 --> 01:10:48,248 - Well, the key to success on Padlock 1772 01:10:48,281 --> 01:10:51,885 is really hand placement and the timing. 1773 01:10:51,918 --> 01:10:53,586 Oh, okay. All right. 1774 01:10:53,620 --> 01:10:55,689 All right. Come on. Come on. Whoa, whoa, whoa! 1775 01:10:55,722 --> 01:10:57,323 All right. Push. You see her face? 1776 01:10:57,357 --> 01:10:58,792 She's like, "Oh!" - Spun around. 1777 01:10:58,825 --> 01:11:00,169 - Uh-uh! - This is the real challenge. 1778 01:11:00,193 --> 01:11:01,895 You got to get a high lache here, Akbar... 1779 01:11:01,928 --> 01:11:04,063 - Yeah. - And keep the hands wide. 1780 01:11:04,064 --> 01:11:05,174 - That padlock is trying to get... 1781 01:11:05,198 --> 01:11:06,332 - No! - Oh! 1782 01:11:07,901 --> 01:11:10,704 - Comes up short, but another strong run 1783 01:11:10,737 --> 01:11:14,474 for Meagan Martin, and she's going back to Vegas. 1784 01:11:14,507 --> 01:11:17,777 - Good run, though. Good run. - Whoo! 1785 01:11:17,811 --> 01:11:20,580 - Meagan Martin to the back half once again. 1786 01:11:20,613 --> 01:11:22,415 Looked like she had plenty in the tank, 1787 01:11:22,449 --> 01:11:23,783 but on Padlock, 1788 01:11:23,817 --> 01:11:26,386 her feet got out too far in front of her hands, 1789 01:11:26,419 --> 01:11:29,356 and she couldn't get a finger on it. 1790 01:11:32,892 --> 01:11:34,661 - Good job. 1791 01:11:34,694 --> 01:11:37,530 - He's never fallen on a ninja course. 1792 01:11:37,564 --> 01:11:39,199 - Let's go! 1793 01:11:39,232 --> 01:11:41,601 - Can "Ninja Junior" champion Vance Walker 1794 01:11:41,634 --> 01:11:43,203 keep his streak alive? 1795 01:11:43,236 --> 01:11:46,873 He's up next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1796 01:11:52,779 --> 01:11:55,448 - We're nearing the end of tonight's semifinals, 1797 01:11:55,482 --> 01:11:56,916 and right now, 1798 01:11:56,950 --> 01:11:59,652 the Power Tower matchup would pit the Papal Ninja, 1799 01:11:59,686 --> 01:12:01,588 36-year-old Sean Bryan, 1800 01:12:01,621 --> 01:12:04,858 against 15-year-old Josiah Pippel. 1801 01:12:04,891 --> 01:12:06,292 And while we were away, 1802 01:12:06,326 --> 01:12:08,661 two of our final athletes took their shot 1803 01:12:08,695 --> 01:12:10,597 at getting to the Power Tower, 1804 01:12:10,630 --> 01:12:12,465 including Jonathan Godbout. 1805 01:12:12,499 --> 01:12:13,867 - There it is. 1806 01:12:13,900 --> 01:12:16,102 - The 16-year-old musician from Massachusetts 1807 01:12:16,136 --> 01:12:18,371 rocked his way to Split Decision, 1808 01:12:18,405 --> 01:12:19,815 where he considered the Diving Boards... 1809 01:12:19,839 --> 01:12:21,574 - Oh, I don't know. I don't know. 1810 01:12:21,608 --> 01:12:22,942 He's doing a Mutombo! 1811 01:12:22,976 --> 01:12:24,944 - But decided to go with the Dungeon. 1812 01:12:24,978 --> 01:12:26,413 And it paid off. 1813 01:12:26,446 --> 01:12:28,314 - He's making it look easy. 1814 01:12:28,348 --> 01:12:31,217 - Though he wasn't fast enough to make it to the Power Tower, 1815 01:12:31,251 --> 01:12:33,453 he did become the second teenager 1816 01:12:33,486 --> 01:12:35,155 of the night to hit a buzzer. 