Suvechha Sarkar
With the pressure mounting and the competition being harder than ever, season 17 of NBC’s ‘American Ninja Warrior’ charges into the second night of the Semifinals. Only the top 20 athletes from the night will move on to the finals, making every second a make-or-break moment on the course. As always, Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila bring their signature enthusiasm as hosts, joined by the ever-vibrant Zuri Hall, who keeps the momentum alive course-side. To amp up the excitement, this episode also looks back on some of the best saves in the show’s history.
The Night Kicks Off With a Fierce Lineup of Obstacles and Ninjas Alike
As the night begins, Matt and Akbar announce that for the night, the contestants are going to face the all-time favorite Corkscrew as the 8th obstacle. It made its debut back in season 12, and it still has some ninjas dizzy. The rest of the obstacles on the course tonight are: #1 Quad Steps, #2 Fly Wheels, #3 Log Runner, #4 Spin Cycle, #5 Ferris Wheel, #6 Warped Wall, #7 Salmon Ladder, #9 Doorknob Arch, and #10 Invisible Ladder. The game commences with 28-year-old professional Medieval Knight Trent Litzen from Dallas, Texas, taking the stage. He is quite comfortable with both big crowds and the limelight since performing is what he does on a daily basis. Whether it be horse riding or sword fighting, he does it all for the sheer entertainment of his audience, which has even helped him train for the show.
Trent, AKA The Knight Ninja, begins his run confidently, but sadly, he slips on the Log Runner. The second athlete to take the stage is 16-year-old Influencer Paxton Myler from Draper, Utah. He is a YouTube sensation alongside his siblings on their channel, Ninja Kidz TV. They have been making videos for almost 8 years, enabling them to spend quality time together as a family. They always train and play together, which only makes them stronger.In fact, his elder brother, Ashton, will take on the course later on. Paxton had hit the buzzer in the Qualifiers this season, but unfortunately, he falls on daunting Corkscrew tonight. 27-year-old Megan Rowe from Denver, Colorado, runs next, but despite a great start, she falls short on the Log Runner. The next athlete is 20-year-old Xavian Ochoa from Ontario, California, and he is sadly taken out by the Ferris Wheel.
The fifth player of the night is teenage Artist Andreas Johson from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rookie got his first buzzer in this season’s Qualifiers, but this time, he falls on Spin Cycle. Following him is 16-year-old High School Student Talan Yorn from Lincoln, California, who bite into a lime as soon as he gets on the starting line. He was actually born with Lyme Disease and for three years, it had left him completely bedridden. However, when he watched ‘ANW,’ it motivated him to prepare, one day run the course, and spread awareness about the ailment both he and his mom have. He gets IV treatment twice a month and receives shots in his stomach daily to stay healthy. So, his sole mission tonight is to prove to himself and others that every obstacle can be overcome. He hopes to inspire while raising awareness about the disease through the Limelight Foundation.
Emotions Run High as Veterans Take Center Stage
Although Talan fell on the Ferris Wheel on the Qualifiers, this time, he flies through seven obstacles before falling into the water on Corkscrew. When Zuri interviews him mere moments after his fall, he expresses that it is a dream come true for him to just be standing here, so he is proud. He and his mother then also share an emotional moment as they admit they are each others heroes. The focus then turns to the next athlete, 41-year-old Brian Kretsch from Alamo, California. He got his first buzzer in five years on this year’s Qualifiers. He has a history of falling on balance obstacles, and it repeats itself once again as he falls short on the Log Runner. Next up is 47-year-old David Campbell from Santa Cruz, California, one of the night’s oldest ninjas. He has experience, grit, and willpower, but unfortunately, his run is cut short on this course as he falls on the Ferris Wheel. That’s when the hosts take us back in time with their list of the most memorable saves in the show’s history, with #5 belonging to David himself.
In season 12, David got stuck on Lunatic Ledges, but he climbed up on the obstacle itself and leaped to the platform to have a safe landing, following which he hit the buzzer and even climbed the Mega Wall. Coming back to the present, 27-year-old Donovan Metoyer from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, takes the stage. This 10-time ninja veteran is known as The Classy Ninja because he always runs the course wearing a suit. As he overcomes the first seven obstacles and reaches Corkscrew, the hosts remind us that he was the first ninja ever to overcome this obstacle in season 12. He once again succeeds in crossing it before flying through the next one too, and then, he comes face-to-face with the 35-foot-high Invisible Ladder. He does his best to climb to the top to hit the buzzer, but he falls short. He had managed to get his feet on the platform, but he couldn’t get his body to climb up.
