Original subtitles

BEN: Last night...

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

..in our first grand final...

(BUZZER SOUNDS) (WHOOPS)

..we witnessed the most brutal night ever on Australian Ninja Warrior...

Oh, no!

..with the longest course and the most strength-sapping obstacles...

Pulls that door back, then goes for another breath!

..but that was child's play compared to what they're about to face.

REBECCA: Oh, my goodness!

Tonight, it all comes down to this - grand final two.

Stage two is epic. It is 100% send or nothing else.

The stage is set for the final battle

between ninja and mountain.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

We began with 200 of the best in the country.

I don't see myself as just a strong female anymore.

I'm a strong ninja, and I'm here to play.

Boom! Let's go.

Now only ten remain.

MAN: Last year, got done by a second.

So, hopefully can improve on that a little bit.

Can Ben Polson be the first person in history

to become a Ninja Warrior champion two years in a row...

MAN: My goal is to come back and back it up -

that I am capable of accomplishing it twice in a row.

..or will another superhuman achieve the ultimate goal?

Hold on to your breath, Australia!

He looked like superman then!

Standing between them and Mount Midoriyama,

the hardest 11 obstacles ever seen.

Whoa!

There's $100,000 on offer for the furthest fastest,

but if they can conquer the mountain, they'll win $200,000,

and become Australia's next Ninja Warrior.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Welcome to night two

of the Australian Ninja Warrior Grand Final

here at Sydney Olympic Park.

I'm Rebecca Maddern.

Good evening, Australia. I'm Ben Fordham.

This iconic location has hosted

some of the world's greatest sporting achievements,

and after almost 200 everyday athletes

came here to chase their dream,

the stage is set for the ten best ninjas in Australia

to battle it out for the final time.

One of them will reign supreme

and walk away with a guaranteed $100,000.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Tonight is stage two of the grand final,

where our ninjas have just 3:35

to complete six of the toughest obstacles anywhere in the world.

If they survive stage two, ninjas will move on to stage three

and face another five diabolical obstacles.

Then any remaining ninjas will finally come face to face

with the mountain that's been out for revenge all season,

Mount Midoriyama.

The final fury will be unleashed,

with a seven-metre Chimney Climb, a seven-metre Salmon Ladder,

and a seven-metre rope climb all to reach the final buzzer

and the pinnacle of Ninja Warrior.

Well, if any ninja can somehow defy that angry mountain,

they'll win an astonishing $200,000

and the title of Australian Ninja Warrior Champion for 2021.

They all want it. It's gonna be a huge night of action.

Let's take a look at the stage two course.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Six obstacles in 3:35,

starting with an upper body killer, Rolling Steel.

Ninjas arm-cycle 6.6 metres up a floating track.

Then it's on to the Salmon Ladder to Unstable Bridge,

and more burn for the arms and shoulders.

Ninjas hop up three rungs on the Salmon Ladder,

then shimmy across two precarious floating boards.

One wrong move and they'll end up in the pool.

Third is the I-Beam Gap,

a true test of finger strength,

as ninjas edge along a tiny ledge

before making a heart-stopping leap across a 2.5-metre gap.

The Spin Hopper will chew through valuable time,

as ninjas hop up five red pills to a central bar,

then descend five more on the other side.

Be aware - two pills on each side spin,

easily flipping a ninja into the water.

Fifth is the Dungeon - brand-new tonight,

and even more torture for the upper body.

First, using the spikes,

ninjas climb a vertical panel,

carrying their entire body weight on their arms.

Then they'll lock the panel into a horizontal position

and climb across the spikes again.

Finally, it's a do-or-die leap onto the final board,

which rotates for them to dismount.

With every muscle screaming and the seconds ticking down,

the final obstacle is the Crazy Cliffhanger to Rope.

Five boards to get across

using just fingertip-width red ledges and lache technique.

Make it through that

and ninjas face an agonising rope climb to the buzzer,

where stage three and Mount Midoriyama awaits.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Three ninjas entered our grand final last night

with a crucial second chance advantage in their pocket.

Jake Baker rescued his campaign

by using his advantage to re-run the course

and made it through, Ben.

They were spectacular, and, Bec, Zak Stolz and Mike Snow

both still have their advantages.

So, if they fail on the course,

they'll get a second chance to go again.

For our first ninja,

after three previous grand final appearances,

that could be the missing piece in the puzzle.

It is Melbourne stuntman Mike Snow!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

MIKE: I have been to stage two in the finals

the last two years running.

Season three,

I face-planted into the I-Beam Gap.

Preparing for the transfer. Come on, Mike!

Hold it, hold it! No! Oh! Oh, no!

And last year, obstacle two - Spin Hopper.

He touches the grey frame while leaning out to the first pill.

I just started it by grabbing an out-of-bounds part of the obstacle,

and, yeah, that was a technicality DQ.

And I'm afraid that's a disqualification.

This season, I'm back for redemption.

I'm getting a buzzer and going to the next stage.

They are now neck and neck!

Mike Snow! It's Alex Bigg! Ohh!

Snow gets the buzzer!

Mike Snow's got it with a second to spare!

I'm feeling pretty good,

pretty stoked I didn't need to use my second life.

The second life is too valuable not to have in stage two.

Mount Midoriyama's going full beast mode this year,

and this is the closest I've ever been

to take home the massive cash prize, claim ultimate victory.

I wanna take out the whole thing.

I'm just gonna try to be an absolute mad dog.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

SHANE: Mike Snow, the stuntman!

He's got a second chance run tonight.

So, I have no doubt he's gonna throw everything at this run.

This is gonna be fast. Can he make it all the way?

Up on the big screen,

mum, Angela, who has been here every step of the way,

and also sister, Cat, tonight.

Hello, guys. How are you? Hi.

Are you feeling nervous for Mike?

A little bit.

A little bit? You must be excited, though. He's done so well!

We're so proud of him. We know he's gonna do an amazing job.

If anyone's gonna do it, it's him.

Well, Cat, he's got a big smile on his face as he hears your voice.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

Let's hope you two are the lucky charm. Here we go!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Mike Snow steps up to the block,

Begins his grand final two - Rolling Steel.

Have a look at the chest, would you?

He's so strong.

Now, the Salmon Ladder to Unstable Bridge.

When he gets to these two Unstable Bridges,

he can use his hands on either side,

or a new technique from last year, shimmying along one side.

We'll see if Mike Snow makes that choice.

First two, three. Nice work!

He loves his Salmon Ladder, doesn't he?

He LOVES the Salmon Ladder!

Transfers now, and there you go. There you go.

He's doing exactly that. Oh, look at the back.

That means he is feeling really confident tonight.

But you've gotta go sideways off.

That's not an issue for him. (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(INDISTINCT) Come on.

Next up, the I-Beam Gap.

Oh, this is where we get very nervous for Mike Snow.

It's the obstacle that cost him in the grand final two years ago

and that gap is bigger than ever this year - 2.5 metres.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Yeah, well, just look at the lache that's required here, Bec.

It's a bold move. Faster, but riskier.

This is unbelievable, how far the lache and the catch is.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He virtually caught with two fingers. Can you believe it?

Yes! Well done!

Now, this will be a worry, the Spin Hopper.

Oh, I'm nervous.

Because it was on the same obstacle he was DQ'd last year.

It was really a brain fade.

He touched the grey section that you can see there.

You're not allowed to do that.

I wonder whether he's thinking about that now, Bec.

He's not gonna make the same mistake.

He touches the red pill first -

the only bit of the obstacle you are allowed to touch.

Phew, Mike Snow! Phew!

Nearly 2:00 left on the clock. He makes his way up the red pills.

A reminder... oooh, the fourth one and the second one are shaky.

The others are stable.

And Mike Snow is looking so good tonight.

Don't be surprised if he skips a few on the way down. There he goes.

Oh, this guy is looking so good! How's the clock, Ben?

The clock is pretty good. 1:40 left from here.

He's got two obstacles to do.

This is the Dungeon - brand-new tonight,

and Mount Midoriyama's gone all-out on this one.

It is a killer!

The spiky panel is vertical.

It will then switch to horizontal, and you gotta do it all again.

1:22 left on the clock. Here he goes, Mike Snow!

He's on these spikes, making his way up the first panel.

When he gets up, it'll tilt and lock into place,

and then he's gotta go underneath it.

There's 1:11 left, Rebecca Maddern!

There he goes, shaking the arms out.

Will get ready to grab on to the spikes again.

Those arms are hurting him.

Those arms are really hurting.

Now he makes his way underneath the panel.

At the end, he's gotta jump to the final board.

Can he do it? Let's see if he can! Here we go!

This is the hard one! Goes! Jumps!

He's got it! He's got it!

Turn around! Turn that thing around!

We've got 47 seconds on the clock! Come on, Mike Snow! Come on!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Go, Mike!

He's gonna have to go!

This Crazy Cliffhanger to Rope can chew up a bit of time!

Here he goes on the first cliff!

Will make... makes the transfer now!

Pushing, pushing, pushing!

Oh, he's gone! Oh, no!

We lost Mike Snow!

You could see he just didn't get the grip right.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He knew he was in trouble,

but he does have a second chance run,

but how much has that course taken out of him?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Mike Snow.

This was gonna be his strategy.

He was gonna go hard, he was gonna go full on,

because he knew he had that secret sitting in his pocket.

And it's somewhat of an advantage,

because he knows now exactly what he needs to do on the course.

That second chance advantage is worth its weight in gold.

Look at this.

After five obstacles,

Mike Snow was in a world of pain on the cliffhanger,

but with the seconds ticking down, he had to go.

The transition between boards was agony.

In the end, he could just not hold himself up.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Firstly, I'm sure you're very glad

you got that second chance run up your sleeve.

