American Ninja Warrior Season 17 Episode 3 Recap: Qualifiers 3

Season 17 of NBC’s ‘ANW’ keeps raising the bar with every qualifier, and episode 3 is no exception. On the third night, the excitement is absolutely electric with Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Matt Iseman as the hosts. Meanwhile, Zuri Hall is working on the sidelines, making the energy in the arena more palpable. In this episode, three more iconic obstacles from past seasons are making their much-anticipated debut. Furthermore, for the night, the hosts are going to revel in some of the craziest and most unforgettable moments from the past few seasons.

The Night Kicks Off With Legendary Obstacles Making Their Season Debut

Zuri Hall takes the mic as the episode kicks off to reveal that aside from the iconic #1 Quad Steps and #3 Log Runner, three other legendary obstacles from past seasons are debuting for the night. At #2 are the Lunatic Ledges, which were first introduced in season 11 and knocked out 25 athletes in one night. At #4 is Crank It Up, which is going to test the upper body of the ninjas and has knocked out 34 ninjas in the 2017 Qualifying rounds. The #5 is the V Formation, which is going to need intense precision moves. It has taken out 80% of the competitors in 2021. Just like the previous episodes, contestants can take a shot at the mega wall to win the $10,000 through Wells Fargo’s Active Credit Card if they manage to go through all the obstacles under 1:10 minutes.

The first athlete to make a mark for the night is 17-year-old high school student Emily Gardiner from Bedford Hills, New York. She has always brought intense energy to the competition. In her confessional, she states that her energy is quite genuine since she gets quite excited about seeing the obstacles. She had previously competed in the 2023 and 2024 Qualifiers. Despite having a great start, she comes up just short on the V Formation and ends up falling in the water. With a fabulous beginning of the night, the second athlete takes the stage. He is the 36-year-old Mack Roesch from Brooksville, Florida, who had taken up the king personally almost a decade ago in the season 8 qualifiers. Unfortunately, the self-proclaimed “king of all obstacles” fails to cross the Quad Steps and falls into the water.

Right after, the hosts announce the #5 crazy moment tribute goes back to Josh Wagg, who is a 3-time ‘ANW’ veteran and a death metal ninja. Every year he competed, the hosts rocked it out with him. Back in the game, the third athlete of the night, 50-year-old Wendu Frantz, takes the stage. She has been a lacrosse referee for 20 years in Minnesota and is the oldest woman competing tonight. Sadly, her course journey ends right on the Lunatic Ledges. The fourth ninja is 26-year-old Nick Hanson from Austin, Texas. He is not only a Rugby player but is also chasing his 2028 Olympic dreams. He feels that if he can battle through 15 players on the rugged field with a 200 lb body slamming into him, he can handle all the obstacles. Nick did succeed in overcoming the Log Runner in the 2021 Qualifier, but he fails to do so for the night.

Tough Falls Mark a Night Where Only a Few Manage to Hit the Buzzer

Next up is 16-year-old high school student Christian Hart, from Meriden, Connecticut, who is also the show’s superfan. He has been on the sidelines cheering for the ninjas for 13 years. However, this is his first time on the course. At just 4’1″ and 70 lbs, he flies through the course, overcoming the first four obstacles. However, just by a mark, his feet end up touching the water at the end of the V Formation. The hosts next announce the #4 crazy moment on the list, which is dressing up as Evel Knievel when his grandson, Cody McCloud, competed on the show. The next contestant is Tatsumi Yanaba from Majune, Mozambique, who runs his own peanut butter company. His run is anything but smooth as he is stuck on the Lunatic Ledges for around 2 minutes before he falls into the water.

Barry Boyd from Powhatan, Virginia, takes the stage soon after. He had made it to two national finals in the last two seasons and is a stay-at-home dad. However, his flight is cut short by the final obstacle. The next athlete, Ethan Gardulski, had first competed three years prior and has battled anxiety issues his entire life. However, things turned around when he met Philip Scott, who was also another ninja in the same battle. The latter met Ethan at the gym when he was just 12 years old and became his coach. Their shared experiences further brought them closer and have led to a strong bond. For both of them, they are like brothers and feel that they lift each other up. While Philip had competed in the 2019 finals and is set to run the course once again for the night, Ethan had last competed in the 2022 Qualifiers.