Zuri then introduces the next athlete, 18-year-old former Women’s Champion Katie Bone. She had been off the course for 2 seasons following a devastating knee injury in February 2023 while she was rock climbing. The pro climber from Erie, Colorado, wasn’t sure if she was ever going to be able to come back, but she powered through with the help of rehab and training sessions. She has grown a lot, and she is excited to share her story in the hopes of possibly inspiring others. After all, the young woman who competed in the World Cup in China, just six months after her surgery still has hope of making it to the US Olympic Team in 2028. But alas, despite her good start tonight, her feet end up touching the water while she is trying to save herself from falling on the Log Runner. The hosts then return to their list of the most memorable saves, with #4 coming from Geoff Britten. In season 7, after a grueling time on The Flying Bar during Stage 3, he somehow managed to save himself to reach Stage 4.
The Energy is Exhiliartating as Underdogs Fly Through the Obstacles
The 11th competitor of the night is Evan White from Hudson, Wisconsin, who sadly slips and falls into the water on the Doorknob Arch. Following him is Carter Ray from Cottonwood, California, a professional Tree Cutter who flies through the course and overcomes nine obstacles, only to fall short on the Invisible Ladder. Then comes 16-year-old Chicken Farmer and High School Student, Colt Elder from Altavista, Virginia, an enthusiastic rookie in every sense of the term. He actually lives on a 100-acre farm full of animals, including cows, pigs, and roughly 50 chickens, whom he races and tries to capture for his strength and agility. He has even branded their laid eggs as “Ninja Nuggets” since consuming them is how he gets his energy and protein to train to be a Ninja Warrior. Whenever he is not busy with school, he works on the farm and inadvertently trains, which is what he loves to do.
Colt’s confidence is palpable the second he begins his run, and he surprises everyone by crushing every single obstacle to press the buzzer at 04:30.11, becoming the first finisher of the night. As Zuri interviews him, praising him for making the run look easy, he innocently admits that it was hard. With congratulations out of the way, the focus shifts to Daniella Blanchard from Los Angeles, California, as she gets to the starting point. Last year, she fell on the very first obstacle, but this time, she manages to reach the Warped Wall. Unfortunately, even after three attempts, Daniella fails to climb on it. Right after her is the turn of Photographer Alex Nye from San Diego, California, who falls on the ninth obstacle after an incredible run. The next athlete is 38-year-old Gym Owner and mother Zhanique Lovett from Visalia, California, who got her first ever buzzer in the Qualifiers after 7 seasons and became the third mom to do so.
Zhanique’s run is thrilling to see, but after overcoming seven obstacles, she is bested by the Corkscrew. However, it is noted that she is the first woman to even attempt said obstacle this night, making it a feat of its own. As Zuri interviews her, the ninja expresses that although she didn’t make it to the buzzer, she feels amazing because she gave this attempt her all. She also asserts that she is proud to be one of the many women who have run this course and are paving the way for others to do so too. The next person to take the stage is College Student Anna McArthur from St. George, Utah, but she sadly slips on the Log Runner. Next up is 17-year-old Violet Kepo’o from Pleasant Grove, Utah, who had made it all the way to the National Finals last season. However, this time around, obstacle #3, the Log Runner proves to be her downfall. Following her is yet another teenager, 15-year-old Baylee Beckstrand from St. George, Utah, who is indeed a proud member of the Beckstand ninja family. She did her best, but she fails to climb up the Salmon Ladder.
With an Emotional Tribute and Great Runs, the Night Continues to be Unforgettable
Zuri then introduces Baylee’s brother, 19-year-old Kai Bechstrand. He had the fastest time in this season’s Qualifiers, and he has even conquered the Mega Walls three times. His brother, Luke, is also on the sidelines and is going to run later. Kai had won the 12-year-old division of ‘ANW Junior’ years ago, and since then, he has been known for his speed and precision. Therefore, it comes as no surprise when he maintains his reputation, has no quit, and overcomes all 10 obstacles to smash the buzzer at 03:45.62. Right after him is Forest Strick from Alaska, who is running the Semifinals for the second year in a row. Sadly, his run comes to an end when he is bested by the Ferris Wheel. Tyler Rizzo from Glen Ridge, New Jersey, steps on the starting line next. The teenager is a lifelong fan of the show, and six years ago, at just the tender age of 11, he even won their Obstacle Design Challenge. However, this season isn’t the one for this athlete to realize his dreams of pressing every buzzer possible as he falls into the water on Corkscrew.
Then comes 20-year-old Jonathan Godbout from Sterling, Massachusetts. This 4-time ninja veteran plays drums in a heavy metal band, with the lead guitarist being Evan Lavallee, who will also take on the course this night. The veteran honestly had a great run as he flied through the course, but alas, he couldn’t conquer the Invisible Ladder. Next is 18-year-old Evan Lavallee from Lancaster, Massachusetts, who is running tonight for his mother. Tammy has battled two different types of cancer and deals with Stiff Person Syndrome, so her son has been caring for her while also being a ninja because seeing him overcome obstacles puts a smile on her face. Tammy even goes as far as to admit that watching Evan do his ninja training has kept her strong, which propels him to expresses he aspires to make his mom proud. That’s precisely what he does by conquering the entire course in 04:00.83, making him the night’s third finisher.
