Original subtitles

BEN: Last night, semifinal two took everyone by surprise...

FREDDIE: This is gonna be the fastest time of the night.

REBECCA: That is phenomenal! Yeah!

..and three determined ninjas managed to fight their way

to the top of the brutal Invisible Ladder

and slam that red buzzer.

Doesn't victory taste so sweet?

Tonight, semifinal three,

and our last 30 ninjas embark on the toughest course yet.

Determined to conquer it, fan favourite 'Ninja Twitch'.

Yeah! Bring it on! Yeah!

Former rugby league champion Eloni Vunakece.

Season two speedster Bryson Klein.

Australia wanted a winner. This year you're gonna get one.

Surprise packages, golfer Charlie Robbins

and rock climber Raphaela Wiget.

I'm gonna give it absolutely everything I got.

And the ninja superstars Ben Polson,

Josh O'Sullivan,

and the one and only Olivia Vivian.

Oh, she's just done the splits!

The game-changer and the record-breaker.

Mount Midoriyama is within their reach.

Who's got what it takes to go all the way

and become Australia's first ninja warrior?

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

Hello, and welcome. This is Australian Ninja Warrior.

I'm Ben Fordham. I'm Rebecca Maddern.

And I'm Freddie Flintoff.

It's semifinals week,

and each night the best of the best

are competing on this expanded course

for a coveted place in the grand final.

As we've seen in the heats,

our ninjas come in all shapes and sizes,

each of them with their own unique skillset,

but all of them have one thing in common.

They are everyday athletes daring to do the extraordinary.

Tonight is the last

of three semifinals.

Only ten ninjas from each semi

move on to our grand final,

where one ninja will be announced the series winner

and score themselves $100,000.

And if any ninja can climb

all the way to the top of Mount Midoriyama,

they'll be crowned Australia's first ninja warrior

and win a massive $300,000.

Now, at this stage of the series,

the obstacles are modified

to reflect the level our ninjas have reached.

Basically, it's a tougher and much longer course.

So, let's check out exactly what they're up against.

There are nine obstacles in the semis,

starting with the Archer Steps.

The Rolling Log will put the ninjas in a spin,

and still dizzy, they have to sprint across the narrow Razor's Edge.

Last night, the Ring Toss took out six ninjas,

and over on the Bar Hop, eight more failed.

From there, the familiar Warped Wall,

followed by three more incredibly difficult obstacles.

The Salmon Ladder to Flying Shelf Grab,

the Bouncing Spider.

And finally, the torturous Invisible Ladder.

Eight metres straight up

with exhausted muscles and busting lungs.

Last night four ninjas were beaten by it,

including red-hot favourite Rob Patterson.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

OK, we are ready. The ninjas are ready.

The crowd is ready.

So, let's kick off the action with our first run of the night.

Our first ninjas is a massive crowd favourite,

with huge support in the stands and at home.

He says Ninja Warrior has helped him

keep his Tourette's at bay.

Welcome to the stage James Sayers.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

It was just amazing.

After I did Ninja Warrior,

I just had all these amazing messages and calls

from families and kids with Tourette's.

When I saw you on TV... Yeah?

..I knew I wanted to be on Ninja Warrior and be like you.

Really? Oh, Isabella, that's beautiful.

(DRIVING ROCK MUSIC)

I am back for the semifinal.

It means everything to me,

and just knowing that I've got a shot to make the finals,

yeah, I'm just so happy.

Yeah!

Oh, just thinking about it now, oh, my god!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

I'm so ready to take on that chimney,

and the Salmon Ladder, and everything!

All of it! Yeah! Bring it on! Yeah!

OK. James Sayers, he's all pumped up for this semifinal course.

If there's one man I want to see

up the Invisible Ladder and press the button,

here he is right now.

It's Ninja Twitch, James Sayers.

This lad is an absolute star.

Yeah!

No doubt about it, Freddie, he's an absolute fan favourite,

and he is ready to rock this course.

Here we go!

James Sayers blasts through the Archer Steps

and already he's getting ready for the Rolling Log.

Interesting technique here.

Oooh, shaky start on the Rolling Log,

but you need to grab on for dear life, and he does.

Yeah, you've got an incredibly quick rotation.

And after a shaky start, he's got the wobbles.

Come on, Twitch.

We just love him, don't we?

Look at him.

He loves to entertain the crowd, but he's a serious competitor.

These razors move underfoot.

So, you've gotta move across them really quickly.

Here comes Ninja Twitch.

Come on, James. Stretch it out. He does.

Lightning fast.

Fans loving it.

Finished third in his heat a couple of nights ago.

Went straight up the Warped Wall on his first attempt.

Over to the Ring Toss.

He's very good in his upper body.

Yeah, now, pegs three and six don't have any stoppers,

but it's not stopping Twitch from moving smoothly from one to the next.

Look at that - so deliberate in everything he does.

Like he says, the Tourette's disappears when he's on the course.

He looks comfortable. Nice!

Oh, no!

(KLAXON BLARES)

He just went a little bit too quickly.

Oh!

Now, that's a big shock,

because many of his fellow ninjas

thought that James Sayers was going all the way.

You can see his right hand crosses behind the ring

and misses it completely,

but by then it's too late, and Twitch is in the pool.

I don't know how you feel, but I'm absolutely gutted.

It was so close. No, I feel the same.

I'm pretty... I'm pretty bummed.

Look, I thought that was the easy part, and... oh, no.

Well, the one thing you have got in the crowd tonight -

you bring the most supporters with you out of every ninja.

They must help.

Oh, they are amazing!

I wouldn't be here without them, I really wouldn't.

I hope you're all still proud of me.

Mate, everyone's proud of you, but before you go, come here.

Come on, get in. Well done.

Excellent game!

Well, great effort to James, but will it be enough?

You have to keep on watching until the end of the program,

and then we'll know whether he'll go through to the grand final.

Here's hoping.

Now, our next ninja took us all by surprise in the heat

with a strong run.

He certainly doesn't look like your typical ninja.

He's dressed like a golfer!

Could he be a one-hit wonder, though? Let's find out.

He is Charlie Robbins. Get ready, here he comes.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

Oh, what do you reckon, Charlie?

I think the first thing you ever had in your hand

when you come out of hospital was a golf club, wasn't it?

I can't remember, but I'd say so. (LAUGHTER)

So, you've probably been playing since you were old enough to walk.

FREDDIE: Look at this lad - Charlie Robbins.

A scratch golfer.

(JAUNTY MUSIC)

Golf attire is made for pure athletes.

So, I wasn't restricted at all.

Um... yeah.

Yo. Just hanging out after my heats run on Ninja Warrior.

Managed to get through to the semifinals,

which is pretty awesome.

(DRIVING ROCK GUITAR)

It's a pretty surreal feeling,

interacting with all the big names that you see on TV

for the last couple of years.

So, yeah, it's sort of really weird

walking past them and they're like, "Hey,"

when normally you just see them on TV and be like,

"Oh, that guy's awesome. I wanna be like him."

I hope they know my name. Maybe. If not, that's alright.

Thank you, guys.

WOMAN: Thank you. That was great.

REBECCA: So, Ben, this is the ninja that we thought,

when he stood up there at the starting blocks,

"Oh, I think he's just here to have a bit of fun."

Not at all.

He surprised everyone by ranking ninth in his heat.

Even though he failed at the Mega Warped Wall,

at least he had a crack at it.

He wanted the five grand.

Looks very dapper. I reckon he's our best-dressed ninja.

Look at him - like a young Ed Sheeran.

And there's his cheer squad - you can hear his cheer squad,

led by his grandfather, Taffy.

Come on, mate! Keep cool!

He reckons he feels like an imposter against all these other ninjas,

but I don't think so, Charlie Robbins.

You've done enough to impress already.

And he's through the Archer Steps.

Yay!

OK, making sure he wedges his hands in those grips.

You need to stay tight - as close to the roll as you possibly can.

The spin on the Rolling Log gets faster as it descends,

but he stays put.

He looks relieved!

Up you get! Come on! A nine, mate!

Now he tries to straighten himself up, get his head right.

Think this lad is a wolf in sheep's clothes.

Do not be fooled by the outfit.

Big steps!

This lad means business and this lad is very, very capable.

That was flawless.

It was absolutely flawless. Now on to the Ring Toss.

Concentrate! Breathe! One at a time.

This does require extreme focus and good upper body strength.