1817 01:12:35,188 --> 01:12:37,466 - God 'bout to bless him with a trip to the national finals. 1818 01:12:43,630 --> 01:12:47,099 - Orlando's R.J. Roman made it clear from the start 1819 01:12:47,100 --> 01:12:48,968 he wanted that Power Tower. 1820 01:12:49,002 --> 01:12:51,771 - This dude is capable of breaking the speed of sound. 1821 01:12:51,805 --> 01:12:53,606 - Let's go! - Let's go! 1822 01:12:53,640 --> 01:12:55,675 - The heavy metal rocker was sprinting 1823 01:12:55,709 --> 01:12:57,210 through the early obstacles. 1824 01:12:57,243 --> 01:12:58,678 - Well, he's a rock star too. 1825 01:12:58,712 --> 01:13:00,780 They're used to putting out that kind of energy. 1826 01:13:02,382 --> 01:13:03,750 - When he reached Split Decision, 1827 01:13:03,783 --> 01:13:05,085 he was out of breath 1828 01:13:05,118 --> 01:13:07,921 and running out of time to catch Sean Bryan. 1829 01:13:07,954 --> 01:13:11,056 So Roman decided to go with the faster option, 1830 01:13:11,057 --> 01:13:12,692 Diving Boards. - Come on, R.J. 1831 01:13:12,726 --> 01:13:15,060 Stay in the middle. No! 1832 01:13:16,463 --> 01:13:18,898 - R.J., and were you aiming for that Power Tower? 1833 01:13:18,932 --> 01:13:21,066 - Absolutely. But it's all right. 1834 01:13:21,067 --> 01:13:23,903 - All right, well, R.J., you did go far enough fast enough. 1835 01:13:23,937 --> 01:13:26,071 We will see you in Vegas. - Awesome. Thank you. 1836 01:13:26,072 --> 01:13:28,375 - All right, good work. - Appreciate it. 1837 01:13:28,408 --> 01:13:31,811 - Time now for our final runner of the night, 1838 01:13:31,845 --> 01:13:34,714 16-year-old Vance Walker. 1839 01:13:34,748 --> 01:13:35,882 Though he was already 1840 01:13:35,915 --> 01:13:38,318 a two-time "Ninja Junior" champion, 1841 01:13:38,351 --> 01:13:42,188 qualifying a few weeks ago was quite the coming out party. 1842 01:13:42,222 --> 01:13:43,623 But this kid is no stranger 1843 01:13:43,656 --> 01:13:47,293 to making "Ninja Warrior" a party. 1844 01:13:47,327 --> 01:13:49,329 - Let's go, let's go, let's go! 1845 01:13:54,000 --> 01:13:55,468 I love spending time 1846 01:13:55,502 --> 01:13:57,837 at Vance Walker's backyard pool course. 1847 01:13:57,871 --> 01:13:59,215 The rig over on one side of the yard, 1848 01:13:59,239 --> 01:14:01,141 obstacles over the pool. 1849 01:14:01,174 --> 01:14:04,244 We get to hang out, relax, and train if we want to. 1850 01:14:04,277 --> 01:14:05,945 It's kind of the ultimate ninja hangout. 1851 01:14:06,046 --> 01:14:09,549 You got it, Vance! Yeah! 1852 01:14:09,582 --> 01:14:10,784 After I won season one 1853 01:14:10,817 --> 01:14:12,185 of "American Ninja Warrior Junior," 1854 01:14:12,218 --> 01:14:14,454 my mom let me and Kevin Carbone build a structure 1855 01:14:14,487 --> 01:14:17,424 with wingnuts over the pool. 1856 01:14:17,457 --> 01:14:18,591 After I won season two 1857 01:14:18,625 --> 01:14:20,059 of "American Ninja Warrior Junior," 1858 01:14:20,060 --> 01:14:22,195 I was able to build a huge rig in my backyard. 