Yeah, buddy. (LAUGHS) Of course I am.

I'm a pretty optimistic dude.

I'm not... mega optimistic about banging that on the second go.

That is an absolutely bonkers course.

It's super hard, man!

Like, it's certainly possible,

but the time limit is, like... it's no joke, man.

It's... this is a hard stage two.

With the way you did it tonight, you can get it done.

You can get the job done.

You just gotta recover, which is gonna take a fair bit of time.

You can do this. Yeah. Hey, I'll give it everything.

Second chance. Hey, go give it everything.

Recover, rest up. You can do it. (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Mike Snow! Well done.

Yay! Awesome!

On ya, Crawf.

Mike Snow knows the magnitude of the task ahead,

but he also has that second chance advantage

to try to find the answer.

But next, last season this unstoppable ninja

went all the way up Mount Midoriyama,

and this year he looks even better.

Holder of the final second chance advantage,

it's game on for Zak Stolz.

Sit back, relax, and watch this guy in motion.

It's poetry!

Zak Stolz is going to get the advantage going into the grand final!

Thankfully, kept that free life in the bank again

for stage two this season.

I have a second chance.

Stage two and three are gonna be ridiculously hard.

11 obstacles between myself and Mount Midoriyama -

I've been here before.

This is my third time here out of three seasons,

and I think I know what I'm coming into,

but look, it's ninja, so you never know.

This one looks like I need to hit it hard and fast.

Man, I need to pick my game up.

Let's go.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

That man, it's the legend - it's 'Zak Attack'!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Zak Stolz, this year, is better than last year,

and that is a very big statement,

considering he made it all the way up Mount Midoriyama.

And they are the very special women in his life on the sideline -

girlfriend, Georgia, mum, Joanne, and nan, Cherilyn.

He makes no apologies about the fact that without these three gems,

he wouldn't be here.

Brings such great form into grand final stage two.

Qualified second, with 48 seconds left on the clock.

One of our fastest ninjas last night,

and with that second chance advantage up his sleeve,

expect fireworks!

(CHIME SOUNDS) He's good! Just watch him!

The Rolling Steel. He jumps up.

He starts kicking those knees.

Look at the knees doing all the hard work.

Oh, my goodness.

The knees are moving faster than any other part of the body.

I am in awe of this bloke!

I always am, but particularly for season five.

He is phenomenal! One, two, three.

Just great!

Doesn't he make the Salmon Ladder look straightforward?

He and the other Peninjas, they practise it a lot,

and now he's across the Unstable Bridges.

Hanging on.

And he is getting off this obstacle

with three minutes in his back pocket.

Incredible!

Now the I-Beam Gap.

And he's choosing to lache as well, instead of climbing further up.

It's a bit risky.

2.5 metres. Will make the big leap now!

Oh, no! No!

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

Zak Stolz!

I was just wondering, Bec, is he moving too fast?

We know that speed kills,

and that is the kind of obstacle, the kind of transition,

that he'd do any day of the week, and he just rushed it.

I think that's the only thing you can put it down to.

Yep, Zak was flying - 20 seconds faster than Mike Snow,

but on the I-Beam Gap, he only took one swing before the lache.

He might have underestimated the distance,

and with all that body weight falling short,

he couldn't stick the landing.

Lucky he's got that second chance advantage, Crawf.

Zak, I'm in shock.

Oh, look, laches and catches like that are absolutely my strength.

As I went to hit it, my thumbs just hit the end, I think,

and just slipped off, yeah.

I just wasn't ready for that catch, to be honest.

So, you've got a second chance run. Yeah. I think I'll...

Thank goodness, thank goodness.

So, how are you gonna do it differently?

Uh, don't do that again.

(LAUGHTER)

Yeah, look, I'll just go for a bigger swing,

take the second one if I need it,

and just make sure that I catch for sure.

Really cram those hands in.

I thought I had that one in the bag,

but clearly - this is what I always say -

people you don't expect to fall

will fall on stuff that they think that they're good at.

Well, you always do pretty much everything right.

Oh!

So, it's a massive shock to see you in the water.

Good luck. Go and recover. Zakky, good job!

Zak Attack, he will be back. Good luck.

REBECCA: That's for sure, but our next ninja has done it all,

except win the title.

A two-time runner-up,

he firmly believes this is his year, finally,

to put the bridesmaid tag to bed.

Tonight could be the combination

of years of hard training and big dreams.

It is Bryson Klein!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Yeah, Bryson!

Come on, Bryson.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

BRYSON: It feels great to be in the grand finals.

I've been in stage two of the grand finals a couple of times.

Unfortunately, I've come second in two grand finals.

Charlie Robbins!

I still, to this day, have utter faith

that I could have won season four if my foot hadn't have slipped.

Oh, no! No, no! No!

Bryson Klein, out of nowhere...

It was really, really devastating.

So, I decided to move in with the champ himself, Ben Polson.

Living in the ninja house has definitely helped my training.

I've worked on all of my weaknesses.

There's a lot of love with me and Ben,

but equally there's a lot of competitiveness.

Knowing there are 11 really hard obstacles

standing between me and this new Mount Midoriyama,

this three-tiered monstrosity,

that's super, super exciting.

I've been eyeing off Ben's trophy.

I truly believe that this is my year to win it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

SHANE: Bryson Klein!

They say if you wanna be the best, you gotta live with the best,

and that's exactly what he does.

He lives with Ben Polson. Can it be his year?

Yeah, son!

Bryson avoided the semifinals by winning the fast pass

and he looked very fresh in grand final one last night,

but tonight's next level.

He'll never have better preparation,

but without that second chance advantage, this is sudden death.

One slip and his dream's over.

Here he goes on the Rolling Steel.

Pumps those arms so quickly, and look at him...

Ohh!

..flashing the legs along as well.

And he's done in less than ten seconds.

Bryson Klein already looking in some type of mood tonight.

Onto the Salmon Ladder to Unstable Bridge.

He's faced this before. He knows what to do.

He's a bit wonky there on the Salmon Ladder!

Oh, no! And he's gone!

I just said Bryson Klein was looking good, and he was,

but what on earth happened on the Salmon Ladder?

Well, whatever happened to him, it happened quickly.

He was 20 seconds into his run

and it was the Salmon Ladder that got him.

Usually he has no problems with it whatsoever,

but it was wonky from the start.

As he made his way up those rungs... it was ugly to watch.

He was all over the shop, wasn't he?

And I think that actually threw him.

I think that played with his mind.

He thought, "I'm not on. What am I doing?"

And he started to panic.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Bryson, I know you can do the Salmon Ladder with your eyes closed.

Oh, any day.

So, this is gonna go over in your head, over and over and over.

So, why weren't you thinking straight?

Yeah, I was just focused too much on obstacles ahead.

Uh... I may have been rushing. That's not good.

I know I'm better than a Salmon Ladder.

Like, I've done plenty of Salmon Ladders in my time.

You know, there's no point in being all sad and mopey about it.

I'm just gonna, you know, go forth.

That's just fire in the belly.

All that is is fuel to the fire.

Bryson Klein, congratulations. Great series. Well done.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Yeah, Bryson!

Hey, Ben, this is unbelievable.

The time pressure is causing mayhem for our ninjas tonight.

If you're worried about the clock,

all of a sudden, your concentration goes out the window.

This course is a shocker,

and it's, again, living up to its reputation tonight.

Can the mountain be beaten?

The only way to find out is to join us right after this.

11 obstacles stand between our final nine ninjas

and a date with destiny, but who can reach Mount Midoriyama?

No ninja has ever won two titles in a row.

Can last year's champ defy the odds?

The first Australian Ninja Warrior is Ben Polson!

Runner-up Charlie Robbins wants to settle the score.

CHARLIE: Last year, got done by a second.

So, hopefully can improve on that a little bit.

Can trailblazer Olivia Vivian beat the clock?

OLIVIA: Tonight, the time limit is next to nothing.

(LAUGHS) 3:35.

That's how long I take to do one obstacle!

And will lightning finally strike for 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert?

But next, two-time grand finalist and family man Alex Bigg.

200 grand if we beat it - we're talking life-changing money.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

BEN: You're back with the season five grand final

of Australian Ninja Warrior,

where $200,000 waits at the top of that angry Mount Midoriyama

if anyone is superhuman enough to make it to the top.

REBECCA: But first, our nine remaining ninjas

must get through stage two

and complete six unbelievably difficult obstacles in just 3:35.

So far, no-one has been able to do it.

Our next ninja is in the form of his life

and getting better with every run.

Third overall in season two,

he has the experience, strength, and skill to make the breakthrough.

Get ready for the big time, with Alex Bigg!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

SHANE: Alex Bigg - he's been here for five years.

We know this man.

We know what he can do.

He's now onto

the second stage of the finals.

He's gonna bring his very best.

He needs to take it to the next level.

Can we see a Bigg man

at Mount Midoriyama?

Well, it wouldn't be grand final two without family and friends with us.

So, Alex Bigg, take a look at the big screen.

Your beautiful wife, Amy, of course,

and our new favourite little guy, Arlo, and Ares there as well.

Hello, gang. How are you?

Good! How are you? Good!

How are you, Arlo? Hi, Dadda!

3:35 on the clock.

Six crazy obstacles.

Here we go. (CHIME SOUNDS)

Alex Bigg representing the state of South Australia.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We start our ninjas tonight with a real arm-burner.

Just watch this.

Here he goes, and the legs going as well.

Terrific form, Alex Bigg. First one done and dusted.

Arms and legs for obstacle number one,

and obstacle number two, Salmon Ladder to Unstable Bridge.

Oh! Oooh!