Yeah, he's got that control. His arms are locked off.

Look at him.

Oh, well done, Charlie! Yay!

Oh, one arm! Too easy.

Well, remember this name - Charlie Robbins.

He ain't making a mistake.

How does he make it look easy?

I mean, he really does.

There's something about his style that's effortless.

And these are the toughest obstacles in the world

right here in Melbourne.

Focus!

Bar Hop. Grabs the floater.

Charlie! I love you, Charlie!

He hits the scoop.

Straight on to the next floating bar, and then he's gotta lache.

So strong!

It's like he's just walking the fairways.

It's just incredible.

And now here's the clubhouse.

He's on the way to the clubhouse, don't worry about that.

He's already at the 19th hole.

Take it easy, mate. Take it easy.

CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Come on, Charlie! Easy! Up the Warped Wall.

He failed on the Mega Warped Wall in his heat.

Didn't regret making that choice.

We knew he'd do the Warped Wall OK.

Onto the Salmon Ladder now. Keep the blood circulating, mate!

FREDDIE: Grandad's on the side,

getting more animated with every obstacle his grandson gets through.

Go, Charlie! Come on, man!

Charlie's just taking a breather to prepare for the Salmon Ladder.

One, two, three.

Oh, my goodness. How quick was that?

What are we watching right now? What are we witnessing?

We're seeing an underdog moving into top dog category.

Oh, he can do anything!

We are seeing a no-name just put his name up in lights.

This is Charlie Robbins.

For anyone watching at home who missed him in the heats,

you are watching something special.

A 20-year-old golfer from Victoria

who is a massive surprise package in this competition.

He's no one-trick-pony.

Onto the Bouncing Spider now.

Needs to make sure he hits the mini tramp spot on

and then you'll wedge yourself in between the walls of this corridor.

He's taking his time now.

Maybe he has never seen anything like this before.

Certainly not on the golf course.

He's got his grandfather cheering him on on the sideline.

He'll need a lot of cheering through this.

Oh, ho! A forward roll through the punching bags.

Yes, Charlie! And he bows to the crowd.

But this is the real test now - it's the Invisible Ladder,

because we've seen other ninjas, great ninjas, fail this,

like Rob Patterson did last night.

You can do this!

Well, Taffy is jumping out of his skin.

(SHOUTS AND WHISTLES)

Concentrate!

He's whistling at him now.

Now, we've just gotta hope... You can do this!

..that Charlie's saved a little bit of petrol,

because he would have chewed a lot up on the Ring Toss.

Does he have enough to go up eight metres?

Oh, my! Oh, look at this.

Charlie Robbins! He hits the accelerator.

He's halfway there already.

Now at the five-metre mark he's starting to feel the pinch.

Grandad says, "Keep going, Charlie boy."

Six-metre mark! The arms, they keep on moving!

And Charlie Robbins, he's up on the roof!

He's close to the buzzer! The feet are there!

Can he hit it?

Yes, he does! (KLAXON BLARES)

Charlie Robbins, you are two nights away from $300,000!

The golfer is now a ninja!

Unbelievable to watch.

Charlie Robbins blows everyone away.

Charlie! Charlie! Charlie!

Taffy has never celebrated so much in his life.

That was an extraordinary run by the 20-year-old.

His first time on Australian Ninja Warrior,

and he is up the top of the Invisible Ladder,

and he's through to the grand final.

(TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)

Well, Charlie Robbins has just showed everyone how it's done.

He's our first ninja up the Invisible Ladder tonight.

And hopefully many more to come,

but they'll do well to match that run from Charlie.

(TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)

FREDDIE: Get in here, Charlie.

How do you train for this?

You're a scratch golfer,

but obviously you're not spending all your time on the fairways.

You must be doing a bit behind the scenes.

Well, when you hit it into the trees as often as I do,

and you have to hack it out of the bushes,

you build up a few muscles.

I don't believe you. I think you are far too humble.

But are you thinking about furthest fastest,

and possibly Mount Midoriyama for the big cash?

Oh, there's a lot of good out there still that I have to get past

before I have to start thinking about that.

Who are you looking at, do you think? Who's the ones to beat?

Particularly tonight,

I think Ben Polson will give it a really good crack.

Bryson Klein, Olivia Vivian.

There's just so many people.

But there's one thing which is not in doubt.

Out of all of them, you are, by far, the best dressed.

Look at this laddie!

Charlie, brilliant, mate. Well done, son.

Charlie Robbins - golf champ.

Could he be a ninja champ too?

There's lots of competition still to come,

but this young man has set the bar high.

Coming up,

the rock climbing wonderkid Bryson Klein is back.

So too the modern Mowgli, Josh O'Sullivan,

with some unique training techniques.

I try and visualise the course ten metres underwater.

Nathan Ryles said he'd propose to his girlfriend in the heats

if he got up the Warped Wall.

Oh, he's almost there!

Wasn't to be.

Will he put a ring on it tonight?

Then watch out -

big guns Ben Polson and Olivia Vivian return,

along with their WA Ninja Academy training partner Luke Shelton,

who's a new face to ninja,

but one of the best from the west.

I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could win.

And former league star Eloni Vunakece's

playing days are over, but he still looks the goods.

Has he got what it takes

to claim one of the last ten grand final spots?

I can't wait to get out there and tackle this thing head on.

He's up next.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

BEN: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,

and the last semifinal.

Before the break,

we saw scratch golfer Charlie Robbins blow everyone away,

completing the course.

It's made him the first ninja on the night up the Invisible Ladder

and through to the grand final.

This next ninja emerged from the heats

as one of the strongest females in the competition.

REBECCA: An accomplished rock climber,

she was brought undone by the mini tramp in the heats.

It is Raphaela Wiget! Go, Raph!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

RAPHAELA: When I found out I made the semis, I couldn't believe it.

It was a really good feeling.

I'm stoked!

I came 11th? That's pretty cool!

That means I beat some boys. (LAUGHS)

FREDDIE: Here she is on the penultimate obstacle.

I was a little bit annoyed about the mini tramp.

Oooh, and misses the Double Squirrel.

I just didn't push hard enough.

Turns out there's not a lot of mini tramps in Adelaide.

So, I have proceeded to just jump on random things.

MAN: Yeah!

You don't have to be the stereotypical girl.

None of us are,

and I guess I do wanna show that if you're a small girl,

you can still do pretty big and powerful and awesome things.

I'm gonna give it absolutely everything I got.

Each obstacle at a time. Just gonna have fun with it.

Ninja Warrior, get ready, 'cause I'm gonna give this everything.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Go, go, go, go, go, Raph!

Her inspiration is Olivia Vivian.

And, Ben, she is competing on the same night as Olivia.

The only two women in tonight's semi.

Both mighty forces on the ninja course.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And she's not just here by mistake, Ben.

She made it through - placed 11th in her heat.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Go, Raph! She is through the first obstacle.

Coming up to the Rolling Log here.

Now, I've got a feeling the Rolling Log

is gonna take Raphaela for one hell of a ride.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

It's a six-metre roll down there,

and they do about six to eight rolls

and then they get slammed into the crash mat below.

Look at Raphaela Wiget!

Oh, her legs almost came off there,

but she looks so relieved to find the mat.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Whoa!

Gee, it really puts them off-balance.

It must be so hard to go to the next obstacle,

which is the Razor's Edge, which is all about balance.

Our ninjas really stare them down

and try and weigh up

where they're gonna place their feet on each razor,

because they shift on you.

Fingers crossed for the 23-year-old.

She comes up to the Razor's Edge. Does it perfectly.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

God, she's happy with that.

Yes, yes, yes!

That's Dad and her brother and her friend on the sideline there,

giving plenty of encouragement,

and being inspired by their advice.

CROWD: Go, Raph! Go, Raph!

She should be fairly confident on the Ring Toss, being a rock climber.

She's no stranger to heights.

She works at Adelaide Oval, taking people up on the top of the stadium.

Which is a great thing to do.

Swing! Swing!

Look at this. Smooth as you like so far.

Wow. She's a very strong woman.

MAN: That's it - with two hands! Yes!

Excellent technique.

This is a 3.5-metre dismount.

She's off.

Raphaela, say hello to the Bar Hop.

Go, go, Raph!

She'll be worried about this one, there's no doubt about that.

Yeah, the reason Bec says that

is the tramp was a problem for her in the heats.

Just test it first!

Oh, she's really dreading this, Bec.