1859 01:14:24,698 --> 01:14:26,142 Doing ninja for five and a half years, 1860 01:14:26,166 --> 01:14:28,668 I've made friends with a lot of the adult ninjas. 1861 01:14:28,702 --> 01:14:29,969 They've stayed at my house, 1862 01:14:30,070 --> 01:14:31,838 I've been to local competitions with them, 1863 01:14:31,871 --> 01:14:33,606 and we've just hung out a lot. 1864 01:14:33,640 --> 01:14:34,607 - Come on! - Whoo! 1865 01:14:36,076 --> 01:14:37,920 - The best part is, when we fall in the water here, 1866 01:14:37,944 --> 01:14:39,746 it's usually on purpose. 1867 01:14:43,616 --> 01:14:44,818 - Heading into semifinals, 1868 01:14:44,851 --> 01:14:46,519 I really want to make it to Vegas 1869 01:14:46,553 --> 01:14:48,154 and get a shot at the million dollars. 1870 01:14:48,188 --> 01:14:51,157 - Never underestimate this young man. 1871 01:14:51,191 --> 01:14:52,659 - If I won the million dollars, 1872 01:14:52,692 --> 01:14:54,327 I would build a huge ninja structure 1873 01:14:54,361 --> 01:14:56,363 with all of the obstacles from the show, 1874 01:14:56,396 --> 01:14:57,697 even a Power Tower. 1875 01:14:57,731 --> 01:14:59,399 Let's go! 1876 01:14:59,432 --> 01:15:01,935 The only pool I plan on splashing down in 1877 01:15:02,035 --> 01:15:04,170 this season is my own. 1878 01:15:06,573 --> 01:15:09,876 - That's gotta be the ultimate backyard for a ninja! 1879 01:15:09,909 --> 01:15:12,112 - And he's got lots of support back in Georgia, 1880 01:15:12,145 --> 01:15:15,782 including his dad, Kent, and coach, Michael Johnson. 1881 01:15:15,815 --> 01:15:17,550 You got this. 1882 01:15:17,584 --> 01:15:19,753 - And his mom, Stacey, on the sidelines 1883 01:15:19,786 --> 01:15:21,421 with ninja vet Brett Sims, 1884 01:15:21,454 --> 01:15:24,491 who's been to a number of pool parties at the Walker house. 1885 01:15:27,260 --> 01:15:30,296 This kid, so impressive. Born with cerebral palsy. 1886 01:15:30,330 --> 01:15:33,667 Had to have braces on his legs till the first grade. 1887 01:15:33,700 --> 01:15:34,901 You'd never know it. 1888 01:15:34,934 --> 01:15:36,936 - And despite the cerebral palsy, 1889 01:15:36,970 --> 01:15:39,706 he still ran his way up the 18-foot Mega Wall, 1890 01:15:39,739 --> 01:15:41,408 at only 5'5", 1891 01:15:41,441 --> 01:15:44,077 the shortest person ever to do it. 1892 01:15:44,110 --> 01:15:45,845 The kid can go fast. 1893 01:15:45,879 --> 01:15:47,347 We'll see if he uses that speed 1894 01:15:47,380 --> 01:15:48,848 and goes for the Power Tower. 1895 01:15:48,882 --> 01:15:50,583 - You got it. You got it! 1896 01:15:50,617 --> 01:15:52,318 - He was waiting for that ring. 1897 01:15:52,352 --> 01:15:54,154 - He's gotta remember, this is a longer course 1898 01:15:54,187 --> 01:15:55,155 than "Ninja Junior." 1899 01:15:55,188 --> 01:15:56,790 He's gotta pace himself. 1900 01:15:56,823 --> 01:15:58,734 Let's see if he's got the strength and endurance. 1901 01:15:58,758 --> 01:16:02,195 The ninja endurance. - Looks plenty strong there. 1902 01:16:02,228 --> 01:16:04,464 And he's through three obstacles tonight. 