As Ethan’s run comes to an end, he succeeds in pressing the buzzer at 01:23.18 minute and becoming the first person to do so in the night. It is also his third qualifying buzzer. The Connecticut fitness model, James Athenos, takes the stage right after. He had always wanted to compete on ‘ANW’ for years and had even mentioned it in his high school yearbook. Unfortunately, his dreams are crushed as he falls into the water on the Log Runner. Following him is 16-year-old Kenzie Hughes from Libertyville, Illinois, who is making her debut. However, just like James, she also trips on the Log Runner, cutting her run short. The top competitor and former college track athlete, Casey Rothschild, follows suit right after, but the Log Runner also proves to be her nemesis.

In a Night Filled With Personal Triumphs, Several Ninjas Face Their Fears

It is now the turn of Michelle Warnky Burma, the 40-year-old Gym Owner from Willard, Ohio. She has previously competed in 11 seasons and reached the national finals six times. However, she is now taking up the challenge of looking after her daughter, Grace, who had a 3-month premature birth. Not only did the latter have to get more shots to boost her immunity, but she was also diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Although seeing Grace like this breaks her mother’s heart, Michelle acknowledges that her daughter inspires her. With that being said, the hosts reveal how Michelle was the second woman ever to make it up the Warp Wall in season 6. However, in season 12, Lunatic Ledges had taken her out. As it turns out, this time, she successfully passes the obstacle but falls on the Log Runner despite her efforts to salvage the situation.

The next ninja is none other than 28-year-old Graphic Designer Philip Scott from Plymouth, Michigan. He had a magnificent run in Season 11, and it is no exception this time around as well. He passes through all five obstacles effortlessly and presses the buzzer at 02:01.16 minutes. Philip expresses that he would have never done this without Ethan because he had considered himself retired due to anxiety. Moving on, it is now Taylor Johnson’s turn from Foxborough, Massachusetts, who had competed in the national finals in the last two seasons. The 7-time veteran had a whirlwind of a run on the Spinning Wheel in season 6. Sadly, he ends up falling into the water on the third obstacle. Desmond Odom, who is a special education teacher, takes the stage next.

Back in 2013, the obstacle Domino Hill, and in 2023, the obstacle Domino Effect, had taken Desmond out, highlighting that balancing may not be his strong suit. His fears prove to be true, and once again, the Log Runner leads to his fall. Following him is 37-year-old Gym Owner Spencer Johnson, who debuted in 2009 and season 9 in 2017. In his confessional, he reveals that he had begun a non-profit initiative, Change Course, back in 2022 to provide a second chance in life to individuals who may have been incarcerated or homeless. Through the group, he motivates them to overcome any obstacles they consider impossible. He further adds how it’s amazing to see their lives completely change. He successfully passes all four obstacles but falls short on the fifth one despite being a lead gymnast for 17 years.

The Night Delivers a Mix of Inspiring Debuts and Heartbreaking Falls

As Zuri approaches him for an interview, Spencer expresses how it feels surreal to be back on the course after 8 years and adds that the wait is worth it. The next athlete is Maggi Thorne from Omaha, Nebraska, who is a former national finalist and is back on the course for the eighth time. Despite having a great start, the former track athlete falls in the water or Crank It Up. Taylor Amann is another college track star who has made it to the finals thrice but fell on Crank It Up. Johnny Brown, the social media star renowned for his parkour videos, takes the stage right after her. His videos often get millions of likes, and he had even reached the national finals two years prior. Although he made a swift run to the V Formation, things went sideways, sealing his fate on the obstacle. The next competitor is 15-year-old Jason Behrend, who has been training as a ninja for the past 7 years and is following in the footsteps of his father and brother.