She is dreading it.

CROWD: Let's go, Raph, let's go!

Bounces off the tramp and... ohh!

(CROWD EXCLAIMS)

Almost made that first floating bar.

Yeah, she just wasn't vertical enough.

The trampoline got her again.

But what a great attitude she brings to ninja,

and she's one of only seven women to make it to the semifinals.

Raphaela, you're smiling,

and I know you don't train specifically for ninja.

You just wanna swing on things. Yeah.

So, are you pleased with how you've gone?

Um, if I fell anywhere other than that mini tramp again,

I would have been fine.

Like, even if I fell before that, I would have been like, "Oh, OK,"

but it was the mini tramp again.

It's been a lot of fun watching you.

I know the family are on the side waiting for you.

Raphaela, that was an amazing effort. Congratulations.

Yeah, it's a nervous wait for Raphaela, Freddie,

because, remember, only the top ten furthest fastest

go through to the grand final.

Will she be one of them?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's a former rugby league star,

but after quitting the game on medical grounds,

these days works as a garbage collector.

Eloni Vunakece.

Yeah, boys, made it to the semis. Made it to the semis.

We're going... we're gonna go to the grand final.

I'll buy us a new truck when we get there.

I know it's a step-up in game, really, coming into the semis.

I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

WOMAN: To be able to do it all again,

hearing that Loni made it to the semifinals,

the kids are just over the moon.

CHILDREN: Go, Daddy!

Seeing Loni on Ninja, it's made the kids even more ninja-obsessed.

Daddy!

We're going to Melbourne. (LAUGHS)

Drove back from Melbourne to Sydney,

and found out we were in the semi,

and then basically did a U-turn

and drove all the way back down to Melbourne.

Ten hours deep into our drive, looking rather dishevelled.

Do you wanna go and see Daddy have a run on Ninja Warrior?

Yeah!

Can't wait to get out there and tackle this thing head on.

So, let's do it.

I love to do Ninja Warrior!

Have a look at Eloni Vunakece.

I think he's a surprise package in this competition.

In the heats, I think he was here for a bit of fun,

but now realises he's got a chance.

His daughters on the side, Laura and Gigi,

have said, "Dad, do not get wet again."

Yeah, he came off on the Spinball Wizard in his heat.

He was 11th on the night.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Eloni Vunakece now takes on the Archer Steps.

Straight through. Grabs that rope. He's completed it.

Ben, I've gotta say,

of all the professional, or former professional athletes

we've had on Australian Ninja Warrior,

I'd say Eloni is likely to go the furthest.

Would you say?

Well, he's got all of the attributes of someone who can go all the way.

But he needs to get those massive legs wrapped around right now.

Get your legs round it, big lad.

Oh, he is. He's on and starting to spin.

He's got a lot of weight to hang onto there.

It's his own, and he does it. Whoa!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

CHILD: Going to the next one.

This is gonna be a tough one for him, Bec,

because he weighs in at 102kg.

One of our heaviest ninjas.

And this involves seven metres over a bridge.

There are three razors and they move.

Want to build speed on the platform and then place your feet centrally.

Yes! Made it!

Slides over the try line.

That was huge for Eloni. As you said, he is heavy - 102kg.

So, that obstacle was particularly challenging for him.

He'll be alright on this.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Look at the biceps coming into play on the Ring Toss.

Such a strong lad. Look at the size of the back on this fella!

He's massive!

He's getting off number three as soon as he can.

He wants to rely on some of those other pegs

that have the stoppers on them.

Go, Dad!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh! Oh!

I know he's been a professional athlete for over a decade,

but his body is quite extraordinary!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, he is just absolutely cut!

But this one may be a tough one for him - the Bar Hop.

He's gotta grab the first floating bar and lache onto the scoop.

Dad!

You know what he did just then?

He looked at the sideline, looked at his daughters,

and said, "I am doing this for them."

CROWD: Loni! Loni!

He's gotta grab this floating bar and get it into this first scoop.

Oh, no! He's not going. That's different.

Ohh! Oh!

So different that it didn't quite work out.

But we get two thumbs up from Eloni Vunakece.

And he throws the floating bar out of the pool.

What a great character.

Big smile, and just happy to be there and performing.

He is one of the fan favourites, that's for sure.

The replay will show just how close he got.

Look - the right side of the bar just hits the end of that scoop.

If it wasn't for that, he'd still be going.

Bad luck.

Eloni, that was one big splash.

The one thing I found when I retired from professional sport

is finding something to fill that void.

Do you think you've found it?

Yeah, I reckon I have here, mate.

I said I'd lost that sort of competitive drive,

and I don't know, mate -

this has given me something to sort of aspire towards

and help me sort of reassess and re-fire some new goals, mate.

So, keen and pumped to have a crack here next year.

Yeah, fingers crossed we see you again, mate.

It's been an absolute pleasure.

Well done, mate. Absolute star.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(CHILDREN SQUEAL)

Big daddy Eloni picking up his little ladies there

off the back of a very solid run.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's a top bloke and a top athlete.

Still to come on the semifinal of Australian Ninja Warrior,

some of ninja's finest athletes from across the country

take to the course in Melbourne.

From Sydney, last year's second place finisher, Bryson Klein.

BRYSON: I'm certainly not the biggest

or strongest ninja out there,

but I've got skill and I'm consistent,

and I'm gonna get there.

South Australia's Nathan Ryles.

This year I'm prepared

and I'm ready to take it all the way to that buzzer.

Queensland newcomer Winson Lam.

I've got my eye on the grand finals, and I'm zoning in.

And the tallest ninja on the course,

from the WA Ninja Academy, Ben Polson.

You know what, semis come up. I'm ready.

Are you ready, Australia?

'Cause I'm going up that Mount Midoriyama, you'll see.

He's up next,

fighting for a spot in the grand final on Australian Ninja Warrior.

REBECCA: Welcome back to Melbourne

and Australian Ninja Warrior semifinal three,

where the last ten grand final places are being decided.

And down in the warm-up area now

is a favourite to take out one of those places -

from the WA Ninja Academy, it's Ben Polson.

I don't think there's gonna be too many finishers tonight.

So, for me, it's just about getting that finish.

If I end up with the fastest time, that's a bonus on top,

but for me, my main focus is just to get through in one piece.

I'm yet to fail a semifinal and I don't want to start now.

BEN: Ben will be up shortly,

but up next, this gun ninja was one of only two in his heats

to make it up the Mega Warped Wall.

And he celebrated winning the five grand cash

by taking his family out for yum cha.

It is Winson Lam.

CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Straight up. Will he meet the top?

Yes, he does! Oh, my god! He did it!

WINSON: I'm up on the top of the Mega Wall,

and I look down, and all I can see is, like,

Mum just, like, crying her eyes out,

and then you going ballistic, like, crazy.

You should have seen his face. It was like, "Yeah!"

(LAUGHTER)

My mum being able to see all the work that I've put into,

it was just like, "That's my son!"

And I mean, that was the best feeling in the world.

I grew up, like, a skinny Asian kid -

really nerdy, and everyone kept underestimating me.

I was told that I should study law, become a barrister,

all that kind of stuff, but I went my own way.

(ROCK GUITAR MUSIC)

So, I'm hoping that I do well

and people are gonna see that you can change what you're capable of.

Hey! To Winson!

(ALL CHEER) To finals, darling.

I'm not just a set of abs.

I'm here to get through the semifinals,

get through the grand final,

and then make it up that Mount Midoriyama.

FREDDIE: Yeah, a bit of a surprise package, this lad.

Turned up in his jeans, his cap, a model,

and then just blitzed the course.

Go, Winson!

Go, Winson! Darling, go, go, go!

REBECCA: Remember the rules.

If any part of you or any part of your clothing falls into the water,

then you're disqualified.

BEN: Yeah, so, he's gotta hang onto that hat.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Winson Lam. The first obstacle is done.

And now he'll prove to Rebecca Maddern... oh, hang on a moment.

WOMAN: Tuck it in!

Oh, he's tucking it down the... oh, whoa, Winson!

I don't even know if it's safe there, to be honest.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Surely he's not gonna put that back on his head. Oh, my word!

Note to self - never borrow Winson's cap.

Oh, his ankles aren't locked. He could be in trouble.

Hang on!

Oh, only just!

Took him for a proper ride, but he's alright.

Oh, my god! His shoe!

Oh, he lost a shoe! Oh, he lost a shoe!