The hosts then take us back to the third most memorable save in their list. This comes from Sandy Zimmerman, who became the first mom on the Warped Wall in 2019. However, her moment was from the Women’s Championship in 2022 when she almost fell off the fifth obstacle. It was hard, but she held on with just her fingertips, climbed up, and then continued to complete the obstacle course. With this done, Glenn Davis from Flowery Branch, Georgia, steps onto the stage with the aim of becoming the oldest athlete to compete in the National Finals at age 61. He tries his best, but he slips and falls into the water on the Log Runner, which is proving to be the downfall for many ninjas throughout the night. After him is 29-year-old Marine Corps Helicopter Pilot Landon Nagao from Oceanside, California, who hopes to make his 4th season his best, only to conclude his semifinal run in the water after falling from the Corkscrew.
Rising Stars and Viral Sensations Light Up the Course With Buzzer-Ending Runs
The next athlete is 36-year-old Nicholas Coolridge from San Diego, California. He has a huge social media presence with Yoga being his core content and half a million followers. He was the first person ever to attempt the Invisible Ladder, but this time, he falls on the same obstacle. However, his speed has earned him a guaranteed spot in the Finals. Zuri then introduces 29-year-old Nurse Mady Howard, from St. George, Utah. Her biggest achievement is still her son, Beckham, but it is also the fact that she is the second mom to ever hit the Qualifier buzzer. She made her debut in season 6 as a College Student and usually falls on the fifth obstacle. Mady has been to the National Finals four times, but her run is cut short as she falls on the Log Runner this time. 19-year-old Kaden Lebsack from Castle Rock, Colorado, follows suit right after.
Kaden overcomes each obstacle and successfully presses the buzzer at 03:55.47, becoming the second fastest finisher for the night. It is now the turn for the 20-year-old University of Denver Student, Max Feinberg, who also conquers the course, to press the buzzer at 04:46.74. The 31st player of the night is a 17-year-old recent High School Graduate, Hans Hertz from Castle Rock, Colorado. He flies through the course and presses the buzzer at 04:23.98. Next up is 40-year-old Catholic Church Worker Sean Bryan from Concord, California. The 10-time ninja veteran discloses that he also has a funny side. He makes YouTube videos along with his video partner, Anton. Together, they do funny skits, where he cuts the latter’s ropes or kicks him off the top of the building.
As Sean begins his run, he overcomes all obstacles and presses the buzzer at 05:04.23. The hosts then announce the second memorable save in the list, which came from Danell Leyva in 2019 Stage 1. He is an Olympic gymnast who won bronze and silver medals for Team USA and has shown his acrobatics on the Diving Boards obstacle. He got tripped up in one of them, but he used his core strength to flip back up, saving himself from falling. The 33rd athlete of the night is College Student Colton Skuster from Salt Lake City, Utah. Although he falls on the Corkscrew, he has likely moved on into the Finals. Following him is YouTube sensation of Ninja Kidz TV, Ashton Myler from Draper, Utah. The 18-year-old flies through the course and presses the buzzer at 04:56.50. 17-year-old Luke Beckstrand from St. George, Utah, next takes the stage.
The Second Night of Semifinals Concludes With a Teen Breaking Records
Luke made it to Stage 2 last year, and he keeps up his reputation by overcoming all the obstacles for the night. He presses the buzzer at 03:12.01, becoming the night’s fastest one to do so. The hosts finally announce the top memorable save in the show’s history. It comes from Gary Weiland, who fell on the Log Runner in season 14. He almost faced the same predicament in the following season in 2022. However, he impressed everyone by making an impressive and inspirational save with his prosthetic leg. The next contestant is 20-year-old Hairstylist Anabella Heinrichs from Longmont, Colorado. She overcomes the first seven obstacles but falls on Corkscrew. Despite her fall, she is moving on to the Finals, owing to the number of obstacles she has overcome.
The final athlete of the night is 17-year-old High School Student, Taylor Greene from Broomfield, Colorado. This is Taylor’s third season, and she has bagged three Qualifier Buzzers. She also participated in ‘ANW Junior’ and competed against the top boys and girls. As she begins her run, the hosts disclose that if she manages to overcome the Salmon Ladder, she is going to move on to the Finals. To her delight, she succeeds in overcoming all 10 obstacles and presses the buzzer at 05:22.77, becoming the fifth woman ever to complete the Semifinals Course, that too at the youngest age. In the end, the athletes moving on to the finals are: Luke, Kai, Kaden, Evan, Hans, Colt, Max, Ashton, Sean, Taylor, Jonathan, Donovan, Nicholas, Carter, Evan White, Alex, Colton, Paxton, Anabella, and Zhanique.
Read More: American Ninja Warrior Season 17 Episode 7 Recap: Semifinals 1
