Original subtitles

BEN: Across five incredible seasons...

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

..we've seen them achieve the impossible.

This woman is phenomenal!

The first Australian Ninja Warrior is Ben Polson!

And tonight, for the first time...

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

..they're attempting to go further..

That is a massive leap!

..higher...

and faster than they've ever gone before.

He is an absolute gun!

This is Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers.

Yes! He's got it!

It's ninja versus ninja...

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.

..head to head on the Sprinting Steps.

REBECCA: She is way out in front!

But he's a bit wobbly! Oh!

..and a ferocious Ferris Wheel Climb...

Imagine the burn on the arms!

I'm definitely the female to beat.

We'll watch as the best of the best break record...

Look out! We've got a game on, Australia!

..after record...

Up, up, up. (BEN AND REBECCA SCREAM)

..including the world's highest Warped Wall...

Oh my goodness! Oh!

..the biggest lache in history...

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) He's done it!

..and a Mount Midoriyama-sized Salmon Ladder.

Where do they get the strength?

He's absolutely thumping it!

We'll set them a target

and that target will become bigger and bigger...

(CHANTS) Raise it up! Raise it up!

Up, up, up, up!

..as we edge towards world records.

There's ninja royalty Andrea Hah...

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

..making her long-awaited comeback.

To be given the opportunity to do this again,

it's so, so special.

And with $15,000 on the line for each and every record,

it's game on...

It's on like Donkey Kong!

..in the biggest night of Ninja Warrior ever.

It should be freaking awesome.

Hello and welcome to Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers,

where your all-time favourite ninjas

are ready to push themselves to the limit and beyond.

Good evening, Australia. I'm Ben Fordham.

Hello, everyone. I'm Rebecca Maddern.

We are here once again at Sydney Olympic Park

where all sorts of records have been broken...

and now, it's our ninjas' turn to set some records of their own.

Yeah, Bec, tonight promises to be loads of fun.

With big-name ninjas competing

to see who can go furthest, fastest and highest

on five of our most famous and formidable obstacles.

This is the first time we've had an event like this

on Australian Ninja Warrior,

and we're giving away $75,000 across the night,

with the winner of each obstacle showdown

helping themselves to $15,000 cash.

On some obstacles, it's ninja versus ninja until just one remains.

On others, our best ninjas will try and smash records

as those obstacles get harder and harder and harder.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The first is a supersize Salmon Ladder.

It's an Australian first,

with 35 rungs and it's a furthest fastest race.

Then it's ninja versus ninja, side by side on the Sprinting Steps.

It's a race to the buzzer in a knockout competition

where the winner takes all.

Then some of the best Australian ninjas

attempt to break the world record for the longest lache.

The current Ninja Warrior record on the Shelf Grab

is an explosive 4.57m.

The Ferocious Ferris Wheel is a bicep-burning battle

as ninjas compete side by side.

They have to spin it to win it. (BUZZER)

And tonight's main event -

we take the iconic Warped Wall and raise it up.

The Ninja Warrior world record stands at 19 feet, or 5.79m.

Can it be broken tonight?

The winner of each event will pocket $15,000.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ben, I'm so excited to see what our ninjas can do.

We've been waiting for this moment all season.

Without Mount Midoriyama in the back of their minds,

this is really the first time the ninjas can cut loose

and absolutely let themselves fly.

You've never seen anything like this

so hold on, Australia - if you want action, you're about to get it

because this first obstacle...

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

..is absolutely massive.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We have repurposed Mount Midoriyama for our first challenge tonight.

Inside it is a Super Salmon Ladder.

It goes up 35 rungs, soaring 4 storeys into the air,

seven times further than our standard Salmon Ladder.

If all of the ninjas happen to go all the way to the top,

it'll come down to who got there fastest.

These are the five ninjas competing in this event...

all of them chosen because of their strength and endurance.

'Barefoot Ninja' Daniel Mason - he's got so much talent.

And 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert.

He's going all the way, Ben.

2019 furthest fastest Charlie Robbins.

Quick, quick, quick.

2021 champion and furthest fastest Zak Stolz.

Huge effort for one of the favourites!

And the first female to make an Australian Ninja Warrior grand final

Olivia Vivian.

CRAWF: Look at her go!

Alright, we're about to see

a mix of unbridled power, strategy and technique.

Let's see if they can do it.

First to take on the Super Salmon Ladder

is one of the best female ninjas in the world.

It's ninja trailblazer Olivia Vivian.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Come on, Olivia!

$15,000 up for grabs!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

That's a long, long way up.

Oh, it sure is, Ben.

Can Olivia Vivian make history

on this super-duper Salmon Ladder?

Remember, in normal competition, they only have to do three rungs.

This has 35.

Alright, we're ready to go. (BUZZER)

There's the buzzer.

Olivia's underway.

She knows if she's going to win this challenge

she'll do it through endurance, not speed.

Slow and steady she goes.

Yeah, she's looking alright, Ben.

She does it differently to the boys. Oh, she's just missed a rung there.

Evens up the bar.

Shimmies along. Reset. She's ready to go again.

CRAWF: Olivia Vivian up against the boys.

Can she beat them?

Of course she can, Crawf, but she's taking it slow.

Steady. She's at ten rungs now.

25 rungs to go.

Oh, Olivia knows the boys will hit it probably faster

but possibly make a mistake.

Oh, this hurts to watch.

What worries me, Ben,

is that every second that Olivia is up there, it's draining her energy.

She'll need a super-human amount of stamina to make it to the top.

She's done 15.

I am in awe standing here, watching Olivia Vivian.

WOMAN: Come on, Vivi!

Just watch her concentration, Bec.

She looks just over her left bicep

and every time, she locks her eyes on the spot that she needs to nail.

She's about to hit rung number 20! (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

6m up at this point.

Come on, Olivia.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Could this... BEC AND BEN: Oh!

She's still smiling and trying to hang on here.

Can she correct it, Olivia Vivian?

She never gives up! Come on!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) She saved it!

She saved it on 21.

Resetting. Changing her grip.

She can't keep this up for much longer surely!

That's a long way up.

She's lost the momentum.

She's tried to move the bar. Just trying to will it...

Oh! Oh, and off!

Oh, she's gone!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) She's gassed out.

21 rungs.

What a star. 21! Legend!

She's gotta be proud of that.

The boys are gonna have to work hard for that $15,000 winner's prize.

Let's take a look at the replay.

Olivia opted for control over speed,

and that strategy got her two-thirds of the way to the top.

But 1:30 minutes of hang time eventually took its toll

when she attempted a final grip change.

Can I just say - you looked incredible up there.

You were so high.

Did the height play on your mind at any time?

Not really. I'm not really scared of heights.

Definitely I should've maybe tried to go little bit faster

so I'm not hanging on so long.

(CHUCKLES) But, um, it's all new.

It's all fresh. And what great experience.

'Cause I wanna come back and tackle the mountain next year.

Well, you almost got to the mountain.

Who do you think's gonna win tonight? Ooh!

Dan Mason trains this with a kilo vest on.

Not one kilo but, like, ten, so my money's on Dan.

The 'Barefoot Ninja' - there is Olivia Vivian's pick.

How good is Olivia Vivian? What a star! (CHEERING)

Congratulations. Thanks so much, Shane.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) (DRAMATIC MUSIC)

So Olivia Vivian just completed 21 rungs in 1:30 minutes.

Can our next ninja do better?

BEN: Our next ninja knows what it's like

to scale to the top of Mount Midoriyama,

but this obstacle is another level again.

But your hands together for Charlie Robbins.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Charlie is a ninja champion and two-time runner-up.

But after last night,

he has some unresolved issues around the Salmon Ladder.

In the grand final,

it came down to Charlie Robbins versus Zak Stolz for the title.

Oh! Oh no!

Charlie Robbins is gone.

So Charlie will be pumped for the win tonight

on our mega 35-rung Salmon Ladder,

and that will be one supersized redemption.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Let's get on the Charlie train.

Oh, I'm already on board the Charlie train.

All the way to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

There are three of Charlie's biggest fans,

granddad Taffy, girlfriend Tessa and mum Bronwyn on the left.

At least 21 rungs in 1:30 minutes -

that's the target for Charlie.

(BUZZER)

Here he goes. The buzzer.

He's ready to rock and roll!

CROWD: Ooh! Ooh, not a great start.

Now he's away. He's firing like a machinegun.

Charlie Robbins is absolutely smashing it.

15. Oh, this is the way to do it.

He changes his grip. He's on his way to 20.

This is one of the most extraordinar performances we've seen.

Oh! Charlie Robbins is off!

He slipped! Oh!

(BUZZER)

MAN: He's not happy.

Oh, gee, that shocked everybody, including Charlie Robbins.

He thought he had it in the bag.

He should know by now - speed kills!

And he was going at full throttle.

TAFFY: Charlie.

24 rungs in 16 seconds.

But it is three more rungs than Olivia.

He's not happy.

Well, Charlie gambled

that he could get to the top of the ladder so quickly

that his muscles wouldn't have time to tire.

And his tactic almost worked.

But if you watch carefully,

you can see his body moving further and further to the left.

Now that pushed him off balance,

and at pace, he wasn't able to recover.

(CHEERING)

Our next ninja up the Super Salmon Ladder is Daniel Mason!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Yeah, the Barefoot Ninja - a four-time semifinalist.

Series three grand finalist.