It's alright! Take your time!

We've seen a few shoes come off on this obstacle.

Get yourself together, mate!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's got the cap back on now. Shoe's back on.

And he's taking his time.

Golfer Charlie Robbins was already 23 seconds faster at this point.

He lines it up and he blitzes it.

Well done, Winson.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

There's something that I really like about this kid.

He's got a great fan club too.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Now, this is the Ring Toss.

It requires supreme upper body strength.

You need to move the rings along the pegs.

Ring number three and six have no stoppers.

This is ring number three coming up in just a moment.

Winson is on one and two.

Getting into the swing and trying to...

..he's got a little bit of a difficulty

moving that ring onto the next peg.

He's getting some advice from his friends on the sideline.

I don't know how much they can help him at this point.

OK, I think he's got it now. He's got it now.

Peg number four, peg number five.

Use your arms!

Winson.

Oh! Oh, look at him!

Oh! The biceps are massive!

He keeps looking around to his fans on the sideline.

Has he got time for this? It's the semi...

Oh, no! Oh, Winson!

That's an ugly hit.

The hat ended up outside of the pool.

Winson ended up inside it.

Well, Winson was having the time of his life - until he wasn't.

He got offline on his dismount swing,

but by the time he tried to straighten up,

there wasn't enough momentum to clear the pool,

and he face-plants the mats.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He got wet. Hat stayed dry. Well done, Winson.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We love you, Winson!

Next on course, one of the greats from WA.

Grand finalist from season one, grand finalist season two,

and no-one would bet against him going a lot further.

Make some noise for Ben Polson.

FREDDIE: Here he is - Ben Polson from Western Australia.

One of the favourites from season three of Ninja Warrior.

Yeah, Ben's put it out there this season.

He says he's going to make it up Mount Midoriyama.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

And he's away.

Big strides through the Archer Steps.

Have a look at this.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this elite athlete, everybody.

Wraps those long arms and legs around the log.

They're long. He's our tallest ninja - 195cm, Ben.

Holds on. Eight revolutions, and it plays havoc with your balance.

WOMAN: Alright!

Certainly does.

Unwind! Unwind!

And there is Olivia Vivian. She's up later.

Hoping to make it to the grand final.

Make sure you're good. You're good.

Yeah, he's taking his time a little bit, Ben Polson.

He just wants to get through his course,

because he knows one mistake and it's game over.

Straighten up, bro.

Here he goes - Ben Polson on the Razor's Edge.

Easily done. Look at that.

The concentration, the speed, the power.

Just approaching the Ring Toss now.

This plays to his strengths, this obstacle.

Tall, great reach, strong arms and shoulders.

It's gotta be said he's not rushing.

He is being very careful.

CROWD: Swing! Swing! Swing!

This is something he tends not to struggle with,

upper body strength,

but now he moves these rings across onto the pegs.

He's onto the second pegboard now.

Controlled run so far from Ben Polson.

Not taking any chances, no rushing.

Just making very, very sure. (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Huge roar for Ben Polson, but here's the comparison.

At this point, he is 30 seconds slower than Charlie Robbins.

He really is being careful.

Now, he needs to really focus here.

This is where what he describes as a brain freeze

in the grand final of season two.

Doesn't want another brain freeze tonight.

Look at the focus.

Look at him eyeing off every part of that bar

so he knows exactly where he's leaving, where he's going to,

and what he needs to do.

Oh! Oh, Ben! Oh, no, Ben!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

Oh, that is a major shock in this competition.

If anybody this season was supposed to get up Mount Midoriyama,

it was this guy, and he has just fallen on the Bar Hop.

Olivia is absolutely devastated.

Yeah, you can see here he just couldn't get himself straight,

transferring off the fixed bar.

So, he was twisting a bit as he went for the lache,

and he missed the scoop.

Ben, I don't know what to say.

I don't think anybody here

was expecting you to be wet this evening.

Does that just show how hard this course really is?

I guess this is just proof that, you know,

anyone can stuff up at any time,

and tonight was, unfortunately, the time for me.

So, it's just the way it is.

And your girlfriend's running in a bit, Olivia.

What advice are you gonna give to her now?

Is there more pressure on her?

Yeah, look, I think she'll still come out here

and just give it her best shot,

and she's more than capable of finishing this course.

I'm really excited to see how she goes.

Well, Ben, big shock tonight, but humble as ever.

Well done, mate. Great to see you. Well done.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, that is the shock of the night.

Ben Polson could be in danger of missing out on a grand final spot.

But coming up,

Olivia Vivian gets her chance to make amends

when she tackles the semifinal course.

So too their Ninja Academy training partner, Luke Shelton.

Just gonna prove to myself and to my kids now

that I should be here and I'm one to watch out for.

Plus, Modern Mowgli Josh O'Sullivan.

I feel like I'm, you know, I'm in the zone.

I'm peaking, I'm heightened. My awareness is up.

So, I'm ready to go.

The battle for a place in the grand final continues next

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

BEN: Welcome back to our third and last

Australian Ninja Warrior semifinal.

And with 30 ninjas competing tonight,

only your top ten will be moving on to our grand final.

Incredibly, at this stage,

it looks like Ben Polson is in serious doubt

of making the grand finals,

but will our next ninja?

He's an elite athlete

who lives, breathes, and meditates everything ninja.

He's gone to extraordinary lengths

with his physical, mental, and spiritual training.

He feels it's his destiny to take home the top prize.

He calls himself the 'Modern Mowgli'.

Josh O'Sullivan.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

See you in the morning. See you in the morning.

Love you.

We run the course quite late.

So, 1:30 in the morning, I get up, do a little workout,

try and get my heart rate up a little bit,

and mimic the same kind of intensity

that I'm gonna be in on the course.

(DRUM RHYTHMS)

Another type of training that I'll do is I'll grab a rock,

and try and visualise the course and lower my heart rate.

And then I'm a tree climber.

So, try and balance maybe, like, 30 metres up,

kind of mimics the fear that you would feel

when you're stepping up to a balance obstacle.

For me, it's all about getting in the right mindset.

I couldn't be happier for where I am right now.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Yeah, I can't wait to see how all that training

pays off for Josh tonight.

It's worked well for him in the heats.

He went up the Mega Warped Wall.

He finished second on that night.

You got this!

And there's his partner, Betsy Burnett, clapping her hands.

Unfortunately, 'the Disco Ninja' didn't make it into the semis.

Josh O'Sullivan. (CHIME SOUNDS)

Go, Josh!

He takes the one, two, step, and flies through obstacle one.

Rubs the hands together.

In fact, he's given them just a bit of a dry

to make sure that he's got the grip here on the Rolling Log.

Hang on, Josh.

Hold on!

Over, over, over, and off!

Nice! He's safe - safe on the mat.

Shake it off! Shake it off, Joshie!

Ninjas have different reasons for competing.

Josh reckons this is his destiny - Ninja Warrior, and winning it.

No pressure, then, Josh. No pressure.

He's so quick. Yeah, he is so quick.

And he's so confident, and he really should be, shouldn't he?

The Ring Toss now.

This should be a walk in the park for Josh

and his incredible upper body.

Oh! Oh! He missed that peg.

Yeah, he's a bit shaky.

He's back on track now with peg number four.

The tough thing about this obstacle is you've got so many places to look.

You're expected to look ahead, look behind,

and then have a sense

of how you're gonna move that body onto the platform.

That's the other thing you gotta be looking at -

your landing spot.

Come on!

There we... oh, thought he was gonna go.

Thought he was gonna go. Not gonna go again.

He's gone back one. He does not want to make a mistake.

This is hard too, getting your body in the right direction.

Yes! Well done!

He corrects himself. That looked like hard work.

But I'm afraid the next obstacle in front of him is even harder.

This is where Josh O'Sullivan is hoping

that hours and hours of training

are gonna come into practice.

You got this! Feel the flow!

OK, here he goes.

Off the tramp. On the first floating bar.

Laches successfully, and now onto the solid bar.

OK, this next transition is the really tricky one.

You can see he's adjusting his grip

to prepare for the most challenging part of this obstacle.

Come on, Josh O'Sullivan. Grip it and go!

Yes, yes, yes! (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Into the scoop! Well done.

Now, get off there, Josh.

And he makes it. Yes! Yes!

Oh, that is done. He breathes a sigh of relief.

That is probably the most difficult obstacle on this course.

