All language subtitles for Australian.Ninja Warrior.S05E03.WEBRip.9Now.en

Last night...

Whoa!
How good's that?

..under the watchful eye
of Nick Kyrgios...

REBECCA:
Straight up the Warped Wall!

What did I just witness?

..Mount Midoriyama's fury exploded.

ALL: Oh!

The mountain might be angry,

but that didn't worry
Flashlin Ashlin Herbert.

He blitzed the course.

Right up that Warped Wall!
Whoa!

Then won the battle
on the Power Tower.

Books his place straight into
the grand final.

Mount Midoriyama,
I'm coming for you.

It's a night of ninja royalty

with an incredible seven
previous grand finalists...

I don't care how angry
Mount Midoriyama is,

this year,
I'm getting up that thing.

..as the battle of
man versus mountain heats up.

And it's couples night.

There's Travis Edwards and his
partner the Koori Ninja,

Jessica Russell.

And I'm hitting the buzzer
this year.

Could nanny Judith Carol and her
paramedic boyfriend Mat Hitchins-Read

become our next ninja power couple?

I'd love it if Mat and I
could make the Power Tower together.

That would be a pretty awesome
showdown, I think.

And we've got an Olympian
in the house -

Ky Hurst.

I've never been so nervous.

Maybe he'll end up on the Power Tower
for a shot at a fast pass

to the grand finals.

One thing's for certain,

Mount Midoriyama won't be
making it easy.

(SLAM)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

(GRAND MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Welcome to Australian Ninja Warrior.

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

Here at Sydney's Olympic Park,

some of the greatest athletes
in the world have made history.

Tonight, it's our Ninja's turn
to do the same

as they tackle the toughest
obstacle course ever devised.

It's gonna be huge, Bec.

Competing on the course tonight
a host of incredible ninjas

who've been training all year
for this moment.

There are plenty of first timers,

and many with some serious
ninja pedigree -

Jordan Papandrea and Ryan Solomon

are among seven returning
grand finalists,

including last year's runners-up.

Yes, two of the biggest guns
are back -

2019's furthest fastest
Charlie Robbins and Zak Stolz.

They both conquered Mount Midoriyama
last season,

but narrowly missed
grabbing the title.

We know Mount Midoriyama
wants revenge,

but so do these guys.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Tonight, our ninjas begin
their quest

for the Ninja Warrior crown.

Here are the obstacles
they'll have to face.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

The five Shrinking Steps

are the hardest starting obstacle
we've ever had.

Ten ninjas over the last two weeks
know that pinpoint accuracy

is required.

Obstacle two is:

Strength and timing are vital

to get to the rope
which is attached to a bungee.

Grab it too low and ninjas
could hit the water.

(BUZZER)

The Cyclone Spinner is a brand-new
obstacle this season.

So far it's taken out 14 ninjas.

Complete four full rotations
and the ninja should be safe.

Anything less and there are
no guarantees.

If they make it past
the Cyclone Spinner,

the ninjas must pick their path
to the Walked Wall.

Path A is slower with two obstacles
that are known, but difficult.

The first:

Each shelf 2.1m apart
with just a narrow ledge to grab.

The other body punishment continues
with the:

The longer they spend
on this obstacle

the tougher it becomes.

If the ninjas choose
the faster path B,

they'll step into the unknown.

Their strength, speed, and reactions
will be tested on the Ring Chaser.

Olivia Vivian came unstuck
on this obstacle in heat one.

Clockwork is next
and hand eye coordination is vital,

because all the cogs are connected
and the ninja's target is moving.

Complete either path and the new
and bigger Warped Wall awaits.

This season, it's 10cm higher,

which means getting to the buzzer
is harder than ever.

Now as we know, speed is the key
here on Ninja Warrior.

You want to go as fast as you can,

because this season,
the Power Tower's back, Ben.

That's right.

The two fastest ninjas
over the course tonight

will face each other
on the Power Tower.

Up for grabs
an incredible advantage -

it's an express pass straight into
the grand final...

Wow.

..bypassing the semi-finals
altogether.

That means 19 ninjas will move
forward after tonight's heat.

One straight to the grand final,

the other 18 will have to
summon the courage

and take on the punishment
of a semi-final course

that's harder than ever.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

This season, the ninja who goes
furthest farthest overall

will walk away with $100,000.

Conquer Mount Midoriyama,

and that prizemoney doubles, Bec,
to $200,000

and with that comes the title
of Australian Ninja Warrior 2021.

(CHEERS)

OK, it's time for the ninjas
to do their thing.

Here we go!

Given how brutal this course has been
over the last two nights,

we're sending out
some heavy hitters early.

The first ninja tonight ready to
rise to the challenge

is a man with more course experience
than most.

He is a three-time grand finalist

and one of 12 ninjas to have
competed in every season.

It is Ryan Solomon.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Ninja Warrior's been a huge part of
my life for the last three years.

Basically, season one I had
Amy supporting me there

as my girlfriend.

Arms bent! Bend your arms!

Yes! Come on, baby!

In season two, I dropped the knee
and we got engaged.

Between season two and three
we ended up getting married

and not long after that we found out
that we were pregnant.

And at 18 weeks in we found out
sadly that our little girl Lola

wasn't going to make it.

Took its toll mentally, physically
on both of us.

But yes, we pushed through,
we were stronger as a couple,

and we've been so blessed to have
a healthy, happy little boy

here with us now.

Give Daddy a kiss.

Mwah.

This year I've got the ultimate
motivation to take it all the way

and prove to my son River
that his dad is a Ninja champion.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

And that's Amy and River
on the sideline.

And great news - River is about to
become a big brother!

Congratulations, guys.

Will he take the top -
of course he will,

it's Ryan Solomon -
that's what he does.

That's his trademark.

(WOMEN SCREAM)
Wow.

He wasn't going to
let his fan club down.

And something else to have a look at
is his record.

Three out of the four times
he's competed

he's made the grand finals.

Is this the year he goes all the way?

Wife Amy and young River will
certainly be hoping so, Ben.

(BUZZER)

OK, there it goes,
that's the buzzer.

Ryan Solomon - the first ninja
of heat three for 2021

and he is powerfully over
the Shrinking Steps.

They've troubled plenty of ninjas,
but not so for Ryan.

He's onto the second obstacle.

He came off this in a grand final
way back in season one.

The Big Dipper to Rope -
you've got to nail the launch.

You don't want to launch at the end
- it flips your legs up,

you do the back whacker.

He's one of our heavier ninjas -
there he goes.

Yes!

It scares me every time.
Oh!

Oh, the Cyclone Spinner.

I feel dizzy already.

Don't worry, Crawf.

Although, 14 ninjas have failed
on this in the last two nights.

I love this obstacle -
it's all about technique here.

Ryan, he needs to wedge his feet in
and get his body close to that disc.

Feet in looks good,
standing quite high though.

One. Two.

Oh, he's off!

Ryan Solomon!

He's hit the water.

Ryan Solomon's gone!

We can not lose Ryan Solomon.

Surely not.

What went wrong?

Well, you better have a look
at the replay.

And you said it, Bec,
it's about technique,

and look where Ryan's shoulders are.

They should be below his hands.

His legs are straight,
he goes upside-down,

and there's no applying any pressure.

It just didn't give him
the help he needed.

That's not the start that any of us
were expecting.

Oh, this is a massive blow.

What's going through your head?

Oh, mate, that thing's unreal.

It's, um... Yeah, It's unlike
anything you can ever train for.

It's a weird feeling up and down
trying to lock it in

and I felt my feet going
after the first time around

and I just tried to hold it.

But it's not forgiving at all

and I wish the next ninjas
the best of luck with it.

It's a tricky one.

Good on you, mate. Well done.

Go see the family.

Thanks a lot, Shane.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

REBECCA: Well, Mount Midoriyama
towers over this course.

It is standing there
saying,

"If you want a shot
at this title,

"you are going to have to
prove yourself worthy."

A three-time grand finalist
might not make the cut! Wow!

Alright, what can our next ninja
bring to the battle?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

From a tiny town in country NSW,

this hard-working farmer ready to
have a real crack at the course.

Please welcome Jim MacArthur.

Woo!

Hello, Jim.

It's like someone drew a picture of
a farmer and made it come to life.

G'day, I'm Jimmy MacArthur,
a farmer from Tambar Springs NSW.

(COUNTRY MUSIC)

Ah, I'm running the ninja course
'cause I wasn't smart enough

to get on 'Who Wants to be
a Millionaire?'

Yeah, Nugget, Nugget, Nugget!

You can do it. Nugget!

Nugget!

We've got a mixed farm.

We've got sheep, cattle,
and cropping.

Um, yeah, we're fairly busy
most of the year round.

We don't have a lot of downtime.

But better than sitting in
an office -

I don't really have
the attention span for that.

Yeah.

(WHISTLES) Here, go back!

With farm work there is a lot of
physical stuff going on

like moving cattle and lifting
machinery and heavy stuff.

Yeah, keeps you on your toes
all the time.