And it's rumoured he once knocked over 58 Salmon Ladder rungs in a row

CROWD CHANTS: Super Dan! Super Dan! Super Dan! Super Dan!

Super Dan! Super Dan!

There's 35 rungs -

that's 10.5m of strength-sapping bar hops to the top.

Charlie Robbins managed 24 rungs.

Can Daniel Mason go further?

MAN: Hell, yeah, he can.

"Hell, yeah," says someone in the crowd. Let's see.

It might just win him 15 grand if he can.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC) (BUZZER)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Daniel Mason is light as a feather

but he is strong!

Check out his biceps as he begins!

He's not gonna stop either.

He's crunching it. Oh my goodness!

He's smashing it! Where do they get the strength?

He's absolutely thumping it.

He takes the briefest of breaks after 15 rungs.

When he gets past 21, he'll go past Olivia Vivian.

And then now, he's past Charlie Robbins! Oh!

Bit of a slip-up. He corrects it.

OK, here we go.

Nine. Can he get to the top?

Eight. Come on, Daniel Mason. Seven.

You need to push. Six.

BOTH: Oh! He falls

just before getting to the top.

Don't worry, Daniel. You are the new leader.

28 rungs in 27 seconds. Didn't he move quick?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Yeah, he did. But that speed end up costing him, Ben.

Just like Charlie Robbins,

Daniel was counting on getting to the top before fatigue set in.

But mistakes approaching the 25th and 26th rungs

interrupted his rhythm and cost him energy,

and he couldn't quite hit

those last seven rungs.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Unbelievable.

Normally I'd say, well, that's a $15,000 performance,

except look who's up next!

He's one of the fastest, one of the strongest.

He's 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert!

'Flashlin' Ashlin - this bloke lives and breathes ninja.

He is a four-time grand finalist,

but history tells us he is prone to a few mistakes.

Now this is the first time this obstacle has been seen in Australia.

Ashlin Herbert has a huge chance of making it all the way to the top.

He takes a quick look at his intended destination -

a dizzying 10.5m overhead.

Let's go, Ash! You got it!

(BUZZER) And there's the buzzer!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Ashlin Herbert sets himself.

Oh! He goes up two rungs at a time!

Oh no! Oh, he's out!

Oh dear!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC) He's a shock exit!

He has just thrown away 15 grand.

Isn't it so? Ashlin Herbert - either boom or bust

He was looking so good. That was...

I'm like, man. He's going, like, 20 seconds.

Ashlin Herbert!

Oh, no, no, no.

All or nothing there. It didn't pay off. Big shock.

Ashlin went out hard and fast,

racing up the ladder two rungs at a time.

Those big movements meant his margin for error was small.

So when he made a mistake on the tenth rung,

he couldn't react quick enough to save himself.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) (DRAMATIC MUSIC)

What an upset!

Ashlin Herbert out of contention on the Super Salmon Ladder.

Well, so far, no-one's yet got to the top

but Daniel Mason's in the lead.

There's one more ninja still to compete

and that's the 2021 furthest fastest Zak Stolz.

He'll be wanting to prove he can do this thing.

Not long to wait now, Bec.

That is coming up. Don't go anywhere.

You are watching Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) (DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Still to come -

the best of the best Australian ninjas, head to head...

I ain't here to muck around. I'm here to take the win with both hands

..as they strive to smash world records.

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.

Who will be the fastest in the Sprinting Steps showdown?

Chasing... BEC: Oh!

Who will fly the furthest in the Soaring Sonic Shelf Grab?

Oh, yes!

And we're going big... really big...

Raise it up!

..as the rising mega Warped Wall gets raised up...

BEC: Let's break some records!

..to dizzying new heights.

It is on like Donkey Kong.

Plus, season one legend Andrea Hah is back...

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

..in a ninja versus ninja race around the Ferocious Ferris Wheel.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC) It's game on, baby.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

BEN: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers.

We are at the foot of Mount Midoriyama

and the whopping 35-rung Super Salmon Ladder.

BEC: Right now, Daniel Mason is in the box seat

for the $15,000 first prize,

having climbed 28 rungs in 27 seconds.

We haven't built 35 rungs for nothing!

I'm confident, fingers crossed, for our next ninja.

It's time for the Zak attack.

Here he is, Zak Stolz!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Zak Stolz - a three-time grand finalist,

our 2021 furthest fastest.

He'll be looking to back up his victory

with a win on Record Breakers tonight.

Can he continue his red-hot streak on the Super Salmon Ladder?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He already looks like a winner running up there.

Nice and steady. Come on, Zak! Come on!

And there's grandma, mum, girlfriend Georgia.

They'll be willing him on

to be the first ninja to beat this beast.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

BEC: 29 rungs will be enough for victory!

(BUZZER)

There's the buzzer.

WOMAN: Let's go, Zak.

Slow off the mark

and pretty wobbly to start, but he corrects it.

Whoa! He's off. Only 30 to go, Zak.

What about that noise, Ben? 25 to go. Crunch, crunch, crunch.

Crunch, crunch. 20 to go. He's not gonna stop.

He's not gonna stop until he gets to the top. 15 to go.

Zak Stolz... Ten, nine.

Eight, seven. What about the Zak attack!

He's gone past Daniel Mason.

Oh, almost there. Five.

Four. Almost there.

(CHEERING) Three.

Two. He's doing it.

Oh! One.

(CHEERING) Look out!

Yes! He's done it!

He's done it! (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)

He's at the top of the Super Salmon Ladder.

Whoo-hoo-hoo! (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)

Zak attack! He is the king!

What about that!

Zak Stolz, you mega star.

He's got a major wedgie on the way down.

(LAUGHS) But that won't worry him

because he's the first Aussie ninja to ever beat the Super Salmon Ladder

And in the process, he's set an Australian record.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)

Zak started slowly but that easier pace

gave him time to find the sweet spot between speed and control.

He stayed centred the whole way up the ladder

and only fatigued on the final five rungs.

His extraordinary muscle strength and strength of will

carried him through to the end.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) And Zak Stolz is our champion

of the Super Salmon Ladder.

Can you believe it? All the way to the top in 32 seconds

So he's the first Aussie recordholde on this absolutely insane obstacle.

$15,000 in his pocket.

And how fitting, as well, that he wa our furthest fastest last night.

This man is something extraordinary.

Zak Stolz!

(CHEERING)

Stolzy!

Zak, a couple of close shaves and you got yourself going.

What's it like up there?

Oh, that's a pretty incredible experience.

Like, we train Salmon Ladders all the time

but... that's something else.

We've never had a harness on our backs before.

Like, trying to figure it all out is pretty crazy.

And then, yeah, just thankfully I can make it work.

(CHEERING)

BEC: Zak Stolz picks up the first cash prize of the night

and the very first medal.

35 rungs!

32 seconds.

Absolutely legend.

Please, put your hands together for the champ, Zak Stolz!

(CHEERING) (TRIUMPHANT MUSIC)

BEN: So Zak Stolz draws first blood

in our epic Record Breakers special event.

But there are plenty more chances for our ninjas to write history.

And make some serious coin along the way.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

BEC: Now the next challenge tonight is all about speed and balance.

One misstep and they're in the pool.

It is called the Sprinting Step Showdown!

It's the first of our head-to-head battles tonight

and it happens on this perilous obstacle.

Consisting of 8 steps, spaced 1.5m apart,

with some just 15cm wide.

Ninjas race across the steps to a rope swing,

where they execute a quick turnaround

before heading back to the buzzer.

Now this obstacle is tricky enough to navigate under normal conditions,

but this is a showdown, so our ninjas will be racing at top speed.

Eight all-star ninjas will compete in this event

racing each other head-to-head until just two remain.

The winner of that final race will pocket 15 grand!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Shane Crawford is down poolside.

Oh, Bec, this is gonna be fantastic

because I've got a feeling we're all gonna get wet.

The faster you go on these obstacles tonight,

the more likely you're gonna end up in the water.

So can we have some towels, please?

Because the ninjas are gonna need them,

and another two for Bec and Ben.

Beautiful, thank you very much. Good luck!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Alright, well let's have a bit more fun with this one.

I reckon that our ninjas can choose their opponent.

What do you reckon?

OK, yeah, alright.

Jack Wilson, who would you like to go up against?

Ah. I think I'm gonna pick Robbie Patterson.

Who! Rob Patterson and Jack Wilson.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

OK, let's get this event off and running

with a cracking matchup.

In one corner, Jack Wilson, AKA The Deadly Ninja.

This bloke broke his back a year ago,

but he exploded back onto the scene in 2021

making it all the way to the grand final.

In the other corner we have Rob Patterson.

He's a five time grand finalist and season two winner

This ninja is known for his speed around the course.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

This is gonna be quick.

Blink and you'll miss it.

Here... we... go.

(BUZZER)

Rob Patterson just out in front, but here comes Jack Wilson,

he overtakes him.

He's flying on the rope, Jack is so light and quick on his feet.

Look at him go!

Jack's first to the wall, he'll be hard to beat.

Jack! Jack's got the buzzer!

The Deadly Ninja with a big dance to celebrate.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Yep, Jack's back alright.

Rob was breathing down his neck all the way to the buzzer,

but the Deadly Ninja takes the round in a sizzling 11.16 seconds.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Right, well now we know what sort of pace these guys are setting.

It's lightning fast, you've got to dance on your feet...

Yeah. ..oh, so quick.

Blink and you miss it.

So now, time for our next showdown.

The Furminator, Stewart Furze.