Needs to correct it,

and this is where Bryson Klein's grand final ended,

but Alex Bigg survives and moves himself onto the Unstable Bridges.

Season two grand final, Alex came off on these boards.

He's a little hesitant with the transfer. Is it playing on his mind?

Oooh, great catch, and he's across!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Two obstacles down. The I-Beam Gap is next.

Big support from some of his fellow ninjas here tonight.

Will Alex Bigg climb all the way up or go for the risky lache?

Oooh, I'm feeling nervous about this. This is a huge catch.

This is huge! Yes!

Sticks it! Well done, Alex Bigg!

He is crushing this course, Ben, in a really good time.

He's done three obstacles in just under a minute.

On the Spin Hopper, watch out for the second and fourth pill

on the way up and the way down.

They spin around. The others are stable.

Because he's 87kg, it could be more of problem for him than for others.

Let's see how he goes.

Another arm-burner! Back to back to back.

Ohh! Unbelievable.

There we go - wobble, wobble.

You'll see the next one wobble as well.

Oh, hang on there!

Ahh, good work!

Now he's got the big transition in the middle.

Alex Bigg, the 34-year-old from Adelaide, in South Australia.

Get on your feet, SA!

Here he comes. He's got a shaky one in front of him.

He skips it, and he'll skip the other one too.

1:52 left on the clock.

The Dungeon - this is a place you just don't wanna be,

but if you have to go,

you wanna get out of there really really quick.

Banging the arms now! Ready to launch up onto this.

Yeah, this is a spiky panel, and this is all arms,

and then watch what happens if and when you get to the top.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

It flicks it up, locks it in, and then you gotta work along it.

It's crazy!

And now he goes!

There it is - locked in. It transitions now.

You've gotta go underneath it,

supporting your entire body weight as you go,

and at the end, there's a 1.2-metre lache to the final board.

You've gotta make it stick.

This is a brutal obstacle, this one, and the family is watching on.

Babe, keep going! (CLAPS)

OK, this is it, Crawf!

Oh! Now for the catch. I can't watch. I really can't watch.

Here he goes! No! Ohh! No.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Couldn't hold on,

and a big splash from the 'Bigg Ninja'.

Alex Bigg out on obstacle five.

Bigg Ninja, big wipe-out. You splashed me. Well done.

Sorry, mate, but not really.

So, tell us what happened here.

Definitely burning on the pegs up there...

..but, yeah, when I transferred,

my feet hit it almost straight away.

I couldn't get my hands in time,

and, well, you saw the rest.

You've been in great form this year.

You've certainly taken it to the next level.

So, you should be super proud.

Your family, I'm sure, are very proud.

South Australia - very proud. Thanks, mate.

I'm really stoked that I could come out, after last season,

and show that little man up there you don't always win,

but it's just not worth giving up - like, keep going.

Amazing. Congratulations, Alex Bigg!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Great attitude, great effort from Alex,

and his time, oh, it was looking so good too.

Yeah, but this course is unforgiving, Bec,

and the Bigg Ninja's season is over.

Next up, this ninja is proof

of the importance of the second chance advantage.

The Barrel Roll got him the first time around last night.

His rerun was perfect, and the momentum is now unstoppable.

For our Dungeon Master and 'Rat Dad', Jake Baker!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Making it through grand final one, there is a lot to process.

Mount Midoriyama has changed this year.

With two minutes on the clock, he's gone!

Two runs in one night.

It was such a relief to have that safety pass, and a retry.

I mean, you know, otherwise my season would be over.

Yes! Yes!

I am exhausted emotionally.

It doesn't matter how you get there!

Yes! You just gotta do it!

But I'm also very excited to continue.

Out of all these amazing, talented, and determined ninjas,

I got into the final ten?

That's crazy!

As I step up to the course tonight, it's my last chance.

I just need to focus and I am going to send it!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

After watching Mike Snow and Zak Stolz,

Jake Baker would give his right arm

to still have that second chance up his sleeve.

This is Sudden Death. One chance, one moment.

Now, there's a special guests there on the sideline tonight.

Yep, that is mum, Mandy.

She has just flown in from Melbourne.

She hasn't been able to be with us,

but she is here for grand final stage two tonight,

and I have a feeling that Jake Baker will not disappoint his mum.

3:35 on the clock, and here we go.

This is the Rolling Steel.

Look at Jake Baker as he gets up there.

This is all arms and legs. You gotta pump the legs as well.

Ohh, and what about that as a first obstacle,

just to get the blood pumping around your body?

Quickly on the Salmon Ladder,

which has caused big problems already tonight.

You've gotta go up three rungs. Here we go!

And then you've gotta get on the Unstable Bridges.

One, two, three! Clutching it! He stacked it! Bam, bam, bam!

Absolutely crushing it, Jake Baker! So fast!

Taking the side option as well.

Will do the transfer to the second bridge.

Oh, he's in a rush. Setting a cracking pace tonight.

3:03 on the clock!

Now Jake Baker gets up on the I-Beam Gap.

This is where Zak Stolz hit the water,

but he had that second chance advantage.

Jake does not.

But get a load of this! Ohh!

Ohh, how do they catch with the fingertips? How do they do that?

Three obstacles done in just over 50 seconds.

Three to come. Here we go now. This is the Spin Hopper.

Be careful of pill number two and pill number four -

they're dangerous pills.

They're shaky. So, watch this, as he touches the shaky one.

He gets off. Oh, look at him!

Ohh, there's the shaky one! Don't fall! Whoa!

Be careful of the shaky pill!

Oh, that took him by surprise, Ben! That took him by surprise!

He'll bypass it all the way down.

Said, "No, thank you.

"I don't want any more of those pills. They're bad."

What a ninja!

2:16. He's making good time. This is the Dungeon!

Oh, brand-new obstacle

for Australian Ninja Warrior season five.

Taking a good look at it.

He got past a dragon in the semis.

Can this Dungeon Master tame this stage two course?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

OK, up he goes. He's going really fast up that panel.

Nice and steady!

He's got... oh! He's just slipped there.

He's gotta hold. He locks it in.

Now these handles. Working away.

It's taking so much out of these ninjas. Keep going, Jake.

He's slowing down. The arms are burning a bit.

OK.

This is the transition that's the worry.

This is a big worry!

Ohh! Oh, no!

Slides all the way down to the very, very end!

With 1:37 left on the clock.

Missed the handle altogether, Ben.

He had the time. Let's just have a look at it.

It's tough enough being on the spikes.

It's tough enough making your way underneath that panel,

and then this - look at these handles.

Just watch closely.

Both hands completely miss the targets.

Crawf, he'll have a better idea than we do.

What went wrong there for him? Poor old Jake Baker.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Tell us about this obstacle.

How tough is it, and where did it all go wrong?

I felt pretty good. I was moving through those Dungeon spikes.

Ready for my lache,

and I think I just didn't have the same accuracy

I was expecting for those handles.

The whole season, you've been one of the biggest improvers.

How does it feel that you're now mixing it with the very best ninjas?

Oh, I feel pretty lucky to rub shoulders with some of the greats.

The whole experience has been amazing.

Every obstacle is challenging in its own way,

and it's just been, you know, a really fun journey.

Good on you. Congratulations. You've been so impressive.

Please put your hands together for Jake Baker, the Dungeon Master!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The very best ninjas in the country are really up against it tonight.

Can anyone complete all six obstacles?

It's gonna take something extraordinary,

because this course is cruel.

Don't go anywhere! You are watching Australian Ninja Warrior.

We're back right after this.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And coming up, three of the fastest ninjas in the world.

Season two Furthest Fastest Rob Patterson.

ROB: Stage two is epic.

It is 100% send or nothing else.

'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert.

3:35 is doable, but it's gonna be right on the buzzer.

And last year's runner-up, Charlie Robbins.

CHARLIE: Once that buzzer goes off, just send it as quick as I can.

Don't let go, don't get wet.

And still to come, the queen of Ninja Warrior, Olivia Vivian.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

BEN: Welcome back, everybody.

You're watching the Australian Ninja Warrior

stage two grand final for 2021.

We're coming to you from Sydney Olympic Park.

Now, the toughest course ever has had the upper hand on our ninjas so far.

No-one's been able to book their spot in stage three.

Oh, no!

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

REBECCA: Up for grabs is a cool $100,000

for the Furthest Fastest,

but can anyone tame the raging Mount Midoriyama and win $200,000?

And for our reigning champion Ben Polson,

can he become the first in the world to do it twice?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Our next ninja is the fastest of them all,

and after disappointment last year,

he's been unbeatable in 2021.

Almost a minute faster than the rest of his competition in stage one,

it's Ashlin 'Flashlin' Herbert!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Grand final one is done. So, yeah, feeling ecstatic.

Look at him fly!

'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert lived up to his name.

He's jus done three obstacles in 15 seconds.

Ohh!

Beat the course with still 1:45 to go.

(BUZZER SOUNDS) Bam!

Almost a minute faster than Zak.

I'm definitely fast 'cause I'm lazy. (LAUGHS)

The faster I go, the easier it is on my arms.

Flashlin flying!

Oh, no! He's down!

Off the back of last year, not getting up to this stage,

I was very disappointed.

Yeah, I was upset when I bombed out.

This year I can't make any silly mistakes.

I've only been to stage two in season three.

That's the end of his run.

Favourite's gone!

It'll be a timed course tonight.

So, I'll stick to my old tricks and go as fast as I can,

and without making any mistakes.

I can't wait to show everyone what I can do,

and one more step closer to Mount Midoriyama.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He looks ready, doesn't he?

What about that?

This is the first time ever he's doing a run

without his very lucky pink singlet.

He's never been better,

and I've got a feeling he means business.