Straight up the Warped Wall, Josh O'Sullivan.

Say hello to the Salmon Ladder. He's been here before.

He knows how to attack this one.

Just asking himself to calm down, control the adrenaline.

Betsy Burnett yelling, screaming at her boyfriend from the sideline.

Come on, Josh! Breathe!

We're seeing a lot of ninjas do this, aren't we?

Centring themselves before taking on an obstacle.

I don't think Freddie can quite understand

what they're doing down there.

(LAUGHTER)

Here goes Josh O'Sullivan on the Salmon Ladder.

Yeah, and all that takes time as well.

He's 40 seconds slower than Charlie Robbins.

There's one, two...

..and three.

Come on, Josh! You got this!

And it's about now you are calling on all of your training -

all of the practice for this moment in the semifinals.

Needs to bring the legs up for this huge jump through the air,

and he sticks it.

Yes! Come on!

That really separates the contenders from the champions,

whether or not you can hang onto that last shelf.

Keep that breathing going. Come on!

Coming into the Hot Seat of the semifinal course,

the Bouncing Spider.

You almost feel that this is like the calm before the storm.

Get through this, and then you're faced with the Invisible Ladder.

Yeah, he's gotta bounce his way through this corridor.

It's all hands and feet.

All hands and feet and focus.

We've only had one ninja up to the top

of the Invisible Ladder tonight.

Is Josh O'Sullivan about to be number two?

Come on! Shoot through!

Really studying himself now.

Needs to make sure that this jump down to the tramp

is absolutely perfect.

Come on, finish it!

Go, Josh! Oh, wow!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Rightio. This is where it gets really nerve-racking.

Eight metres stands between Josh O'Sullivan

and his shot at the $100,000 in the grand final.

Come on!

Oh, he wants the crowd! He wants the crowd!

Urging the crowd to give him that little bit extra he needs

to get up the Invisible Ladder.

Whoo! Come on, babe! Fast!

Josh O'Sullivan reaching for the rings.

Oh, where you going?

Gee, our ninjas are struggling on this Invisible Ladder.

What is going on?

Oh, look at the reach! He's pushing those arms up as much as he can.

Come on, Joshie!

Josh is really using his legs and core to push himself up.

Credit where it's due, he's at the six-metre mark, Bec.

He's having to fight, he's having to work.

Using every muscle, every fibre in his body.

Come on, Josh O'Sullivan.

You've been here before. You were here for season one.

You were here for season two,

and you've made it into the grand final for season three!

Oh, wow!

Josh O'Sullivan, could he be our first ninja?

That was sensational! Yeah!

And Josh O'Sullivan,

our second only ninja to make it through

this awfully difficult semifinal course tonight.

It wasn't fast, but it was faultless.

Like Ben Polson,

the Modern Mowgli took his time to make sure of every step,

but unlike Ben, he's made it all the way to that buzzer.

Destiny has spoken tonight.

Josh, you've done some pretty tricky training to get this far.

Tell us some of the things you've been doing.

Yeah, look, they do say 30% of training that you do in your mind

contributes to the course, so...

You don't have to tell me, Josh.

Maybe you'll do it one day. You never know.

Yeah, so, look, a lot of commitment, a lot of dedication for this.

So, I'm really happy to be here. Thanks to the crowd.

You guys are amazing!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Josh, congratulations. Well done, mate.

That's how you do it.

He's the second up the ladder.

Who else can beat this course?

There's only one way to find out.

We're back on Australian Ninja Warrior right after this.

Coming up, Nathan Ryles will only propose if he finishes the stage.

I love her so much, so I want it to be perfect for us.

Will he propose and make it to the grand final?

Dad's standing by with the ring.

Tori's got no idea about this tonight.

She's gonna go, yeah, mental, I reckon.

She'll go over the top. (LAUGHS)

Find out next on the semifinal of Australian Ninja Warrior.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC)

BEN: Welcome back to Melbourne, where it's semifinal three.

It's all or nothing for a place in the grand final.

REBECCA: Over the break,

three more ninjas took their shot at this course.

Cultural performer Danial Wayles-Wall

put in a very fast time to the Bar Hop,

then found himself in reverse.

Oh, no!

'BMX Ninja' Daniel Walker met the same fate,

daughter Izzy taking it hard.

Oh, Izzy's fallen to her knees.

And after 12 months fighting cancer,

Max Pertzel inspired us all,

making it all the way to the Ring Toss in the semifinals.

Just getting on the show was such an accomplishment.

So, anything from there was huge, huge accomplishment.

Looking at the leaderboard

at the midway point,

a lightning fast run

has Charlie Robbins

nearly two minutes ahead

of the night's only other finisher,

Josh O'Sullivan.

Ben Polson is currently fifth,

and with only the top ten

furthest fastest progressing

to the grand final,

model Winson Lam is just hanging on

to that last spot.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

Next up, a man on a mission.

Nathan Ryles not only wants to win Ninja Warrior,

he's also planning to propose to his girlfriend, Tori,

if he finishes the stage.

He was all set in the heats,

but failed on the Mega Warped Wall.

If he completes the Invisible Ladder tonight,

he'll be popping the question.

I love her so much. So, I want it to be perfect for us.

It's gotta be off of pure joy

and just gotta be the best moment of both of our lives.

Let's go, Nathan, let's go!

That's Dad there,

and my eagle eye says that that is a box with a ring in it.

Oh! (LAUGHS)

It's in his pouch!

Oh, my gosh, there is so much riding on Nathan Ryles run.

I can't watch.

Now he battles the Ninja Warrior semifinal course,

starting with the Archer Steps.

Straight into the first and second platform. Oh!

That goes to show the danger of those platforms

when they spin beneath your feet.

Hold on nice and tight, babe!

FREDDIE: Just gotta settle down.

Just gotta compose himself. A hectic start so far.

Cling onto this log for dear life. Let it take you for a ride.

No need to fight it.

He's OK, Nathan Ryles. Get off, get away from that log.

Oh, easy for you to say.

You haven't had your brains spun around eight times.

Fast feet! Fair call!

Now the Razor's Edge. Tori's on the sideline.

She's got no idea how much is riding on this run.

It's very narrow where you place your feet.

You don't have a lot of wriggle room at all.

Time for wriggling! Nathan, save yourself!

Get up! Get up! Yes! Phew!

Oh, the proposal's still alive!

Yes, I know. That's what I was thinking.

I was thinking,

"Forget about Ninja Warrior, it's about the marriage proposal."

OK, here he is on Ring Toss.

Don't mention rings, Bec.

Swing, swing, swing, swing!

That's it, babe! Work it! You can do this one!

It's been a massive run so far from Nathan Ryles.

Maybe just putting a little bit too much pressure on himself.

Just needs to relax, just take it all in.

Oh, exactly right, Freddie.

He's barely scraping through each obstacle.

He's normally very smooth, but he is struggling tonight.

Big swing!

There we go. Changing onto the second board.

Now coming down.

Here we go - he's finding his... oh!

I was just about to say he's finding his rhythm.

You'll see that one. It just slid off.

It doesn't have a stopper at the end.

These last two do.

Oh, hang on, hang on, Nathan.

Alright, now, can he get the momentum required

to get off the rings,

and then hopefully pull a ring out of a pocket

and ask the question to Tori?

Have a look at his girlfriend, Tori.

Come on, babe!

On the sideline, she's as proud as punch.

You don't think that Nathan's put extra pressure on himself...

Yes, he has, Bec. Of course I do.

(LAUGHS) Oh, god.

He's put an extraordinary amount of pressure on himself.

Why would he do that now? Couldn't he just do it tomorrow?

Go, babe!

Close, close.

Big bounce up onto the bar.

Now onto the solid bar.

He's looking good.

This is where Ben got into strife.

Oh, hang on a moment.

Is he not gonna try and do it in one go?

I'm not quite sure, but he's only got one arm on the go!

He does it, he does it. Ohh, he sticks it.

Well done, Nathan! That's it, babe.

Nathan Ryles, that was fabulous.

See, when it goes backwards, it's really dangerous.

Move forward! Yes, he's made it!

He just manages to hit the mat,

and now this bloke knows how to do the Warped Wall.

Of course he does.

Nathan Ryles, and look down below at girlfriend, Tori.

She's running along,

cheering him with every single bit of energy she's got.

What about Dad?

He doesn't want to fall over and lose the ring from his pouch.

Shh! Don't say the word 'ring' too loud.