Jason’s father was the first person from his family to compete in the 2019 Qualifiers and had hit the buzzer. His brother, Ben, had also competed in the 2024 Qualifiers and successfully hit the buzzer. Jason is excited because it is now his time to maintain the legacy. It is revealed that he had previously competed in ‘ANW Junior.’ Ben is also going to compete later in this season. Jason acknowledges that although he is a little undersized at 4’11”, it does not bother him at all. He successfully runs through all five obstacles on the course and hits the buzzer at 02:41.16 minutes. The hosts inform him that he is the shortest athlete ever to have hit the buzzer. Then comes the former track athlete, Peyton Coffin, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. However, he faces the fall into the water on Lunatic Ledges.

Unlike his former competitor, Stuntman and 3-time veteran Ramcis Valdez successfully presses the buzzer at 01:33.98 minute, becoming the fourth person in the night to do so. At 63 years old, Publisher Greg Justice is the oldest competitor of the night to take the stage. His mentor was Jack LaLanne, who invented most of the fitness equipment seen in a modern gym. Greg reveals that since Jack had asked him to advance his legacy, he wrote the book ‘Pride & Discipline: The Legacy of Jack LaLanne’ with his mentor’s widow, Elaine. Greg began advanced ninja training just before his 60th birthday and is now stepping onto the course for the first time. As he passes two obstacles, the hosts note that in 2022, 58-year-old Glenn Davis had passed three obstacles, becoming the oldest person to do so.

Veterans and Newcomers Alike Face Tough Falls as Records Are Chased

If Greg can manage to get through the third obstacle, he will break Glenn’s record. But alas, he falls into the water on the Log Runner. When Zuri asks him how it feels to be the oldest competitor in the show’s history and what his secret is, he explains that one’s health and bank account are quite similar. He adds that the more one puts in, the more they can take out, just like he did today. The hosts then proceed to announce the #3 crazy moment, which was with Mike Eckert (he made a record of doing 58 pullups in 1 minute), where both Akbar and Matt had challenged each other two years apart to see how many pullups they could do in one minute. Right after, they call on a 15-year-old high school student, Dylan Lee, to the stage. He is the youngest competitor of the night and the brother of Sydney Yee, who made it to the national finals the previous year.

In his confession, Dylan expresses his excitement to be able to compete Sydney for his first season. He discloses how they have been doing ninja training together and loves spending time with one another. Moreover, they are in the same scout group. Both siblings are excited to get the chance to compete on the same course for the night. Just like his sister, Dylan is an overachiever who joined Mensa after he scored 141 on an IQ test. Although he makes a smooth start, his progress is cut short on the Log Runner. His sister, Sydney, soon follows suit and also ends up falling in the water on the Log Runner. The “Hawaiian King” Kane Casillas next takes the stage, who wears the nickname Hurricane like a medal. However, the Log Runner ends up taking out the former track athlete.

It is now the turn for the 41-year-old Commentator and veteran Ryan Stratis, who always begins his runs with a backslap. He competed in season 1 of ‘ANW’ and has competed for 14 seasons on the course. In his 20s, he was a chief member of the Army National Guard and has successfully pressed 23 buzzers in his career. However, this time, he ends up using all his energy on the first four obstacles. Consequently, Ryan’s exhaustion leads to his fall into the V Formation. Another veteran, 37-year-old James McGrath, takes the stage after him. For this Ninja Coach, it is his 13th season, and he debuted in season 2. In his confessional, James recalls how he slept in his van for four to five days just to get an opportunity. Since he had trained on all of these obstacles once, he hopes it gives him an advantage.

