Ninja Woman is too strong

I decided early this year to send a video to American Ninja Warrior. When I was a senior in high school, I watched the Japanese version, and it always seemed like a good time. I didn’t know what to expect when I went to Denver in May for the qualifications. I thought wrongly that the whole qualifying round would take an hour. At least once a day, I feel like Cher from Clueless when that happens. I was excited to try the obstacle course after I saw it. Since I was a little gymnast, pole vaulter, and rock climber, I’ve always loved being high up and swinging around. I think most people would agree that a huge obstacle course is basically a playground for adults and that seeing one makes you feel like a kid again. You just want to start swinging and try everything.

As the first day of the class got closer, I felt the familiar feeling of having too many nerves. I get the same rush every time I compete in a climbing event. It’s the last split second before my five minutes on a boulder problem start. When my nerves get too much, I tell myself, “Don’t worry about it, just go and listen to your body.” On the night of my American Ninja Warrior qualifying round, the same thing happened, and before I knew it, I had finished the Quintuple Steps. I took a moment to get ready in my mind for the next obstacle, which was the mini-tramp jump to the cones. Even though I knew everything would be fine as long as I got to the cones, I was worried about getting there. I used to be a gymnast, so I know how to jump on a trampoline, but it’s hard to tell how far away things will be when you jump to them. As I jumped off the trampoline and toward the grips, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the cones. During this whole run, I didn’t want to get wet more than I can say.

I wasn’t too worried as I made my way up the Devil Steps. People who know my climbing style know that I am strong and that sometimes I don’t use my feet as much as I should. So, going up stairs seemed like the best challenge for me. In the end, I think I gave this challenge too much credit. After seeing each guy get over the hurdle, the gap at the top didn’t look like it was all that big. As soon as I reached the last step up, I saw that the gap was much bigger than it looked. As I got ready to commit to the transition move, I had only one thought: “I hope I can grab the step on the other side.” As soon as I felt the step in my hand, I grabbed it and let out a sigh of relief. I knew I would have enough energy to finish the race, even though I was tired as I came down the stairs. As I got closer to the Warped Wall, I felt strong. Even though I’m tired, I know the body can always do more than you might think. When I realised I only had three chances to finish the challenge, I felt like I was back where I was before. This time, it was one that reminded me of when I used to be a pole vaulter.