OK, Salmon Ladder.

Let's focus on the course and let's deal with the proposal in a minute.

You got this, babe! I think that's a good idea, Bec.

He's a minute slower than Charlie Robbins to this point,

but he's in with a fight.

This is gonna take it out of him again, the Salmon Ladder.

Upper body strength moving that bar up,

then moving across onto the Flying Shelf Grab.

Just doesn't get any easier at all, this course.

Just gets harder and harder and harder.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The crowd's going berserk. He's on.

Now he's gotta go up three rungs.

He's gone for the overhand grip,

not the mixed grip, as we've seen with some of our other ninjas.

He's gotta dig deep now. Yes! There's one.

There's two. He wastes no time. There's three!

Go, Nathan!

Now he's got a solid bar in front of him,

and if he's got enough petrol left in the tank,

he'll be able to hold on to this next shelf,

but this is the big test.

Nathan Ryles, he swings... ohh, he just couldn't hold on.

Oh, Tori!

What about Nathan? He's devastated.

He's crashed out, and I think the proposal may have to wait.

The ring will stay in Dad's pocket.

Even though Nathan's lache was spot in,

he was unable to hold his own bodyweight up,

losing his grip on the second shelf,

and rather than getting down on one knee,

ended up getting wet.

And there's Tori. What a great couple.

And I can tell you that that run puts Nathan into third place.

So, depending on how the other results go,

he might just get another chance to propose in the grand final.

Coming up, series two, he was second overall.

Bryson!

Series three, he made it up the Mega Warped Wall.

What will Bryson Klein bring to Melbourne tonight?

I'm coming for the big prize. Mount Midoriyama, I'm coming for you.

Find out if he can lock down a spot in the grand final

next on Australian Ninja Warrior.

BEN: The ninja warrior who powers their way furthest and fastest,

outlasting the others,

will be declared the season's winner and take home $100,000

thanks to Energizer.

It's a big welcome back to the semifinals

of Australian Ninja Warrior.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

And over the break, the Bar Hop accounted for two more ninjas.

REBECCA: Ex-boxer Cody Philp thought he had it finished,

but forgot about the backswing.

FREDDIE: Oh, Cody Philp didn't see that coming.

And it was deja vu for Brisbane parkour enthusiast Michael Boldery.

Oh, comes off at the exact same point as he did in the heats.

But it was better news for Perth ninja Gavin Wilson.

His impressive 194cm wingspan

got him all the way to the Invisible Ladder,

but his long arms gassed out at the halfway point.

A quick leaderboard update now.

Charlie's still on top,

ahead of Josh and Gavin Wilson,

but it's not good news

for Ben Polson

or ex-league star Eloni Vunakece.

Both are right on the cut-off,

and our next ninja is aiming for the top.

Semifinals now. Really psyched for that.

Really keen to get on all the new obstacles.

I've been doing long rock climbs

and I've taken up dirt bike riding.

One of Bryson's main lacks is his balance.

One way we could improve that was to get him out motorbike riding.

What does it say? "I am the next Ninja Warrior."

Getting a bit arrogant, isn't it, after last year's performance?

You're gonna have to do better than last year, buddy.

(LAUGHS)

(DRIVING ROCK GUITAR)

2019, I'm fitter and stronger,

and nothing will hold me back this time.

So, you're gonna giggle and mumble your way to the top? Excellent.

All the way. (LAUGHS)

Yeah, Bryson!

FREDDIE: The boy wonder from the Blue Mountains

who came from nowhere last year.

It's obvious Bryson Klein.

The thing about this kid is I do not think we've seen the best of him.

We've only seen a glimpse, a taste.

He thinks he can go faster. I believe him.

There's dad Matt.

You've got this!

He reckons his son has what it takes

to go all the way to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

Focus, Bryson!

And it all starts now. (CHIME SOUNDS)

Bryson Klein.

I think we're gonna have to move quickly on the sidelines,

because he is gonna put the big ones in.

Come on, Bryson.

This is gonna be a quick time.

He's gonna try and set the standard.

Come on!

Well, the standard tonight is Charlie Robbins -

4:39, the time to beat.

He's on the Rolling Log.

Good grip with hands and feet as the log accelerates down the ramp.

Shake it out!

Just trying to get his bearings for a moment, regaining his composure.

Shake it out. Come on.

Doesn't matter how good you are or how fast you are,

the Rolling Log is gonna make you dizzy.

Take your time!

There's a fair weight on the 20-year-old's shoulder

coming into the semifinals

as one of the red-hot favourites.

I think there were only two footsteps then,

and now he's up on the Ring Toss, and look how smooth he is

compared to Nathan, who we just saw.

He's just flowing through this obstacle.

And they say smooth equals fast, Ben.

He looks like he's taking his time,

but he is six seconds faster than Charlie Robbins to here,

and he is off.

The Bar Hop now It's a dangerous one tonight.

He's up.

Yes! Makes the transition.

Where's Bryson Klein gonna go with it?

Breathes out. Now, this is the tricky one.

It is very, very tricky.

Yeah, Bryson!

He drags that floating bar back so it's got the right amount of lache.

Oh, nearly came off the back. And he's off.

Oh, breathes a huge sigh of relief, Bryson Klein.

Don't worry about the Warped Wall.

Up the Warped Wall. Bryson Klein. Easily done.

Now, he's got in front of him the Salmon Ladder,

the Flying Shelf Grab, the Bouncing Spider,

and then the Invisible Ladder.

You got this!

And he's still got time for a smile.

Shake it out!

And I can tell you he is now 20 seconds faster

than Charlie Robbins.

This guy has it all - fitness, agility, and strength.

He's got that mixed grip - one hand over, one hand under.

He does the three rungs.

Oh, I love this kid!

Onto the Double Shelf Grab.

Fingertips grabbing hold of that shelf.

Just move himself round.

Get the best grip he can so he can lache onto the second shelf.

Oh, yes, Bryson.

Well done, Bryson, and now he gets ready for the Bouncing Spider.

Up he goes into the corridor.

Grips his hands and his legs.

Working perfectly in rhythm, in sync.

Just make sure, on the trampoline,

you hit the 'X' in the middle and bounce to safety.

Yeah, course he was never in doubt.

His time is good, Bec.

He's nearly 40 seconds faster than Charlie Robbins at this point.

And it's just the Invisible Ladder to go.

There's Ben Polson wondering what might have been.

We saw from Charlie Robbins before, he told us how hard this is.

Remember our training!

This, for me, is the biggest test for Bryson Klein.

And now Bryson Klein, well ahead of Charlie, but he's not done yet.

All the way!

Interesting, his technique here,

and he's doing it what the experts say to do,

is use long reaches up.

You get more real estate that way

and you're not gonna be hanging there for so long.

It's like a push and drag,

and now this young man from the Blue Mountains of NSW,

it's really hurting him.

Oh, it is hurting alright. Look at the agony on his face.

This is agony, but soon it will be ecstasy.

He's gritting his teeth, he's gripping those rings.

He's up on top of the roof,

and I think Bryson Klein has done it.

Bryson Klein is through! (KLAXON BLARES)

He is the fastest of the night.

A place in the grand final tastes, oh, so sweet.

Congratulations, Bryson Klein!

Looks slow, goes fast.

That could be the mantra of this incredible athlete.

Bryson always in control,

as he eased his way through the course

faster than anyone else so far tonight.

As the race for the guaranteed $100,000 hots up,

this man is definitely in the running for the cash.

I'm sure you need this, mate.

I think that's the first time

we've seen you really struggle in this competition, going...

Me hair, Bryson! Going... no, no, no!

Going up that Invisible Ladder is probably the first time

we've seen you really struggle in this competition.

How hard is it?

(PUFFS) Very hard! I don't have the biggest biceps.

So, I really struggled.

I had to just use my shoulders,

but there's a little bit of bounce in the rope,

so, I just used that to my advantage.

So, I kept pushing. I was burning, but just kept going.

And how far do you think you can go?

I think I can make it.

What - to the top of Mount Midoriyama?

Mount Midoriyama. I'll be the first Australian to put the flag.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, let's see what your dad thinks of that.

Matthew! Give your dad a shout. Dad!

Come in here, Matthew.

Was that ever in doubt for you tonight?

Yes. It was?

Oh, of course it was. Why, Matthew?

It's Ninja Warrior. You can fall off at any time.

He's Mr Demotivator, this fellow, really!