1903 01:16:04,497 --> 01:16:07,334 Watch the foot placement here on Diamond Dash. 1904 01:16:07,367 --> 01:16:08,535 - Nice. Wow! 1905 01:16:08,568 --> 01:16:11,371 The Diamond Dash barely even moved. 1906 01:16:11,404 --> 01:16:13,039 - And goes right up on to Drop Zone. 1907 01:16:13,073 --> 01:16:15,040 Not even pausing to take a breath. 1908 01:16:15,041 --> 01:16:16,409 - Matt, he on it like he want it. 1909 01:16:16,443 --> 01:16:17,711 He wants that Power Tower. 1910 01:16:17,744 --> 01:16:19,179 Whoo! Nice! 1911 01:16:19,212 --> 01:16:22,215 - Keep in mind, he's never fallen on an obstacle. 1912 01:16:22,248 --> 01:16:24,584 That's through two season of "Ninja Junior" 1913 01:16:24,617 --> 01:16:26,152 and qualifying a few weeks ago. 1914 01:16:26,186 --> 01:16:27,354 - He's a big boy now. 1915 01:16:27,387 --> 01:16:28,621 He put on 20 pounds 1916 01:16:28,655 --> 01:16:30,323 since "American Ninja Warrior Junior." 1917 01:16:30,357 --> 01:16:33,058 - He's very efficient. He's moving easily. 1918 01:16:33,059 --> 01:16:35,628 He has been putting the time in in the gym. 1919 01:16:35,662 --> 01:16:37,497 I like his approach here, Akbar. 1920 01:16:37,530 --> 01:16:40,433 16 years old, but coming out like a veteran. 1921 01:16:40,467 --> 01:16:42,535 And he's through five obstacles. 1922 01:16:42,569 --> 01:16:44,304 And again, no hesitation. 1923 01:16:44,337 --> 01:16:45,839 Heads straight up the Warped Wall. 1924 01:16:45,872 --> 01:16:47,374 - Wow! He's running like 1925 01:16:47,407 --> 01:16:49,242 he's trying to go get his driver's permit. 1926 01:16:49,275 --> 01:16:50,677 - Didn't even look. - Look at him. 1927 01:16:50,710 --> 01:16:52,645 Matt, you can see Michael Johnson pointing, 1928 01:16:52,679 --> 01:16:54,079 saying, "Come on now. 1929 01:16:54,080 --> 01:16:55,257 It's a head game, mental game." 1930 01:16:55,281 --> 01:16:57,150 - But look at Vance. He's smiling. 1931 01:16:57,183 --> 01:16:59,352 The pressure just doesn't seem to get to him. 1932 01:16:59,386 --> 01:17:01,588 Very comfortable on the Salmon Ladder. 1933 01:17:01,621 --> 01:17:05,825 Once made it up 27 rungs in ten seconds. 1934 01:17:05,859 --> 01:17:08,028 Whoa! - Oh, okay! 1935 01:17:08,061 --> 01:17:09,629 - Right up. 1936 01:17:09,662 --> 01:17:11,865 - All right. Piece of cake. 1937 01:17:11,898 --> 01:17:13,133 Come on. Keep going. 1938 01:17:13,166 --> 01:17:15,168 - But watch it here, Akbar. 1939 01:17:15,201 --> 01:17:16,736 Padlock has taken out 1940 01:17:16,770 --> 01:17:18,514 nearly half of the ninjas who faced it tonight. 1941 01:17:18,538 --> 01:17:19,773 - There you go. 1942 01:17:19,806 --> 01:17:21,040 - This is what Michael Johnson, 1943 01:17:21,041 --> 01:17:22,142 his coach, was telling him. 1944 01:17:22,175 --> 01:17:23,276 It's the mental part. 1945 01:17:23,309 --> 01:17:24,678 - And he's still smiling, 1946 01:17:24,711 --> 01:17:27,313 despite facing this difficult new obstacle. 1947 01:17:27,347 --> 01:17:29,048 Doesn't have this one in the backyard. 1948 01:17:29,049 --> 01:17:30,250 - Nice. Uh-oh, uh-oh. 1949 01:17:30,283 --> 01:17:32,118 How do you play around? Nice. Nice. 1950 01:17:32,152 --> 01:17:34,621 - Spread out. A little wider. Good recovery. 