Emotional Victories Unfold As Several Ninjas Overcome Personal Battles

On the sidelines is James’ fiancée, Alyssa Beird, who is also going to compete this season. As he begins his run, the hosts disclose that except for his debut season, he has pressed the buzzer for every follow-up 12 seasons. However, his shoulder injury forced him to take a backseat for 3 years before returning to the game again. Hence, only time is going to reveal if he will be able to maintain his streak. He succeeds in pressing the buzzer at 01:34.28 minute. This makes his total number of buzzers so far 24. Following his win, James expresses how grateful he is to live his dream for so long. Right after, the hosts reveal the #2 crazy moment, which they always enjoyed whenever any pro-wrestler competed in ‘ANW.’ The most memorable among them was Sam Garay, who had competed for four seasons.

Every time, the hosts made it feel like a wrestling event. Maggie Owen from Aurora, Illinois, is up next and has come with her long-distance boyfriend, Jay Lewis. The latter is also going to run the course after her. Despite having reached the national finals twice, Maggie’s run is cut short on the Log Runner. On the other hand, 20-year-old Jay, who is a four-time national finalist, ends up pressing the buzzer at the fastest time of the night at 01:09.78 minute. Despite failing to get on the Mega Wall, he has successfully secured his spot in the semi-finals. Following him is 17-year-old Jackson Erdos, who is a high school student from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The former Ninja Warrior champion had struggled with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

In his confessional, Jackson opens up about how, for the past two years, he had been in therapy and working on his mental health. Meeting new people and these efforts have made him a completely different person. So, he is here to raise awareness and make others understand that they matter. In an attempt to do so, the shirt he is wearing for the night reads the number 988, which is a suicide and crisis hotline, and the phrase “you matter.” He flies through all the obstacles and successfully presses the buzzer at 01:07.18 minutes, making him the fastest one to do so for the night. Being overcome with emotions, Jackson becomes teary-eyed, stating how he never thought he would be pressing the buzzer once again. Although his shot at the Mega Wall goes in vain, it does not stop him from securing his place in the semi-finals.

Some Athletes Secure Their Spots in the Semi-finals Despite Early Exits

The tallest athlete (6’6″) of the night follows suit soon after. Hailing from Crab Orchard, Illinois, Caleb Vaughn was a pro Basketball player for three years before he became a Coach and Chemistry Teacher at his high school in Crab Orchard. However, his long arms do not prove to be enough since he falls into the water on V Formation, but luckily, it does not affect his position in the semi-finals. Right after him is the 19-year-old Acro Dunker, Tate Becker. He entertains the audience at Boston Celtics games. He proudly showcases his athleticism and overcomes every obstacle to hit the 8th buzzer of the night at 01:49.70. Zuri introduces the next contestant, Addy Herman, from Pembroke, Massachusetts. The 19-year-old Ninja Coach had won the Women’s Championship the previous year.

Addy reveals how winning the championship and getting a chance to experience the previous obstacles have given her confidence for the night. She further adds that she has never pressed a buzzer during the Qualifies, so she wants to do it definitively today. To her dismay, although she becomes the second woman of the night to reach the fifth obstacle, she falls into the water. Nevertheless, she has successfully advanced into the semi-finals. Finally, the hosts announce the #1 crazy moment in the show’s history, which is with the entomologist Eric Middleton. He has served them with insects like tarantulas, scorpions, and even spider sushi over the years. With that being said, the competition moves on to the final contestant of the night, 19-year-old Josiah Pippel.

Josiah is a Ninja Coach from Moorestown, New Jersey, whose special training partner and girlfriend is Jojo Grubesic. They got to know each other during season 16 filming and eventually began dating. Furthermore, Josiah will be competing this season, which only adds to his excitement. Josiah had competed in ‘ANW Junior,’ and the hosts recall that he always prioritized speed. Moreover, he has pressed the buzzer every year he has competed. This time is no exception, as he becomes the fastest person of the night to press the buzzer at 01:02.67. In season 14, 2022, Josiah succeeded in going up the Mega Wall. However, he fails to do so this time around. In the end, the final 20 to move into the semi-finals are Josiah, Jackson, Jay, Ethan, Ramcis, James, Tate, Philip, Jason, Johnny, Christian, Spencer, Barry, Addy, Emily, Ryan, Caleb, Taylor Amann, Casey, and Kenzie.