American Ninja Warrior Season 17 Episode 4 Recap: Qualifiers 4

Since its inception, NBC’s ‘American Ninja Warrior’ has been pushing limits with every leap, swing, and splashdown. Season 17 has kept the adrenaline alive with returning fan favorites Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Matt Iseman in the announcers’ booth. Zuri Hall brings the intensity up close from the sidelines. For the fourth night of the qualifiers, the hosts count down the most unforgettable falls in the show’s history. Speed is of the essence, as always, since only the top 15 men and top 5 women earn a coveted spot in the semifinals.

The Night Kicks Off With Iconic Obstacles and Emotional Second Chances

The fourth night of the Qualifiers sees five iconic obstacles: #1 Quad Steps, #2 Log Grip, #3 Block Run, #4 Spin Cycle, and #5 Battering Ram. As always, apart from hitting the buzzer on the 14½ feet Warped Wall, if the athletes succeed in doing so within a minute, they secure a shot at the Mega Wall. If they manage to climb the 18½ feet high wall, they can grab the impressive $10,000 Wells Fargo & Company’s Active Cash Credit Card. The night commences with the hosts welcoming the first contestant, 40-year-old Non-profit Director Ace Goodson from Silver Spring, Maryland. In his confessional, the super dad opens up about how his entire life revolves around his family and making their life secure. Both his wife and his little daughter have hearing aids.

Ace’s son, Elijah, has special needs since he is autistic and requires constant support. The father runs with him in the morning to keep him calm and rides around with the little guy because he won’t be able to do it once his son grows older. As he begins his run on the course, it is revealed that Ace has always struggled with balancing obstacles and has found himself stuck on the third obstacle in his appearances in 2022 and 2024 Qualifiers. This time, he manages to conquer the third one but falls into the water on Spin Cycle. The second athlete is 18-year-old Joy Wolf, a high school graduate from Auburn, Indiana. At just 12, she competed on ‘ANW Junior’ and had even sent in her application for seasons 14 and 15, to no avail. Although she has been on the sidelines for too long, cheering her friends, she finally has her chance.

With hours of training in the bag, Joy swiftly passes through four obstacles but falls short on the fifth one. Physician Assistant Karen Wiltin is the next to run the course. However, she falls on the log grip in her first appearance on the show. With that, the hosts announce the fifth unforgettable fall in the list, which is of 37-year-old “basketball ninja” Jared Greer. The falls came a decade ago, and when he almost made it through, the log swung back, hitting him and leading to his fall. Once again, he is back on the stage to run the course. The Texas Pastor is now using basketball and ninjas to spread his message. Jared now travels, does live demonstrations, and encourages kids to overcome obstacles. In 2015, he started a Christian non-profit initiative called Overcoming Obstacles Ministries.

With Stories From All Walks of Life, the Course Becomes a Powerful Voice

The initiative takes a portable obstacle course around the nation’s church schools and has helped 165,000 play it. Since Jared loves doing basketball trick shots, the hosts have fixed a 25-foot-high hoop for him to try on. However, he fails to make the shot. With that aside, he swiftly passes through the Log Grip but falls into the water on the fifth obstacle. Next up is 15-year-old high school student Kaden Forsha from Littleton, Colorado. He is popularly known as the “chatterbox ninja” and loves making public speeches. Kaden is passionate about announcing and has even jokingly taken up hosting from the hosts in ‘ANW Junior.’ Since childhood, he has lived with Dyslexia, and now advocates for kids with ADHD and similar conditions. Kaden has thrice visited the Colorado State Capitol to speak in favor of a Dyslexia bill.

Additionally, Kaden has also spoken at a TED Talk. The youngest athlete of the night also becomes the first athlete tonight to press the buzzer at 01:10.10 minutes. As he finishes his run, the hosts reassure him that maybe once he becomes a little bit older, they may allow him to take over the show’s hosting. The sixth competitor is 21-year-old Videographer Aidan Gonzales from Houston, Texas. After filming his first appearance, he flies through the first four obstacles easily, but falls into the water on the Battering Ram. Right after, 57-year-old Sam Sann takes the stage. The night’s oldest competitor is from Houston, Texas, and has been competing since season 4. He had even finished the 2015 semifinal course at 48. However, he gets hung up on the old Log Grip this time.

The eighth athlete is 50-year-old Morgan “Moose” Wright from Cape Coral, Florida. The elementary school P.E. Teacher has 20 years of teaching experience and competed six years ago. In his confessional, he opens up about how three years prior, he had a heart attack, which led to him being in a coma for five days. After an 11-day recovery, he has managed to pull through with fitness and ninja training. He urges everyone to be cautious about their health. The 15-year army veteran first made his appearance in season 10. In the end, he falls into the water on Log Grip. The hosts then move on to announce the 4th unforgettable fall of Brian Wilczewski. The engineer has always hit qualifying buzzers in every season he competed, from season 5 to season 9. He fell on the first obstacle in the 2013 National Finals Season 1 and the 2017 Qualifiers.