Matthew, how far can he go? He can go all the way.

Thank you. Finally! Well done, Matthew!

Go on, Bryson. Take your dad away. Well done, fellas.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Bryson is our new leader,

but next, the man who reckons he can beat him.

MAN: I don't really focus on anyone other than myself,

which is why I think that I'm as good as I am.

WA Ninja Academy's Luke Shelton takes on the course,

and Bryson's time, next.

I like to make sure I'm number one.

I like that number next to my name.

I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could win.

Then Olivia Vivian, the last remaining woman in the competition.

Does the grand final await?

I'm putting it out there, I wanna win.

I want to be the first female to win ever.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

REBECCA: Welcome back to Melbourne,

and the last semifinal of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Our last female ninja, Olivia Vivian,

is out in the warm-up area.

She's running soon,

but also getting ready is another impressive competitor.

BEN: Yeah, he trains with Olivia and Ben Polson

at WA's famed Ninja Academy,

and the word on the street is that this ninja has the pedigree

to become the top dog of the WA crew,

gunning for a coveted spot in the grand final.

Here he is - Luke Shelton.

LUKE: I train at Ninja Academy, in Perth.

When I'm training,

I don't really focus on anyone else, other than myself,

which is why I think that I'm as good as I am.

I like to make sure that I'm number one.

I like that number next to my name.

CHILDREN: Good luck, Daddy. We love you!

My girls are two little bundles of joy.

Everything that I do is for them.

I just want to prove to them

that if you put your heart and your soul into something,

that you can achieve whatever you want to achieve.

I want to make it all the way to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

I know that I can. I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could win.

This guy's a big deal at the WA Ninja Academy.

They reckon he's the one to beat. There's a real buzz around him.

And little daughters Isla and Madison watching on.

Same goes for his girlfriend, Alison.

Luke, in the heats, was the furthest fastest

until he came off the Double Squirrel.

He placed eighth in his heat,

but he's looking for furthest fastest tonight.

Bryson Klein is the target.

4:00 the time to beat,

and let's not forget that if Luke gets past the Bar Hop,

he'll push Ben Polson out of the grand final.

The pressure is on.

Yeah, I reckon he can do it, this bloke. Here he goes!

Through the Archer Steps. One down!

Now, the Rolling Log not claimed any of our ninjas tonight.

Is Luke gonna be the first?

All you've gotta do is just hang on for dear life.

When it stops, get off.

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! If it ever stops! It stopped

Oh, where's he going?

Yeah, wasn't letting go of that one,

but now he needs to get his bearings before the Razor's Edge.

Here he goes - shaking his head,

just trying to get that out of his system.

It's a seven-metre run over this bridge

on the Razor's Edge.

You need to build speed off the platform

and then place the feet perfectly on these three razors.

Oh, we've had a few

who've really come close to falling on the last razor.

Go, Daddy!

But he didn't fall, and now he's looking pretty good.

He takes on the Ring Toss,

and he's done plenty of this stuff at the Ninja Academy in WA.

Got the feeling he'll be good at this one.

Strong bloke, not heavy. Not too bulky up top.

Look at that - the control in the arms and the shoulders.

Just getting to the dismount now.

Perfect, and you can just see by the way he moves

the thousands of hours of ninja training he's put in,

but of course, that is no guarantee of success.

Here he goes.

Well, we've lost many on this obstacle, the Bar Hop,

but so far, so good.

Looking good!

Luke Shelton, he's on the solid bar.

Now he's got a floating bar and he's gotta lache.

Every time, this one makes me nervous, this transition,

because it's hard to do it all in one motion, unlike the first one.

He does it. This is the exact spot where Ben Polson came off.

So, if he can get past this,

he knocks his mate out of the grand final.

Yes!

And with that, Ben Polson is out of the grand final.

Just a quick look back to the girlfriend and his two daughters

as he takes on the Warped Wall straight away.

Easily up the top.

Now we know why everyone at the WA Ninja Academy

has got Luke Shelton on their lips.

He's not the fastest to here, but he is quick enough.

About 20 seconds behind Bryson,

and he's neck and neck with Charlie's time.

Up onto the Salmon Ladder.

He's trained on this every single day.

He didn't take too long before attacking this obstacle,

and after the Salmon Ladder,

you've got the Flying Shelf Grab,

and if your arms aren't rested enough,

you're gonna find it hard to hang onto this shelf.

Can he grip it? Yes, he does!

Go!

Gee, this guy is looking strong in this competition.

Could it be his year this year?

He's picked up the pace here, though.

Onto the Bouncing Spider.

Look at the time.

Three minutes down.

Four minutes the time to beat, and he is coming home fast!

It's called the Bouncing Spider

'cause you gotta bounce and get through those punching bags,

and now he's getting ready for the final obstacle

in this semifinal run.

It's called the Invisible Ladder.

Bryson reached the top in four minutes.

Luke's got 30 seconds to try to beat that.

It's gonna hurt.

Grimacing as he moves.

Trying to use the legs as well for a little bit of rhythm.

It's a pulley motion - pull and push.

Gotta engage it all to get up this chimney.

He's at the halfway mark - four metres.

He's got another four metres to go,

but look how much determination he's got.

Come on, Luke Shelton!

They tell me these Aussies are tough, these Aussies never give in!

Let's see what this Aussie's got. Come on, Dad!

He's not giving up, Bec! He's at the five-metre mark.

He's not too far away from the six-metre mark.

It's an eight-metre climb. He's got two metres to go!

Oh, the arms!

Can he dig really deep and find it?

He's gonna do it! Without doubt, this guy will not give up.

His arms are saying,

"Please, spare me. Let me off the hook. I've had enough."

But his heart and his mind say, "No, we're gonna keep going.

"We're gonna go all the way.

"We're gonna go to the top of this Invisible Ladder."

He's not giving up!

"We're gonna make our way onto the roof!"

Oh, no!

Oh, he's gone!

Luke Shelton has been caught in the net.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

But he's through to the grand final.

He looks disappointed, but he really shouldn't be.

He was only one metre away from the ceiling

and making it through, and pressing his hand on the buzzer.

I gather you don't want that, don't you?

You take a swig of that first.

All round the course, you was looking so comfortable

until you came to the last obstacle.

Can you tell everyone how tough that is?

Um, well, as you saw, I just ran out of gas,

and, yeah, couldn't get up any further.

Well, the family on the side. Your two daughters there.

It must help, having them on the sidelines, cheering you on.

Yeah, big time.

I keep looking down at them and seeing how excited they are,

and having them down here pushed me as far as I went.

Go and see them, mate. Well done, Luke.

One of WA's finest, Luke Shelton, through to the grand final.

Sadly, Ben Polson gone.

At least you didn't fall in the water.

I know. That was good, wasn't it?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Looking at the leaderboard now.

Bryson's time still on top,

ahead of our two other finishers,

Charlie and Josh.

Luke Shelton's climbed his way

into fourth place,

which is bad news for

his Ninja Academy training partner,

Ben Polson,

who, for the first time,

misses out on a grand final place.

A huge surprise for everyone.

Perhaps Olivia Vivian will be able to make amends.

We'll find out after the break.

The final ninja of the semifinals

and the last woman standing in the competition.

Don't miss the amazing talents of Olivia Vivian

as she shoots for a place in the grand final,

next on Australian Ninja Warrior.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

REBECCA: Well, what a night it has been so far.

Welcome, everybody, back to Australian Ninja Warrior.

I think it's about to get a whole lot better

with our next competitor.

Yeah, that's right.

Last year Olivia Vivian was the star

who backflipped her way up the Warped Wall,

and now it's her semifinal mission.

She wants to go all the way to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

She's such an inspiration to young girls.

There have been more than 39 million views

of her runs on YouTube.

Let's make some noise for Olivia Vivian!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

I'm... I'm so excited and so appreciative

of being back in the semis.

Looking back on the history of Australian Ninja Warrior,

I don't think any female's hit a buzzer in the semifinal.

I have trained really hard. I'm feeling strong.

It's done nothing but sort of just keep me rolling and fired,

and I don't just want to do well for me this season.

I want to do well for everyone that's followed and been inspired.

People stop me and ask for photos,

and it was really humbling -

they thanked me for being a strong role model to their children.

Tonight I want it - I really want that course completion,

and that's gonna be my complete focus,

and hopefully be the first female to do that.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

FREDDIE: Here she is - Olivia Vivian, from Western Australia.