Might have a good bit
of grip strength

for all the physical stuff I do.

Might be a bit nimble on my feet
chasing a few things around.

But yeah, we'll just see
how we go.

(UPBEAT MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Hello, Harry, that's Jim's sister
here to support her

not so little brother.

He's got new wheels.

Oh, brand spanking new.

Never been worn by the look of it.

Crawf, can you get a look
at the new shoes for us?

He's definitely got
farmer's sneakers.

Those shoes have holes in 'em!

But they might be
lucky country shoes.

Go, Jim!

(BUZZER)

OK, the buzzer has gone.

Come on, Jim.

Five Shrinking Steps to get through.

Oh, Jim MacArthur is gone!
Oh! He's out!

No!

You know what? They'll all be
cheering him on.

He'll have a story to tell when
he gets home to Tambar Springs.

Short story,
but a story all the same.

Let's have a look at the story now.

I hate to say it,
it might've been the shoes.

His accuracy was good
on the first two steps,

not bad on the third.

He overshoots the fourth
and slips off.

Farmer Jim gets a drenching.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Jim, oh, my goodness,
look at that farmer.

What a body for a farmer.

Hey, I got your hat.
Congratulations.

Well done for being
a part of the show.

Yeah, no, that's alright.

What happened?

Oh, you know, just lost me feet,
yeah.

Bit uncoordinated.

Happens to the best of us.

Yes, of course.

Now how long have you been training?

'Cause you train on the farm,
is that right?

Yeah, yeah, not long enough,
obviously.

(LAUGHTER)

Maybe it was your shoes.

'Cause I noticed before you started
they've got a few holes in them.

I was meant to buy a new pair today
but I kind of ran out of time.

So, yeah.

Thank for coming.

Put your hands together
for our country boy!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

It's a tough course tonight,
Bec,

not just for our new ninjas,

but also for those with
plenty of experience.

It's time to bring out another
of our heavy hitters.

When we talk about elite ninjas,

this guy is always in
the conversation.

In his three previous seasons

he's made the grand final
three times!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Last year in the semis

he went head-to-head with Zak Stolz
on the Power Tower.

He's a gymnast and Ninja Warrior
superstar.

(BUZZER)

It's Jordan Papandrea!

She loves him.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

There are many reasons I'd like to
win back to ninja.

A lot of it's sort of redemption

and proving that I can get past
these obstacles.

The goal and the objective
stays the exact same for me

regardless of how difficult it is.

From day one,
Mount Midoriyama was the thing

that I just wanted to have a go at.

I know what I'm capable of
and I know what I need to do

and I'm determined to
nail this course.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Get comfortable, Australia,
Jordan Papandrea is in the house

and he is good.

Sit back and enjoy this.

REBECCA: Ah-ha. That is Jordan's
girlfriend, Tilly,

and father Lee on the sideline.

They'll be providing
plenty of support.

This guy's a real contender.

If anyone can crush this course
it's this man right here.

Could this be the year
that Jordan Papandrea does it?

(BUZZER)

OK, here he goes.

Step one, two, three, four, five
and through.

That's it.

Yo! Superb footwork from Jordan.

Now obstacle two -
the Big Dipper to Rope.

Come on, Jordy!

If you want to know how to
nail this obstacle,

just watch how Jordan does it.

This will be flawless.

Here he goes.
Oh, that beautiful technique.

Launches himself beautifully,
grabs the rope up high

and he's safe.

This is the Cyclone Spinner -
a disk with handles and toe clips.

A 7m long track
and a dismount pad at the end.

It just took out Ryan Solomon.

Jordan Papandrea wants to smash it.

It's all about technique this.

You've got to get your body flat
to that disc and off he goes.

Four full rotations
to get to the end.

Hang in there, mate.

That is two - looking good,
looking strong.

He's got it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Oh, has he? NO!

(BUZZER)

He made it!

Just at the last minute,
that is shattering.

He will be absolutely devastated.

What is going on tonight?

We need to look at the replay.

I think everyone is shocked -
he was looking good.

Maybe a touch high
on the Cyclone Spinner.

His legs straightening out a little
bit when he was upside down

and maybe he could
feel himself going.

But you can see here
he spots the landing,

he releases early,
and it just isn't far enough

to get onto the crash pad.

Such high hopes and well, who knows?

Ryan and now maybe Jordon -
will they make the semis?

Jordon, there's your towel.

How are you feeling?

Mate, I've seen better days.

You know, um... Ah!

God, that sucks, man.

That really does suck.

I honestly, I had such good hopes
this year

and been training hard
and the course is angry

and I'm pretty angry back at it.

And hopefully I can still
get a chance for the semis.

I got here kind of a decent time,
but I'll see how it goes.

Good on you, well done.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Well, he's right about the course
being angry.

It's a different kind of beast
this year.

It's been testing the ninjas.

OK, heat three.

It started off with some shocks.
Are there more on the way?

(SLAM)

Coming up,

can Zak Stolz and Charlie Robbins
repeat last season's performance

by making it all the way
to the mountain?

Revenge will be served,
but by who?

And next, riot squad police officer
Jeffrey Mercado,

he can handle an angry mob,

can he handle the anger
of the mountain?

Mount Midoriyama - you have
the right to remain silent.

Plus, we have a new
ninja power couple.

Jessica Russell - the Koori Ninja,
and Travis Edwards.

And nanny Judith Carol and paramedic
partner Mat Hitchins-Read -

they're both up for
the challenge, too.

REBECCA: From Western Australia
to the Sunshine Coast,

professional race car drivers
to professional ironmen,

and iron grandpas.

Which ninjas have got what it takes

to conquer the toughest course
the heats have ever seen

and secure a fast pass to
the grand final on the Power Tower?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(SLAM)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS

REBECCA: Welcome back to
Australian Ninja Warrior

from Sydney's Olympic Park -

a place where hopes and dreams
are realised

and shattered in equal measure.

I'll tell you what,
that Cyclone Spinner

has been the bane
of many competitors.

Ryan Solomon, a three-time
grand finalist came unstuck on it.

And in another shot,
Jordan Papandrea,

who got all the way to
grand final two last year,

and he hit the water, too,
in a slower fashion.

Both of them feeling the full force
of Mount Midoriyama's anger,

both now at risk of not making the
semis because of the Cyclone Spinner.

Well, let's see now our next ninja
tackles it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Bush fires, floods,
lockdown protests,

this Sydney police officer has
certainly had a busy 12 months.

And now here he is on Ninja Warrior,
The Enforcer ninja,

Jeffrey Mercado.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

(CHANTING)

And have a look at
The Enforcer's contingent -

they're all fired up.

My name is Jeffrey Mercado,

I am a returning ninja
from season two.

Up, up, up!

Yeah, home!

And I am in the riot squad.

(DARK MUSIC)

2020 has been a crazy year
for frontline workers.

I spent a lot of time helping out
evacuation during the bush fires.

Then the flood follows.

And soon after that,
we were hit with the COVID.

Unfortunately,
as a front-line worker,

this is the sort of thing
that we have to be ready for

and the sacrifices
that we have to make.

We have to be performing the best
during someone else's worst time.

We're risking our lives
for other people.

The reward that I get
as a frontline worker

is the little things that I do,
that we do, it counts,

because we do the jobs that
most people don't want to do.

I'm back for season five

because this year I really want to
represent the frontline workers.

I want to recognise them for their
hard work and effort and sacrifice

they put during these crazy times,
and this is for you.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

REBECCA: Aw. There she is,
baby Aurora,

and Jeffrey's partner, April.

Baby Aurora not so keen on
Australian Ninja Warrior. (LAUGHS)

But Daddy is,

and at this present moment,
that's all that matters.

OK, he's pumped
and he's ready to go.

His first challenge is
the Shrinking Steps.

(BUZZER)

It's by far the toughest
first obstacle we've had

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Nicely done, in full control!

Can he do well, Crawf?
He's a big bloke, too - 185cm

and 95kg.

Now Big Dipper to Rope.

He'll be hanging on to almost
double his body weight

at the bottom of this dip.

It's a curved track and then
you've got to hit the rope high.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

He's done it.

The crowd's going off.

What a show of strength.

The strong arm of the law there.

Now he faces an even
greater challenge.

And he's about to have his world
turned upside down

on the Cyclone Spinner.

Crawf, what's Jeffrey got to do
to stay on?

Keep your bum flat -
that's the key.

Push your bum in as close to
the spinner as possible.

Oh, no. Oh, no.

Oh, no.
Oh, he's wrestling it!

Oh, no, he's gone.

He's gone.

And look at the agony in the crowd.

Ben, I'm getting worried.

Not one single ninja has got past
obstacles three.

Not many people can do what you do!

Oh, and it hasn't changed the mood
of little Aurora, either.

Well, at 95kg, it was always
going to be a tough challenge

for The Enforcer.

He showed great power on
the Big Dipper to Rope

and it saved him there.

But you can't muscle your way
through the Cyclone Spinner -

it's about technique.