I hope so, Ben. We need someone through to stage three.

That's his mum, Gabby, and Sarah, his girlfriend and fellow ninja.

You can just sense the nerves, can't you?

Here we go. (CHIME SOUNDS)

Here he goes.

Ashlin Herbert on the Rolling Steel.

This guy is a machine! Oh, he looks so good already!

He's decided to fast start,

and already on to number two - the Salmon Ladder to Unstable Bridge.

OK. Oh, he's just gone up two rungs in one go!

You can do that if you're good enough,

and now he'll be racing along these boards.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And look at him go along the side.

Look at the muscles on this bloke.

After 25 seconds,

he's about to complete obstacle number two.

He does it in 30 seconds.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He is the fastest to obstacle three, Ben,

but in previous years,

he's had a little bit of a tendency to make mistakes - silly mistakes.

I don't think he'll do that tonight.

Well, let's watch this right here, this transition.

Ahh, he's good! He is on!

Can you believe that? He almost headbutted it!

He's going all the way, Ben. Here we go.

He's good tonight. He's really good!

This is the Spin Hopper.

Up onto the second one, the third.

The fourth is a shaky. The fifth, he survives.

Look as his legs as he does that.

He is so controlled and calm.

We have never seen Ashlin Herbert look so good!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Bec, that's why we call him Flashlin Ashlin.

Fastest to this point.

He's just on another level, this bloke.

And what about the crowd?

They know that they're seeing something special.

They're up out of their seats!

Here he is on obstacle five - the Dungeon.

Straight up onto the spikes. WOMAN: Yes, smash it!

This is gonna burn him, but he's moving quickly.

Let's just put this in perspective, Bec.

He's got two minutes left on the clock.

Gotta work his way. Here he goes.

Ashlin Herbert!

This is so impressive to watch, oh, my goodness.

Time is not going to be an issue.

It just comes down to concentration,

and as you pointed out, he has had slip-ups before.

Oh, no! Ohh!

Ashlin Herbert... And he's just had another one now.

..was just looking so good on this course.

I was so confident that he was going all the way,

but it is that board at the end of the Dungeon.

To grab the rails

is proving so difficult for our ninjas this evening.

And as we know,

Ashlin has got a tendency to just blitz it in the heats,

blitz it in the semis,

but sometimes when he gets here to the grand final,

the business end of the equation, it can get the better of him,

and it looks like that's what happened here.

With stage three in touching distance,

it was another error at a crucial moment.

Ashlin makes the final jump, but he leads with his legs,

so he kicks the board away,

and that sends him straight down into the water.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

One of our fiercest contenders,

Ashlin Herbert is out of Australian Ninja Warrior 2021.

Yeah, it's hard to watch for him, but that's the nature of the beast.

Mount Midoriyama is really taking out its revenge

on these grand finalists.

The course is something else,

and you've gotta wonder, can anyone get to the buzzer?

Maybe our next ninja.

Well, just a fraction of a second last year.

That was the difference between $400,000 and nothing for this ninja.

He's looked super strong throughout 2021.

Can he reverse last year's result tonight?

He's one of your favourites - Charlie Robbins!

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

CHARLIE: Very first season, season three,

taken out Furthest Fastest.

The winner for 2019.

BEN AND REBECCA: Charlie Robbins!

I was like, "Yes, that's awesome!"

Yeah, I wanna enjoy that feeling again this year.

Off he goes! Lands it, and bam!

This grand final run,

I felt like I was a lot more present and, like, in the moment.

He's got no qualms just hanging out.

And it was kind of fun.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

But I didn't come here to get wet! (LAUGHS)

Here he goes in the pool!

Charlie, you better get a wriggle on, son!

Why do I have to swim? I didn't practise for that. (LAUGHS)

My game plan for tonight to get to Mount Midoriyama

is to hit the buzzer.

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

Doesn't really matter whether you go a minute faster than someone else,

as long as you hit the buzzer.

My message to Mount Midoriyama would be,

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

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC CONTINUES)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

SHANE: Here he is - Charlie Robbins!

He knows how to get the job done.

Our golfing ninja is ready to go, go, go.

Don't throw it in the water, whatever you do.

You'll be disqualified.

This man knows how to get the job done.

He loves pressure! He eats it for breakfast. Bring it on!

Can you imagine losing $400,000 by less than a second?

Right here, right now,

Charlie has the chance to set the record straight.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

And this is the buzzer for Charlie Robbins.

Here he goes up onto the Rolling Steel,

looking really strong on obstacle one.

When he first turned up on Ninja Warrior a few years ago,

no-one gave him any hope.

Now we know he is one of the best of the best.

And he just goes about it with such little fuss, doesn't he?

Such little fanfare.

He just gets the job done all the time.

Three runs done, completed.

And look at that - he's going down one side, and he's going fast.

Now for the transfer.

Now on to the second bridge.

He's moving fast,

but it's a very controlled Charlie Robbins in the moment.

Taking no risks.

There's his grandad, Taffy, on the sideline.

His best mate. They play golf together.

TAFFY: Work it out.

And he's always here supporting him.

Charlie, I reckon, must be thinking to himself,

"Well, can I do this?"

There have been a lot of big ninjas who have bombed out.

Yep. Including right here.

Watch it! All good!

That's good!

Taffy's very happy on the sideline.

That's three obstacles done in a minute.

Now we come up to another obstacle for a bit of arm burn -

the Spin Hopper.

Charlie's done this one before.

He's lost a little time.

He's now slower than Ashlin Herbert, but he's pacing himself,

and he's keeping something in the tank.

Good technique! Excellent!

How's the clock? 2:15.

Looking good, Charlie,

but you're gonna have to put your foot down a touch.

He's methodical at the moment. Is that gonna be enough?

He missed out by a fraction of a second last year.

Don't let that happen again, Charlie.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, lowers himself down and now we're away.

Two to go! Two to go!

Come on, Charlie!

And here we are at the Dungeon.

This has been an absolute killer tonight.

The burn is extreme.

Can Charlie turn it up and get it done?

Bec, he's got 1:44 to complete two obstacles,

to book his place into stage three of the grand final for 2021.

He's up one half of this obstacle first of all.

Come on, Charlie.

This is the spiky panel.

It locks in place,

and now the arm burn as you make your way underneath the panel.

And at the end is the leap onto the final panel,

and this has tormented our ninjas all night.

This is the moment of truth.

Come on, Charlie! He's done it! He's stuck it!

He holds them!

Yes, that is such a difficult manoeuvre

and Charlie Robbins has nailed it!

Come on, Charlie! Come on, Charlie!

What about that? He was stuck on the glass like a frog.

(MIMICS SQUELCHING)

He's got one obstacle to go. He can see the buzzer.

Takes time to wipe his hands. He's not stressed at all!

53 seconds to go! He must be stressed!

50 seconds to go!

Come on, Charlie! 48!

Don't let the clock beat you, Charlie!

Come on! That would be the worst end possible!

He's onto the second board. This is the big transfer lache.

39 seconds left! Yes, Charlie!

He's gonna do it! 35 seconds!

He's looking so good! 33!

Come on, Charlie Robbins! 31!

He's gotta get up the rope!

He's gonna be the first ninja tonight!

Charlie! Go! 27 seconds!

Can he get there, Bec? Go!

Oh, he's burning! It's agony! Push, Charlie!

Hit the buzzer, Charlie!

20 seconds left on the clock! Hit the buzzer!

Oh, he's struggling to get up! We have a ninja! Whoo!

Charlie Robbins! Grand final stage three!

Oh, yes! (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well done, Charlie Robbins!

You are good!

That is spectacular to watch!

Have a look at Taffy and the family on the sideline, celebrating.

Everyone's celebrating.

How good is it to see someone hit that buzzer?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Wow!

Planned to perfection by Charlie Robbins.

Using his speed in spurts,

instead of going flat out,

he avoided burning his energy early.

He made sure of every single hand and foot placement,

blocking out the time pressure,

and then dialled it up to maximum effort on the last two obstacles.

He got to the buzzer with 16 seconds to spare.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Charlie, you missed out on $400,000 last year by less than a second.

Thanks for reminding me. (LAUGHTER)

Mount Midoriyama - I'm sure you're aware of that.

Mount Midoriyama is launching its revenge this year,

but I reckon you've got a point to prove yourself.

Yeah, it's bitten back real hard.

It didn't like us stomping all over it last year.

So, so far, so good.

I've just gotten through each course with not a whole lot of gas left,

but that one over there is gonna be interesting.

Charlie, we know that you're the first person

to make it this far tonight.

That means you're the first person

to get a look at the next stage of the grand final,

and the first person who's in the running

to make your way up Mount Midoriyama.

So, if you have a look at that monster up there

with 200 grand at the top,

what does this mean to you right now?

I know there's some super strong ninjas to come.

So, I'm not expecting to be the only one tackling those obstacles.

Charlie Robbins, give him a roar. You are awesome!

You are awesome! Well done, Charlie.

We have got a ninja into stage three of the grand final,

and that means a breakthrough has happened.

No matter what Mount Midoriyama throws at them,

our best ninjas keep on coming.

Charlie Robbins moves one step closer to glory.

Can anybody join him?

Find out after the break

right here on Australian Ninja Warrior Grand Final Night.

Coming right up,

defending champion Ben Polson has his eyes on that prize...

BEN: I am looking at Mount Midoriyama.

Crossing my fingers that I'll get to meet her again,

but time will tell.

..while superstar Olivia Vivian is up for the fight of her life.

OLIVIA: I don't see myself as just a strong female anymore.

I'm a strong ninja and I'm here to play.

Boom! Let's go.

Australian Ninja Warrior's golden couple

take on stage two.

Then, later, Mount Midoriyama's final defences.