While Some Falter Early, Others Use Their Speed to Enter the Semifinals

34-year-old Chase Meade from San Antonio, Texas, is the next athlete to take the stage. The Pararescueman specializes in diving, mountain rescue, confined spaces, collapse structures, and riftwater rescue. He reveals that he has jumped from 18,000 to 20,000 feet and even dove 120 feet into the water. He has been stationed at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for 12 years. He conquers the first three obstacles but falls short on the fourth one. Right after, Sam Folson from Dorsey, Illinois, runs the course and becomes the fastest one of the night to press the buzzer at 47.41 seconds. He takes a shot at the mega wall but fails to climb on it. No matter what, he has secured his place in the semifinals. Right after him, his fiancée, 20-year-old Isabella Wakeham, takes the stage.

Sam and Isabella had won the 2024 Couples Championship and used the $25,000 to fund their engagement. She has made it to the National Finals twice. She passes all four obstacles and presses the buzzer at 02:11.76 minutes. The 12th contestant of the night is 41-year-old Todd Bourgeois from St. Augustine, Florida. The College Professor is also known as the “Cajun Cowboy” since he owns a ranch in Louisiana. Apart from dogs and cats running around, there are also cattle and alligators. His nickname came from his weekly gumbo parties. He last ran the course in season 13 and hasn’t hit the buzzer since season 8. This time, he almost succeeds in passing the first obstacle, but his feet end up touching the water. Right after is the third unforgettable fall in the list, which is of Jonathan Sharp Brown.

Jonathan, a 6-time ‘ANW’ veteran, always had a reckless run on the course, and in season 8, it lasted for only 4 seconds on the first obstacle. However, the most memorable one was in season 10 (2018 Qualifiers), when he ran with his phone in his pocket. It fell into the water on the third obstacle, and he also failed to conquer all of the obstacles. The next competitor is Biomechanics Specialist Langdon Dinsdale, who proudly wears the name “barefoot ninja” since he runs the course barefoot. Although he manages to pass through the first two obstacles, he falls into the water on the Block Run. Right after is an 18-year-old College Student, Jen Wombles, who has consistently lost in balance obstacles in each of the last two seasons. Despite having her pilot’s license, she fails to fly through the Battering Ram.

The Night Delivers Emotional Reveals With Veterans and Determined Debuts

No matter what, Jess’ speed has secured her spot in the semifinals. The next athlete is a 35-year-old Idoko Abuh from Jacksonville, Florida. The Electrical Engineer debuted in season 5. In his confessional, he shares that he was training in Parkour when he got the opportunity to compete. He had succeeded in reaching Stage 3 of the 2013 National Finals. After completing his degree, Idoko now designs new products. He had last competed in season 7. Although he passes four obstacles, he falls on the Battering Ram this time. The focus next shifts to Zuri, who introduces the two-time ‘ANW’ champion, Vance Walker. She keeps the audience in suspense about significant news regarding him. Right after, Glenn Albright becomes the athlete to run the Qualifiers Course.

The Colorado Springs, Colorado native is off to a fast start and presses the buzzer at 02:01.24 minutes. What’s more noteworthy is that he was unable to push one in the last five seasons. 43-year-old Karsten Williams from Fairview, Texas, follows suit soon after. He adds another buzzer press at 01:17.47, along with his 10 more career buzzers. The focus then shifts to Vance, who takes to the podium and discloses that he is not competing this season because of his torn hip labrum in two different spots. Hence, he needs a couple of surgeries to recover, hopefully within six months. He further adds that he may return to compete in the next season. Vance’s training partner, Enzo DeFerrari Wilson, is the next person to take the stage. The 18-year-old high school graduate has reached the National Finals four times.

Enzo manages to press the buzzer in 50.31 seconds, missing the fastest time by a mere few seconds. However, he gets a shot at the Mega Wall but fails to climb it. Nevertheless, he has passed on to the semifinals. Next up is Brayden Nelson from Tomball, Texas. The 18-year-old has a hearing aid because of Riboflavin Transporter Deficiency (RTD). Unfortunately, he falls into the water on Log Grip. The 20th contestant is Weston Boswell from Kaufman, Texas. He has always had severe food allergies, due to which he can only train in his house’s backyard. Despite his motivating journey, he gets stuck on the Log Runner. A college student, Karen Potts, follows suit right after. She is the tallest woman of the night at 5’11” but fails to pass through the fifth obstacle.

Heartfelt Moments Fill the Night as Mentors and Students Compete Together

The next athlete is a 28-year-old Musician, R.J. Roman, from Jacksonville, Florida. He has had 18 buzzers in his career and even reached stage 4 in season 15. Moreover, he has also made it to six National Finals. His experience helps him conquer all five obstacles and press the buzzer at 57.36 seconds. R.J. takes his chance at the Mega Wall, which he had also gotten three seasons prior. Although he fails to climb on it, he still moves on to the semifinals. 15-year-old Dr. Phillips High School student Grace Gordon from Orlando, Florida, is the next athlete to take the stage. She has been coached by R.J., and the duo has bonded over their common condition of Eczema. She discovered ‘ANW’ when she was just 10 and began training at the gym with R.J. She further reveals how being a ninja has only boosted her confidence.