1951 01:17:34,654 --> 01:17:36,656 - Take your time. - If both hands get 1952 01:17:36,690 --> 01:17:39,626 on the same side of 12:00, you get in real trouble. 1953 01:17:39,659 --> 01:17:41,194 - You got it. - Oh, he's wobbling. 1954 01:17:41,227 --> 01:17:43,205 - And you see he's trying to keep everything balanced 1955 01:17:43,229 --> 01:17:45,141 because if he makes a sudden move, Matt... and nice. 1956 01:17:45,165 --> 01:17:47,667 - That is so hard. What a great drop! 1957 01:17:47,701 --> 01:17:50,437 - You got it. 1958 01:17:50,470 --> 01:17:51,681 - Oh, oh! Watch it. - Lock it in. 1959 01:17:51,705 --> 01:17:53,072 - Lean, lean, lean. - And he's trying 1960 01:17:53,073 --> 01:17:55,208 to turn it around now. - Lean the other way. 1961 01:17:55,241 --> 01:17:56,609 - You got it. - Come on. 1962 01:17:56,643 --> 01:17:58,411 - And he's having to work at this. 1963 01:17:58,445 --> 01:18:00,814 - Good job. - But he figures it out. 1964 01:18:02,515 --> 01:18:04,217 And he is through. 1965 01:18:04,250 --> 01:18:06,119 And look at his time. 1966 01:18:06,152 --> 01:18:08,655 He got through the first eight obstacles so fast, 1967 01:18:08,688 --> 01:18:10,724 he can afford to try the Dungeon. 1968 01:18:10,757 --> 01:18:12,559 Doesn't have to risk it on Diving Boards 1969 01:18:12,592 --> 01:18:15,028 like R.J. Roman did moments ago. 1970 01:18:15,061 --> 01:18:17,330 And he's on pace not only to beat Sean Bryan 1971 01:18:17,364 --> 01:18:18,898 for the second-fastest time. 1972 01:18:18,932 --> 01:18:20,734 He could edge out Josiah Pippel 1973 01:18:20,767 --> 01:18:24,070 for the top time of the night. 1974 01:18:24,104 --> 01:18:26,573 - We may have two teenagers on the Power Tower. 1975 01:18:26,606 --> 01:18:28,541 That would be a first. 1976 01:18:28,575 --> 01:18:30,443 Watch out for the drop. 1977 01:18:33,046 --> 01:18:36,583 - Everyone who's tried Dungeon tonight has made it through. 1978 01:18:36,616 --> 01:18:38,518 - He's got plenty of grip strength left. 1979 01:18:38,551 --> 01:18:40,387 - Hold on tight. Hold on tight. 1980 01:18:40,420 --> 01:18:41,755 You got it. 1981 01:18:41,788 --> 01:18:43,790 - Now can you throw yourself into this wall 1982 01:18:43,823 --> 01:18:45,191 and make that catch? 1983 01:18:45,225 --> 01:18:46,326 Nice! Get down. - Wow! 1984 01:18:46,359 --> 01:18:47,594 - Open that door. 1985 01:18:47,627 --> 01:18:49,061 - Did you see him levitate up high? 1986 01:18:49,062 --> 01:18:50,363 - Get that dude off the Dungeon. 1987 01:18:50,397 --> 01:18:51,598 - Oh, my goodness. 1988 01:18:51,631 --> 01:18:54,367 He is going to destroy the top time! 1989 01:18:54,401 --> 01:18:56,068 - You got this! 1990 01:18:56,069 --> 01:18:58,171 - Akbar, he's still not breathing heavily. 1991 01:18:58,204 --> 01:18:59,749 - Well, remember, Matt, I talked about him 1992 01:18:59,773 --> 01:19:01,341 putting on 20 pounds of muscles, 1993 01:19:01,374 --> 01:19:03,543 so he should be able to take these 100-pound doors 1994 01:19:03,576 --> 01:19:05,278 and blow them right open. - Look at him. 1995 01:19:05,311 --> 01:19:07,580 He's actually canting his hips to one side. 1996 01:19:07,614 --> 01:19:09,215 This may be from that cerebral palsy, 1997 01:19:09,249 --> 01:19:11,718 not having quite the hip flexibility, but no problem. 