Five of the most wicked obstacles in Ninja Warrior history.

Grand final stage three awaits.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

REBECCA: You're back with the season five grand final

of 'Australian Ninja Warrior',

where one ninja tonight

will go home with a guaranteed $100,000.

BEN: And who's it gonna be?

Tonight's 'furthest fastest'

will take home that prize.

And at the moment, it's last year's runner-up, Charlie Robbins,

leading the way.

(BUZZER BLARES)

He's the only ninja to have booked his place in stage three,

with the possibility of taking on Mt Midoriyama

for $200,000

and becoming 2021 champion.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

And that's been our next ninja's dream for the last five years.

Season two's furthest fastest. Three years later,

he's gunning for that mountain.

Here's his chance, Rob Patterson.

And talk about pedigree. Look at that.

He's been in grand final stage two

every season,

except last year.

WOMAN: Go, Rob!

And he took out furthest fastest

in season two.

Mum, Dad, partner Tamara on the sidelines,

and plenty of support for Rob Patterson in the stands tonight.

Oh, and that...

That is a nervous look if I've ever seen one.

Just has a little nervous smile there,

thinking, "Can the buzzer just go?

"I wanna get this over and done with."

It's like ripping off a Band-Aid, Rob,

only this one takes three minutes and 35 seconds.

(CHEERING AND WHISTLING)

(TIMER BEEPS)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Here he goes on the Rolling Steel, obstacle one.

Makes the jump up to begin his grand-final stage two campaign.

(CHUCKLES) Oh!

They don't muck around on that first one.

Record time, that one. He's done. "Go, Rob,"

says the signs, and, go, Rob,

up on the Salmon Ladder.

(CHEERING AND SHOUTING)

Bam.

In season two, he won furthest fastest

by finishing centimetres further than anyone else

on these boards. Look at him now,

flying along the side.

He just scrambles, doesn't he?

Now he's off. He's been going 30 seconds,

so four obstacles still to come

in three minutes, so it's 45 seconds per obstacle.

He's on the I-Beam Gap. Don't rush the transfer.

Kicks the legs. He's going to lache.

And sticks it! (AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Lucky not to hit his head there.

He's fastest to this point. Can he keep it going?

Up next, it's the Spin Hopper.

MAN: Come on.

Now, these naughty little pills. WOMAN: Go, Rob!

Particularly number two and number four -

they're the ones that cause you all sorts of drama.

They are slippery. Oh!

Another slippery one coming up. Hang on, Rob.

That's a slippery customer, that one.

This one's done. Oh, he's done it.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

He's now across into the middle part.

2:21 on the clock.

Could we be looking at another ninja booking their place in stage three?

Alright, now, Bec,

he's got two obstacles to do in a little over two minutes.

I'd say he's looking really good.

He'll have a bit of a rest here... WOMAN: Rob, you've got time.

..and he'll leave himself two minutes to complete the Dungeon

and the Crazy Cliff Hanger to Rope.

And Rob knows exactly how tough this obstacle is.

It's taken out Ashlin, Jake, Alex.

He's gonna work it out first.

He's also wanting to make sure

that he's got enough petrol left in the tank.

That's been a key story in this competition.

Did he leave himself enough time?

And ninjas have said to us that this course is gassy, as they say.

It's very pumpy. And he needs to have something in his arms

for the leap on to that final board.

And now he's going for the catch. I feel sick watching this.

You know what? It comes down to this.

If he can do this...

The rail's going... Yes, he's got it!

He's got it! He's grabbed it!

Sticks it - perfect! He looked like Superman then. Just brilliant.

There's one minute, 18 seconds on the clock.

Rob Patterson's got one obstacle to complete.

And he is nearly 15 seconds faster than Charlie Robbins to this point.

He's got the time. (AUDIENCE CHEERS)

The Crazy Cliffhanger to Rope - there's five boards and one rope,

and there's now one minute from now left on the clock.

(SHOUTING)

Oh, Rob Patterson.

Rob Patterson - he's just trying

to work out how to do this. He's giving himself a little break.

We've got 50 seconds the clock.

Can he progress to stage three

of the grand final? Hold on, Rob. We're down...

..to 40 seconds.

This is gonna come down to the wire.

Looking great. 37.

Not panicking.

34 seconds on the clock!

Oh! Oh no! No, no,

No, no, no, no, no!

And just like Mike Snow,

Rob Patterson falls on the last obstacle,

and another champion ninja fails

to reach stage three.

Are we gonna get anyone other than Charlie up that rope,

on to that buzzer and into stage three?

Rob Patterson.

I know you're probably not happy going out there,

'cause you almost got to the very end.

But you must be very proud of yourself.

Yeah, thanks, Shane. It's...

It's just great fun to be on the course.

And, yeah, a bit disappointed.

I felt good starting that,

but as soon as I was getting up to that second one,

I could feel the pump coming.

It was fatigue, virtually,

that got you in the end? 100%.

I had the breath in me to finish. It was just the pump in the forearms.

Hey, wonderful to have you here. Congratulations.

That was a super effort. Almost there.

Rob Patterson! (AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Thank you. Well done, mate.

So close for Rob Patterson.

He really gave it everything. He took the fight to Mt Midoriyama,

but in the end, once again, stage three eluded him.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Well, last season, this ninja watched her boyfriend,

Ben Polson, take out the title.

This year the crown could be hers.

It's the queen of 'Australian Ninja Warrior',

make some noise for Olivia Vivian.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)

Last night, when I hit the buzzer,

like, a part of me was like, "How?"

(BUZZER BLARES)

"How did I get here?" Because I almost fell

on the first three obstacles.

I almost missed that Barrel Roll.

She can't afford too many more swings...

Oh! ..without a landing.

I guess, like, something else helped me get through that run.

I truly felt like Dad was watching over.

Doesn't waste any time!

(BUZZER BLARES) Hits the buzzer!

(CHEERING)

Yeah, I lost my father to melanoma,

and a part of him was in that crowd, cheering me on.

I know he'd be proud. (VOICE BREAKS) I know he was really proud

when I made it to the Olympic Games.

(INSPIRING MUSIC)

But 'Ninja' is something else.

Like, I'm out here,

competing against the men.

Being here two years in a row makes me go, like,

"I am not just a strong female.

"I belong here. I'm supposed to be here.

"I'm a strong ninja.

"I'm a competitor, and I'm here to win."

(INSPIRING MUSIC)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

This year, Olivia Vivian has a first.

Can this be the first year she makes it

into stage three of the grand final?

Crawf, the first female ninja to climb the Warped Wall,

on to the Power Tower, into the grand final.

And last year, the first to make stage two.

And here she is again. A fantastic record, Bec.

The big worry tonight is

the time limit. Can she do six obstacles in 3:35?

Come on, Liv.

There's boyfriend Ben Polson, the champ.

His crown is on the line tonight.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(TIMER BEEPS)

Here we go.

Olivia Vivian takes off on the Rolling Steel.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

She's imagined all of her moves.

She's planned it out in her head,

and now it's time to do it. That's it!

And she kicks and pushes and finds her way through obstacle number one.

And we are away! Olivia Vivian!

This is going to be a tough ask for Olivia Vivian tonight.

Take a breath.

We have so many obstacles that are arm-burners...

Come on, you got this. ..back to back.

You got it. This is another one of them.

Up she goes on the Salmon Ladder, making sure her grip

is just perfect.

One,

two... Come on!

..three! (AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Oh, she means business. Have a look at her go.

She's going on one side.

Careful through.

She's got it. Look at her go!

Look at her go!

Legend!

Well, she's got to pick up the pace here.

Come on, back yourself.

We're now coming up to the mark where almost

a minute's gone in her run.

She's up to obstacle number three.

She's gotta complete this and three others in 2:35.

That's under 40 seconds per obstacle.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS) And this is huge for Olivia Vivian.

Come on, Olivia.

But she's a gymnast. Let's do it.

A former Olympic gymnast. She...

HOSTS: Oh no!

I don't know what happened there,

but that's a shock.

That is a real shock.

We thought that she could certainly finish this course tonight,

but Olivia Vivian has crashed out at grand final two on obstacle three.

Olivia. Shane.

What are you doing to us? The time limit...

..is just so tight tonight.

It was sort of... I had to go for it.

I had to go for it. I had to send it.

Otherwise, I wasn't gonna get to that buzzer anyway.

We've got a replay for you, so here.

Feast your eyes on this, Olivia Vivian.

You're gonna love it.

It's such a tough grip.

You have to give it everything you've got.

And as I went to pull from my arms,

I just didn't have it to hold on to...

Oh, that ledge is... Yeah, it's tight.

You must be very, very proud of how you've been going this year.

No, absolutely. You know, I come in every year.

I truly do back myself, believe in myself.

You're an absolute superstar. We love you.

Olivia Vivian, what a champion she is.

(CHEERING)

Isn't she ever? But with Olivia Vivian,

another superstar ninja, falling victim

to the unbelievable time pressure,

maybe Ben Polson is paying close attention.

The reigning champ is on the course straight after the break.

You're watching 'Australia Ninja Warrior' grand final night.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Last year, Charlie missed out on $400,000 by a fraction of a second.

Hit it, Charlie! Hit it! (BUZZER BLARES)

Yeah! Oh, he's done it!

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Tonight, he is the only ninja to book his place in stage three

and has $100,000 within his grasp.

Ben Polson's done it!

But will reigning champion Ben Polson deny him again?

The first Australian Ninja Warrior, Ben Polson!

And can our two second-chance ninjas make it second time lucky?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

REBECCA: Welcome back, everybody.

You are watching the 'Australian Ninja Warrior' grand final,

stage two.