Both the coach and the student are supportive of each other. As she runs the course, she successfully flies through the first four obstacles but falls on the Battering Ram. As Zuri interviews her, she opens up about her amazement at having her coach and family members cheering on the sidelines. Similarly, R.J. states that he is excited to see people get inspired by Grace. Next up is the Aerospace Engineer Adam Naids, who is also a five-time participant. However, the “space “ninja falls into the water on the Log Grip. Stuntwoman Janesha Adams-Ginyard next takes to the stage. The rookie’s run is cut short right on the first obstacle. The 26th athlete of the night is a 17-year-old high school student, Hunter Ogden, from Church Hill, Tennessee. He has had several surgeries in his life, but came out determined each time.

Hunter’s journey with the ninja began by climbing trees in his backyard. He had competed in the 2023 Qualifiers and had missed his step on the Log Runner then. He had sprained and broken his ankle in the course of the action and pushed through until he fell on the fifth obstacle. This time, he begins his course effortlessly and manages to press the buzzer at 01:32.30. The night moves on to the following athlete, Megan Johnson, a U.S. Army Doctor. She has recently married her fellow ninja, Kyle Soderman. The couple had even competed in the Couples’ Championship two years prior. Megan is the first to run the course but falls on the Spin Cycle. Kyle follows soon after and presses the buzzer at 01:07.27.

As Unforgettable Past Falls Resurface, New Legacies Are Made

The hosts announce the second unforgettable moment with Steven Bachta from Lakeville, Minnesota. The Swedish player and the Salmon Ladder obstacle specialist had his most memorable falls in the 2018 Semifinals (season 10). He ended up getting knocked out by the very same obstacle. The competition resumes as 43-year-old Pediatric Doctor Steven Bachta from Wilmette, Illinois, takes the stage. He reveals how his ninja journey began at the gym with his two daughters. As he takes to the course, he succeeds in pressing the first buzzer of his career at 02:42.29 minutes. The next person to compete is Ashley Bergstrom from Largo, Florida. After just seven months of giving birth, the new mom returns to the stage, showcasing her skills until she falls into the water on the fifth obstacle.

Right after her is Ashley’s partner, Caleb Bergstrom. The new dad had been close to winning in the last two seasons. He cruises through the obstacles and presses the buzzer at just 50.70 seconds. Despite getting an opportunity to climb the Mega Wall, he fails to do so. Fortunately, he has already moved on to the semifinals. 17-year-old Nacssa Garemore follows suit right after Caleb. He has reached Stage 4 in the last two seasons and has never fallen off course, making him a conqueror of 74 consecutive obstacles. This time, he continues his streak by pressing the buzzer at just 46.99 seconds, making him the fastest to do so for the night. Furthermore, he succeeds in climbing the Mega Wall, earning the $10,000 cash credit card.

The Night Wraps up With Fast Buzzers and a Record-Breaking Mega Wall Finish

Zuri then introduces the next competitor, 30-year-old Barclay Stockett, AKA Sparkly Ninja. She is a Gymnastics Coach from Kingwood, Texas, and debuted in season 8. She has recently married her fellow ninja, Tee Jackson, in Hawaii, and her run on the course can be considered her honeymoon. At just 5 feet, she is the shortest woman to compete for the night and easily passes four obstacles. However, her journey ends on the Battering Ram as her grip gives out at the last moment. The hosts finally announce the top unforgettable fall on the list. It is of Louis Apalucci, who is a New Jersey Math Teacher. He has always run the course with a cape on his shoulders and is known as the “cape ninja.” However, in the 2021 Qualifiers, the cape covered his face, leading to his fall on the second obstacle.

With that being said, the competition moves forward with the third-last contestant of the night. It is Jaleesa Himka from Colorado Springs, Colorado. However, the teenager falls into the water on the fifth obstacle, but her speed helps her secure her spot in the semifinals. The next athlete is Kyle McCreight, who is an Occupational Therapist. He ends up pressing the buzzer at 02:10.65 minutes, making it the first buzzer of his career. 19-year-old Ninja Coach Isaiah Thomas from Riverdale, New York, is the final athlete to take the stage for the night. The “fly boy” moved from Dallas, Texas, to New York to become more independent. However, he always keeps in contact with his mother and immerses himself in training children to be ninjas.

Kyle successfully flies through the course and overcomes all five obstacles to press the buzzer at 42.42 seconds. This makes him the fastest one to do so, not only for the night but also for this season. He gets an opportunity to try to climb the Mega Wall. He had narrowly missed his mark last year, but this time, he succeeded in climbing it and taking home the $10,000 Cash Credit Card. By the end of the night, the 20 athletes to move on to the semifinals are Isaiah, Nacssa, Sam, Enzo, Caleb, R.J., Kyle Soderman, Kaden, Karsten, Hunter, Glenn, Kyle McCreight, Isabella, Steven, Todd, Aidan, Grace, Karen, Jaleesa, and Jess.