Well guys, everyone loves a David versus Goliath, so Eloni.

Whoa! Eloni!

What are you doing, Furminator?

What are you doing?

I love this. (LAUGHS)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Our next two competitors very different ninjas,

and honestly, I've got no idea who's gonna come out on top.

It's Eloni Vunakece and Stewart Furze, the Furminator.

Yep, it's a David and Goliath matchup.

At 105kg, Eloni is more than 40kg heavier than his opponent,

plus he's almost 20cm taller.

But as a former grand finalist, The Furminator proves that in Ninja

you don't have to be big to achieve big.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Someone pick him up?

(LAUGHTER)

Someone give him a lift.

Oh, yes.

He threw him up there like a ragdoll.

(LAUGHS)

Oh, wow.

Hey, um, Furminator?

Give us a flex.

Yes.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Eloni, give us a flex, would you?

(SCREAMS)

You might argue that Furminator has an advantage,

because is this really an obstacle

that would favour someone as big as Eloni?

I don't think so.

We're about to find out, Ben, just waiting for the buzzer to sound.

(BUZZER)

And they're off!

Eloni's the fastest away, The Furminator is a step behind.

He catches up on the swing, but he's a bit wobbly.

Oh, The Furminator!

Oh, he's in the water and Eloni just slid into the wall.

But he's got this race won now. (BUZZER)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

And Eloni Vunakece hits the buzzer.

What a dramatic finish.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

We had Furminator in the pool and Eloni skidded to the finish line.

Oh, my goodness.

(CHEERS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Eloni wins it in 12.76 seconds. Wow.

He'll be happy with that, Eloni Vunakece.

His family certainly is,

so he now joins Jack Wilson going through to round two.

Jack's time remember - 11.16 seconds

Jackie boy, let's do this, brother.

"Jackie boy, let's do this, brother" he says.

We love the friendly rivalry, but two more round one races to go.

Who will Olivia Vivian and Daniel Mason pick?

(SLAM)

When we return,

who will win the $15,000 on the Sprinting Steps?

And just how far can our ninjas fly?

This is my obstacle, this is where I like to shine.

As our crack team bust open the record books...

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Whoa!

..in the Soaring Sonic Shelf Grab.

Should be freaking awesome.

(SLAM)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(SLAM)

(THEME MUSIC)

(SLAM)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

You are back with Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers

and we are deep into the Sprinting Step Showdown.

$15,000 is up for grabs

for the winner of this head-to-head knockout event.

And so far, Eloni Vunakece and Deadly Ninja Jack Wilson

have moved through to the next round

Who's going to join them?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

OK, we are ready for our next matchup.

Olivia Vivian, who is your match?

We can pick an opponent.

Well, I choose you, Rebecca Maddern!

(LAUGHTER) Yes!

(LAUGHS) Alright, alright.

Put your hands together for Rebecca Maddern.

Who do you want?

Well, I mean, to be the best you've got to beat the best,

so Ben Polson.

Oh, wow!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

I love the way everyone's embraced this tonight.

Oh, goodness.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Our next matchup, the power couple -

Ben Polson and Olivia Vivian.

The first man to conquer Mount Midoriyama

up against the first woman to compete in a grand final.

Olivia's now done that four times.

Can't wait for this one, it'll be a big one, Crawf.

Nothing like a bit of rivalry in a relationship to spice things up.

But things are about to get very spicy.

Boyfriend v girlfriend.

I love this.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

You've got this, Ben! Woo!

Look at Ben.

There's some gamesmanship at play here.

He won't be going easy.

Olivia Vivian and Ben Polson going head-to-head.

(BUZZER)

Here we go, Olivia just out in front Ben making sure of every single step

Oh! Look at the pace though, she is way up.

Come on, Olivia, you got this!

Ben looks unbalanced! Oh!

Ben Polson has slipped, he's back up,

he's closing in, Olivia dives for the buzzer!

(BUZZER)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Olivia Vivian has beaten her boyfriend Ben Polson!

(CHEERS)

What about the dive?

Woo-woo-woo-woo!

Have a look at Olivia Vivian's dive to hit that buzzer,

because she didn't know where he was

she didn't realise that he'd slipped.

Ben was on the floor, that's where he was.

Yeah, he crashed into the mat

and look at the desperate dive from Olivia Vivian

to get a hold of that buzzer.

Bam! Sensational, guys.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

OK, time for our last showdown.

Daniel Mason, your turn to pick your match.

Well I've had a bit of a rivalry going on for a few years

that I've been on the losing side of.

Mm?

But he's looking a bit slow this year,

so I'm going to pick Ashlin Herbert.

Oh! OK.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

A bit slow you reckon? That's gutsy,

Interesting.

So the Barefoot Ninja Daniel Mason and Flashlin Ashlin Herbert.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

This is gonna be one for the ages.

Two ninja fierce rivals head-to-head

Here they come now.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Flashlin Ashlin, he's the ninja legend,

but he is yet to win a title.

He is desperate to add his name to the Hall of Fame.

But he has to get past Dan Mason first -

the Barefoot Ninja is well known for his speed.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

(BUZZER)

And they are off and racing, its neck and neck over the water,

dancing like ballerinas!

They come back at exactly the same time!

Oh! Ashlin's gonna catch him here.

Oh, no! Oh, no!

Yes, he does! (BUZZER)

It was neck and neck, but Ashlin Herbert just leapt out

and hit the buzzer.

The fastest in the land, his name is Ashlin Flashlin Herbert.

How close was that?

They were neck and neck all the way, it was only the rope climb

that was the difference.

Well done, Ashlin Herbert.

He takes out race four in a lightning fast 11.08 seconds -

that's the quickest time yet.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Then there were four.

Yep, Ben, the ninjas still in contention

for the Sprinting Step Showdown title and the 15 grand

are Ashlin Herbert, followed closely by:

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Our next pairing, Eloni Vunakece and Jack Wilson.

The winner moves forward with a chance of taking home $15,000.

Here's Jack and Eloni.

(BUZZER)

Two superstars. Eloni's out in front.

Jack close behind on the rope.

They'll come back at the same time.

Oh, Eloni's just in front I think.

Jack's gonna get him at the end.

Oh-ho-ho! Jack's ahead! Jack got him on the rope!

Jack Wilson does it! Oh!

Jack gets the buzzer.

And Eloni face planted at the mat.

He couldn't get his feet up!

He wiped out the wall!

Thought he was playing rugby still.

I think the big unit has trouble slowing down.

The race was shoulder to shoulder all the way to the rope,

and Jack made better use of his momentum to get up the wall,

and in a close race that was the difference.

It was ugly.

But I'll tell you what, he got there

and did it in 11.36 seconds.

So a heart beat shorter than fastest tonight.

Jack, that was a close call, mate.

Every step, each one of the strides, they were shaken,

because I had this beast by my side.

(LAUGHTER)

I should have just threw you off.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Eloni Vunakece, he was so close, but Jack Wilson on top.

He progresses to the final of the Sprinting Step Showdown.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Now, to find out who The Deadly Ninj will be paired against

in the race for $15,000.

It comes down to Flashlin Ashlin Herbert

and the queen of ninja, Olivia Vivian.

We know that speed has been Ashlin's enemy,

but now it's his friend.

Here we go.

(BUZZER)

This is going to be a red-hot start, Olivia Vivian looking a little...

Oh, she's gone!

She's in the water, Ashlin's in trouble, as well.

Olivia has to get to the end though.

I think there was a bit of a push and shove there.

But he's gonna finish it off and trot his way through.

Wow! Dirty tactics!

Ashlin Herbert.

For the first time on Australian Ninja Warrior,

dirty tactics.

Yeah, I certainly saw a push.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

We're just confirming exactly what happened.

Here we go.

A bit of push and shove, just watch Olivia.

Olivia looked off balance and then she thought, oh, well.

Oh!

I'm going, I'll take him down with me.

Well, Olivia, that was a hell of a Hail Mary.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Olivia, we need to talk.

It was so...(LAUGHS)

I started veering left.

And when I thought I'm going down, he's coming with me.

(LAUGHTER)

Do you know what? I loved it.

And there should be more of that.

I'm just disappointed that Eloni didn't do something like that,

as well.

He would have destroyed it anyway in that water.

Ashlin, you're going head-to-head with Jack Wilson in the final round.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

May the best man win. Good luck.

Olivia! Into the naughty corner for you.

So, it all comes down to this.

Two big name ninjas determined to write their name

into the record books.

It is the final showdown.

$15,000 up in the air. Who's gonna grab it?

Will it be Jack Wilson, or will it be Ashlin Herbert?

It's a battle of the headbands.

15 grand on the line right now.

(DEEP) A great spirit here tonight, but this... is serious.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(BUZZER)

And the $15,000 dash for cash begins.

Up they go on the ropes!

Oh, Jack's out in front!

Jack Wilson's out in front!

Ashlin Herbert chases him!

Oh!

(BUZZER)

OH! Who hit it? Oh, it's Ashlin!

Who was it!

Ashlin?

I think it was Ashlin.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Let's get a replay.

Who got it? Let's go to the photo finish.

The slow motion replay.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Alright, let's have a look.

ALL: Oh!

Look at the dramatic dive to the buzzer!

But in 10.8 seconds, the fastest time of the night,

Ashlin Herbert!

He's finally won something on Australian Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Alright, here he comes.

$15,000 richer.

Flashlin Ashlin Herbert.

I would like to present you with your medal.