Charlie Robbins is still the only ninja

to complete the course and hit the buzzer

to book his place into stage three.

(CHEERING)

The game has changed for our three remaining ninjas.

Now they must complete all six stage-two obstacles

just to stay in the competition.

BEN: Mike Snow and Zak Stolz

are getting ready for their second-chance runs.

They're coming up soon.

One more chance to go. I need to tidy a few things up.

I came off on the Cliffhanger on the first move.

On the first cliff. Will make...

Makes the transfer. Now pushing, pushing, pushing... Oh no!

If it's a tidier run, then I can probably just pull it through,

but I'm gonna burning.

Last time, I had my eyes on that water.

I was making sure my feet weren't gonna kick it through,

and I really just didn't get the right swing that I needed.

The big leap now.

Oh no! No!

So, this time, I really gotta go out there

and keep my eyes focused on where I need to be,

and just absolutely go for it.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

It was this time last year that our next ninja scaled

Mt Midoriyama and became the first ever Australian Ninja Warrior.

He is the reigning champ

and the last to run before our two second-chance ninjas.

It is Ben Polson.

BEN POLSON: This is my fourth year in stage two, actually,

so I feel like... I truly see myself as a top-ten competitor.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

I mean, I deserved it. I got here. I hit the buzzer last night.

Here he is. One thing's for sure -

he's into stage two of the grand final!

He's there. A huge relief

hitting that buzzer, to be honest. Huge relief,

because, as we all know, 'Ninja' is tough.

You can fall at any point.

But I didn't wanna just scrape into the grand final.

That's not enough.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Ultimately, I am crossing my fingers

that I'll get to conquer Mt Midoriyama again.

The first Australian Ninja Warrior is Ben Polson!

(CHEERING)

Mt Midoriyama is gonna be tougher than ever.

It's all my fault -

I had to go and win last year, and the mountain got angry,

and it's come back with a vengeance.

My goal is to come back and back it up.

I am capable of accomplishing it twice in a row.

There's never been a winner which has won two years in a row,

anywhere in the world.

(CHEERING)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Ben Polson is back to defend his title.

And the king arrives here at Sydney Olympic Park.

This is a place where legends have been made,

but in the case of Ben Polson,

he's already done it - did it 12 months ago.

But then comes the pressure, Bec. You can do it once -

can you do it twice? Can you back up?

He's back to defend his title.

The king is in the building!

On the sideline, the champion that is Olivia Vivian.

You've got this. You've got this. His number-one supporter.

No ninja in the world has ever won back-to-back titles.

Can Ben Polson take a giant step towards that?

(TIMER BEEPS)

3:35 on the clock,

and that clock starts ticking right now.

He's off and away on the Rolling Steel,

kicking those legs like a duck underneath water.

First obstacle done for the champion.

Nice. Salmon Ladder to Unstable Bridge.

I mean, we've seen everything

that this guy is capable of in season four

of 'Australian Ninja Warrior'. One, two...

But he needs to back it up this year.

..three. Can he do that?

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

A lot of pressure on his shoulders this season.

He uses those shoulders and those biceps

and those elbows and those arms.

Oh, what about that for a leap?

That's like a giant leaping over small buildings!

(CHEERING)

2:56 now. I-Beam Gap.

Ben knows this is where Olivia Vivian came off -

needs to keep his concentration

and keep his feet up. Here comes the lache.

Yeah...

BOTH: Oh no!

And he's got no second-chance advantage here, Ben Polson,

so that is it. That is it.

Can you believe it?

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

The defending champion is out of 'Australian Ninja Warrior'.

We thought he could go all the way this season.

We thought he was capable of going back-to-back,

but that is not to be for Ben Polson.

Oh, my goodness. Take a look at that.

He's the tallest ninja,

so I think he was worried about dragging his feet.

There was a little look down just before he went for the leap.

And when he made it, he had his eyes on the prize,

but the hands just weren't coming to the party.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Ben Polson, what do you say? What do you say after that?

You are the king. How are you feeling?

What's going through your head right now?

Yeah, look, I think...

To be honest, I wasn't as... definitely wasn't as focused

when I started that run as I have been previously.

You know, it's tough. 'Ninja' is about 70% mindset

for me, and, seeing the course, seeing the obstacles,

it's bigger, it's badder, it's better,

and that gets to you psychologically.

And I think that just got to me tonight.

Hey, you'll be back,

and we can never take away that you were the first Australian

ever to conquer Mt Midoriyama.

Ben Polson, great to have you be part of the competition.

Thank you so much. Thanks, Australia.

(CHEERING)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

It is a reminder, Bec, about the anger being displayed

by the obstacle course this year -

from Mt Midoriyama down - and when you've got the clock ticking,

sometimes you do things that you otherwise would not do.

You know what that does do now for the competition, though?

The defending champion is out... Yeah.

..so it is anyone's now.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Coming up after the break - the second-chance hurrah

for Mike Snow and Zak Stolz.

Can they join Charlie Robbins heading into stage three?

The only way to find out is to join us right after this.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

REBECCA: Welcome back to 'Australian Ninja Warrior',

and we are at the pointy end of tonight's epic grand final.

At this moment, Ben, we only have one out of our ten ninjas -

Charlie Robbins - who has confirmed his place

in grand final stage three.

He's in the driver's seat to win $100,000 as furthest fastest,

and still has the chance to take on Mt Midoriyama.

BEN: However, two ninjas came into tonight

with an incredible second-chance advantage

that they got in the semi-finals,

and it proved a lifeline for both Mike Snow and Zak Stolz

after falling short on their first runs.

First to go again is the international stuntman

who has overcome London lockdown and hotel quarantine

to keep alive his dream

of conquering Mt Midoriyama for his mum.

This is the moment - the final moment - for stuntman Mike Snow.

SHANE: Mike Snow, up for round two.

Made it all the way to the final obstacle and fell.

Can he make it all the way on round two?

There are so many factors at play

for our ninjas who get to run the course again.

Yes, they know what it's like,

but, two, they are tired.

Have they got enough energy left?

So many question marks, aren't there, Ben?

Yeah, there are no guarantees, but it's a second lottery ticket,

and the jackpot - 200 grand.

We know he can do it.

We know he has the skills to do it. (TIMER BEEPS)

3:35 on the clock.

It is now or never, Mike Snow. Off you go.

(CHEERING) And once again,

he begins this stage-two grand final journey.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

It's not deja vu, Australia. (CHUCKLES)

This is a 'Ninja Warrior' first -

the second-chance advantage in play during season five.

Up on the Salmon Ladder.

He knows what to do. One,

two,

three. (CHEERING)

Then moves himself on to the Unstable Bridges.

Let's not forget this is the second time he's doing it.

But he's not showing any signs of fatigue.

As a matter of fact, he looks like he's going faster.

His mum and sister watching on in the big screen.

2:57 on the clock.

The nerves are just awful.

He's not changing anything.

He's doing this run as almost a carbon copy of his first run -

methodical, not rushing...

but posting a good time.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS) Yes, he holds on.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

He's got three obstacles to go.

This is almost more nerve-racking to watch than the first run,

because you know he's got no other lifeline. Come on, Mike Snow.

And I'll tell you what - Crawf is spot on.

Mike Snow is nearly five seconds quicker to the Spin Hopper

than Charlie Robbins.

He's not messing about up there. He's putting his foot down -

maybe to buy a bit more time on the final obstacle.

Five down for Mike Snow.

2:05 on the clock!

And here is the Dungeon.

He'll really start feeling the arms burn now.

Look at his face, trying to get as much oxygen as he possibly can...

(CHEERING) ..pumping around his body.

The crowd's up. Everyone wants Mike Snow to do it.

The crowd might be up, but the clock's ticking down.

1:45 on the clock.

Oh... Here he goes now.

He's up those spikes. Come on, Mike!

He's gotta go to the top of the board.

It'll then lock in, and he's gotta crawl underneath it

and then make that perilous jump across to the rails.

Yes! Locks it in. 1:30 left on the clock.

Here he goes. This is taking everything

out of him. Don't forget it's the second time he's doing this.

Come on, Mike!

Oh, I thought it was a slip, but it wasn't.

Come on. This is the transfer.

Here he comes!

The rails. This is a big one.

Grab them.

Yes! Yes, he gets it!

He stuck it! He stuck it!

He's got one minute and 13 seconds to do one obstacle.

It's a real race now. Come on, Mike Snow.

But this is the one that he fell on.

Look at him close his eyes.

He starts punching those arms.

He's trying to freshen them up at the moment.

The big, deep breaths. This is the moment for Mike Snow.

Are you gonna do it, mate? Come on, Mike.

Or is this gonna be goodnight, Mike Snow?

Come on, Mike! The screams. This is huge.

He's gotta give it everything he's got.

The roar for Mike Snow is real, ladies and gentlemen.

Look at this guy go. He's the stuntman,

and he needs to pull a trick or two out, right now,

on the last obstacle of 'Australian Ninja Warrior'. Come on, Mike!

He's on the second board. This is the most important lache.

Yes! 26 seconds to go!

He's gonna do it! He's doing it, Mike Snow!

Come on, Mike! Hurry up, Mike!

Come on, Mike! Hit the gas!

No time left for thinking!

19 seconds! 17! Go!

15! Go! Go!

13! Go, Mike!

He's gotta get... 11!

Oh no, the time!

Ten, nine,

eight, seven,

six, five... Oh, he's gonna miss it up there!

..four, three... Oh no!

..two, one...

(ALL EXCLAIM)

WOMAN: Oh, mate.

What an effort.

You did well, mate.

(FAMILY GROAN)

Ben, look at him.

He knew - five more seconds on the clock,

and he would have had his hand on the buzzer.

OK, Crawf, how's our mate Mike Snow doing?

Mike Snow, you are a legend. (CHEERING)

How did you do that, second time around?

That is brutal.

I've never fought so hard on a course before.

That was just...

..literally everything I had.

I was dead.

I had to straighten my arm actively at one point,

before getting on an obstacle, 'cause I was just starting to cramp.

I've been dreaming of smashing this course

and getting all the way for five years now,

and I've never had a failure due to complete exhaustion.

That was good, man - no silly mistakes. Just...

I had nothing left.

Mike Snow, I know you're exhausted.

What a show you put on. Congratulations.

Thanks, mate. Cheers, dude. It was your best season ever.

Yeah. I thought you were almost there.

Well done. Thanks.

Put your hands together for Mike Snow.

Cheers, mate. Awesome.

Everything we love about this competition

was on display right there -

amazing skills, speed and strength,

and an unbelievable struggle between ninja and obstacle course.

We have an epic finish on our hands here in grand final number two.

Charlie Robbins is guaranteed to go through to stage three.

It all comes to Zak Stolz.

He's got his second-chance-advantage run coming up right after this.

We'll see you in just a moment.

This is grand final night on 'Australian Ninja Warrior'.

And then there was one.

If Zak Stolz can complete all six obstacles and hit the buzzer...

..we advance to stage three -

five more obstacles on the road to Mt Midoriyama.

But if he falls short,

Charlie Robbins will be 2021 furthest fastest

and could face Mt Midoriyama alone.

The defining moment of season five is next.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

BEN: Welcome back to the 'Australian Ninja Warrior' grand final,

where, as it stands, only Charlie Robbins is moving on to stage three.

Now, there is only one more run for stage two.

REBECCA: That's right, Ben.

He's one of the hugely talented ninjas

from Victoria's Mornington Peninsula,

who was so close to victory last year.

Spurred on by his father's memory,

he's determined to go one better this time.

It all comes down to this very moment.

Here he is again - Zak Stolz!

(CHEERING)

Well, it's good to see that Zak Stolz

still has a spring in his step,

and why wouldn't you?

It's your very last chance to get

a shot at Mt Midoriyama

and that $200,000 cheque.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

You can do it, Zak!

What a finish we've got on our hands.

And look at that bloke sitting in the crowd - Charlie Robbins.

He'll find out in the next three minutes and 35 seconds

if he is season five's furthest fastest,

with $100,000 to take home -

still with a chance of taking on Mt Midoriyama.

But if Zak can complete this course,

the battle continues into stage three.

This is gonna be great. Right now, talk about pressure -

there's no more pressure than on Zak Stolz right now.

And is he up to it?

Yes, he is.

(TIMER BEEPS)

(CHEERING) It all comes down to this.

Zak Stolz, your final opportunity to move on to the next stage.

And he hits it with a cracking pace.

Oh, move, alright. He's firing.

He is sending it, alright, Zak Stolz.

(CHEERING)

Obstacle number two.

Yep. He's done this one before - just a short time ago.

Salmon Ladder to Unstable Bridge.

Nails that one as well!

3:16 on the clock,

and across he comes now on these very unstable bridges.

And I'm gonna say, at this point, does not look tired.

Does not look gassed.

But neither did Mike Snow until right at the end.

You've got it! You've got it! Now, we need to keep in mind,

this is the obstacle that he failed on not so long ago - the I-Beam Gap.

He didn't waste any time, though - straight on to it.

He doesn't wanna think about it too much. He just wants to do it!

Yes, Crawf. Zak Stolz's entire season comes down to this one lache.

(CHEERING) He got it!

(LAUGHS) How good was that? He wrestled it!

"Ah!" That's what he said!

2:38 on the clock. Come on, Zak!

He's a long way from home, but he's a couple of seconds

faster than Charlie Robbins to this point.

It's Spin Hopper time.

The second and fourth pills are dangerous ones - they shake.

The rest of them are stable.

Yes. Nice! Nice! Nice! You've got it!

Zak's going to be OK now. It's going to come down to the Dungeon

and the Crazy Cliffhanger to Rope. Have a look how quick he's going.

Give this man a speeding fine.

Now, he's got absolutely nothing to lose.

It's "go for broke" at this stage.

This is it, Australia.

This is the climax of stage two of the grand final.

Come on. You've got it.

Just over two minutes to go - more time than Charlie had left.

He gets up on to the Dungeon. Here he goes.

He's on the spiky panels.

The clock says 1:51 now.

Here he goes. He will make that horizontal,

and then he's gotta do it all again.

Come on, Zak Stolz. The crowd wants you to do it.

Everybody wants you to get to stage three!

This is a key moment - the lache.

Oh, this has brought a lot of ninjas undone tonight.

(CHEERING) Yes!

Sticks it! 1:30 on the clock.

He's within reach... Oh, he's a little stuck!

Little stuck! Little stuck!

..of an opportunity... Yes! Ooh, slipped. Slipped.

..to join Charlie Robbins in stage three.

(CHEERING) Hold on to your breath,

Australia, 'cause we're gonna need it right now.

One obstacle to go.

One last, huge effort.

This is his second run of the night.

How much has it taken out of his body?

Can he get the job done?

If he completes this one, we're on to stage three.

If not, Charlie Robbins is furthest fastest.

48 seconds. First leap really important.

Here comes Zak Stolz.

Come on, Zak!

Look at the crowd going!

The Zak attack!

40 seconds!

Will make the lache over on to this third board.

He's got it, Zak Stolz! Gets it!

Now he's got 33 seconds.

I know, but now we've got the rope,

and that was Mike Snow's undoing.

Oh! Go! You've gotta go!

You've gotta go!

Come on, Zak! Climb! Climb! With 23 seconds...

Climb! 20 seconds!

Climb like you've never climbed before, Zak Stolz!

18! The clock is ticking!

16!

Come on! He's gotta fight that rope!

Oh, my goodness! Keep going!

12!

It can't happen again. Ten, nine...

It can't happen again! ..eight...

He's gonna get there!

He's gonna do it! (BUZZER BLARES AND CHEERING)

Zak Stolz is there! Zak Stolz, you are through!

He's through to stage three!

Let's go!

Oh, yes!

(CHEERING)

Go, you good thing!

What an epic moment!

Sorry, Charles! (LAUGHS)

Zak Stolz books his spot into stage three.

Charlie Robbins is sitting in the crowd, thinking,

I " had 100 grand in my hands..." (LAUGHS)

"and now Zak might have stolen it off me." What a moment!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Zak Stolz, take a bow.

Unbelievable - all the pressure, all the expectation,

and Zak Stolz puts in a performance like that.

He knew he had to be perfect, and he was.

From the moment of truth on the I-Beam,

to fighting his way up that final rope,

Zak Stolz is joining Charlie Robbins in stage three.

(CHEERING)

Sensational! Oh, my... (LAUGHS)

Sensational!

Mate, you know, this now becomes a very serious business.

Stage three is untouched until now.

You and Charlie are both about to take it on.

What do you make of what's ahead?

Look, that stage three -

as with everything else that we've competed with this year -

is just next level, and...

Look, I... (CHUCKLES) I'm nervous, to be perfectly honest.

I don't know if I can finish that, and...

I think, if anyone wants to, it'll be that man there.

So to go up against him there - look,

it should be a wicked showdown.

You go down and enjoy it. Go and say g'day to Charlie,

and we'll see both of you in stage three.

Phenomenal, Zak Stolz. Thanks heaps, guys.

(CHEERING) What a performance.

I need a water or a whisky. (LAUGHS)

What the hell did we just see?

This is the moment that Zak Stolz drops by to say g'day

to his fellow ninjas.

Mm. And waiting in line...

There he is. Charlie and Zak... ..Charlie Robbins.

..meet face-to-face.

There they are. (CHUCKLES) A pat on the back.

A wink and a hug. Friends and rivals.

You know why this is even more interesting?

Because these two guys were our runners-up last year.

This time, they get a shot at Mt Midoriyama.

But first, they must get through stage three.

That's coming up on 'Australian Ninja Warrior'.

Forget stage two of the grand final, Bec.

We're into stage three, and after that, only one thing awaits -

the mighty Mt Midoriyama!

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

BEN: In 2020, Mt Midoriyama was conquered.

This year, the mountain came back furious.

REBECCA: Nearly 200 ninjas started the season.

Now only two remain.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Ahead of them is Midoriyama's last line of defence.

Beat that, and the cruel mountain awaits -

a 7m chimney climb,

a 7m salmon ladder

and a 7m rope climb.

Reach the top, and they'll walk away with $200,000

and the title of Australian Ninja Warrior 2021.

So, Charlie Robbins and Zak Stolz are our two remaining ninjas,

and now about to tackle stage three of our obstacle course,

where a further five brutal obstacles stand between them

and Mt Midoriyama.

There's no time limit on stage three.

It's all about overcoming the obstacles,

which will test every muscle in their body.

The fearsome Criss Cross Salmon Ladder to Sling Shot is first,

where ninjas must fight their way up,

alternating between two salmon ladders

before transferring on to the Sling Shot.

Here, they'll face seven cradles,

each with lethal rubber bungee ropes

that only perfect control

and explosive lache technique can defeat.

Second is the excruciating Doorknob Drop,

where ninjas must support their entire body weight

across eight tiny doorknobs,

with a huge transfer in the middle and an even bigger final lache.

Next is the spectacular Deja Vu,

where ninjas must take flight backwards.

It's all about perfect timing

as they try to hook two bars into the floating cradles.

The Vertical Limit is more like a torture device than an obstacle.

There are three suspended beams to cross via a 1cm ledge.

There's just fingertips in it between failure and Mt Midoriyama.

With the mountain in sight,

one final obstacle stands in our ninjas' way - the Flying Bar.

There are four pinpoint laches to perform, with no stop-off

or hook to rescue the bar.

Each one must be millimetre perfect.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

The ninjas are so close,

but now is when Mt Midoriyama is at its most dangerous,

and those five obstacles are its last defence between our ninjas

and the holy grail.

The ninja to go the furthest fastest is guaranteed $100,000.

Who will it be - Charlie or Zak?

The time of reckoning is here. Here we go.

First is a ninja who managed to scale Mt Midoriyama last year,

only to miss out on the title in heartbreaking fashion.

He's back again to rewrite history. This is Charlie Robbins!

(CHEERING)

SHANE: Here we go. This is what it's all about.

Charlie Robbins!

He missed becoming Australian Ninja Warrior by one second last year,

and he's back with a vengeance.

This is such a big moment for Charlie Robbins.

He has just looked down the line,

looked at the obstacles,

and that is what stands in between him

and another crack at Mt Midoriyama.

There's the also the element of him and Zak Stolz -

great mates, and only one of them can take home

$100,000 as the furthest fastest.

If you get all the way to the top of Mt Midoriyama,

$200,000.

And of nearly 200 ninjas, only two remain.

I can guarantee you whoever wins will shout the other a beer.

Here we go. Charlie Robbins is up and away.

Now, Bec, just explain what he's gotta do here.

It's the Criss Cross Salmon Ladder to Sling Shot.

You start going up by two rungs,

and then you've gotta go back to where you came from.

(ALL EXCLAIM)

Oh, he straightens it up. That's a great recovery.

OK. Now, you come back to where you went before.

Very confusing, this first obstacle.

Nicely done. Now...

Oh! Oh no!

Charlie Robbins is gone! Oh no!

And all of a sudden, Zak Stolz's chances have dramatically improved.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

The first ninja, out on obstacle one,

Ben Fordham. It just goes to show you -

even though stage three is untimed,

you can take as much time as you want,

they've got the $100,000 in their mind,

and, therefore, he's thinking, "I want to get a wriggle on.

"I don't wanna muck around here." Go, Charlie.

Well, Charlie, I know you've got a big smile on your face.

There's your hat. Thank you.

What on earth happened?

We're all lost for words. We don't know what to say.

Yeah, I was feeling pretty decent.

I obviously had that little bit of a... missed catch,

I suppose you'd call it, on that transfer. But...

Yeah, the reach from the salmon ladder bar to the Sling Shot bar

was probably a little bit further, and that might have just made me

slip out the back on that one.

But... Yeah, it is what it is.

Please put your hands together for a superstar.

His name is Charlie Robbins.

(CHEERING) Good on you, mate. Well done.

(CHEERING)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)

(LAUGHS) Oh, bad luck, mate.

It slipped out.

Wow. What a shock exit for Charlie Robbins on obstacle one.

For Zak to win $100,000, he needs to make it to obstacle two.

Yeah, he was so close to taking out the title

of Australian Ninja Warrior last year and $400,000.

So can he get redemption?

Bring on Zak Stolz.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Big moment, Bec.

Huge moment for Zak Stolz.

$100,000 for furthest fastest

or $200,000 on top of Mt Midoriyama.

Zak Stolz has run the course twice tonight.

We're now at stage three.

Does he have anything left in the tank?

We're about to find out.

(CHEERING)

The three key women in Zak's life -

his girlfriend, his mum and his grandmother.

They've been lifesavers to him,

particularly when he lost his dad.

Have a look at the faces on them.

They are one part nervous, one part proud.

And we are every part excited.

Come on, Australia.

This is it.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

This is the conclusion... (TIMER BEEPS)

..of season five.

Here he goes, Zak Stolz.

Criss Cross Salmon Ladder to Slingshot.

If he can make it up on to the Slingshot

and then finish the obstacle,

he will be 2021's furthest fastest.

He criss-crosses back across,

and then he's got to go up a full three rungs.

Oh, we're up. We're up.

WOMAN: You've got it, Zak! And now there's another criss-cross.

OK, here he goes. Just making the transfer.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

And then he will go on to the bungees.

This is a parallel bar

he needs to jump on to.

The tension in every single one of these bungees is different.

It's gonna feel different every time he lands it.

Oh! Zak Stolz - he's on course to be season five furthest fastest.

So high. But can he seal the deal

by completing this obstacle? Come on!

Catches it again.

Here comes Zak, Crawf.

(CHEERING)

Are we looking at the new Australian Ninja Warrior right here?

Oh, look at that.

He holds on.

He's done it! Yes!

(CHEERING)

Zak Stolz is the season five winner!

(CHEERING)

What about that?

Look at Mum and his grandma and his girlfriend.

They're over the moon. (CHEERING)

But now it's Zak against Mt Midoriyama.

Zak attack! Can he complete stage three?

$200,000 on the line. Zak attack!

This is the Doorknob Drop.

Off he goes, taking the first doorknob.

Just keep in mind how small these knobs are.

His arm will bend when his body weight gets there.

It's a little bit of a nasty jolt too. Hang on, Zak Stolz.

OK, he'll make the transfer now.

On to the next set of knobs.

This is unbelievable, the strength...

Oh, look at the agony.

The strength that is required in your fingertips is insane.

Go, Zak.

Locks himself in.

Oh, look at him hurting. He is absolutely gutted at the moment.

But he's still fighting along the course.

Can he make this lache? Oh!

Here he goes. Come on, Zak. Oh.

Oh, it's... Oh, look at the bounce on it.

It's a huge leap. Oh! Oh!

He's in the water! Oh no, what was that?

He's in the water.

But he nearly completed...

..obstacle two of stage three...

(LAUGHS) ..of the grand final. A huge...

..effort for one of the favourites of this competition, Zak Stolz.

I think it's fair to say

that that little fish jump into the water

was the moment that Zak Stolz and his team of superstar women...

Whoo-hoo! ..realised that he has gone

furthest fastest in 2021.

That's girlfriend Georgia,

mum Joanne and nan Sherilyn.

But this year, Mt Midoriyama has come back with a vengeance.

Our ninjas have given everything they've got,

but the mountain eludes them this time.

(CHEERING)

Look at all of his fellow ninjas.

They've been on this journey as well with him.

They don't do this alone.

Yes, it is man v course,

but it's ninjas v course as well.

They all support one another.

They are a huge family in every corner of Australia.

And there is our winner for 2021, furthest fastest, Zak Stolz.

Well, what a special moment. Right from the beginning,

when he stepped on to the course in season three,

never-say-die stuff from Zak Stolz.

We knew Zak Stolz was something special.

Backed by his mum Jo,

his mates 'Flashin' Ashlin Herbert and Troy Cullen,

he became a phenomenon.

And he was one of three to pull off the near impossible last year.

But victory eluded him, until now.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Well, what a thrilling finish to this season, Ben,

and here we are at the base of Mt Midoriyama,

and that very angry mountain remains untouched for now.

That will have to wait for next year.

We had two ninjas who went very close this year, Charlie Robbins

and Zak Stolz. But one winner, our furthest fastest

for 2021 is, of course, officially...

HOSTS: Zak Stolz! (MOUTHS) Go, boy!

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(CHUCKLES)

Oh, Zak, congratulations.

Congratulations. Well done, mate.

Thank you. Well done.

$100,000 and the title of furthest fastest.

You must be so thrilled.

Oh, over the moon, but, like, honestly, it hasn't hit me yet.

It's... It's just crazy.

I actually feel like it hasn't happened.

Your rock through all of these is undoubtedly your mum, Joanne.

Absolutely. Tell us about your mum.

Look, she has absolutely been my rock,

and I wouldn't be where I am right now

and anywhere in life without her,

so I owe it all.

Let's put our hands together... Oh, here you go.

..for Jo... I love you, sweetheart.

..and Zak... Good job.

..the winner of 'Australia Ninja Warrior' for 2021.

(CHEERING)

There's only one more thing to do now,

and that is present the trophy. Everyone,

a big round of applause for Zak Stolz.

(CHEERING)

There you go. Come and join him.

(LAUGHS)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

(CHEERING)

There it is,

the conclusion of 2021, Zak Stolz.

And it couldn't happen to a nicer bloke, Bec.

Absolutely, Ben,

but we are not done with our ninjas yet. Tomorrow night,

we've got 'Australian Ninja Warrior' record-breakers!

Yeah, it's never been done before.

The most iconic obstacles, the best ninjas.

Who's gonna be the best of the best?

You'll find out tomorrow night.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the celebrations.

Goodnight, Australia. Goodnight.

(INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC)

Yeah! Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!

(CHEERING)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Tomorrow night...

(TIMER BEEPS)

5.8m, Go, go, go, go! Oh!

Oh no! No!

..for the first time,

it's 'Australia Ninja Warrior' record-breakers...

Jack Wilson's out in front!

We've never seen anything like this before.

I would not know who to put my money on.

Only the best will rise to the top.

..as the best of the best attempt to smash world records,

including the highest Warped Wall known to man...

Oh, whoa! Oh, my goodness!

..the longest lache in history...

He's done it!

..and a Mt Midoriyama-sized salmon ladder.

Where do they get the strength?

He's absolutely thumping it.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

Plus, it's ninja vs ninja.

Ashlin Herbert's chasing! Oh!

(BUZZER BLARES) Who hit it?!

There's cash on offer for every record.

And we welcome the return of 'Ninja' royalty...

She is the first woman to go up the Warped Wall.

..Andrea Hah.

To be given the opportunity to do this again, it's so, so special.

It's the biggest night of 'Ninja Warrior' ever.

It is on like Donkey Kong.

Should be freakin' awesome.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)