1998 01:19:11,751 --> 01:19:14,387 - Let's go! Push it! - Come on, Vance! 1999 01:19:14,421 --> 01:19:16,890 - This is why he put that time in the gym. 2000 01:19:16,923 --> 01:19:19,492 Vance Walker trying to muscle his way through. 2001 01:19:19,526 --> 01:19:22,662 - Look at him! - Just one more set of doors. 2002 01:19:22,696 --> 01:19:26,032 And he's gonna set the fastest time by more than a minute! 2003 01:19:28,501 --> 01:19:30,337 Last push, you're on! 2004 01:19:30,370 --> 01:19:32,372 - Vance Walker has done it! 2005 01:19:32,405 --> 01:19:35,308 Let's go! 2006 01:19:37,744 --> 01:19:40,347 - What a performance out of Vance Walker. 2007 01:19:40,380 --> 01:19:42,182 Gets the fastest time, 2008 01:19:42,215 --> 01:19:45,051 and he's going to the Power Tower. 2009 01:19:46,453 --> 01:19:49,055 - Hey, Vance, straight up, man, keep it 100. 2010 01:19:49,089 --> 01:19:51,791 You think you're the next American Ninja Warrior? 2011 01:19:51,825 --> 01:19:53,793 - I sure hope so. [laughter] 2012 01:19:53,827 --> 01:19:55,829 - Well, hit that buzzer again, buddy. 2013 01:20:00,700 --> 01:20:03,036 So it'll be a history-making showdown 2014 01:20:03,069 --> 01:20:04,904 on the Power Tower 2015 01:20:04,938 --> 01:20:08,008 as teenagers face off for the first time, 2016 01:20:08,041 --> 01:20:10,176 16-year-old Vance Walker 2017 01:20:10,210 --> 01:20:12,846 and 15-year-old Josiah Pippel. 2018 01:20:12,879 --> 01:20:16,516 The winner earns a Safety Pass at the national finals. 2019 01:20:16,549 --> 01:20:20,420 And it's next, on "American Ninja Warrior." 2020 01:20:25,859 --> 01:20:28,094 - Welcome back to "American Ninja Warrior" 2021 01:20:28,128 --> 01:20:29,796 and the conclusion of the third night 2022 01:20:29,829 --> 01:20:31,364 of our semifinals. 2023 01:20:31,398 --> 01:20:33,700 And it's time for a history-making 2024 01:20:33,733 --> 01:20:35,502 Power Tower showdown, 2025 01:20:35,535 --> 01:20:38,104 our youngest competitors ever. 2026 01:20:38,138 --> 01:20:39,706 Akbar, all season long, 2027 01:20:39,739 --> 01:20:41,808 we've been talking about the young guns. 2028 01:20:41,841 --> 01:20:44,110 And tonight, in a field of veterans, 2029 01:20:44,144 --> 01:20:47,180 it's two of the youngest who will be squaring off 2030 01:20:47,213 --> 01:20:48,548 here on the Power Tower, 2031 01:20:48,581 --> 01:20:50,316 16-year-old Vance Walker 2032 01:20:50,350 --> 01:20:53,620 against 15-year-old Josiah Pippel. 2033 01:20:53,653 --> 01:20:55,822 - There's a big difference between these two: 2034 01:20:55,855 --> 01:20:58,491 Josiah Pippel is 7 inches taller 2035 01:20:58,525 --> 01:21:00,927 than the 5'5" Vance Walker. 2036 01:21:00,960 --> 01:21:03,296 But it will be the first time on the Power Tower 2037 01:21:03,329 --> 01:21:05,331 for the both of them. 2038 01:21:05,365 --> 01:21:07,367 They are the future of "Ninja Warrior," 2039 01:21:07,400 --> 01:21:09,235 and the future is now. 2040 01:21:09,269 --> 01:21:10,704 - This race is a perfect example 2041 01:21:10,737 --> 01:21:12,381 of how the teens are rocking the ninja world. 