How can we forget this girl?

Backflips her way up the Warped Wall in season two.

Did the splits this time round,

but tonight she's seen boyfriend Ben Polson fall out early.

She's fighting the fight for that couple.

Come on, babe!

That's right, Freddie.

There is so much riding on Olivia's shoulders tonight.

Last woman standing,

and she's doing it for the WA Ninja Academy

and partner Ben Polson.

Of course, in Ninja,

there are no allowance for gender.

So, Olivia's equation is simple.

She needs to get past the Bar Hop to secure a grand final position.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

And she is off.

Flies across the Archer Steps.

She was the only woman to make it into the grand final last year.

Will she make it into the grand final this year?

Here she goes now on the Rolling Log.

Like a ragdoll, she almost got thrown off!

That's as close as we've seen someone tonight

to being ejected from the Rolling Log.

And that would have been an absolute disaster

so early on in this run.

Come on, Olivia. We need our last female ninja to get through.

Take your time, baby!

Olivia Vivian is just playing through in her mind

how she's gonna take on the Razor's Edge.

The Razor's Edge can slip out from underneath your feet at any moment.

Look at her eyeballing them, and here she goes - one, two, three!

Sorted.

She is formidable, and deserves to celebrate that one.

Five men came off that obstacle last night.

So, that in itself is an outstanding achievement.

This is the Ring Toss,

a more familiar obstacle for her, as an ex-gymnast.

She's got strong grip, great body awareness,

and look at her move through these pegs.

Needs to watch that second peg on the way down.

No stopper there.

Straighten yourself up! Make sure you're straight!

Easily swings past it.

And here comes the dismount. No issue here for Olivia Vivian.

Yeah!

Now, this one is going to be nerve-racking for her.

Ben Polson, her boyfriend, came off on the Bar Hop.

Come on!

It's very nerve-racking for him to watch his loved one

attempt the obstacle that ruled him out.

OK, Olivia Vivian,

I think everyone wants to make sure

that you go through to the grand final.

Gee, that's skilful!

Looking so strong, holding on to that bar.

Let's go! Come on!

OK. Gee, it takes some nerve to do this.

Look at her checking out the solid bar behind her.

Looking at the floating bar in front.

Go, Vivian! Oh, yes!

She sticks the transition

that Ben Polson and nine others could not tonight.

That is how challenging this obstacle is.

This is huge for Olivia Vivian! Ohh!

That outstanding move has just put Olivia in the top ten and past Ben.

Oh, she enjoys that moment,

and we are celebrating with you!

Look at the face on him. Look at him.

"Oh, gotta smile, but, yeah, she's beat me."

Yeah, she's got the bragging rights alright,

but there are four more super tough obstacles to complete.

Come on, Olivia. We want you to go all the way.

CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Here she goes - Warped Wall. What's she got for us?

Olivia Vivian, she blows a kiss,

and backflips her way up the Warped Wall.

You go, girlfriend! (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

I know - it was good, it was good,

but you got the rest of the course to go, Olivia.

We wanna see you up the Invisible Ladder.

In past seasons,

she's had problems on this Salmon Ladder.

Yeah, she has.

Take your time. Take a breather.

Here she goes - making the leap on the Salmon Ladder.

She's got the mixed grip. She's been training for this.

Up, Olivia. Push!

Two. Go again!

Three. Yes! She has done it.

Look at the girls go wild,

and Olivia Vivian, yes, she pokes the tongue out.

She's loving it! She's so cheeky.

This is what it's all about.

2.4 metres, she's gotta get across.

The grip is good! The grip is even better on the second one!

Olivia Vivian, you are a superstar!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Everything she does just looks so good.

Moving up the leaderboard too,

past Nathan Ryles into sixth place and climbing.

And the crowd says, "We love you, Olivia Vivian,"

and she says, "I love you too."

OK, come on, two obstacles left!

Look at her shake it all out.

She's gotta get herself fresh, she's gotta pace herself.

Can she finish this course?

Bouncing Spider.

Into the corridor. Perfect technique.

Moving through the see-through walls.

Watch as the gap now comes up to the tramp.

Just needs to drop on it, and then she's almost home.

Easier said than done, but she does it.

Olivia Vivian!

Now, this is going to be a hell of a challenge for her.

Take all the time you need.

Shaking out the hands, preparing for the Invisible Ladder.

This is a real burn.

Rest for as long as you want.

It all comes down to this.

This ladder has taken out some of our top male ninjas.

One of her training partners, Luke Shelton, failed just here.

Last year's furthest fastest, Rob Patterson.

Ashlin Herbert struggled to get up.

Can Olivia Vivian show them how it's done?

Now, just have a listen to how quiet this crowd has become.

We might just go quiet as well and see what happens here.

Come on, babe!

Let's go!

Olivia Vivian - she's doing well so far.

Arms going, legs going. I reckon she's suited to this.

Not too much weight to take up that top.

Oh, my girl!

I'm gonna say this - this is the best technique I've seen tonight

on the toughest obstacle on the course!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

I've got tingles, Rebecca Maddern.

I can't believe what I'm seeing.

Olivia Vivian has pulled off the most incredible performance

on the Invisible Ladder tonight!

She hits the buzzer!

Olivia Vivian! Yes! Wow!

Olivia Vivian, how good was that?

You are a superstar!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Olivia Vivian has taught everyone

how to conquer that most difficult obstacle, the Invisible Ladder,

and look at the sign of relief on her face.

What a superstar!

What a superstar!

On a course that's defeated some of the biggest names in ninja,

Olivia Vivian showed just how brilliant she is.

She became the first Australian woman to hit a semifinal buzzer,

and won her way through to the grand final in the process.

Oh, my god!

Oh, oh, easy, Olivia, easy! Have some water.

Thank you. Have some water.

Olivia, tell us all about it.

I wanted that buzzer bad! (LAUGHTER)

So, I really... I really did.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

I straightened my hair. There was no way I was getting wet today.

What was it like, watching Olivia do that, then?

Look, it's amazing, you know?

She's trained all year and it's come down to this moment,

and you know, last semifinal, she didn't quite finish the course,

and for her, unless you finish the course,

you always feel that little bit of failure,

even if you make it through.

So, she wanted that buzzer, and she went there, and she did it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Olivia, I'm gonna have to ask you,

you've made it through to the grand finals.

Can you be the first girl to win Australian Ninja Warrior?

Watch me.

I'll leave you to it. (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Olivia, Ben, congratulations. Well done, Olivia.

And we will be watching Olivia Vivian

as we look to the final ten ninjas

heading into the grand final

next Sunday.

The top four

all completed the course.

Bryson climbed fastest,

ahead of golfer Charlie Robbins,

Josh O'Sullivan,

and the unparalleled performance

of Olivia.

Nathan Ryles will get

another chance to propose,

finishing in seventh.

Danial Wyles-Wall

rounding out the ten.

Bec, Ben, well, another explosive night of ninja action,

with the last ten grand final places filled.

Each one of these guys next to me

has well and truly earned their place,

with special mentions going firstly to scratch golfer Charlie Robbins,

not just for his amazing run, but also look at that dress sense!

He's wearing a belt!

(LAUGHTER)

Let's not forget as well Olivia Vivian,

who is definitely well on her way to Mount Midoriyama,

but tonight, top of the leaderboard, it was Bryson Klein,

the wonder kid who went the furthest in the least amount of time,

and I tell you what,

this kid has definitely arrived in this competition.

So, the coveted spots in our season grand final

are now officially full.

These athletes tonight join the best from the week

to make up the line-up for next week's grand finals.

Over two huge nights, from next Sunday,

we'll find out who has what it takes

to stand alone as the winner of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Remember, someone this season is guaranteed

to pick up a minimum of $100,000.

But I'm predicting we might just see someone climb the mountain

and walk away with $300,000.

One thing's for sure - we haven't got long to wait to find out.

We'll see you on Sunday. Goodnight! Goodnight!

Next week, it's the grand finals,

and only the best of the best remain.

Unbelievable!

How good was that?! You're a mega star!

Over two epic nights, the new breed of ninjas...

I'm just proper stoked to be here.

..take on seasoned superstars.

I believe I can go all the way.

30 ninjas are left.

One is guaranteed to walk away with $100,000

as our furthest fastest winner,

but will anyone climb their way to the top of the mountain

and claim the 300,000

and the title of Australia's first Ninja Warrior?