Thank you.

Congratulations, mate, how does that feel?

Absolutely awesome.

There you go. Suits ya. Nice work.

Ashlin, I'm sure you've won many things in your life,

but this is a great competition tonight, isn't it?

Yeah, look, ninja versus ninja is absolutely awesome.

It's so much fun.

Just gets the heart really pumpin'.

You ready for more action?

Yeah, definitely.

OK, put your hands together for him, Ashlin Herbert.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Well done, mate.

They say fast game's a good game and we're off to a flying start

on the Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers special.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Coming up, our lache masters

take on the Soaring Sonic Shelf Grab...

..where they are launching an all out assault on the world record

for the longest lache.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

We're going head-to-head with some of the best ninjas in Australia.

I pride myself on my lache skills.

And later, an Australian Ninja Warrior legend returns.

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

Andrea Hah is back to face the ferocious Ferris Wheel.

Going up an obstacle that you've never been up before,

that's really intimidating.

With three of season five's strongest females.

Extra pressure when it's a race, it's exhilarating

and terrifying.

(SLAM)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

(SLAM)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(SLAM)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

You're watching Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers

where the best of the best are going head-to-head.

$15,000 awaits the winner of our next event.

And not just that, the ninja sights are set on America's world record

of 15 feet, which is 4.57m

This is the Soaring Sonic Shelf Grab

It's time to see just how far these ninjas can fly

as they attempt the longest lache.

(CHEERS)

The lache is an essential skill for any ninja.

But our next obstacle, the Soaring Sonic Shelf Grab

takes the basic lache to a whole new level.

Ninjas cling to the 5cm lip of the first shelf.

Then they launch themselves across

to an equally narrow ledge on the second shelf,

catching it by their fingertips.

And Bec, we've seen shelves like these in Ninja before,

but up until now, they've always bee positioned 2m apart.

But tonight, for Record Breakers, we're widening that gap to a massive

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Are we ready to break some records?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

I think that's a yes.

Four ninjas are competing in this event

and they're ready to fly.

Gymnast Jordan Papandrea, Flashlin Ashlin Herbert,

2021's champ Zak Stolz,

and the first Australian Ninja Warrior, Ben Polson.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Let's see how our first ninja goes.

It's our season five grand final winner,

the incredible Zak Stolz!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Zak attack.

He's the new champ!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Zak Stolz is the first to attempt the 4m lache.

You can do it.

(CHEERING)

Come on, Zak Attack!

Look at that focus.

This is twice the distance they are used to.

Zak Powers up with his legs and here he goes!

(CHEERS) He got it!

Yeah!

Zak Stolz, that is amazing! Wow!

Oh-ho, as he drops safely off the shelf, that's all he needs to do.

Just the one lache.

That sets an Australian record.

I don't think we've seen anything like it.

Zak Stolz, look at him fly...

..and sticks it.

That's insane.

But I think Zac may have just hurt himself.

It looks like he's ripped his nails as he's landed.

But, he's launch himself into the next round.

All my nails are going into my body.

Oh! I don't want to see that. Ow, yuck, yuck.

Alright, cutaway.

Instead, let's get our next ninja up

Jordan Papandrea.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Jordan Papandrea is a former National Gymnastics champion

and three times Ninja Warrior grand finalist.

This year, he crashed out in the semis,

so he's got a point to prove tonight.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Bec, 4m is a big, big challenge.

When you're up in the tower and you say 4m, oh, yeah, yeah.

When you get down here and say 4m and actually you look at it

it's next to impossible.

I don't know how they're doing it.

Well, they're doing it somehow.

Here goes Jordan. Go!

Jordon goes... Oh, no!

Oh, no!

Ow!

That's one of the most spectacular flip outs...

..we've ever seen.

And the good news is, he's all smiles.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

That was amazing. Wow.

If that was the diving comp, it would have got 10 out of 10.

Unfortunately, it's not, it's the Soaring Sonic Shelf Grab.

(MUSIC CONTINUES)

Jordan, we're not going to let you sit down,

we're just going to ask you to turn around.

I know you've got a nice face, but we want to have a look at your back.

Oh!

Oh, looks like sunburn. Ouch!

Can we do anything?

Ah, I mean, have another turn, that would be nice.

(LAUGHS) Sorry, can't break the rules.

We can't help you with that. Well done, mate.

I'd love to break the rules for you, but we can't.

There you go, Jordan Papandrea. Well done.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

Next up with the 4m challenge, Ben Polson!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

OK, here he is, Ben Polson

up on the rope.

Getting onto that shelf.

Come on, Ben! Come on, Ben!

Everyone watching on.

The legs kick up.

Now he'll launch himself.

Oh, yes!

Oh, he's good.

Look at the replay - that's got to b a concern to Zac Stolz

seeing the ease in which Ben Poulson managed to get 4m.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

This is shaping up to be an almighty battle.

Get ready.

And Bec, we can't discount our next competitor.

He is the final ninja to attempt 4m Ashlin Herbert.

He really does have wings, he really does.

OK! Look at him kick the legs up!

Yeah! Oh, he's nailed it!

Oh! Three ninjas!

Ashlin Herbert.

How do they do that?

We have a tight competition on our hands, Ben Fordham.

Don't we ever.

If you thought Ben Polson did it easy, look at Ashlin's face

as he's sailing 4m through the air.

Calm, focused, perfect.

So, how much further can our ninjas fly?

We're about to find out

as we push that shelf back another half meter.

(CHEERING) (CHANTING) Push it back!

OK, this is getting really serious now.

We've pushed it back - we're at 4.5m.

We've got three ninjas left.

Zak Stolz, Ashlin Herbert, and Ben Polson.

Who's gonna claim the $15,000? We're about to find out.

4.5 metres. Give it up for Zak Stolz

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Zak is well known for his explosive laches,

but he and the others will really need to pull out something special

to nail this one.

This is the one you go for!

He's pumping himself up.

He wants this record.

Surely they can't do this.

4.5 metres,

and this lache could be worth $15,000.

Zak hurt his fingers last round. Will it hurt his chances.

Oh, a bit of a wince of pain there. Maybe that's the injury.

Look at the momentum of Zak Stolz!

Ohhh! Ooooh!

Oh, Zak Stolz couldn't quite get the distance,

but that was so close.

Zak got his hands and fingertips to the shelf,

but straight arms and an outstretched body,

and the speed Zak was travelling at was just too much

Great effort, though,

but I am wondering if 4.5 metres is gonna be it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Zak! Ow!

Oh, it's not too bad. It's more the hand than my back.

Look, good luck to these guys. I reckon they can do it.

If they can just hang on, get the fingers right, they'll be fine.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, we'll see.

This bloke's next - Ben Polson.

The first ever champion of Australian Ninja Warrior.

He's about to attempt another Aussie first -

4.5 metres on the shelf grab!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, he's on the tarmac. He is.

The engines are now on, and he's getting ready for take-off.

Here comes... He's set and ready, Ben Polson!

..Ben Polson!

No! (BUZZER SOUNDS)

Yah! Yutz!

We lost another ninja,

which means only one ninja remains.

Ashlin Herbert, it is all up to you!

He's smiling, Ashlin.

This is Ben. Where did he go wrong? It's hard to tell.

Maybe not enough bend in his arms to absorb all that momentum.

He just couldn't hold on.

Hell of an effort.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ben?

Oh, I was there, and then I wasn't there,

and then I was in the water, but that is Ninja.

Guess what -

you're still in the running for the money with Zak Stolz, OK?

All you need to do now is to barrack for Ashlin to fall.

What do you reckon? Do you think he can get it?

He's been in very good form tonight.

Look, we know Ashlin. Of course he can do this.

You can do it, Ashlin. You got it, brother. Come on!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Can Ashlin do it? We will see.

If he can't, the 15 grand is split three ways.

If he can, it's all his!

How will he go at 4.5 metres? Ashlin!

Well, he's wasted no time.

He didn't wait for you to yell his name. He's already down there.

It all comes down to this.

He lands it, he wins the money.

Not only that, Crawf.

If he makes it, he will get to have a crack at the world record

set by the Americans,

but first things first.

Can Ashlin do what the others couldn't

and hit the 4.5-metre lache?

CROWD: Ashlin! Ashlin! Ashlin!

Come on, Ashlin!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, he could do this.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's got it! He's got 15 grand!

(THUNDEROUS CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 15 grand!

Ashlin Herbert! Everybody's out of their seat!

Whoa! Oh, he is a gun!

He is an absolute gun!

He has beaten the very best of the best!

He took it to the moon!

Didn't he what?

Ashlin Herbert, you are extraordinary,

and he's another 15K richer!

Look how high he boosts his legs.

He's almost vertical.

His backswing was higher than any other ninja's.

That gave him plenty of power going into his lache,

and when he catches the shelf,

he uses the upward swing of his body

to shift and stabilise his grip.

Clever!

So, as he comes down, he is in complete control.

Incredible technique, amazing execution,

and that's set an Australian record.

Is the world record next?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ashlin Herbert, congratulations,

but we're not gonna give you the medal just yet,

because I have a question for you.

Would you like to have an attempt

at the 'American Ninja Warrior' record for this obstacle?

How far is that? Another 10cm.

(PUFFS) Yeah, alright. I'll give it a crack.

Might as well! (LAUGHTER)

Why not? That's gonna happen right after the break!

You're watching the Record Breakers on Ninja Warrior!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Alright, well, don't go anywhere.