2042 01:21:12,405 --> 01:21:13,973 I mean, two teens on the Power Tower, 2043 01:21:14,074 --> 01:21:15,241 that's pretty crazy. 2044 01:21:15,275 --> 01:21:18,111 - This kid is the real deal! - Let's go! 2045 01:21:18,144 --> 01:21:19,379 I've gotten the Mega Wall 2046 01:21:19,412 --> 01:21:21,114 and I got first in city finals, 2047 01:21:21,147 --> 01:21:23,082 but the Power Tower is a little scary to me. 2048 01:21:23,083 --> 01:21:25,352 [dramatic music] 2049 01:21:25,385 --> 01:21:26,853 - It's not like any other obstacles 2050 01:21:26,886 --> 01:21:28,254 you're ever gonna see. 2051 01:21:28,288 --> 01:21:30,156 - Oh, no, no! My heart can't take it. 2052 01:21:30,190 --> 01:21:31,291 - It's 40 feet high, 2053 01:21:31,324 --> 01:21:32,759 and I'm a little scared of heights, 2054 01:21:32,792 --> 01:21:34,394 so hopefully I can do well on it. 2055 01:21:35,762 --> 01:21:37,330 - I know Vance is pretty powerful, 2056 01:21:37,364 --> 01:21:39,508 but I think my height will definitely play a big factor. 2057 01:21:39,532 --> 01:21:41,634 - Look at that move! - Impressive. 2058 01:21:41,668 --> 01:21:43,379 - I'm a little scared going up against Josiah 2059 01:21:43,403 --> 01:21:44,804 'cause he's a lot taller than me, 2060 01:21:44,838 --> 01:21:46,106 but I've competed with Josiah 2061 01:21:46,139 --> 01:21:47,507 on "American Ninja Warrior Junior," 2062 01:21:47,540 --> 01:21:48,651 so I know his game pretty well. 2063 01:21:48,675 --> 01:21:51,578 - Wow! Vance Walker! - Wow! 2064 01:21:51,611 --> 01:21:52,888 - I lost to Vance on "ANW Junior," 2065 01:21:52,912 --> 01:21:54,581 and now I want revenge. 2066 01:21:54,614 --> 01:21:56,449 All bets are off, and I'm just gonna send it. 2067 01:21:56,483 --> 01:21:58,485 I'm gonna go as fast as I possibly can. 2068 01:21:58,518 --> 01:21:59,919 - It's gonna be a teenage showdown. 2069 01:22:03,523 --> 01:22:06,192 - And the winner gets the coveted Safety Pass, 2070 01:22:06,226 --> 01:22:07,794 which gives them a second chance 2071 01:22:07,827 --> 01:22:09,763 if they fall at the national finals. 2072 01:22:09,796 --> 01:22:13,533 - Josiah Pippel looking very calm for a 15-year-old. 2073 01:22:13,566 --> 01:22:15,568 I'd be a nervous wreck. 2074 01:22:15,602 --> 01:22:17,704 - A dual between young guns, 2075 01:22:17,737 --> 01:22:20,540 with safety in Vegas on the line. 2076 01:22:27,180 --> 01:22:28,624 - Here we go. Vance Walker can go fast. 2077 01:22:28,648 --> 01:22:30,626 - And you can see Walker using his feet, Pippel not. 2078 01:22:30,650 --> 01:22:32,452 - He's walking on the Rail Climb! 2079 01:22:32,485 --> 01:22:34,254 Oh! Neck and neck! - Very close! 2080 01:22:34,287 --> 01:22:36,232 Who will do it on the rope? - All right. Here we go. 2081 01:22:36,256 --> 01:22:37,691 Big reach. Big reach. 