And have a look at Jeffrey's feet.

It's really only his toes
that are sticking in.

Once he's upside down,
there was no way of hanging on.

Here we go, Jeff, well done.

Whoa.

Thank you so much.

It is a brutal course, isn't it?

You know what?
Like, that's really, really hard.

Like, 'cause of my size 12 feet,
I couldn't lock it in there.

I thought I had it,
I thought I was gonna stop

and you know, reassess again,
but that didn't quite work.

Hey, and what about your
support crew - incredible.

Oh, they're awesome.
Guys, thank you so much!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

I wish I'd done better,
but you know,

and I just want to say to
all the frontline workers

that dedicated their time
during this craziness,

thank you all so much

and you guys don't get enough credit
for what you do.

So I ask the public that you know
if you see one of us

frontline workers -

your firies, your doctors,
your nurses, your cops,

give us a thumbs up,
not the other finger...

(LAUGHTER)

..and Australia, I hope I'll be back
next season.

And that mountain - that's it.

The mountain's got your name on it.

Well done. Go see the family,
you're a legend.

Good on you.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

REBECCA:
Ah, couldn't agree more, Crawf,

it has been a year
full of craziness.

And we extend our thanks to
all those frontline workers

who have been working tirelessly
through what has been

a very challenging
year.

100% we say thank you to them.

Righto, time to bring out
our next ninja.

After a shock exit last year
in the heats,

the nanny from Sydney
is back with a vengeance.

Let's make some noise
for Judith Carol.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Judith! Woo!
Woo!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)
Woo!

Go, Judith!

When I was 11 or 12 I was at
the Australian Institute of Sport

and Olivia Vivian and the rest of
the Austrian team

that were going to the Olympics
were all there training

and I got her signature

and it was pretty cool to get
someone that big in my sport

to meet me.

But today I'm here to give her
a run for her money.

Do you want something to eat?

Since running the course last year

I've been spending
a lot of my time nannying.

I look after two girls
that are five and nine.

I do like to try and be a role model
for not necessarily just Ninja,

but being active and giving
everything a good go.

(LAUGHS) Yeah.

What do you think I'll be good at?

If there's anything with laches.

Some of the other ninjas
might just think

that I'm a nanny who isn't going to
do that well,

but I'm definitely going to show
them that I can make it to the end.

I think you are going to be epic.

(LAUGHS) Epic? I hope so!

Come on, Judith!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Look at the concentration
of Judith Carol.

Last year, got really nervous
at the start.

She said that really affected
her performance.

Been practising a lot of meditation

just to get her head
in the right headspace.

Can she be a real challenger
to Olivia Vivian?

Plenty of support
on the sidelines tonight.

That's the family Judith nannies for.

Her best friend Laura's there,
boyfriend Mat Hitchins-Read

who we'll see on the course later.

And word is he is a bit of a weapon.

Well she is looking really
focussed now and she needs to be.

(BUZZER)

This is a daunting course.

Her first job - the Shrinking Steps.

And she's made it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Now she's onto obstacle two,
the Big Dipper to Rope.

She means business,
I'll tell you what.

It wasn't a nervous start,
it was a perfect start.

Judith looking a little hesitant.

Now she needs to grab the rope high.

Yes, she has got it high!
Yes.

Eat your heart out, Mary Poppins,
this nanny can fly!

But now, oh, the obstacle no ninja
has made it past tonight.

This tests the strength
of the lower body.

Judith will have to hang on
with all she's made of.

Being flat here is the key
in using all four points of contact

to apply pressure would help her
stay on.

She has to be low and close.

Oh, not that close enough to me,
this could be bad.

She's looking a little loose.

Oh!

She's in trouble!

Oh! Somehow though, Judith has
become the first ninja tonight

to complete the Cyclone Spinner!

How did she do that?

Now she's got a decision to make.

She's gone A - no hesitation at all.

What can this northern beaches nanny
do next?

She's halfway through the course,
but she's got a long way to go.

I think this is an
interesting choice.

The best females from heats
one and two chose path A.

Is it possible Judith Carol
can go further?

She's 172cm tall, the distance
between the shelves is 2.1m.

The gap is wider than she is tall.

She did that brilliantly.
She's got control.

Yeah, and look how she winds up
for the lache.

Drives high with her hips and legs.

Yes.
Oh!

One more jump to go.

She's taking some big breaths now.

Let's just see if she's got
enough gas to hold...

She does.

This is incredible.

Now a 3m wide gap.

If she makes this,
she's onto obstacle five.

Come on, Judith.

Yes! She's done it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Have a look at her mates
on the sideline absolutely losing it

because Judith Carol is one obstacle
away from the Warped Wall.

Standing in her way,
the Floating Monkey.

Judith will have to dig deep here.

Yeah, it's a complex obstacle.

Has the ninja nanny
got enough in the tank

for obstacle five?

She's onto the fixed bar
and the next one now.

These two bars move.

You've got to take them with you.

She locks it in - good work, Judith!

Oh, she's just missed that one.
Whoa!

Now she recovers.

That's OK, every ninja
needs a bit of luck.

If Judith completes this obstacle,

she will have earned a spot
at the Warped Wall.

Come on, Judith!

And now she's got a chance to do it.
Yes! Look at that!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

She's the first female to
the Warped Wall this season.

Can she hit the buzzer?

Now ninjas get three attempts
to remind you to get up the wall.

It is 10cm higher than last year,

and this could be the difference
between hitting a buzzer or not.

ALL CHANT: Beat that wall!

In our history of Ninja,

only eight females have made it up
the Warped Wall.

Can Judith make it nine?

The Sydney crowd has got a chance
to cheer on the 24 year old

from their own home town.

The family she nannies watching
closely on the sideline.

Three shots at the Warped Wall.
Hopefully she won't need it.

4.35m in height.

Sucking in the oxygen.
Here she goes.

Running, pumping the arms.
Here we go!

Go!

Oh, surely the ninja gods
won't be this cruel.

Judith was so good
through the course.

She has to get up this wall.

Well, she's had a look at it.

She is now being smart,
taking some time.

She's got one goal and that is to

prove to herself she can hit
that buzzer.

Oh, look at her reset
those shoulders. This is it.

CROWD (CHANTING): Beat the wall!

I'm not sure if it's me
or the family

who are more nervous at this point.

This is attempt number two.

OK, here she goes.

Oh!

10cm could be the difference.
Look how close that was.

Last season I reckon that would have
been good enough to get there.

Oh!

Look at Judith's supporters.
They are feeling it.

This will be her third
and final attempt.

You've got it.

She doesn't look to me like someone

lacking confidence about
what she's about to do.

OK, Judith, that's right, get angry.
Let's go up this wall.

Go!

Oh, she's done it!
(CHEERING)

She's done it!
(BUZZER HOOTS)

Oh, my goodness me!

It's unbelievable. Done it Judith!

Oh, my goodness.

Look at the family.

Oh, wow!

How good was that! She made it!

Judith Carroll,
you're superhuman tonight.

That was extraordinary.

Thank you.

Judith, when you were looking at
the family down there you were

smiling at them, you just had this
feeling of confidence about you.

When you turned around and faced
the Wall,

it just looked like
you were gonna make it up there.

Did you feel it before it happened?
(CHEERING)

Yeah, I think on the last go

I was getting a lot of support
and I just had to make it.

Well, you did that and more, Judith.

You should be super proud because

this course has knocked some of our
best ninjas out and you are here.

Congratulations. Go down and see
your family and friends. Well done.

Lets give it up
for Judith Carroll.

And what a superb performance.

Right from the start of the run she

looked like she knew
exactly what she was doing.

Perfect technique on the Big Dipper.

She chanced her arm
on the Cyclone Spinner

but had the spatial awareness
to get away with it.

Almost flawless through
the last two obstacles.

And while she made us wait
anxiously,

Judith Carroll got the game face on

and there was no way this nanny
was going to disappoint the kids.

She came here to do what she had
to do, she whacked that buzzer.

(BUZZER HOOTS)

(CHEERING)

What a performance
from Judith Carroll.

Take that, Mount Midoriyama.

There are ninjas here who can

handle whatever you want to throw
at them.

Alright, stick with us, ninja fans,

the cage has just been rattled
by a new breed of ninja.

How will the old guard respond?

Coming up, two-time grand finalist

Nathan Ryles is back
and he's a man on a mission.

Mount Midoriyama, all you other
ninjas, I'm coming for you.

He is touted as the one to watch

and he is just seen his girlfriend
hit a buzzer.

Paramedic Mat Hutchins-Read
takes to the course.

But they're not the only couple
in town.

You've got the Koori ninja,
Jessica Russell,

and her boyfriend Travis Edwards.

They'll also run.

And later Zak Stolz.
He finished third last year.

Charlie Robbins was second.

They'll start their journey

as they attempt to make back-to-back
climbs of Mount Midoriyama.

(THEME MUSIC)

(CHEERING)

BEN: Welcome back to Australian
Ninja Warrior

where nanny Judith Carroll just

smashed the toughest Ninja Warrior
course we've ever had and became

the first female ninja this season
to scale the Warped Wall.

REBECCA: Oh, my goodness me!

But not everyone
has been so fortunate.

Peter Day, a 29-year-old lifesaver

from Sydney, was hoping his water
skills wouldn't be needed.

But it was a shaky, shaky start.

He did it but I have no idea how.

It's a steep learning curve
for new ninjas

as Peter found out
on the Big Dipper to Rope.

Oh, missed the rope entirely.

Luckily Crawf was on hand
to help him out.

A lifesaver. There we go.

Queensland's Harry Jones,

professional racing car driver,
is used to hitting the course fast.

Here we go.

But a heavy foot on the fourth step

and an early look at the rope

and his race was over
before it even began.

Crash.

From the tiny town of Dongara
in WA,

the youngest ninja of the heat
trained hard in his backyard

and travelled 4,000km to compete.

One, two, three, four...

Oh!

Experience, sadly, is all part
of the ninja journey.

Well Bec, our next ninja
has had quite the journey himself.

Nathan Ryles battled cancer
when he was younger

and the Starlight Foundation
granted him a wish.

Now he's paying it forward

to a massive fan of Ninja Warrior
from South Australia

who just wanted to meet a ninja.

At the age of 19 I was
diagnosed with testicular cancer.

When I was going
through chemotherapy,

that was probably the toughest time
of my life.

The Starlight foundation offered me
this opportunity to

make a wish and my wish involved
going to the Gold Coast.

Now it's my turn to be able to give
back to Starlight Foundation...

BOY: Hello, Nathan.
Hey, guys. How you going?

Good.
Good.

..and give another kid
the opportunity

to make his wish come true.

Who do you think is the best
on Ninja Warrior?

I think it's Charlie Robbins.
Oh, Charlie Robbins!

Cooper is a young boy that I've met
through the Starlight Foundation.

And who is your second favourite?

Ben Polson.
(LAUGHTER)

Unfortunately Cooper was born with
too much fluid on his brain.

It is a serious condition but,
you know, he's such a great kid.

His memory is unreal.

In Season One of Australian Ninja
Warrior State of Origin,

on Round 2 your team fell off
on the second obstacle.

I know. Who was that?
Do you remember?

That was Darren Sutton.

What is your favourite obstacle?

My favourite obstacle would
have to be the Salmon Ladder.

Because you fell on it
in the semi-finals in 2018.

That is a very good memory.

And what about when you fell off
from on Spinning Log.

Yeah, that hurt
quite a bit actually.

Yes.

I fell hard on my face.

Are you ready to hit some obstacles?
Yeah.

Let's do it.

Nathan Ryles bounces off the tramp,

flies onto the second bar,

onto the third one.

Do you reckon I'll get this one,
Coop?

Pretty confident.

I like it! Whoo!

Whoo!

Honestly, this is the most pressure
I've ever felt on Ninja.

I just don't want Cooper to tell me
another time

that I've fallen in the water.

(LAUGHS)

(CHEERING)

Well, we've organised a little bit
of extra support for Nathan tonight.

In the screen now is Cooper.

Hello, Cooper!
Hello.

Hi.

And that's Cooper's mum Charlotte
and brother Mason just beside him.

What do you want to say to Nathan?

Smash it, Nathan.
(LAUGHS)

On that note we've got nothing else
to add. Smash it, Nathan.

I think everyone here outside
the Olympic Stadium

wants to see Nathan Ryles
make it to the Warped Wall.

No doubt about it, Ben,
he's got the credentials.

A two-time grand finalist
last season,

just missed the semis by one place.

He is going to attack this course...

(BELL RINGS)
..with a vengeance.

Here he goes. Nathan Ryles,
Season 5 Australian Ninja Warrior.

Done and dusted the Shrinking Steps.

Cooper is loving that,

watching on all the way
from South Australia

and now he gets ready
for the Big Dipper to Rope.

If you don't have the right
technique here...

You need lots of strength. We know
Nathan Ryles has got plenty of that.

If his legs touch the water
it's game over.

So he's got to hit that rope high.
Here he goes.

He's going for it.

Nathan Ryles, he grabs the rope,
makes it to the landing.

How good is that, Cooper?

I'm loving the confidence.
Yeah.

The calmness.
I like it.

Well, now it's the Cyclone Spinner.

We've seen three ninjas
come off here already tonight.

It's strength, it's technique.
Both are vital.

Hips and shoulders need to be
low, legs bent,

then stay as close to the Spinner as
you can and hang on till it stops.

Watch Nathan's body.

If his body is hard up against
that disc he'll make it.

If it comes away, we lose him.

Hard up against the disc, Nathan.

Oh my goodness, he's almost there!

Yes, Nathan Ryles.

He has done it.

They're now at the crossroads.

He's got to choose his own path,
Crawf.

Now he's got a massive decision
to make. You get a choice.

Do you go with A or B?

A can be slower but safer.

Or do you go with B?

He is now asking the crowd. Help me
through this. I'm three down.

Made his decision.

He has chosen path A which means

they are the obstacles that
our ninjas are familiar with.

They are tough and Nathan
knows that well.

He came off the Flying Shelf Grab
in Season 3 semi-finals,

if you remember,
so this is a bold choice.

Is he thinking better the devil
you know? Is that the thinking?

Is it the right decision?

Obstacle four needs
fingertip strength

and that's hard when you're 90kg,
one of our heavier ninjas.

First of all two parallel bars
onto the shelf.

And the second lache is to
a higher shelf.

He's got to nail it.

Oh!

You can see the disappointment.

Nathan Ryles has once again

come off second best
on the Flying Shelf Grab.

Excruciating.

For a big man he did extremely well,
Nathan Ryles,

on the Cyclone Spinner.

He stayed so close to the disc.

But his undoing was the second
lache on the Flying Shelf Grab.

It just wasn't high enough.

He was flying at the shelf
rather than coming down on it.

His straight arms didn't help.

The fingertips couldn't hold up 90kg
of Nathan Ryles.

Nathan, awesome effort.
Thank you.

I honestly thought I was gonna
get through that obstacle.

I didn't feel gassed at all.

I'm devastated that I couldn't make
it all the way for Cooper but

I just gave him another fall that
he can tell all his mates about.

No, that is inspiring stuff.

What would you like to say
to Cooper?

Oh, Cooper, mate,
you're an inspiration.

You inspire me to keep on
with this fitness journey.

I hope you've had heaps of fun

because I know I had heaps of fun
meeting you, mate.

Good on you. Well done.
(CHEERING)

Great stuff. Lovely bloke.

And Bec, this is shaping up to be
a tough night.

Four experienced ninjas
have hit the water.

And we would have expected them
to hit the buzzer.

Mount Midoriyama sending
a very tough, strong message.

Yep.

I'm sure warning bells will
be ringing

for our former grand finalist
Zak Stolz

and 2019's furthest fastest,
Charlie Robbins,

who will run later
in this heat.

Up next on Australian Ninja Warrior,

paramedic Mat Hutchins Read is ready
to do some damage

and the word is he's a weapon.

And later, can double Olympian
and seven time Ironman champ

Ky Hurst rise to the challenge
of an angry Mount Midoriyama?

(THEME MUSIC)

(CHEERING)

REBECCA: You're watching
Australian Ninja Warrior

where this year the ninjas
get to pick their path

through the course P path A or B.

Yes and on course now
is Luke Filippi

from the Sunshine Coast,
one of the surfing Twinjas.

He's got plenty of Ninja experience
but as we've seen tonight,

that doesn't mean much on obstacle
three, the Cyclone Spinner.

Jordan Papandrea and Ryan Solomon
came off on this obstacle earlier.

Well, his position looks good.

His kids Opi and Ruby watching on
via the big screen.

Now can he hang on
for the four full rotations?

Hips look good, body looks good,
he's going to make it...

Yes.
Oh, he's done it!

He let go early, Crawf but he seemed
to be in total control.

Not over though.
It's decision time P A or B.

He sends some love to the kids.

Breathe bro, breathe.

Brother Matt saying breathe.
Luke has chosen B.

The first ninja to do that.

He's prepared to take a risk
to get to the buzzer.

Now, if he nails the next
two obstacles,

this is a quicker way
to the Warped Wall.

Obstacle four for Luke
is the Ring Chaser.

It starts with a mini tramp

and as soon as Luke hits the first
bar, a ring will roll down

the side of the bars and Luke has to
get to the end in time to catch it.

He'll have to move fast though.

Go, Dad!

Here he goes.

OK. The ring's moving.
Watch the ring!

Yes! What a catch!
That's an awesome catch.

Yes, well done, Luke.

He's got a long way to go.

Now he has to lache from skyhook to
skyhook and the hooks aren't long.

Oh, that is living on the edge.

Oh, that was close to going off.

He's got to figure out a way to get

enough momentum
for the two metre lache.

Get it, Dad!

Yeah, I think you're right, kids.
He can do this.

He is using the monkey bar
for leverage.

Yes!

He has been hanging on for about
30 seconds

and his body seems to be
a bit twisted.

Yeah, he is on a really funny angle.

Oh, no.
Oh!

Luke Filippi...
Bad luck, bro.

..is in the water.

You've just got to wonder
if he chose path A, the obstacles

that he has been on before, would it
have been a different outcome?

Should have, would have, could have.
Let's see what really happened.

He was superb across the bars and
the catch he made was impressive.

But this course is so tough

and ninjas are working out how to
do it while they're on the course.

Luke probably should have swapped
his hands over here

so his body wasn't twisted.

The result was his body swung away
from the hook,

he just couldn't connect with it.

(CHEERING)

Well, it's got to be said, the old
guard really struggling tonight.

They're leaving that door wide open
for new ninjas to make their mark.

Next on course is a man
who fits that bill.

He is considered by many to be
a weapon

and he just happens to be
Judith Caroll's boyfriend.

Welcome Mat Hutchins-Read.
(CHEERING)

Yeah!

My name is Mat Hutchins-Read. I
am a paramedic and I live in Sydney.

(SIREN BLARES)

Being a paramedic,
there is a lot of pressure.

You just always fall back
on your training.

I think that does give me an edge.

It's the same as my rock climbing.

The situations are high-intensity
and there's a lot at stake.

So, Judith and I are very similar
in terms of competition

and climb together.

We do ninja together.

We have a standing wager
of a hot chocolate,

the loser has to buy the winner.

I've bought more hot chocolates.

(LAUGHS)

(CHEERING)

SHANE: Talk about pressure.

This is Judith Carroll's boyfriend.

Whoo! You've got it!

She has made it up the Warped Wall,
hit the buzzer tonight.

On this course, that is going to be
tough to beat.

Hundred percent, Crawf.

On a challenging night,
Judith shocked everyone.

So Mat will be hoping that some
of that magic rubs off on him.

(STARTER BELL RINGS)

It's his turn right now.
Mat Hutchins-Read. He takes off.

And that is a very confident start,

possibly the best we've seen so far
on the first obstacle.

Now the Big Dipper to Rope.

We'll soon see
pretty quickly if he is a threat.

He doesn't look nervous for
a new ninja, it's got to be said.

Lands nicely onto the rope,
onto the mat.

Well done.

Now obstacle three,
the Cyclone Spinner.

Hey, these two may just be
the smokies of our new Season 5.

Well, so far so good but there's
a lot riding on this one.

Mat's 69kg and 175cm tall.

The paramedic will have to be
clinical with his approach.

So far his position looks good.

Look at those back muscles!

He goes upside down, two rotations
to go and he's looking good.

Oh, yes. Solid right to the end.

What a brilliant start
for Mat Hutchins-Read.

What's he gonna do here?
Judith chose path A.

What's Mat gonna do?
He's gone path A too.

He's probably thinking,
if Judith can, I can.

Well, Mat is a rock climber so he
is backing his grip strength here.

You've got it.

Words of encouragement from Judith.

She doesn't look nervous either.

There's an air of calmness and a
measured approach about these two.

It's a tough course and they're
making it look easier than it is.

Alright, Mat has got three
laches ahead of him.

Let's see how we handles it

Beautifully done.

He's pretty to watch.
Where has he come from?

His technique is perfect.

Here he comes again.

Hits it perfectly.

And the trick is he's not overdoing
it. He's being incredibly efficient.

This is a 2.1 metre gap.

No problem whatsoever.

A brilliant run from one of our new
ninjas. Superb control.

Absolutely spot on precision.

Now Mat Hutchins-Read
is on to obstacle five.

If he clears this, he has a shot
at the Warped Wall

and may just knock his girlfriend
off the top of the leaderboard.

Now this is a brand-new ninja
Floating Monkey.

So far he is crushing the course.

Get a good swing on the rope.

Good advice from Judith,
get a good swing.

Experienced ninjas will take
a big step back...

You've got it.
..and then swing up.

As opposed to what Mat's just done.

He's just climbed straight up there.
Ignoring the advice.

Typical boyfriend.
(CHUCKLES)

Look how confident he is.
There is no hesitation.

This really is poetry in motion.

He takes the bars with him
and places them in the cradles.

First time ninja Mat Hutchins-Read,
a paramedic, he is destroying

the toughest course Australia
has ever seen.

What a weapon.

We are witnessing the birth
of a ninja superstar here.

You got it.

Mat Hutchins-Read
is almost at the Warped Wall.

Just the fixed bar to go.

(CHEERING)
Yes!

First time on Australian
Ninja Warrior

and he is tackling this
like a master.

Take note, ninjas,

the new guard have brought
their A game and it is very good.

Rebecca Madden, I want you to call
Mat Hutchins-Read up

the top of this Warped Wall because
if that happens, we're then looking

at a boyfriend versus girlfriend
showdown on the Power Tower.

You've got it, Mat.
Oh, my goodness.

Season 5 is throwing up
all sorts of things here.

Mat, get yourself up.
Yes!

He grips it, he throws the leg over,
he's gonna put a hand on the buzzer.

And he has done it!
Yes, yes, yes!

We have a new power couple here on

Australian Ninja Warrior
Season 5.

Mat, you did it.

Mate, that was fantastic.
How did that feel for you?

That was OK.
(LAUGHS)

It looked better than OK.

You must have been inspired
by your girlfriend.

Oh, she set a high bar.

It got me a bit nervous
when she hit the buzzer.

Give him a big round of applause.

At this stage we've got

a boyfriend/girlfriend showdown
on the Power Tower.

Only two people completing
the Warped Wall so far tonight.

There are not many ninjas that can
pull off a run like that.

From start to finish
it was flawless.

It was smooth and his brilliancy is
through, his efficiency and control.

He made it look easy.

And there are plenty of experienced
ninjas here tonight

that will tell you
it's most certainly not.

(BUZZER HOOTS)

OK. Stick around, ninja fans,

because the bar
has just been raised.

The big question is, can the
big guns raise it even higher?

Last year, these two missed
taking the crown P multiple

grand finalist Charlie Robbins and
Zak Stolz P they are still to run.

And we know they hit the course
harder than most.

But next, she's faster and fitter
than last season.

Jessica Russell,
the Koori ninja is back.

I'm hitting the buzzer this year.

Along with her partner
Travis Edwards.

I wouldn't be here if I didn't think
I could do it. I'm ready.

Bring it on.

And can dual Olympian and seven time
Ironman champion Ky Hurst

dominate this course
like he has dominated the ocean?

Tonight's top two furthest fastest
ninjas will face off on the

all-new Power Tower for a fast pass
straight through to the grand final.

All thanks to Energizer.

(THEME MUSIC)

Welcome back to Australian Ninja
Warrior from Sydney's Olympic Park.

Newbie Ninja Simon Duff was the best
of three Duff Brothers

competing tonight.

He well and truly
earned the bragging rights.

Choosing path A, he fell off
shy of obstacle five.

Oh, he's in the water.

Good job. Heads up. Good work.

The course tonight has been brutal.

Nine people have fallen
on the Shrinking Steps.

Ooh!

Eight on the Big Dipper to Rope.

Oh, no!

One was Pa Rambo, 67 years young.

Oh, his off!

So far five have felt the full force
of the Cyclone Spinner.

Birthday boy Martin Jones,
he got no special treatment.

Oh, no, he's gone.

Former grand finalist
Ryan Solomon...

No, no, no!

..and Jordan Papandreou
also among the casualties.

Oh, no!
No!

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

Now our next ninja has been
in the water most of his life.

Can he turn the tide?

He has seven Ironman titles to his
name and has represented

Australia in open water marathon
swimming at two Olympic Games.

He is the Gold Coast's Ky Hurst.

I'm Ky Hurst and I'm 39.

I am a water athlete, I come from
Ironman, swimming,

and I've got to represent
Australia at two Olympic Games

in swimming in 2008 and 2012.

It's a massive career. I've been
around for quite a long time.

I've been in the ocean since I was
two years old.

And then I became a professional
Ironman from 15.

I always like to be able to test
myself in new arenas

and it's one of those things where
I want to be able to push my body,

I want new things.

I've never been so nervous,
to tell you the truth,

facing this Ninja Warrior challenge.

I get drive from that.

Mate, how good is this? Ky Hurst.
He lives in the water.

Go, Dad!
He's a water baby.

Did you bring my goggles?

In this competition
stay out of the water.

A household name right around
Australia, Ky Hurst.

A two-time Olympian in open water
marathon swimming.

And has seven
Australian Ironman titles.

Oh, just seven?
Only seven.

Right, OK.
But you know what it doesn't have?

Mm-hm, a crown.

An Australian Ninja Warrior crown.

That could change right now
in front of Katie and son Koa.

He hasn't aged a bit.
(STARTER BELL RINGS)

(LAUGHS)
He looks good.

OK, here we go.

These are the Shrinking Steps.
Ky Hurst.

One, two, three, four, five.

Oh, no!
Yes, just.

Goodness me he gave us a shock.

Go, Dad!

Now he's on to the Big Dipper
to rope.

He dries the hands, grits the teeth.

At 96 kg he's got some weight
to carry through this dip

but he has held a paddle
in his hands

most of his life
so he's used to holding on.

It's like a wave in the ocean.

He'll just ride this
and launch himself

like he does on his
surfboard.

Here we go.

Oh no! No, no, no!
The Big Dipper! Gee.

That's a big disappointment
for Ky Hurst.

I've seen that look before,

a bit like when Ky
has been dumped by a wave

and he kind of looks back at the sea
as if to say,

"Why did you do that to me?"

This obstacle
is deceptively difficult.

His big mistake here
is launching feet first.

That means all of his weight
is heading straight down

as he hits the
bottom of the dip.

Ky Hurst, mate,
you are a superstar.

We love that you have a crack
at all different sports

and it's great to see
you a part of the show.

Thank you.

Was that like riding a wave?

Mate, I was so far
out of my depth here.

It was epic. Loved every bit of it.

My son's here, so,

that's the whole reason
why I did it.

It's good for me
to get out of my comfort zone

and try new things
and this is one of them.

How good is that?

Ky Hurst,
part of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Go see your boy, give him a big hug.
He'll be very proud of his dad.

Legend. Cheers, mate. Thanks, guys.

Legend.

Wow, Ky Hurst is a fine athlete

and it just goes to show how tough
this course really is.

(CHEERING)

No doubt about it. OK.
Time for one half

of the Travis Edwards,
Jessica Russell couple.

She did extremely well last year.
A first-time ninja.

But now she's back, fitter,
faster, stronger.

It's the Koori Ninja,
Jessica Russell.

Ninja last year,
I was actually disappointed.

I couldn't even do one pull up
before I started my Ninja journey.

I really should have been proud

that I even got up there
and gave it a go.

But then when I went home
and look back at it I was like,

that's amazing
that I even got up there and did it.

I slowly started to realise

that I should be proud
of how far I got.

Aww!

Koori Ninja is back

and I'm hitting the buzzer
this year.

Come on, Jessica Russell.

She's a proud Yorta Yorta
and Wiradjuri woman.

On the sideline boyfriend
Travis Edwards.

Travis will run the course
a little later

but right now it's all
about the Koori Ninja.

Come on, Jess.

(STARTER BELL RINGS)

TRAVIS: Come on, babe!

Jessica Russell.

Well, there's nothing to lose now.

You are here on Season 5.

Navigates the first obstacle well.
Yes!

This part's easy, this part's easy.

This part's easy, he reckons.

Well, we'll see about that.

We've had a few females fail
on the obstacle course tonight.

She's 59kg, Jessica Russell,
so not a lot of weight to carry.

Here she goes.

Too low, oh, but she's done it.

Because she's so light, the bungee
didn't have too much spring into it.

She used that to her advantage -
well done.

Yeah, great technique to kick off.

This is the Cyclone Spinner,
obstacle three.

It spins faster as it goes.

We've seen a few loose exits.

Can Jess hold on?

Well, her physique means she should

be able to stay close,
and she does, to the board.

Come on, Jess.
Well done.

Absolutely perfect.

Wow!
Full...

Four full rotations.

Sweet to watch.
Nice.

This is all you.
This is all you.

Come on.

She's at the Crossroads.
Which way is she gonna go?

She's decided A,
"I want to stick with what I know."

The two ninjas that have made it to
the buzzer tonight both chose path A.

That was another couple, Judith
Carroll and Mat Hutchins-Read.

Will we see double tonight?

Put it in hard so you can catch.

Travis giving her plenty of
advice, but now it is

the moment she has to trust her
training, and put it all together.

OK, 2.1 metres between
each set of shelves.

Here we go, the first big leap.

Can she stick it?

Yes.
Yes, she can.

One down, two to go
on obstacle four.

Come on, Jess.

This is gonna be the big one.

If she can land this, Jessica Russell
may go all the way through.

Oh!

Oh!
Class act until just then.

She touched it!

She grabbed it,
but she just couldn't hold it.

Let's have a look at the replay.

If you don't have the
upper-body strength,

you compromise and swing
with straight arms.

That's what Jess is doing there.

The downside is you lose the
explosive power on the lache.

That was a solid performance,
though, on a very tough course.

Round of applause
for Jessica Russell.

Stay with us, Ninja fans.

There's some experienced ninjas
ready to rise to the challenge,

but, on a tough course like this,
can they knock off

Judith Carroll and Mat Hutchins-Read
from the top of the table

and grab that fast pass to the
Grand Final on the Power Tower?

Coming up...

Blake, do you want to come
and grab this one, as well?

The Koori Ninja's boyfriend,

a gymnastics coach
turned special-needs teacher,

Travis Edwards.

It's a really rewarding job.

I've got some really great clients.

There'll be some coming down tonight
to have a watch.

But now he's ready to take on
the mighty mountain.

I had it in my head that the course
this year is going to be hard.

I wouldn't be here
if I didn't think I could do it.

And last season they couldn't lift
the crown but Grand Finalists

Zak Stolz and Charlie Robbins made
it to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

Mount Midoriyama's angry that
three people conquered it last year.

This year, I'm getting
a hole in one.

On a tougher and trickier course,
can they do it again?

Yes.

Welcome back to
Australian Ninja Warrior

at Sydney Olympic Park, and, Bec,
this course is slaying our ninjas.

Yes, it's been really hard,
hasn't it,

but, when the going gets tough,
we know the tough get going.

And with just a few ninjas left to
run, the race for the Power Tower

and that all-important fast pass
to the Grand Final

is about to change gear.

Yeah, boyfriend and girlfriend
Mat Hutchins-Read and Judith Carroll,

they are currently in
the Power Tower positions.

New ninja Simon Duff, he's third.

The new guard, really,

are making their presence felt
on the course tonight.

But now we're about to put
the Zak amongst the pigeons.

He came third last season

after debuting in 2019
as one of Ashlin Herbert's buddies.

But now, with two Grand Finals under
his own belt, and the fact he climbed

Mount Midoriyama last year, he's
a superstar ninja in his own right.

Give it up for the Zak Attack,
it's Zak Stolz.

Let's go, buddy!

Go, Zak! Whoo-hoo!

Climbing Mount Midoriyama
last year...

Three seconds left!

Is he gonna make it?
Yes!

..I was, yeah, stoked
with that, obviously,

but it has put a little bit
of a spotlight on me

and, obviously, the other two
climbed it, as well,

and I do think there's
a couple of ninjas who look at that

and go, "I want to do that this
year, I gotta try and beat them."

And so it puts a little bit
of a target on your back

but, realistically,
it is us versus the course.

On my sideline tonight,

I'll have my mum, my nan
and my beautiful girlfriend.

Having the three of you
on my sideline is awesome.

It acts as that anchor for me

to actually look here
and go, "I'm here."

Bring me back to reality.

It's, like, awesome.

Hey, go, Zak!

Look, without Mum and Nan,
I'd probably be nowhere.

They are the reason
I'm in Ninja Warrior.

Like, I was climbing trees at Nan's
house as early as I can remember.

Knowing that they have that
encouraging support there,

it's, yeah, it's really reassuring.

We've always been on the sidelines

watching you do some amazing leap
off the monkey bar at school, and to

see you as an elite athlete in that
theatre, I personally feel so proud.

They're the kindest words
I've ever heard.

Oh, you!

Mount Midoriyama, I know
you're angry and want revenge,

but I'm Zak Attack and I'm back.

This is the toughest course
we've seen in a long, long time.

It's taking out all the ninjas.

It won't take out Zak.

Sit back and enjoy this.

He is good, Crawf, and I love
your confidence and, not only

will he be going for a clean run,
he wants a shot at the Power Tower.

A time faster than 3:31 will put him
in pole position for the Power Tower.

Buckle up, everybody, because, every
time Zak Stolz hits this course,

we know it is going to be
fast and furious.

He is about to fly through the
Shrinking Steps, the first obstacle.

He's off to a flyer.

I...

I don't want to jinx him, though,
but, Zak, he was one of

the best ninjas last season, he
stormed every course he ran on.

Zak Stolz is one out of the box, and
look at him fly through this heat.

He'll have to slow down
just a little bit now.

This is obstacle three,
so let's see how he handles this.

It's all about getting the feet
positioned properly,

getting the hand grip just right and
then getting the middle of the body

as close to the Cyclone Spinner
as you can.

He's wedging his feet in as hard...

Oh, no, one's out.
Oh, I'm really worried now.

He got it back in.
Did it?

Yeah, he's back, he's alright.

His strength and technique's solid.

It doesn't look like it's
bothered him. He's in total control.

Whoo!
Yay!

Great recovery.

Bang, he's gone path A,
not risking the unknown.

He wants that Power Tower spot.

You can do it!

Wow, we almost lost him
on the Cyclone Spinner,

and that is one of our
very best ninjas we've got.

Yeah, you're right to be nervous,
but he's fast,

20 seconds ahead of
Mat Hutchins-Read to this point.

This is the Flying Shelf Grab.

He's been on this exact obstacle in
the Semi-Finals on previous seasons.

Watch this guy in motion.

There he goes, lands it.

That last gap, three metres wide.

He's working hard but he does it.

Let's go, come on, Zak!

Onto the Floating Monkey Bars now.

Now, watch how Zak gets up here.

It's the little things that this guy
does that makes a huge difference.

So, he steps back.

Up the rope he goes, uses the swing
of the rope to get onto the bar.

He reckons he's dropped 5kg,

so, lighter and stronger
than last year, Zak Stolz.

Ooh, he's missed that one.

They're having to dig deep
on this course,

the hardest one we've had
by a million miles.

You've got it!

Come on, Zak Stolz.

We want you to get to
that buzzer tonight.

Oh, yeah, here he is!

The Power Tower's calling his name.

He's well inside Mat's time,

and here he goes, Zak Stolz,
heading up the wall.

Ooh!

Ooh, gee whiz, he was a fair way off
the top of that, too.

It's a rare misstep from Zak.

He just seemed to misjudge
the take-off.

Come on, darling, you can do it.

He's been fast, and the worst thing
he can do now is panic.

He's got time to claim pole position.

This is the second shot
for Zak Stolz.

Beat that wall!
You get three, remember?

Here's the acceleration.
He won't need it.

He won't need it.
Hits it, thinks he's got it.

Yes, Zak Stolz, he's up,

he's close to putting his hand on
the buzzer and he does it again.

You're the man, Zak Stolz,
well done.

And with a time of 2:41, you're
on top of the leaderboard, mate.

That's unreal.

How tough's that course?

That course is very, very tough.

There's a lot of, uh,
pretty crazy obstacles up there

that we're not really used to.

And, yeah, look, it's challenging.

Zak Stolz, ladies and gentlemen.

Believe it or not,
not a textbook run from Zak Stolz.

He lost his footing
on the Cyclone Spinner.

He managed to recover and hold on.

Then the laches,
as explosive as ever.

And, even though he took two
attempts on the Warped Wall,

he still posted the fastest time
of the night so far.

Mount Midoriyama
throws down the gauntlet,

but Zak Stolz
takes it all in his stride.

He wants back-to-back climbs,
I think.

Zak and Mat are on the Power Tower
at this stage,

but, with two ninjas left to run,

who will battle it out for the
fast pass to the Grand Final?

Next, the race to the top continues.

Travis Edwards has the mountain
firmly in his sights.

And Charlie Robbins...

This is why he's the champ.

..is one of the best ninjas
in the world.

The explosive Charlie Robbins is
next on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Welcome back to
Australian Ninja Warrior.

On the course now,
special needs teacher

and Jessica Russell's boyfriend,
Travis Edwards.

And it's so great to see
the support crew from Barnardos

here in force, as well as girlfriend
Jess, who's gone for the red wig.

Well, that support's working
because Travis is flying.

He's on track for a Power Tower spot,
just behind Zak's first-place time.

Great technique so far.

Now he explodes onto the next shelf.

Power and precision.

He's on the hunt.

Oh, and he sticks it nicely,
just gotta get off now.

Now, remember, Zak took two attempts
to get up the wall before,

so, if Travis does it in one, Ben,
it is well and truly game on.

It is right now.

Obstacle five, straight up that rope.

And we talked about the efficiency
of Zak Stolz,

how he used the rope to
swing onto the obstacle.

But now he seems to be struggling
just a little bit, Travis Edwards.

He's up very high.

It makes it harder to generate swing,
but now he's on the way.

It's really important
that you lock on in the first go,

otherwise it takes so much
out of your body.

Ooh, you're right, Crawf.

He looks like he's in
a little bit of trouble.

Oh, no!

No, no, no, no, no.

Oh, Trav!

Travis Edwards,
he's celebrating and so he should,

a great effort,
but he had a shot at the Power Tower.

Good job, babe!
Now he's in the water.

He just couldn't stick it
in the bar holder.

That is a tough break for Travis.

He was looking so strong
on the Flying Shelf Grab.

Great upper body control,

but he struggled
on the Floating Monkey Bars,

and these two obstacles back to
back are a strength-sapping combo.

In the end,
Travis just couldn't hold on.

You had fun?
Yeah, good.

Aw!

Well, Bec, what a night of shocks.

We've had so many big ninjas
who crashed out.

We've had some surprise packets
who've really impressed.

And there's one more big ninja
to come.

Can he book his place
on the Power Tower

with a shot of going
straight to the Grand Final?

Well, he is a bona-fide
Ninja superstar,

this unassuming scratch golfer,

Season 3's champion and, last year,
almost went back to back.

Here is Charlie Robbins.

Come on, Charlie!

Ah, here he comes,
the elusive Charlie Robbins.

What a superstar he is.

And I'm a bit closer because

I'm wanting that signature golf hat
to look after for the run.

There we go.

Thank you very much, pal,
and good luck.

Standing at the bottom
of Mount Midoriyama,

the main thing going through my head
was, "Don't get stuck halfway."

Also, you look up
and you start going,

and the roof doesn't seem
to get any closer,

and you're just like,
"Oh, it's still miles away."

He's halfway up the rope.

And you're like,
"Oh, god. What's going on?"

He's starting to really
find it tough.

Out of any Ninja obstacle,

that's probably the hardest
I've had to push.

Hits it!

Standing up the top, you're so
knackered that you almost can't

appreciate it enough 'cause you're
just trying to get your breath back,

so, yeah, I don't think I could've
done any better than I did.

Tess is on my sideline this year.

She's my girlfriend.

She wasn't last time,
but she is this time.

Last year, I was in the audience

watching Charlie 'cause we've
been friends since high school.

Let's go, Charlie!

We work together, we train together,
we sorta just do everything together

so I was just there
supporting as a friend.

Charlie actually
never got the courage

to ask me to be his girlfriend.

Excuse me?

It's true.

So, yeah, it's nice
having her there,

and it's nice to look down
and see someone you like.

Not that I don't like my family,
either, but...

He's a good kid, Charlie Robbins.

There's the family on
the sidelines, Taffy.

One shot at a time, mate!

His good mate, Zak, is in
position one for the Power Tower.

They'll go head to head

if Charlie is faster than 3:31,

and what a contest that would be.

Here he goes.

He's about to tee off and
drive it down the fairway.

Mount Midoriyama is so very angry,

and that man is one of
the three reasons why.

He climbed it last year.

Can he get there again?

As he flies across
the Shrinking Steps.

One thing we know about Charlie,
he never takes his foot off the gas.

He doesn't stop to think.

He just goes, grabs the rope.

Charlie Robbins is on fire.

Lock that body in, mate!
Taffy is vocal on the sideline.

He's just incredible, this athlete.

So many fans all around Australia.

Inspired so many young kids,
wannabe ninjas.

Now, the foot placement, is it OK?

His feet should be flat
against the board.

He's just got his toes digging in.

Hang in there, Charlie!

Around, around.

He's managed to do it,
and tosses himself to safety.

Ugly but effective.

And now he is at Crossroads.

He's chosen A.

He doesn't want to take a risk
on the unknown.

Charlie about six seconds ahead
of Zak Stolz at this point.

Charlie Robbins very familiar
with the Flying Shelf Grab.

He's done it in the Semi-Finals
here on Australian Ninja Warrior,

so all he needs to do is
repeat that performance.

OK, across that first shelf.

And look how strong he is
in the arms.

The height he generates is enormous.

The power's incredible.

He's destroying this course.

He's almost at the end now,
just needs to dismount safe.

Good roll.

Come on, man, come on!

(AUDIENCE ROARS)

This is the fastest time tonight.

He's still ahead of Zak.

Every time he steps on the course,
he lights it up.

The way Charlie moves through this...

Oh, whoa, he just missed that one.

It is a little bit higher up
than it looks.

Once again, we're seeing the
best of the ninjas tonight.

They're digging deep,
grinding it out on the course.

And it's so much tougher
than what we've seen before,

and that's because of you,
Charlie, you're to blame.

You got up Mount Midoriyama
last year,

so it was always gonna be harder
this year.

And here we are at the Warped Wall.

He is well inside Zak's time
by almost 30 seconds.

What a showdown
we are going to have.

Here goes Charlie.
Here he goes, Charlie.

10cm higher and he nails it.

Charlie Robbins, here he is!

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Whoo!

Charlie Robbins
making a habit of this.

Once again, the fastest
ninja over the course,

so it's Charlie and Zak
in position one and two.

They're both on the Power Tower.

Nice to have you back, Charlie.

How did you feel on
the course tonight?

Ah, it's nice to be back.

It's been a tough and long year,
so it's nice to be back in action.

Crowd was pumpin'.

Especially after last year,
at home and solace,

and to have these guys cheering...

That was a pretty tough one,
it's pretty interesting

making some different decisions out
there, so, yeah, it was really fun.

I thought you would've been tempted
to try some of those new obstacles.

It crossed my mind, but I figured

there's probably gonna be heaps of
really fun obstacles in the Semis,

so I thought,
"If I just make sure I get through,

"then I'll have a chance at
maybe some fun stuff later."

The golfing legend's back,
ladies and gentlemen.

Give him a round of applause,
Charlie Robbins.

Well done, Charlie,
you look better than ever.

What a spectacular performance
from Charlie Robbins.

He absolutely brought it tonight.

His exit on the Cyclone Spinner,
here it comes here,

unconventional but, you know what,
that's Charlie Robbins to a T.

The Floating Monkey Bars,
that made him work hard but, again,

his strength his saving grace,
and another buzzer for Charlie.

(BUZZER BLARES)
Yes.

Yes!

Well done, buddy.

Good to see you again, mate.

Oh, there we go, hugs all round.

I'll give you a hug, too, Charlie.

You are an absolute superstar.

How good was he?
He was unbelievable.

The smile on your face,
that is just beautiful to watch.

You loved it more than ever.

Oh, I was a bit nervous
at the start of the day,

so it was great to see him, and nice
to have his young lady friend, Tess,

here with us, and so
good on you, Charlie.

So proud of you, mate.
Oh, hello, hang on.

So, has Charlie got a girlfriend,
have you?

Charlie's stepped up his game
a little bit.

Tess is a massive Hawthorn fan,
so I think she...

Of course, Tess, you legend.

How good are you!

I knew she was a superstar.

No, it's so amazing to watch you
dominate the course.

You can have your hat back,
reluctantly.

Charlie Robbins,
he's heading to the Power Tower.

(SHANE LAUGHS)

No doubt about it.

The crowd loved every bit of it.

It has been an incredible heat,
and, for the last time tonight,

let's look at that
crucial leaderboard.

At number one, it's Charlie Robbins,
followed closely by Zak Stolz.

The old guard finally prevailing.

But what a performance
from Mat and Judith,

Judith the only female so far this
season to get up the Warped Wall.

The Koori Ninja, Jessica Russell,

is the second woman
through to the Semis.

She's in tenth tonight, and she's
outperformed some of our veterans.

Ryan Solomon had a tough day
at the office.

He finished 14th.

Jordan Papandrea, similar problems

but, in 17th,
he's through to the Semi-Finals.

Charlie and Zak both climbed
Mount Midoriyama last year.

They are two of our
most feared ninjas,

and now they'll face off
on the Power Tower.

It's Ninja royalty
versus Ninja royalty.

This will be a contest
like we've never seen before,

the winner earning
more than bragging rights.

That is right.

The first ninja to hit the buzzer
on the Power Tower

will nab a crucial advantage.

They will bypass the Semi-Finals and
land straight into our Grand Final.

It's a great shortcut.

There's so much to play for,

and we'll see how the Power Tower
battle goes right after this.

Get ready, Australia.

It's ninja versus ninja.

Welcome back to
Australian Ninja Warrior.

This is the showdown
in tonight's heat.

Charlie Robbins up against Zak Stolz.

Ninja versus ninja.

Here comes the Power Tower.

And the stakes are high
because, remember,

the first person to hit that buzzer
tonight gets a fast pass.

That's right,
no Semi-Finals for them.

They go straight through
to the Grand Final.

What an advantage that is.

Huge, Bec,
but, before we get started,

let's see what the Power Tower
holds for these two tonight.

The race begins with a sprint,

and it's on to five steps,
each 1.3 metres high.

At the top, each ninja will leap
onto an unstable vertical firepole,

and it's a rapid 5.5-metre descent
to the floating steps below.

These steps are on a tricky angle
so ninjas must watch their footwork.

But that's not all.

Then a punishing 5.5-metre dead climb
up the pole

to the deceptive dropping shelves.

There are four of them,
and it's made even harder

because each one drops
when weight is applied.

Survive the shelves and there's
a 1.5-metre lache to the platform,

and a race to the buzzer
for a fast pass to the Grand Finals.

These two ninjas conquered
Mount Midoriyama last year

but, unfortunately,
just missed that main prize.

Tonight, they are ready to tackle

the all-new
supercharged Power Tower.

I'm talking about Zak Stolz
and Charlie Robbins.

Get ready, Australia.

This is gonna be fast.

Yeah, Crawf, consistently
two of the fastest ninjas,

they both have explosive power.

Zak's wingspan 10cm longer but
Charlie Robbins is superb in the air.

Never count him out.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Our ninjas are set and ready to go.

Here we go!

(BUZZER TONE)

And off they go.

They are out of the blocks,
racing neck and neck.

Up to the steps, five steps,
all the way to the top.

Charlie opening up
a little bit of a lead,

but there's not much in it
as they get to the top.

And onto the pole and
down the pole they go.

Now, this transfer
to the floating steps,

make a mistake here
and it could be costly.

Charlie's away and Zak's got
a bit of catching up to do.

Charlie's well in front now.
What can Zak do?

Oh, he launches at the pole.

The Zak Attack fighting back.

Can he close the gap?

Charlie looks a little slower.

He hits the first dropping shelf.

Zak finds another gear.

Here he goes, over,
Zak's catching him.

He's got that big wingspan.

Can he get there?
It's neck and neck.

Oh, Zak Stolz, Charlie Robbins!

Charlie does it!
Charlie Robbins wins by a whisker!

Oh, how close was that!

Zak Stolz made a late charge,

but the dropping shelves
took away some momentum.

Charlie under so much pressure
but takes the prize.

Congratulations, Charlie Robbins.

What a contest.

Well, that was so good
let's take another look.

Zak seemed cautious getting onto the
floating steps, but turned it around

as he attacked the pole in a bid to
make up time, and make it up he did.

Zak used his reach well, but
this is where Charlie won it,

by supporting his weight
between the two shelves.

Zak just flew himself at the shelf
as it dropped.

Charlie swung to safety.

But there was less than a second
in it.

Charlie Robbins straight through
to the Grand Final.

And, just like Mount Midoriyama
last season,

Charlie finishes ahead of Zak
and retains bragging rights.

Talk about close finish.

Congratulations.

Thank you very much, Shane.

Yeah, Zak made me work for that one.

It was really fun
going up against him.

And how was it,
the supercharged Power Tower?

That was a bit of fun.

I was lucky enough to try
the other two from last year,

and that one was really fun,

so that was probably... yeah,
probably my new favourite one, so...

Charlie Robbins, you are through

to the Grand Final
on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Congratulations.

Thank you very much, and I'll
give a quick shout out to Nanna.

Hopefully by the time she sees this,
she's doing really well.

Good on you, Nanna.

How good, a great finale.

Two amazing athletes and you can see,

even though there's mutual respect
there, there's strong competition.

Yeah, amazing stuff, wasn't it?

That's all we have time for tonight,
but make sure you join us next week

for more fantastic action
from Sydney Olympic Park.

It's Australian Ninja Warrior.

Goodnight.
Goodnight, everyone.

Monday night...

You could expect
a lot of entertainment,

and a lot of happiness.

In the final heat, we'll witness
the rise of the new breed.

Mount Midoriyama may have
been conquered last year

but, this year, it's gonna
be me standing at the top.

Including Jungle Jimmy Burrow,

who's brought a few friends along
for support.

I'm so glad we are up here.

Physicist Dylan James.

For him, this course
is rocket science.

I'm hoping to use my analytical mind
to really break down obstacles

before I tackle them and then
execute the best way to do it.

And Olympic gold medallist
and world champion Steve Hooker

is ready for a shot
at the Ninja title.

I'm pretty driven.

You'll definitely see that
when I'm out on this Ninja course.

Can these newcomers outclass
a cavalcade of returning favourites?

I feel really confident.
I'm so pumped.

Ninja royalty Jack Wilson returns
from a life-changing injury.

Everyone, Jack your boy's back.

Let's get deadly.

Chris White is back and rumour has it

he's brought his old mate
Kelly Slater along for the ride.

And there are plenty more
familiar faces, as well.

Big reputations are on the line.

Will it be boom or bust
in the last heat?

Then it's the Semi-Finals...

It is a very long road to get
to that mountain this year.

The courses are just unbelievable.

..where we welcome back
tennis superstar Nick Kyrgios.

He's killin' it.

And if you thought
the heats were tough...

Oh!
(BUZZER TONE)

It keeps getting harder and harder
every year.

..wait till you see
these new obstacles.

The obstacles are bigger and harder.

It's a mean course.

They're nothing short of terrifying.

You're not dealing with
six obstacles anymore.

There's now nine, and the course
itself is ridiculous this year.

The Power Tower has been revised
and revamped,

and it's not for the faint of heart.

But, with a second chance
in the Grand Final on offer,

the competition has never been
more fierce...

Second chance from the Power Tower,
that's where it's at.

That's the prize
that everyone wants.

..as they take one step closer
to Grand Final glory

and becoming Australia's
next Ninja Warrior.

It is definitely game on.