After the break,

Ashlin Herbert attempts to break the world record of 4.57 metres.

Will he do it?

And still to come,

four of our strongest female competitors ever

take on the ferocious Ferris Wheel.

Mate, I'm gonna absolutely smash it out there tonight.

Just gonna go as fast as I can, really.

Who will win $15,000...

Eyes on the money.

It's game on, baby. Might get lucky.

..and who will be taken for a ride?

What are you doing?!

I'm strong, but am I strong enough?

(LAUGHS) Wish these puppies luck.

And then...

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

..it's the tallest, steepest, and most treacherous obstacle

we've ever devised.

Oh, good grief. That's a scary one.

Who can conquer the monster

that is the Rising Mega Warped Wall?

CROWD: Raise it up! Raise it up! Raise it up! Raise it up!

Raise it up!

You are going to see it all laid out on the line,

and you might even see some skin laid out on that wall.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

REBECCA: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers,

where your favourite ninjas

are taking on some of our toughest obstacles,

with a cash prize up for grabs.

BEN: And Ashlin Herbert has just taken out

the Soaring Sonic Shelf Grab.

He's got the title.

Oh, he's done it! He's done it!

The 15 grand goes to Ashlin Herbert!

Oh, he is a gun! He is an absolute gun!

The question we're asking now -

can Ashlin Herbert set a new world record?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The record for 'American Ninja Warrior' is 4.57.

So, he's gonna have a crack now at 4.6.

If he gets this, he's got the record.

Ashlin Herbert.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We know he's the furthest in Australia.

This will put him 3cm ahead

of the record holder on 'American Ninja Warrior'.

4.6 metres.

Take a look at that.

And if we look at his last attempt again, he nailed this.

Can he generate more power to go the extra distance?

If anyone can, it's Flashlin Ashlin.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

What do you reckon, Crawf? Can he do it?

Thumbs up. 100%!

This could be the first world record we set tonight,

but, ohh, I've gotta say, wow!

This is a massive lache.

Oh, yeah, but you can feel the excitement in the crowd.

You can also feel the nerves.

Will he break the record? Here we go!

This puts him ahead of anyone on 'American Ninja Warrior'.

Ohh, nearly! He's missed it by a fingertip.

Told you he wouldn't make it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He didn't make it, but, wow, that was such an impressive effort.

Ashlin put so much into the launch

that he actually loses a little bit of control on the release.

He twists in the air and gets just one hand to the shelf,

but what an incredible effort from Ashlin Herbert.

He just misses out on beating the record on 'American Ninja Warrior',

but, mate, who cares?

You've got $15,000. Put that round your neck, Ashlin.

And you're the record breaker here in Australia. How does that feel?

That feels amazing. That's a massive distance.

One you landed, though.

It must feel good,

knowing that you just managed to grab it in the fingertips.

Just, but luckily, I could hold on to it.

So, yeah, sorry, guys. (LAUGHTER)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well done, Ashlin. Great job. Well done, mate.

Great job. Good on you, buddy.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, impressive efforts all round, really.

Ashlin Herbert sets a new Australian Ninja Warrior record.

He did what the others couldn't,

but they provided some stiff and healthy competition, that's for sure

Bit of an indication of the action still to come.

Next up, get ready for the ferocious Ferris Wheel.

This arm-busting obstacle made its debut in season four's grand final..

He's struggling. I don't think he's got much left!

..and plenty of talented ninjas couldn't hang on for the ride.

This hand! Oh!

Oh, no! We lost Dirt!

Tonight, we're using them differently.

First, ninjas must travel over the top of the wheel

until it locks into place at the bottom,

then they have to circumnavigate the Ferris Wheel

by travelling up the other side.

It will feel like they're going nowhere

until the wheel locks back in at the top.

Ninjas must then make their way over the top,

where their biceps will be punished one last time,

as they climb the pole to hit the buzzer.

(KLAXON SOUNDS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We've invited four of Australian Ninja Warrior's fiercest females

to test themselves against this torturous obstacle,

including a ground-breaking ninja from our very first season,

who is a Warped Wall legend.

That's Andrea Hah.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ranked as Australia's top female climber,

Andrea, along with her brother-in-la Ben Cossey,

husband, Lee Cossey, and Tom O'Halloran,

were part of a collective known as the Blue Mountains Ninjas.

They burst onto the scene in season one.

Here we go! How's the transfer?

Oh, it's perfect! Come on!

After a strong performance in the heats,

Andrea went on to make history in the semifinal.

Hang on a minute! She's done it!

She's done it! I can't believe it!

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

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

ANDREA: I feel so honoured

to be given the opportunity to do this again.

It's so... so special.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Andrea, welcome back.

You had a bit of time out, but you're back,

and you've had a little baby boy.

Thanks for having me.

It's been a few years, but it's awesome to be back.

Now, tonight, you'll be taking on Celeste.

Celeste, you both were a part of series one.

So, there's a great little rivalry there.

Oh, I don't know about a rivalry, but definitely some respect.

Absolutely. This is gonna be awesome.

They're ready to take it on. Bring on the Ferris Wheel.

REBECCA: Well, Andrea sounds pumped,

but it looks like her two-year-old son, Max,

has already called it a night.

BEN: Yeah, he's fast asleep.

Let's have a look at how this competition works.

We start with two round one head-to-head races,

the winner of each progressing to the final.

Whoever wins the final walks away with $15,000.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Andrea Hah and Celeste Dixon

are two of our very best.

Andrea happens to be one of Australia's top climbers.

So, you've got to fancy her chances.

Celeste is a former elite gymnast

and she's a ball of upper body muscle,

but she concedes 15cm in wingspan

to Andrea Hah,

and on the Ferocious Ferris Wheel,

reach is critical.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

I think Celeste's dad's, "Bring home the bacon,"

I reckon he might wake up Andrea's little baby, Max,

'cause he does cheer very loudly.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

Here we go. Celeste is first onto the wheel.

Here comes Andrea Hah! She is burning her way to the top!

Whoa, Celeste Dixon is gonna have to get a wriggle on.

Celeste Dixon really struggling at this point. Andrea is way ahead!

Andrea, oh, she's got an uncomfortable grip.

She's starting to grit her teeth,

and now they seem to be neck and neck.

Yeah, this is where Celeste Dixon really needs to dig deep now.

Can she recover? Andrea Hah not going far.

She's locked it in place now, and now she's got the upward climb.

Ohh! Imagine the burn on the arms!

Celeste Dixon struggling now! Needs to dig really deep!

Having a bit of a break! No time for that, Celeste!

Andrea now comes over the top of the Ferris Wheel.

It'll start to roll around. Ohh!

She'll come down now first.

She'll have to make her way, though, across!

How's Celeste doing, Bec?

Celeste not going anywhere quick.

Andrea Hah is already on the pole!

Here comes Andrea Hah!

She was the first woman up the Warped Wall in season one,

and now she books her place in a showdown.

(KLAXON BLARES)

Andrea Hah!

Welcome back, Andrea Hah!

What a return to Australian Ninja Warrior!

And Celeste Dixon is still working her way...

..in fact, she decides enough's enough.

That's a good exit strategy when you don't want to get wet

on Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Andrea's rock-climbing skills on full display.

Watch how she keeps her arms straigh whenever she can.

That strategy saved energy and muscle strength.

By contrast, Celeste relied on strength, rather than technique,

and she was never gonna keep pace

against an opponent as skilled as Andrea Hah.

Well done, Celeste, but it was Andrea's night.

The returning legend,

she still knows how to impress on the Ninja Warrior stage.

(KLAXON BLARES)

And her little guy managed to sleep through the excitement,

but Mum did good!

She's through to the final.

Isn't it great to have her back in the mix?

Ohh! Hi, Andrea!

Andrea, it was like you never left.

Oh, I felt a little out of practice. (LAUGHS)

You looked great up there! So strong.

Oh, thank you.

Yeah, it was such an amazing feeling to be back on the obstacles,

and, yeah, just digging deep, it's so much fun.

Have you missed us? Oh, so much so, yeah.

It's so amazing.

Even though I've had, like, you know, three years off,

you know, there's such amazing women

that have kind of come up and risen to the challenge,

and they've done so, so well - so inspiring.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, you go and get ready. We'll give you a break.

Head to head ladies. Head over there.

Congratulations, Andrea. Thank you, Andrea.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Coming up, who will take on Andrea

for their shot at $15,000 on the Ferocious Ferris Wheel?

It's 'Ninja Queen' Olivia Vivian versus 'Supernanny' Judith Carroll.

It's game on, baby.

I'm definitely the female to beat.

And later...

I just don't know how you're supposed to run up a vertical wall.

..a Warped Wall that will push our ninjas...

Go!

..to dangerous new limits.

Oh, my goodness! Oh, whoa!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior Record Breakers.

We've just seen Andrea Hah make a spectacular return

to ninja competition.

She beat the super strong Celeste Dixon

to move through to the Ferocious Ferris Wheel final.

The Ferocious Ferris Wheel is a wickedly amped up version

of our regular Ferris Wheel.

It's designed to inflict maximum upper body pain.

The final competitors

to race their way around this bicep-busting obstacle

are season five's two best-performin female ninjas,

Olivia Vivian and Judith Carroll.

It's WA versus NSW.

Olivia Vivian may have found her match here.

Judith Carroll is an up-and-coming ninja star.

A 2021 semifinalist

and the only woman to make it up the Warped Wall in the heats.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Olivia conquered the Ferris Wheel in this year's grand final,

but the obstacle she's about to take on

is another level.

This will be a big test of strength and stamina for both these women,

the Ferocious Ferris Wheel.

It is an arm-burner!

Olivia 'V' Judith.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

Olivia Vivian - that is the siren - makes a huge leap.

Goes up to 12:00. The wheel will then start moving.

Judith Carroll - can the new ninja take the old veteran,

the superstar, out of the competition?

This is the hard part, the bottom of the wheel,

where the burn really sets in.

They'll be feeling it right now.

Now they climb up.

I think Olivia Vivian's looking really good at this stage.

Are Judith's arms starting to give out?

Yeah, Judith's not far behind - probably two handles behind -

but Olivia's now on the downward.

And here we go -

the darling of Australian Ninja Warrior climbs up the pole!

Olivia Vivian is gonna be the first to hit the buzzer!

There you go! She is...

(THUNDEROUS CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Judith now wraps her legs around that pole.

The crowd will still cheer her on,

and she has been a sensation in this competition.

Judith Carroll doing so well in the main competition,

and now in the Record Breakers special.

Olivia Vivian's years of ninja experience

and her superior technique proved the difference here.

Olivia moves her arms and legs in a single smooth motion,

allowing her to get around the wheel very quickly,

while also conserving her upper body strength.

With fatigue setting in,

Judith couldn't match her on the upward haul.

And so Olivia Vivian goes through to the Ferocious Ferris Wheel Final.

An emphatic victory,

and one that sets up the showdown we've all been waiting for.

So, it is Andrea Hah in a face-off

on the Ferocious Ferris Wheel with Olivia Vivian.

This really could go either way.

Yeah, it's tense here at the moment.

$15,000 up for grabs. There can only be one winner.

What about this for a race?

The first woman to ever go up the Warped Wall

and the last woman to go up the Warped Wall.

This is gonna be awesome.

Two of the very best women

Australian Ninja Warrior has ever seen head to head.

Here we go. (CHIME SOUNDS)

Olivia Vivian jumps well before Andrea Hah!

What a head start!

And Olivia hits the bottom first,

but Andrea is only a heartbeat behind,

as both women battle to lock the wheel into place.

It's so close, but Olivia is starting to open up the lead now,

as she climbs back up to 12:00.

She's looking so strong, Ben, and she's moving fast.

I'd say Andrea is about two handles off the pace.

Oh, she's just missed a handle there

and now Olivia presses home the advantage.

She transfers to the pole.

$15,000 in reach!

She stretches now for the buzzer, and bang!

She's got the 15 grand, Olivia Vivian!

And up she goes!

Here comes Andrea Hah, committed until the end.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

What a brave competitor!

Ahh!

She just manages a high five.

What a head to head battle that was.

Two of our favourite women on Australian Ninja Warrior.

It was neck and neck there for the first half of the race,

but at every stage,

Olivia Vivian was just that little bit quicker,

and when Andrea missed one of the holes on the final climb up,

Olivia had the race,

and the $15,000 first prize, in the bag.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ahh! Congratulations!

Oh, my god, 15K. What a payday!

Yeah, not bad for a minute's work.

That's for you as well. Pop that on.

Olivia Vivian! Well done.

I gotta say well done to all the women here,

and, Andrea, you really did start the chain of inspiration

and getting us all going.

So, it's so good to have you back,

and thank you for what you've done to this sport.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Coming up, it's the ultimate ninja challenge.

The Rising Mega Warped Wall. What a giant!

What a showdown that's gonna be.

And we've assembled the ultimate tea of ninjas to take it on.

I've never met a Warped Wall I haven't beaten.

MAN: I think I've put in my time with the Warped Wall.

We're friends.

You better build a big wall, because I'm coming for it.

We'll see about that.

Can they break the world record on the Warped Wall

like we've never seen before?

Oh, my goodness me.

How is this possible?

Stay with us - we're about to take this competition sky high!

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers

where some of our favourite ninjas are challenging their bodies

against some familiar but supercharged obstacles

as they strive to set new Australian and world records.

Yeah, Bec, Olivia Vivian just took out the Ferocious Ferris Wheel.

That was the showdown against Andrea Hah, so she picks up $15,000.

Ashlin Herbert won his head to head against Jack Wilson

on the Shrinking Steps Sprint.

He set an Australian record with a 4.5-metre lache,

earning him combined winnings of 30 grand.

And Zak Stolz also set an Australian record,

smashing his way to the top of 35 rungs in 32 seconds.

Now, Ben, our final obstacle tonight is the most iconic of them all.

It's the evening's main event.

Behold, the Rising Mega Warped Wall.

Right now, the Australian Warped Wall record

stands at 5.25 metres, so that's the first number we want to beat.

(BUZZER BLARES)

After that, we'll be eyeing off the world record

held by the US which is 5.79 metres.

This is the one I've been waiting for, Bec.

I just can't wait to see how high that wall's gonna go

because the ninjas competing in this final event

are all capable of breaking a world record.

They're all down there with Crawf.

Now, who's gonna win tonight?

Oh... Er...

We don't know who's gonna win. This is gonna be awesome.

They're gonna go sky high.

I hope so, Crawf.

OK, we are looking to set a record on the Rising Mega Warped Wall.

We're starting proceedings at 4.8 metres,

and we're going to keep building on that as the night goes on.

On the first two stages, ninjas get one attempt.

If they fail, they're out.

Here is our first ninja.

He's a 5-season veteran and 3-time Grand Finalist.

It's former sprint star Josh O'Sullivan.

To make it to the top of the Warped Wall, you need a super-fast run-up.

Josh's track background is going to be a big advantage.

Round 1 of the Rising Mega Warped Wall competition.

4.8 metres - that's a long way up.

In fact, it is half a metre higher than a double-decker bus.

(BUZZER TONE)

4.8 metres. Come on, Josh.

Come on, Josh. Yes.

A hop, skip and a jump - no problem whatsoever.

Yes, sir. Oh!

A strong opening play from Josh O'Sullivan.

Now our next ninja to face the Mega Warped Wall

is this year's Grand Final runner-up, from Victoria,

it's the golfer, Charlie Robbins.

Of course, Charlie was 2019's furthest fastest.

This guy always attacks everything in front of him,

but, 4.8 metres, that's a big ask for anyone.

A quick rub of Sam Goodall's head.

A little bit of a good-luck charm, maybe.

Great banter between our ninjas here tonight.

Thumbs up, Charlie.

(BUZZER TONE)

Here he goes.

Here's Charlie on the curve, on the lip, he's got it.

Yes! He's up on top.

That is 4.8 metres for Charlie Robbins.

That's a big tick.

He's whacked it straight down the fairway.

Have a look at grandad Taffy.

He's loving every bit of it.

OK, next up is our hugely popular Tradie Ninja.

He needs to rock up the wall tonight.

It is Sam Goodall.

At 173cm and 33 years of age, Sam Goodall is the shortest and oldest

competitor here right now, but he's also a 5-time Grand Finalist.

He built a Warped Wall in his backyard,

and other ninjas know this bloke cannot be underestimated.

He builds these things for a living

so let's hope he doesn't stuff it up.

Thanks. Thank you.

I'll take that with me, yeah, that'll work well.

Good luck, mate. You'll do well.

Sam Goodall might not be the tallest ninja,

and he gets up these Warped Walls like he has springs in his shoes.

(BUZZER TONE)

Here he goes, the Tradie Ninja.

He's hard, he's fast, he's there!

And the Tradie Ninja lets everyone know he nailed it.

Our next ninja comes to us fresh from a breakout season

that took him deep into Stage 2 and the 2021 Grand Final.

The Rat Daddy's here, Jake Baker.

Come on, Jake, no pressure.

Jake pulled off a flashy 360 on the Warped Wall in the heats,

but, with records on the line tonight,

I don't think we'll be seeing that again.

4.8 metres.

It demands respect.

Three have made it up so far.

Can Jake make it four? He's got one attempt.

Here comes Jake Baker.

Oh, here he goes! Oh!

No! We've lost one.

No more attempts.

It's alright, Jake.

He was close, though.

He got his fingertips over the lip but couldn't quite hold on.

What happened? What went wrong?

I think the foot placement didn't quite work out for me.

You know, you're running at the wall

and you think, "Do I swap my feet up? Do I just keep running with it?"

And I think my foot distance was maybe not quite there.

Who's gonna win?

Showing by what Josh did just then, I reckon we back him.

So, the Rising Mega Warped Wall claims its first victim.

Not surprisingly, at 4.8 metres.

Up next, our tallest ninja on the Warped Wall,

our tallest ninja in the competition,

the 2020 Australian Ninja Warrior, Ben Polson.

Now, Ben is 195cm tall.

On this obstacle, that is a massive advantage.

Here he goes, Ben Polson, the champion proves it once again.

Oh, he just does this with a hop and a skip and a jump.

And just look how easily he cleared the lip of the wall.

Don't you worry, Ben, we're about to make it harder.

AUDIENCE CHANTING: Raise it up! Raise it up!

Listen to the crowd. They're saying, "Raise it up!"

Oh, yeah, sounds good to me.

In fact, I'm thinking

it's time to have a crack at the Australian record.

I'm with you.

Alright, well, let's do it.

Let's raise this wall to a massive Aussie record height of 5.3 metres.

This is gonna be epic.

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers

where the crowd is raising the roof,

and we are raising the Rising Mega Warped Wall to 5.3 metres.

That is five centimetres higher than the current Aussie record.

Raise it up! Raise it up!

Oh, this is like being at church.

It's locked into position. How good is that.

That is quicker than the Formula 1.

This'll be the highest the Warped Wall has ever been

in Australia, Bec.

It's massive.

Four ninjas left.

Who will take home the $15,000?

First up, Josh O'Sullivan.

Can he set a new Aussie Warped Wall record?

What do you reckon, Crawf? Josh O'Sullivan.

He's got so much power in those legs.

5.3 metres.

This is for the Australian record.

Hyah!

He says, "Hyah! Hyah!"

Josh O'Sullivan... Go, Josh.

Pumps himself up.

Can he get up there?

Yes, he did it!

Wow.

This is incredible.

Josh O'Sullivan has just broken

the Australian Ninja Warrior Warped Wall record!

And doesn't he love it?

Josh's speed and the power in his legs

launch him straight up the vertical of the wall.

The combination is so explosive.

He scarcely needs to use his arms to pull himself up onto the platform.

Next up,

with his eye on the prize of $15,000, Charlie Robbins.

Charlie, 175cm tall.

5.3 metres, therefore, is gonna be a huge ask,

but wouldn't he love to share the Australian record

with Josh O'Sullivan?

OK. This is getting really fun now. Come on, Charlie.

It's fun but it's also financial.

15 grand. Go, Charlie!

Come on, Charlie!

No. Ooh...

So, we lose our second contestant at 5.3.

Charlie Robbins is out.

Charlie just didn't get his feet far enough up the Warped Wall

before launching.

That is tough for the little fellas.

It is, it's a long way up for the koalas.

I didn't quite get the Mega Wall Season 3,

so I was hoping for a bit of redemption, but not quite.

Good on you, mate. Very nice.

So, that means Josh O'Sullivan holds the Australian record

on his own, but there are still two ninjas to come.

Our next competitor to have a crack at this massive 5.3-metre wall

is Tradie Ninja Sam Goodall.

Come on, Sam.

We've just seen Charlie Robbins fail this height,

and Sam is a couple of centimetres shorter, so this'll be a tough one.

Getting ready to pump those legs and launch himself up.

(BUZZER TONE)

Off he goes!

Pushes!

Oh, he's got it! Yes, he's got it!

He's got it.

Sensational Sam Goodall.

What he lacks in height he makes up for with speed and control.

He got there by his fingertips, but the Tradie Ninja

joins Josh O'Sullivan as a new Aussie record holder.

So, are we about to share the record three ways?

There's still one ninja to have a crack at 5.3 metres.

Give him a big round of applause.

Our next ninja, Ben Polson.

Ben made it up the wall with plenty to spare last round.

He's sizing up the job ahead, a few deep breaths, here he goes.

(BUZZER TONE)

Ben Polson starts his run and, before you know it,

up, up, up, up he goes.

I reckon there's a world record that this man is eyeing off right now.

He made it look a breeze.

Raise it up! Raise it up!

Listen to the crowd. They're saying, "Raise it up!"

Up, up, up, up, up!

So, as we raise the wall to 5.55 metres, three ninjas

have already broken the Australian Warped Wall record tonight,

Josh O'Sullivan, Sam Goodall and Ben Polson.

We want to see it smashed all over again.

We're at the point now

where a section of this wall, you can see, is vertical, straight up.

It's gonna be a monster. Can they do it?

5.55 metres.

That's almost as high as my hair.

Now, I understand,

you've been building Warped Walls for a long time,

and you've got goats who virtually climb to the top, almost this high.

Yeah, I've got one slightly bigger than this,

and, yeah, I've got some goats, I named one Josh, one Ben.

So, you can do this?

Um, I have done higher than this at home, but this is a different beast.

No buts.

We want you to break some records right now.

We want 'em to break some records.

Josh, Sam and Ben, our three ninjas remaining, and the wall has gone up.

We're now at 5.55 metres.

That is huge!

Because of that, we're allowing the ninjas

three attempts from here on in.

OK, it's time.

Josh O'Sullivan, let's do it.

I just don't know how you're supposed to run up a vertical wall.

Let's go, baby!

Josh is 177cm tall.

The wall is more than three times his height.

This is for a new Aussie record.

Ready? Go!

He's fast out of the blocks.

And he gets it!

(SHANE CHUCKLES)

5.55, Josh O'Sullivan, well done.

Wow! That is a new Australian Warped Wall record.

Once again, an explosive sprint from Josh

catapults him up the Warped Wall.

5.55 the new mark but there are a couple of ninjas down on the ground

determined not to allow him to have the record on his own.

We're loving the competition between you guys.

Have you got any advice for those who are remaining down below?

Bit of gravy on it, boys.

It's saucy.

Let's get it on there. Bit of gravy!

Let's hold the gravy and bring out Sam Goodall.

Here we go, 5.55.

The Tradie Ninja, he's not rushing it.

He's just checking the soles of his feet.

Wants to make sure he's got all the grip he's gonna need.

Now he goes back and eyeballs it.

You've got every right to take your time.

You've got three attempts.

He's got one just as high at home.

One last deep breath as he launches himself towards $15,000...

No.

Don't panic, Sam.

You've got two more attempts.

I reckon he's about three centimetres short, Sam Goodall,

and now look at him, looking back at the wall.

5.55 metres. Come on, Sam.

Get this and he'll share the Australian Warped Wall record

with Josh O'Sullivan.

One attempt down, what's he gonna do here, Bec?

He's gonna have to really send it, as our ninjas say.

Send it, Sam Goodall!

Oh, no, no. No. No.

And this time Sam misses by a good 30 centimetres.

The question now, Ben, is does he have enough left in the tank

to make it up the wall on his third and final attempt?

Is Sam Goodall gonna stay in the mix?

Come on, Sam. Here we go, 5.55.

He says he's done it at home, but the pressure's on right here.

An Australian record, $15,000.

This is another ball game.

This is his last attempt. Come on, Sam.

The Tradie Ninja takes off, he's up, he's not there!

Oh! Sadly for Sam Goodall!

It wasn't to be for Sam.

5.55 metres proved a step too far for Sam Goodall,

but a mighty effort, all the same.

OK, what can Ben Polson do?

He looks focused and determined.

He came away empty-handed this season,

so he'll be giving it his all.

Coming up, with the Australian and world records on the line,

our last two ninjas risk it all in their quest for Warped Wall glory.

Let's break some records!

Watch this, Australia!

Here he goes.

Go, go... Launching himself up that wall...

Oh! Oh, my goodness!

Whoa! Is he OK?

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers

where the records have been tumbling one by one.

Earlier, Zak Stolz

broke the Australian Super Salmon Ladder record

with a massive 35 rungs in 32.75 seconds.

Yes!

He's done it! He's done it!

Then, Ashlin Herbert set a new Aussie record

with his lache on the Soaring Sonic Shelf Grab.

Yes! He's done it!

He's done it!

And now we are down to two ninjas

vying for Rising Mega Warped Wall glory

with the 5.79-metre world record well and truly in sight.

Josh O'Sullivan broke the Australian record

for a second time when he cleared 5.55 metres.

Now Ben Polson is about to attempt the same feat,

and just look how high this wall is now.

A misstep here risks serious injury,

but, if Ben's nervous, he's certainly not showing it.

So, you know what this means now, Bec?

If Ben Polson doesn't make it up the Warped Wall here,

Josh O'Sullivan wins the $15,000

and claims the Australian Warped Wall record.

But don't bet against Ben Polson.

I love watching this guy do the Warped Wall.

Let's go, Ben!

He's phenomenal, here he goes.

Gliding up the wall. Ooh, hang on.

Oh, whoa, what just happened there?

There's a lot of shocked faces in the crowd, that's for sure.

You know, this is the first time

we've ever seen Ben Polson fail an attempt on the Warped Wall.

Maybe he just had a bit of a strange take-off there at the beginning.

The height is just extraordinary, so we can't blame him,

and then he put a hand on the wall, both hands on the wall,

but he couldn't get to the top of it.

He's dirty on himself, Bec.

He wants that record.

He wants the $15,000 cash prize.

Look at Josh O'Sullivan's face here.

He's like, "Hang on a minute, is the 15 grand mine?"

No, not in his pocket just yet.

I wouldn't be counting the cash if I was Josh.

Remember, this is Ben Polson.

Here he goes. 5.55 metres! Go, go, go...

He's on top of the wall!

(BUZZER BLARES)

Look out, we've got a game on, Australia!

What a champion.

Ben Polson didn't let that first false start get to him.

He sailed up the wall the second time with air to spare.

Ben, that was good but what happened on the first attempt?

After watching Josh, you know, I'd thought I'd have it by now,

to be honest, he's making it hard for me.

I get a little bit nervous when I'm standing there,

and you lose control of your legs a little bit.

But, as I prove... I've still got some in me,

so hopefully it's enough.

Now, it's at 5.55 right there.

We're thinking of taking it to, I don't know, 5.6, 5.7?

Nah, 5.8. 5.8?

Ooh! That is spicy.

I've never done 5.8, but today will be the day, don't you worry.

Oh! Just think about that.

Our engineers are now taking it from 5.55 to 5.8.

And you know what that means, Bec?

We are shooting for a world record.

We couldn't beat the Americans in the Shelf Grab,

but I am feeling confident for this one.

I hope you're watching in the US because we are about to

take our Warped Wall higher than any American has conquered before.

Raise it up, raise it up, raise it up!

Raise it up. It's going up 25 centimetres...

Bring it on!

..to 5.8 metres,

so that's one centimetre higher than the world record.

How are they gonna do this, Bec?

Look at the thing!

Oh, my goodness me.

How is this possible?

Just to give you some sense of it,

it is as tall as a fully grown giraffe,

and it's one thing to get up to the top

but, if you don't make it, it's a long fall all the way back down.

This really is uncharted territory.

This isn't about a national record now.

This is the big one.

The world record is on the line, and Australia is going for gold.

Well, how good is this.

I want to beat the Americans.

I want to break the Americans right here tonight.

Ben Polson, can you do it?

Ooh, I'm sure as hell gonna try, that's for sure.

Yeah, look, the Americans, I mean, they've been up here for too long.

I think we need to take 'em down.

We've got Josh, we've got myself.

Let's do it for Australia.

Have a look at it.

You get giddy as you make your way higher and higher and higher.

Nobody on the Record Breakers edition in America

has ever gone this high.

Ladies and gentlemen, a big round of applause.

First up, Josh O'Sullivan.

It's not called Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers

for nothing, Ben.

Let's break some records!

Well, now we mean business. Oh, here we go.

Josh O'Sullivan taking his top off. Here we go.

I might get mine off, as well.

Oh...?

Sorry about that.

Look at him centre himself. This is mammoth. It is huge.

It's like Mount Everest.

Oh, my goodness.

OK, Josh O'Sullivan has three attempts to set a new world record.

It is held by the US at 5.79 metres.

Josh is going for 5.8.

(BUZZER TONE)

First attempt, 5.8 metres, go, go, go, go!

Oh!

Oh, my goodness! Oh!

Is he OK? I think so.

Bec, there's a bit of faith involved

in letting go because, once you get up that high, you're freefalling.

Yeah, the courage it must take to attempt something like that.

I mean, a fall of 5.8 metres, that's high risk.

You could seriously injure yourself, but that's what these guys do.

They want to be the best, and they want the records.

And I'll tell you what... Wow!

Have a look at the replay, Bec.

He almost made it.

Now, maybe this was the problem.

His third step on the ramp there was just a little bit off.

And his fingertips touch the lip.

He was almost, almost there, Josh O'Sullivan.

He was there!

And then he was gone.

He's got two more attempts.

Is Josh O'Sullivan gonna be better for that first attempt?

He almost had it.

He just needs another inch or two for that world record.

Come on, Josh O'Sullivan!

What do you do when you've already given it your all?

You find a little bit more.

And here comes Josh O'Sullivan.

Watch this, Australia.

Up, up, up, up, up! Go!

He's done it! Oh!

He's done it! Oh, my lord!

Oh! He's done it!

Josh O'Sullivan!

(BUZZER BLARES)

It's a new world record!

Oh!

Yeah!

And the Sydney Olympic Park comes alive!

We just can't believe what we've seen!

Josh O'Sullivan takes the world record from the Americans.

We've had an Aussie do it! Have a look around.

The crowd here can't believe it.

Check out Ben Polson, thinking, "OK, hang on a moment,

"I've now gotta do that, as well," but Josh O'Sullivan...

Josh, one question for you - how?

How good, how...

Oh, my god.

You know, uh, I just had to look at the crowd

'cause that was pure astonishment, you know?

I don't know, really, what happened, to be honest.

I could see the gravy at the top.

It was full gastronomy, we're good.

Well, Josh certainly learned from his first attempt at that height.

Second time around, he planted that fourth step cleanly.

That let him launch himself a few centimetres higher,

and that's all he needed to set a new world record.

Unbelievable.

Josh O'Sullivan is now an official world record holder,

and he has first dibs on that 15 grand.

Can Ben Polson stay in the game?

He wants the crowd to get him to the top of this Rising Mega Warped Wall!

He wants the world record and he wants the $15,000.

He's just seen Josh O'Sullivan smash this height.

Here he goes.

5.8 metres.

Oh! Oh!

What is going on? We've got another one!

Ben Polson!

Well, how about that, Ben?

How good are Aussies!

It's game on!

Two ninjas at the height of their physical powers,

they both want the world record, they both want the $15,000 prize,

and are they keen on sharing the money?

I don't think so.

Mate, how did that feel making it to the top?

I just think I needed something to chase, you know,

I needed some motivation and, after I saw Josh do it,

I was like, I can't let it slide now, I can't let him have it.

Thanks, Josh. Sorry, bro, but you know?

Alright, well, if you like competition,

we're going to take that from 5.8 to 6.05.

Whoo!

We may as well. We've got the world record.

Now we want to see what you guys can really do.

What do you reckon?

Six metres and five centimetres.

We are going to raise it up.

Raise it up, raise it up, let's go.

You go down and prepare, when we return

on the Record Breakers special of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers

where our Warped Wall has just been set to a whopping 6.05m.

No, no, no, yes, well, have a look.

This is the truth, this is where we're at.

We've got Warped Wall glory on the line.

Josh O'Sullivan and Ninja champion Ben Polson, and, with $15,000

up for grabs, this is the biggest showdown in Ninja Warrior history.

These guys set a new world record tonight at 5.8 metres,

but they are not finished yet.

Who is gonna win the money?

Look at the size of that thing.

6.05?

It's too high.

6.05 and have a look at this thing, Ben Fordham.

Oh, come on, they can't, can they? Yeah.

This is the equivalent of a 2-storey building.

Imagine missing the lip of the platform

and then freefalling from there.

This might be playing on their minds right now.

I don't want to think about that.

The first ninja to step up to the plate is Josh O'Sullivan.

He's competed in two Grand Finals,

but he's never experienced pressure like this.

And Josh O'Sullivan

wants to whip up this crowd into a frenzy once again.

Whoo! Come on!

He has broken the world record once tonight.

Can he do it again?

He gets three attempts.

If you know your AFL, the height of this wall

is the minimum height for an AFL goalpost.

He's gonna be Superman if he does this.

(BUZZER TONE)

6.05, here he goes!

Oh! Ooh, Josh O'Sullivan.

Now, getting the first few steps right is key.

Do that and the take-off foot, in this case, Josh's right foot,

would be higher up the wall.

The next step helps with height but is mostly stabilising.

That is a good first attempt, though.

Josh O'Sullivan.

Come on, Aussie, go, go, go! This is an extraordinary attempt.

Up, up, up, up, up... (BEC YELLS EXCITEDLY)

No.

Gee.

6.05 is a big difference from 5.8, isn't it?

It is, Bec, but have a look at him.

Don't count him out.

He's pumped, Josh O'Sullivan.

Come on, let's go. Go, hit the legs!

Slapping the thighs, whacking the chest.

His face, even. Slapping his face.

Goodness me.

This is a chance for a jet to fly.

Go, go, go... Josh... no.

Oh, no.

Oh, I'm thinking those two earlier attempts took too much out of him.

Yeah, having a look at the replay here, Josh hit the wall fast,

but his right leg just buckled a bit

and there was no way for him to recover.

Josh will be disappointed with that,

but what an incredible effort tonight,

and let's not forget that he's still the joint world record holder

with the man who's about to step up now.

And so Ben Polson tags in.

This is his biggest challenge

since taking on Mount Midoriyama last year.

Ben conquered the mountain, of course.

Can he do the same with the 6.05m Rising Mega Warped Wall?

$15,000 on the line.

This guy is a giant, and this is gonna take a giant effort.

He's focused. The buzzer sounds. (BUZZER TONE)

This for 15 grand and a new world record.

He's off.

(AUDIENCE GROANS)

Ooh, he's crashed head on into that. Oh...

That's the first time we've seen a shake of the head from Ben Polson.

It looks to me like the sheer height of this wall has got him spooked.

He's gotta get his head back in the game.

And now look at him wind himself up

to get ready at going higher than anyone ever has on a Warped Wall.

Come on, Ben Polson!

Ooh, he got closer that time. Gee, he did.

A much better attempt and, again, it's that right foot.

A bit more momentum and it would've been higher.

This is a technically demanding obstacle.

He's got one shot left.

Yeah, I'm feeling good about the third attempt, though.

Come on, Ben, take your time.

We'll give you all the time you need, Ben Polson.

Oh, look at him look up at it, the wall he wants to conquer.

It's more than three times his height.

This is pressure.

If he gets up this wall, he wins 15 grand and sets a new world record.

Fail and he shares the honours with Josh O'Sullivan.

Ben Polson, let's make some noise for him.

(BUZZER TONE)

Here he goes up the wall. Can he do it?

No. Not to be.

6.05 metres, it was always gonna be a huge challenge.

Not even Australian Ninja Warrior's greatest champion could conquer it.

We love him. Well done, Ben.

Our ninjas could not do 6.05, but there are no losers tonight.

Ben and Josh are dual world record holders.

And that means they share the $15,000 prizemoney.

We have joint winners on the Rising Mega Warped Wall.

You've shared it tonight, incredible.

We'll go for a cold one after, I reckon.

Josh O'Sullivan, awesome effort.

Well done.

(WILD CHEERING)

Well, what a way to finish our Record Breakers of '21, Bec.

So many highlights and so many records broken.

We've had so many champions emerge, we've had so many memorable moments,

and what a location here at Sydney Olympic Park.

This is Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers.

Goodnight, everybody. Goodnight.

(FIREWORKS CRACK AND WHISTLE)