2082 01:22:37,724 --> 01:22:39,091 And you can see... Boom, boom, boom! 2083 01:22:39,092 --> 01:22:40,603 Look how explosive Vance Walker is, Matt! 2084 01:22:40,627 --> 01:22:42,595 - It's still neck and neck! 2085 01:22:42,629 --> 01:22:45,398 Now Walker on the bar! 2086 01:22:45,432 --> 01:22:47,267 And a misstep! Walker hesitates! 2087 01:22:47,300 --> 01:22:48,968 - Oh, oh! 2088 01:22:49,002 --> 01:22:50,313 Look at this! And Pippel moving up! 2089 01:22:50,337 --> 01:22:51,947 - And Pippel first to the Dropping Shelves! 2090 01:22:51,971 --> 01:22:53,940 - Oh, Matt, we have got a duel! 2091 01:22:53,973 --> 01:22:55,985 - Walker, the first move! - It's like they're fighting 2092 01:22:56,009 --> 01:22:57,787 for prom king or something! - And you can see Pippel 2093 01:22:57,811 --> 01:23:00,080 taking a glance! - Don't look at him! 2094 01:23:00,113 --> 01:23:02,549 Run your own race! Oh, my! 2095 01:23:02,582 --> 01:23:06,186 - It's Vance Walker! - Let's go! 2096 01:23:06,219 --> 01:23:09,356 - A neck and neck race, and what a finish! 2097 01:23:09,389 --> 01:23:12,692 The young guns, they blow us away again! 2098 01:23:13,827 --> 01:23:15,628 - Go, Vance! 2099 01:23:15,662 --> 01:23:17,197 - Let's go! 2100 01:23:17,230 --> 01:23:21,701 - And Vance Walker's gonna have a Safety Pass in Vegas. 2101 01:23:21,735 --> 01:23:24,738 - These two were neck and neck for much of the race. 2102 01:23:24,771 --> 01:23:27,374 Josiah reached the Dropping Shelves first, 2103 01:23:27,407 --> 01:23:30,844 but Vance made up some time by taking shorter swings. 2104 01:23:30,877 --> 01:23:33,446 But when Josiah looked over, right there, 2105 01:23:33,480 --> 01:23:35,080 he knew he was in trouble. 2106 01:23:35,081 --> 01:23:38,885 Walker made some quick, final moves, and it was over. 2107 01:23:38,918 --> 01:23:42,589 And Matt and I lost our minds up here in the booth. 2108 01:23:42,622 --> 01:23:44,290 - And we'll see both these kids 2109 01:23:44,324 --> 01:23:46,826 at the national finals in a few weeks. 2110 01:23:46,860 --> 01:23:49,562 Vance Walker, 16 years old. 2111 01:23:49,596 --> 01:23:50,864 He's going to Vegas 2112 01:23:50,897 --> 01:23:53,667 with a Safety Pass in his back pocket. 2113 01:23:53,700 --> 01:23:56,903 And here's a look at all those moving on to Vegas. 2114 01:23:56,936 --> 01:23:58,638 Finishing behind Walker and Pippel 2115 01:23:58,672 --> 01:24:01,040 is the Papal Ninja, Sean Bryan. 2116 01:24:01,041 --> 01:24:04,377 Our other finishers include teenager Jonathan Godbout, 2117 01:24:04,411 --> 01:24:07,514 followed by veterans Brett Sims and Adam Rayl. 2118 01:24:07,547 --> 01:24:10,717 Others moving on include speedsters R.J. Roman 2119 01:24:10,750 --> 01:24:12,352 and Tyler Gillett 2120 01:24:12,385 --> 01:24:15,221 and teenager Enzo DeFerrari Wilson. 2121 01:24:15,255 --> 01:24:18,291 All 15 will be in Vegas in a few weeks. 2122 01:24:18,324 --> 01:24:20,727 Joining them will be our top three women, 2123 01:24:20,760 --> 01:24:24,464 Megan Rowe, Meagan Martin, and Brittney Durant. 2124 01:24:24,497 --> 01:24:27,600 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 2125 01:24:27,634 --> 01:24:31,504 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior."