All language subtitles for Australian.Ninja Warrior.S05E08.WEBRip.9Now.en

BEN: Last night...

Ohh!
Oh, no!

..in the final semi...

Oh, no!
No!

..12 former grand finalists
took on Mount Midoriyama...

Hit it! Go! Ahh!
Quick, quick, quick! Yes! Yes!

..as the mountain
claimed ninja after ninja...

Oh, no!
Zed Colback!

..and only the strong survived.

Mike Snow won the battle
on the Power Tower.

Mike Snow gets the buzzer!

He's in good company
with Jake Baker and Zak Stolz.

They've all got a second chance
advantage in the grand final,

and they might need it,

because tonight, this is it.

The grand final...

Grand final stage one, two, three.
Let's go. Tower time.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

The grand final is way harder
than we've ever seen.

MAN: The game has stepped up
this year.

..and tough just got tougher...

I'm expecting a course
that is angry,

that is here to challenge us.

..with the most brutal course
in ninja history.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Have a look at this!

MAN: Look at the difficulty.

This stuff has obviously
been stood up to the next level.

For the first time ever,

the ninjas will need
to go underwater.

MAN: No-one wants to go
for a swim in ninja,

but tonight you really want
to get there and get wet.

And they'll have to do it quickly,

because they're up against
the clock.

MAN: Tonight's gonna be a deep burn.

It's gonna be a scary night
for ninjas.

If they can't complete the course
in time, they're out.

BOTH: Oh, no!

It's our favourite ninjas
versus our favourite ninjas.

We're watching something special
here.

I can't keep up!

You know what they say - speed
kills.

Who can beat the clock?

Their path to the mountain
and $200,000 in prize money

begins here!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Welcome to the season five grand
final of Australian Ninja Warrior...

..coming to you from the magnificent
Sydney Olympic Park.

Good evening, Australia.
I'm Ben Fordham.

I'm Shane Crawford.
And I'm Rebecca Maddern.

We began this season
with nearly 200 ninjas

from all over the country.

Through four gruelling heats
and three cutthroat semifinals,

we've whittled that number down
to the best of the very best.

That's right, Bec.

Over the next two nights,

ninjas will put their heats
and their semis behind them

and focus purely on making it
through two terrifying grand finals.

Just 28 ninjas remain,

fighting it out
for a guaranteed $100,000

for the ninja that goes
the furthest fastest.

After last year's unprecedented
three ninjas

scaling Mount Midoriyama,

the question on everybody's lips
in 2021 is,

"Could lightning strike twice?"

If a ninja does make it to the
summit of Mount Midoriyama,

they'll walk away
with a massive $200,000

and be crowned our winner for 2021.

But this season, winning the
champion's crown is no easy feat.

Mount Midoriyama
is back for revenge,

and the climb to the summit
is more hardcore than ever.

It's a seven-metre Chimney Climb

followed by a seven-metre
Salmon Ladder,

and then a seven-metre rope climb.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

An angry mountain
is a cruel mountain,

and Mount Midoriyama has saved
its best obstacle to last.

Hasn't it what, Crawf?

In tonight's grand final,
the ninjas are on a collision course

with the most terrifying challenge
they've ever faced.

This is Mount Midoriyama's
ultimate act of revenge.

Yep, Ben, they have never seen
anything like this before.

To survive tonight,
ninjas will need to get in the water

and face the most diabolical
obstacle ever,

Underwater Escape.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

For four years,
they've been telling us to stay dry,

and now all of a sudden, it's like,
"Hey, get wet now."

MAN: We gotta lift these doors,
which are 30, 40 kilos.

I'm not even sure if I can do that.

OLIVIA: Time is of the essence
tonight.

I'm just gonna take it
one obstacle at a time,

and hopefully we get
all the way to the end

and do some swimming.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Righto, let's have a look
at stage one's full nine obstacles

the ninjas will have to conquer

in a time limit
of 5:35.

Good luck, ninjas.
You're gonna need it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Tonight's perilous path
starts with the Snake Run.

The seven angled steps require
balance and precision.

Ninjas can use any number of steps.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Obstacle two
is the Launchpad to Trapeze.

Speed up the ramp will help
with the three-metre jump

to the hanging trapeze bar,

which ninjas must grip on to
and ride to safety.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

The Broken Bridge is next.

Five suspended and unstable blades

that will cut ninjas down to size

if they're anything less
than precise with their footwork,

which should be fast and light.

Obstacle four, the Corkscrew,

provided an evil twist
in the semis.

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

For the grand final,
it's triple the trouble.

It's here that the upper body
punishment really starts to kick in.

Obstacle five is the Ferris Wheel,

but it's far from fun.

Ninjas must make their way
across two wheels,

which turn and then lock into place.

The biceps will be begging
for a break,

as the time pressure
starts to mount.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

Obstacle six is the 4.35-metre
Warped Wall.

Ninjas should not underestimate

how much harder the extra 10cm
has made it this season.

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

After six gruelling obstacles,

ninjas now enter the Danger Zone.

Fatigue will force some to rest.
but time is against them.

The Salmon Ladder
is a well-known ninja killer.

There's very little room for error.

It took out Olivia Vivian
in last season's grand final.

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)
(BUZZER SOUNDS)

The upper body punishment continues
down the Stair Hopper.

There are four long, agonising steps
to endure.

The second-last obstacle
is the Barrel Roll,

an almost three-metre lache
to the first barrel,

followed by a dizzying dismount

that could do some damage
to ninjas' grand final dreams.

With the lungs
already screaming for oxygen,

ninjas begin the last punishing
obstacle - Underwater Escape.

There are three doors
that slide in different directions.

Each one weighs more than 30kg

and must be opened
before progressing.

Complete the course in under 5:35,

ninjas will be one step closer
to Mount Midoriyama.

If they don't, their season is over.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

What about the nerves?

Tonight, our final 28 ninjas
will go for broke

in their quest for ultimate glory,

and don't forget,
three of those ninjas -

Jake Baker, Mike Snow,
and Zak Stolz -

hold that precious
second-chance advantage.

So, if any of them fail
to hit the buzzer -

they slip, they fall, whatever -

they've got the option
of going all over again.

And as you can probably hear,

the atmosphere here at Olympic Park
is absolutely frenzied!

What a night of grand final action
the fans are in for.

So, let's give them what they want.

It's time to bring out
our first ninja

of the season five grand final!

Let's do it!
Come on!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Kicking off tonight
is one of the three ninjas

holding that precious
second chance advantage.

It's our 'Rat Dad'
and Dungeon Master, Jake Baker!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Since the semifinals,
I have been back at it.

A bit of training.

Of course, the Dungeons And Dragons
campaign has continued.

I gave the rats a bit of a cuddle,
as promised. They loved it.

Hey, guys.
Not really.

So, I've made the grand final.

I know you're not very excited
about it, but I'm excited.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's putting in a terrific
performance here in the semifinal.

Having the fastest run
of that semis night...

The buzzer's waiting for him,
and...bang!

Yeah!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

..winning that Power Tower,
I was elated!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Having that card up your sleeve
of a retry

really makes me feel
like I can push on,

'cause I really don't want a repeat
of grand final season four.

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)
(BUZZER SOUNDS)

It's me against the course now.

Just hoping I can put in
a really clean run

and a bit of a clinic
for the other ninjas to follow.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This is the Dungeon Master,
Jake Baker.

He's been super impressive.

I reckon we got a man, right there,

who's good enough to go all the way.

The question is, Crawf,
will he need his second-chance run?

He'll be hoping not.

If he can nail this one in 5:35,
he won't need it.

He can afford to hit the course
hard and fast, Ben,

knowing he's got a plan 'B'.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

The first grand final of 2021
is underway.

Jake Baker wasting no time
over the Snake Run.

Straight up the Launchpad to
Trapeze. Crawf, keep up!

Crawf is in a full-blown sprint
on the sideline.

Oh, wow!

Across the Broken Bridge.
This is lightning fast!

Oh, he is like a rat up a drainpipe.

Crawf is struggling.
Jake Baker is not.

He has set a cracking pace here.

He's now onto obstacle four,
the Triple Corkscrew.

Triple the terror of the semis.

12 ninjas failed
on just one corkscrew,

but Jake Baker survives the first -
two more to go.

Jake needs to go up,
and, yes, he does.

Done it nicely. Two down.

Like the rest of this course,

these obstacles are much harder
than the semis.

Jake is fast. One to go!
Gets it!

I don't think he wants
a second chance.

I think he wants to get it done now.

Jake Baker about
to get off obstacle four. Yes!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Unbelievable. Now the Ferris Wheel.

This obstacle took out Sam Goodall
and Rob Patterson last year.

Now, we know it takes around
40 seconds to get it done.

If Jake does that,

he'll have around four minutes
up his sleeve to finish this course,

but keep in mind
it gets so much harder.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The first wheel is done.
Now, just watch here.

Jake is choosing to go
over the top of the wheel.

He could go underneath
if he wanted to.

Either way, he's looking good.

He's attacked this course
with the attitude of a bloke

who knows he can have another go
if he needs to,

and he's got four minutes
left on the clock.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And Jake heads
to the Warped Wall now.

It's 10cm higher than last season.

Here we go - up the wall!

Ohh!
Just missed.

He got his fingertips to it.

That 10cm, hasn't it made
a difference this season?

Run, run, run as fast as you can!

Oh, yes!
That's how you do it, Jake Baker.

Three obstacles to go!
3:43 on the clock.

And when the ninjas think
they're on the home straight,

Mount Midoriyama
messes with them even more.

Now the mind games kick in.

Have I got enough time to rest?

If I don't rest, have I got enough
gas in the tank to hit the buzzer?

That's what they're thinking.

With 3:26 on the clock now,

Jake Baker is on obstacle seven,
the Salmon Ladder.

Now, I don't want to jinx him,

but this obstacle has ended more
than ten ninjas' grand final dreams,

including Olivia Vivian last year.

That's the first of three hops.

Oh! Close call there,
He corrects it.

He's got one more to go.
Yes, he's done it.

If he completes this obstacle,

then he's got two more to go
to get to the buzzer.

His time is too tight to call.

This is the Stair Hopper,

but his body must be feeling it now.

Well, he's just done
the Salmon Ladder,

and now he has to hop the bar
down these stairs.

The drop might vary, so you've gotta
be ready for the bigger ones.

Whoa!

Not taking any risks on
those stairs. This is incredible!

What a run!

If Jake Baker makes it to the
buzzer,

he'll carry his second-chance run
into grand final two tomorrow night.

You can see the confidence
it's given him.

He's gotta be mindful of the clock.

If he does this Barrel Roll quickly,
Ben,

he could have two minutes
on the Underwater Escape.

Incredible!

Big deep breath.

He looks like he's feeling it.

Is he talking to you, Crawf?
What's he saying?

I think he says he's gassed.

I don't even know if this guy's
gonna need the second run.

He said he's a bit gassed,
but it's not slowing him down.

Those muscles must be aching by now.
Here we go!

He's up on the first barrel.

Starts kicking the legs,

and getting ready to launch himself,
with two minutes on the clock...

Oh, no!
Oh, he's fallen! No!

No!

He said he was gassed.

I'm not sure that was the problem,
though.

We'll need to check the replay,
but Jake's night isn't over.

Normally when you hit the water,
that's it,

but not for Jake Baker.

He's got a second chance run.

What an amazing position
to find yourself in.

The disappointment,
but then the realisation

that you can run this again.

Yeah, that's bittersweet,

because this course
takes a lot out of you.

At the start, Jake was flying -
a run of total confidence.

He attacked the course,
but the Barrel Roll took a toll.

He just wasn't swinging high enough,

and didn't have the height
or the distance to make it,

but now he'll know for next time.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Jake, very impressive.

The good news is
you have a second chance run.

Oh, man, I am glad I have that!

That's...that's good news indeed.

So, I know you're glad
you've got it,

but you're exhausted!

So, on your next run,
what are you gonna do differently?

Send it.
You're gonna launch yourself?

Yes. Just full propulsion,
full steam ahead.

So, there we have it -
Jake Baker, the Rat Man.

He'll be coming up
later in the show,

and he's going to send it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, Crawf, what a start
to the first grand final.

Two other ninjas also have a second
chance card in their back pocket,

Mike Snow and Zak Stolz.

They'll be running soon.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

But now it's time
for our next ninja,

who, after three seasons,

has finally made
his first grand final.

He was fifth
in his heat.

Now explodes
onto the next shelf!

Fourth
in his semi.

No time for calm
now, Ben.

This is...
(HOSTS EXCLAIM)

REBECCA: Oh, no!
Huge splash!

And he hopes to keep moving on up
that leaderboard

and into grand final two.

Please welcome back Travis Edwards.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

They're his lucky yellow shorts.

Let's hope his lucky yellow shorts
help him down the course tonight.

Yeah, well, they're bright enough
too. Thanks, Crawf.

And there on the sidelines,

Travis's girlfriend,
Jessica Russell.

Yeah, she's joined
by the Barnardo's team.

That's who Travis works with.

He's a teacher's aide,
a mentor at Barnardo's,

and tonight he's a grand finalist
on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Now, Travis must complete the course
in under 5:35

to progress to grand final two.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

OK, buzzer's gone.

And off he goes on the Snake Run.

Ohh!
Whoa!

What's that technique?

I don't know what our ninjas
are pulling out tonight,

but I like it a lot!

Now he takes off
on the Launchpad to Trapeze.

Gets the trapeze and he launches
straight off onto the pad.

Travis Edwards - those lucky shorts
are working tonight!

You got this!

CHILD: You can do this!

On to the Broken Bridge.

He will dance across the top
of these. Just watch.

One, two, three, four, five! Yeah!

Oh, his coordination and his timing
is so strong, and look at this -

only 35 seconds gone now,
five minutes to go.

Here it is - the Triple Corkscrew.

We saw one corkscrew
in the semifinals,

but we've tripled it this evening -
there are three!

OK, now he's gotta grab
this corkscrew.

Now, the first one
goes a rotation of 1.5.

And you'll see
the really confident ninjas

will be having their bodies
nice and close,

just like Travis there.

He doesn't have his legs and arms
flapping around -

looking nice and closed in.

Just look at the elevation required
to catch this!

Alright! This man, he's on fire.

Come on, Travis.

This is a really good run so far
from Travis Edwards.

It is, and, look, if you can manage

to blitz those first four obstacles
in a good time...

You're right.

..it does give you a sense now to
go,

"OK, righto, I think I've broken
the back of this thing."

You're dead right.

"That'll give me
a little bit more time

"on the obstacles
that burn up more petrol."

Obstacle five - the Ferris Wheel.

This is five of nine,

and he's got 3:55 left on the clock.

Now, this one slows you down
a little bit,

because you need to be careful
in all these little transitions.

Then the wheel starts falling down.
We're stopping at about 4:00.

And this transition is a bit tricky.

Travis's arms are shaking,
but he makes it.

Can he go all the way?

Remember, this is do or die.

If Travis doesn't complete
the course, it's all over.

He does not have a second chance.

And here is Travis Edwards.

He's steaming at the moment,
but now he's locked in place.

He's ready to exit.

His time is looking pretty flash,
Bec!

Yeah, he is, but he's about to learn

just how much harder
this course becomes.

Now, surprisingly,
this is the first time this season

that Travis has attempted
the Warped Wall.

How will he go?

AUDIENCE: Beat the wall!
Beat the wall!

He starts his run up.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

No problem!
Yes!

The crew from Barnardo's are loving
it!

Yes, Travis!

He's now got three obstacles left...

..and 2:50 left on the clock.

Can he do it?
I think it's gonna be tight, Ben.

You have time, you have time.

Jessica says he has time -
he does, but not a lot of it.

He can't afford
to burn too much of it.

Ahead of him are three
insanely difficult obstacles,

and that clock - look at it -
keeps ticking.

This is the Danger Zone.

Can Travis afford
the time to rest?

A difficult decision.
There's 2:26 left on the clock.

I am a little worried.

He has burned up
a lot of time there,

and that Underwater Escape
takes a lot of time to get through.

We'll see how it goes.

There's the three Salmon Ladders.

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

Have to correct. That's right.
Yes, he does.

Now he gets up
and on to the Stair Hopper.

Now, this bar,
once he transfers onto it,

I find interesting.

There's little rubber grips there,
but there's no stoppers at the end.

So, you have to be dead-eye
with this bar.

1:49 on the clock. He's gotta move!
Keep going, Travis!

Yeah, you're right, Crawf.
The time's ticking.

He's gotta move.

Needs to find some speed.

Oh, that's one way to do it.

Ohh! What about that?

He said, "Don't worry about that
last one! I'm going all the way!"

That jump was huge!

OK, up onto the Barrel Roll now.

1:12 on the clock.
Two obstacles to go.

Come on, Travis.

Just getting rid
of that lactic acid.

He needs his grip strength for this.

Crunch the numbers, Travis Edwards.

Do you have enough time? One minute!

Here he goes!

And, Ben, just keep in mind this is
the longest course in terms of time

that we've set
on Australian Ninja Warrior before.

That's how hard it is.

Travis is taking some time here.
He's gotta go.

Ohh!
He's only just held on there, Bec.

Keep going, Travis!
This is incredible.

Come on, Travis!
He's gonna have to push it.

It's do or die.

He has to complete the course
before the clock runs out.

This is gonna be very tight.

He's shaking his hands out,

but it's burning up precious
seconds.

Oh, he's gonna have trouble here,
Bec.

Ohh! (SIGHS)

Gets the swing happening. He exits.

Now, Bec, this is the first time

anyone's gone
in the Underwater Escape.

23 seconds.

He's gonna have to move
through three gates.

They slide in different directions.

32kg, the first one.
He's got it open!

Oh, no! Keep going!

He's gonna struggle
to make it through!

Door two is so heavy!
36kg - can he get there?

Ten seconds!
He's gasping for air!

Will he go for it? Come on!
(ALARM BLARES)

I think the clock's
gonna get the better of him!

Three, two, one! Oh, no!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, sadly for Travis Edwards,

he was going through that second
door

on the Underwater Escape

when the clock said, "Travis,
I'm sorry, your time is up."

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The replay shows Travis
exploded off the start line

and cleared the Snake Run
only using four steps.

He was spectacular onto the trapeze,

and when the clock
seemed to be against him,

he threw himself down the stairs.

In a telling indication of how tough
this grand final course is,

even after all that,

the clock ran down
before he could get to the buzzer.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Travis Edwards has timed out,
but what a valiant attempt.

Mount Midoriyama standing there,
saying,

"You've gotta be at your best
if you want a shot at the title."

Well done, Travis.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Coming up, Zak Stolz.

I actually love
the stage one grand final,

because it's just me
versus the course.

Will he need that second chance?

The fastest ninjas
from the heats are back.

'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert,
Bryson Klein, Charlie Robbins,

and exciting new ninja
'Jungle' Jimmy Burrow.

The 'Tradie Ninja' Sam Goodall
lines up

for his fifth straight grand final.

This grand final is unlike anything
we've seen before.

This course is much tougher.

Can the power couple
propel their way to history?

Will Olivia Vivian,
the only female grand finalist,

make it to Mount Midoriyama?

And can Ben Polson become
the first ninja warrior in the world

to become back-to-back champ?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

REBECCA: Welcome back

to the 2021 grand final
of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Tonight, speed is king,
with every ninja racing the clock

to make it to stage two
of our grand final.

BEN: No-one has completed
the course yet,

but our next ninja
not only has the skills to do it,

he holds an important advantage.

He's got a trio of strong women
cheering him on,

plus he holds a crucial
second chance advantage

in the grand final.

Let's make some noise, Australia,
Zak Stolz.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Watch this guy!
Smoked it. It's poetry.

ZAK: All the courses this year
have just been next level,

especially that semi.

Like, I don't think
I've ever done a semi that hard.

Zak Stolz makes it into
the grand final for another year!

These grand finals are just...
they're next level technical.

You have to have the confidence to
be able to throw your body around

and just trust that
it will know what to do.

He's done it!

I've always pushed so hard,

and there's the possibility
of stuffing up

on something you know you can do.

So, that second chance
is just so valuable.

Come on, Zak Stolz. We want you
to get to that buzzer tonight.

Tonight is about finishing
within the time limit

and getting through to stage two,

and hopefully even further.

Climbing Mount Midoriyama last year

and losing to Charlie and Ben
on Mount Midoriyama,

I feel like it was a wake-up call.

Like, I'd love to have
the opportunity to do it again,

but you've gotta get through
this stuff first.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Is he gonna be first through
to stage two of the grand final?

Well, if this was the Melbourne Cup,

Zak Stolz would be
the short price favourite,

no doubt about that.

SHANE: Jack Stolz,
he's one of my favourite ninjas.

He's got a second chance advantage.

He had it last year -
he didn't need it.

I don't think he'll need it tonight.
I think we're going to a buzzer.

Love the confidence, Crawf.

The 'Zak Attack', he always hits
the course hard and fast.

Tonight he can do it
with the confidence

of knowing a mistake
will not end his season.

Zak Stolz is underway.

One, two, three, four. Ohh!

Ohh, skill!
What is that?

Skill! That's what that was.
Sublime skill!

Zak Stolz is one of the best,
and he just proved it.

He could have been in all sorts of
trouble on the Snake Run.

Broken Bridge - he goes straight
across, wasting no time!

I can't keep up! (LAUGHS)
I seriously can't keep up.

How fast is this man?

He has made obstacle four
in next to no time.

In the semis,
we said he was the one to watch -

after this start,
I am not changing my mind!

Yeah, Bec, the Triple Corkscrew.

They drop and spin,
and Zak holds on tight.

To give you an idea
how powerful Zak is,

watch the number of swings.

He just explodes straight up.

On to the second corkscrew.

A phenomenal athlete.

He'll do it again here.
Kicks his legs up high.

Will take the one swing.
Oh, look at the height he gets.

That is some incredible strength
and skill on display.

And now he gets ready
for the Ferris Wheel.

Four obstacles in one minute.
That was lightning quick.

Zak Stolz got up Mount Midoriyama
last year.

Didn't win, just due to time,
but this year he's back for more.

You wonder whether that second
chance advantage in the grand final

really comes into play
on this difficult course,

because they know they can go hard
and go early.

If it stuffs up, they get another
go.

That's exactly what Zak Stolz
is doing tonight.

He's got that comfortable feeling

that if he mucks up,
he can go again.

So, he's going for broke.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

His arms will be starting
to burn now.

He's got four more obstacles to
face.

Up over the second Ferris Wheel.

Nice transfer.
Now he's onto the rope.

Up next, he's got the Warped Wall.
His time is amazing.

There's 3:50 left on the clock.

Oh, that is a brilliant time.

He already looked up at the clock.
He knows he's got some time to kill.

Yes!

And now it gets really tough!

He's got three obstacles -

the Salmon Ladder
to Stair Hopper to go.

Just take your time, mate!

For a bloke who is facing
the most difficult obstacle course

ever seen on Ninja Warrior
anywhere in the world,

he looks so relaxed!

Yeah, he is just taking this
in his stride.

Here goes Zak Stolz.

Up on the Salmon Ladder to Stair
Hopper. Must complete three rungs.

One. So two.

(BEN LAUGHS)
Doesn't even wait!

This guy is a gun!
He is a machine!

Take a breath, Zak. Here we go!

Now he's making his way
along the Stair Hopper.

Look how high he is.
This is so high up in the sky.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

People don't realise
these obstacles are giant!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, my goodness!
This is a big leap.

Look at the time, Ben!

He's got 2:23 seconds on the clock.

Barrel Roll - two big barrels.

Go up the rope first.

He'll then grab that handle
underneath the first barrel.

He'll move it along

and grab the little barrels on
the left-hand side of the second.

Here he goes! Not this time.
Will go now!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Now he's just gotta pull himself up
on top of the barrel.

The arms must be on fire.

Once he's on top,
he'll grab another handle,

and when he's ready,
he'll drop and swing.

Here he goes -
just over the final barrel now!

(HOSTS EXCLAIM)

(LAUGHS) He literally can fly.

This is the first time
we've had an underwater obstacle

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

He's gotta make his way underwater
and open up three separate gates.

Here's the first one.

This first one weighs 32kg.

Can he get it open?
He's open, he's through!

Oh, and it's such a tiny hole!

He'll go up for some air now,
sucking it in.

He'll go for the second door.

The weight of the second door
is 36kg.

This one, he's gotta pull up!

There he goes!

And he pulls it! There he goes!

Oh, it's so heavy
underneath the water!

Is it enough room to get through?

Here we go.

One more door to go, then we're
heading towards the buzzer!

We got 1:08 on the clock!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This one's 32kg,
and when you're underwater,

it feels like it's double that!

Look at him sucking it in,
breathing it out.

He's got 55 seconds
left on the clock!

And here he comes
for his final breath!

There he is! He can see the buzzer!

Wipes the water out of his eyes,

and that is our ninja through
to the grand final stage two!

Bam!

Zak Stolz, you are amazing!
Ohh!

48 seconds left on the clock!

Wow! We've just seen magic!

We have just seen magic!

Pinch me!
Whoa!

I think I'm dreaming!
(LAUGHS)

How did you do that?

Well, look, it was one step
at a time, as I've always done.

Having water at the end
was a bit of a plot twist.

Like, that's the whole idea of ninja
is to not get wet, like... (LAUGHS)

And look, tonight isn't about
furthest fastest.

It's about getting it done.

So, to have that happen,
I'm over the moon.

Zak Stolz, you are going through
to grand final stage two,

and Mount Midoriyama
is in your grasp.

Take a look at it.
Bring it on!

Let's bring it on, eh?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Where do you start
with a run like that?

This season,
he's gone from strength to strength.

He was always fast and explosive,

but he's found another gear
this year.

The other ninjas should be doubly
concerned about Zak,

because as well as being a weapon,

he now carries his second advantage

through to stage two
of the grand final tomorrow night.

Watch out, Mount Midoriyama.

The Zak Attack is back!

(ALL CHEER)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Coming up, two-time grand finalist
Nathan Ryles

is ready to lay it all on the line.

This grand final, it is do or die.

You need to hit the buzzer,
and that's what I'm gonna do.

And Jungle Jimmy Burrow
won the Power Tower in his head.

Will this new ninja
make history here tonight?

And later, can Olivia Vivian
repeat last season's performance

and make it to her second
stage two grand final?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

BEN: Welcome back to the
Australian Ninja Warrior grand final

from Sydney's Olympic Park.

It is the first of two grand finals,

and it's a race against time.

Before the break, Zak Stolz finished
with 48 seconds left on the clock.

Ohh! Oh, what was that?
Oh, skill!

He carries his second chance run

into grand final part two
tomorrow night.

Yeah, that is our ninja through!

After six obstacles,

time pressure and fatigue
were the two biggest challenges

facing Le Hua,

but a failure to keep the bar
straight on the Stair Hopper

was his ultimate downfall.

Oh, no!
Ohh!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

'Spider' Sam Roberts, at 166cm tall,

is the smallest
male ninja we've had,

but he's got a big heart.

The Warped Wall,
10cm higher than last season,

was enough to keep grand final two
just out of Sam's reach.

Come on, dig really deep!
Push the arms!

Yes, yes, yes! Ohh!
No!

And Sam Roberts
leaves the grand final.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

On the Launchpad to Trapeze,

rock-crushing quarry worker
David Bowd

put his best foot too far forward

and he sunk like stone.

Ohh!
(BUZZER SOUNDS)

This grand final course

has the most difficult and insane
obstacles we have ever seen.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Next up, we've got a newbie ninja

who has taken this competition
by storm.

He's the first of four ninjas
running tonight

who skipped the semis after winning
the Power Tower in the heats,

giving them a fast pass
to the grand final.

Here is 'Jungle Jim'...
BOTH: Jimmy Burrow!

REBECCA: Here we go - the snake man,
Jimmy Burrow.

My heats run was an absolute thrill.

That is one of the fastest starts
we've seen.

From nowhere, all of a sudden
we have a new favourite...

Yes! He's done it!
..on Australian Ninja Warrior!

My sideline supporters -

I had Mum and Dad and our two
snakes, Olive and George.

They were loving it.

Jimmy's got it! He's there!
Jungle Jimmy hits the buzzer!

Winning the Power Tower,

I got the fast pass
straight to the grand finals.

Where the hell did you come from?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

I'm surrounded by A-grade ninjas,
absolute legends,

and I want to show them that
Jungle Jimmy can be one of them.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Jimmy Burrow is sensational,
but we've only seen him once.

He got the fast pass.
We've only seen him in the heats.

What a debut for a new ninja,

and now here he is
in the grand final.

Focus, mate! Focus!

Jimmy's brother, father, and mother
all on the sideline.

Lots of support in the stands too
for Jimmy Burrow.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Jungle Jimmy Burrow
was hard at work yesterday,

fixing some airconditioners.

He said,
"No, I'm not having the day off.

"I'm gonna get hard to work,"

and he's gonna get hard to work
tonight on the course.

Come on, Jungle Jimmy!

Nine obstacles to complete in 5:35.

Here he goes - this is the Snake
Run.

He's off and running -
one, two, three...

Oh, no!
Oh, no!

We have lost Jimmy Burrow,
our newbie ninja,

our great hope for this competition,
on obstacle one.

And Jungle Jimmy is in the swamp.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Are you alright?

I just can't believe
what this course

is doing to our ninjas tonight.

Bad luck, mate.

Yeah, let's have a look
what went wrong.

Keep your eye on Jimmy's right foot.

His balance was slightly off,

and when he hit that third step, his
foot didn't hit the centre of it,

and that didn't help him out
on the Snake Run.

Jimmy Burrow loves his snakes,

but this one
just took a bite out of him.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

Jungle Jimmy Burrow!
What happened tonight?

I just...I don't know, I just froze.

I just...just froze.
I just...I don't know.

I was thinking too much about it
or...I don't know, but it happened.

Just wasn't my night.

Yeah, I'll be back, yeah.
(CHEERING)

Jungle Jimmy Burrow will be back!

Mate, is has been awesome to have
you a part of the series.

Back luck tonight.

Well done, Jimbo!
Yeah, you did it!

Good on you, mate! Well done!
Good on you, mate!

Yeah, well done, Jimmy.
He can hold his head up high.

Experience counts a lot
on the Ninja Warrior course.

It's a tough gig for a rookie,

but let's also remember it's no walk
in the park for the veterans either.

REBECCA: OK, on the start line now

is Nathan Ryles,
from South Australia.

Yeah, Bec, this is his third
grand final appearance,

and like so many
returning ninjas,

he's got some
unfinished business

with Mount
Midoriyama.

Come on, Nathan! Come on, mate!

Usually supporting
from the side is Tori.

She can't be here tonight,

so she joins us via the big screen.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, hey, Tori!
Good evening to you, Tori!

Hi!

Here he is in the grand final,
looking great, ready to go.

Any final words for him?

Oh, just good luck.
I know he's gonna smash it.

Just good luck, babe. (BLOWS KISS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, this man is so determined
to make tonight a winner.

Just look at the look on that face.

He has the belief.

Is this year his year?

(CHIME SOUNDS)

OK, here we go - the Snake Run.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

His first - Nathan dancing his way
over the steps. Nicely done.

Good job, babe! Yes!

Obstacle two -
up the Launchpad to Trapeze.

Oh, I love that obstacle!

Nathan Ryles now on obstacle three -
the Broken Bridge.

Five foot planks to get across,
and...oh!

Oh, no!
(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

He's in trouble!

Can you do it?
He's in big trouble.

He hasn't hit the water,
but has he grabbed the wire?

You can touch the red plank
but not the wire.

Ohh, he can't, can he?

Well, he's gonna get off,
but I think to no avail.

The umpires are checking it.

It seems like he did grab the wire,
which is a disqualification.

And here's the replay.

As soon as Nathan falls...
yes, you can see there.

He grips the wire with his elbow.

If it was just the red plank,
he would have been OK...

..but he clearly touched the wire.

There you go.

Oh, Ben,
and the red light's come on.

That means that is a DQ -

a disqualification from
the grand final for Nathan Ryles.

Oh, no. He's out. He's out.

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

We need to have
another look at this.

Watch this step here.

Nathan pushes it,
rather than hitting straight down.

Now, that causes a loss of balance,

and the more he tries to recover,
it just gets worse.

It was almost a miracle save,

but his hands
clearly grabbed that wire.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

I'll tell you what, he's a fighter,
that Nathan Ryles.

Every time he fronts up,
he gives it a red-hot go.

You gotta feel for him.

He almost got away with it.

Still smiling.

Ben, this course
has everything tonight.

The thrills and spills,
the highs and lows.

We've never seen it before in
Australian Ninja Warrior history.

And with that clock ticking,
it just adds to the excitement.

Now, you know who's gonna
be interesting to watch?

Our next ninja.

After the break,
'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert.

Get ready, Australia.
He's about to hit the course.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's famous for his no-fear approach
to obstacles...

This guy is a freak!

..but he's also famous
for some early exits.

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

Tonight, will he be the fast
or the furious?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

BEN: You are back
with Australian Ninja Warrior.

We are in a special place,
where heroes have been made,

and this is grand final night
of Australian Ninja Warrior.

I've got a good feeling
about our next ninja.

He's well-rested after winning the
Power Tower advantage in the heats.

He's one of the most naturally
gifted ninjas,

who either smashes the course
or gets smashed by it.

What will it be tonight?
(BUZZER SOUNDS)

It is 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Come on, Ash!

SHANE: This man
is a favourite

to a lot of
the ninjas out there

in ninja land.

All the young kids
look up to this man.

Get ready, kids.

You're gonna see a very fast ninja
in action right now.

You are 100% right, Crawf.

His girlfriend, Sarah, and mother,
Gabby, on the sideline.

Will they be able
to keep up with him?

Speed and power are two
of Ashlin's greatest assets,

but also liabilities.

He's competed in all five seasons.

Only made it to three grand finals.

What will we get tonight?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE: Ashlin! Ashlin! Ashlin!

You got it, Ash!

Obstacle run, the Snake Run.
(CHIME SOUNDS)

It's taken out three ninjas
and troubled others,

but Flashlin just skips through.

Now up the Launchpad to Trapeze.

Flying!

Obstacle three now,
the Broken Bridge,

and there is no stopping Ashlin
Herbert - he's like a rocket!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, he's just done three obstacles
in 15 seconds.

Crawf is much slower, I can tell
you.

Literally,
I had to sprint to get here.

Oh, poor Crawfie!

This is obstacle four now,
the Triple Corkscrew,

and watch the technique.

The best ninjas don't waste time
winding up,

and just like that, Ashlin holds on.

They drive so high
with their hips and legs,

take one backswing, and go!

Yeah, great use of his legs.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Being spread out slows the spin.
Good technique.

He's got muscle, he's got flair.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's got speed, so much speed!

And the thing that really stands out
about 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert

is not just his speed, Ben.

It's his strength,

and you will see it in action
on the Ferris Wheel.

This is his fifth obstacle.

He's 20 seconds faster
than his good mate, Zak.

Look at the technique of this guy -
so smooth!

Barely pausing.

Just a little kick, a little nudge
there, to get the wheel moving.

And you don't see that strain.
No.

If you have a look, as he makes
his way up this Ferris Wheel,

you don't see that strain
in his arms

that you see from other ninjas...

Or his face.

..because they're really burning
on the way up and way down.

This has been a very smooth,
and therefore, a very fast run.

Is it a different Ashlin Herbert
we're seeing tonight?

He's in total control.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Here he goes! He's not gonna wait!

He's gonna fly!
He shakes the hands and up he goes!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert is over!
Continue on!

His time is amazing!
3:58 on the clock.

Absolutely incredible.

He could be posting
the fastest time of the night.

That's if he can complete
the unforgiving Salmon Ladder.

That's one, that's two.

Needs the third - there it is,

and he's gone for number four,
just to be safe,

as he makes his way now
over to the Stair Hopper,

using the fixed bars.

His arms, no doubt,
will be feeling it now.

Once he's on the Stair Hopper,

he has to carry that bar with him,
make his way down.

And based on his facial expression,
he's not struggling at all.

He's in control. Incredible!

The upper body strength
is phenomenal on this bloke.

We are watching
something special here.

He's gotta get through
the Barrel Roll

and then the Underwater Escape
is waiting.

He's never done it before.

This is incredible!

Right now, he is, by far,
the fastest ninja,

but he's not taking a break.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This guy is on fire, Ashlin Herbert!

All the other ninjas
are shuddering at this point!

We've known for years, Bec,

that Ashlin has what it takes to
become an Australian Ninja Warrior.

Is this the year
he makes it to the top?

Ohh!
Here he goes - in the water now.

Oh, he even gives a wave!

He gets ready for the first door.
2:25 on the clock.

Just look at that strength!

Pushes up for a breath!
Now he goes through.

He is a man on a mission right now.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Now, the first door
you push to the side.

This one, you've gotta lift up.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

There he goes - takes a big, deep
breath! We got 2:08 on the clock.

He has a breath at the top.

Slides himself through.
One more to go!

'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert
is putting on a show!

This guy is unbelievable,
what he's doing.

Our ninjas have struggled
on this course!

We've lost ninjas
at the first obstacle,

but look at the clock, Ben!

Oh, he can afford...
He could have a sandwich!

..to skip up to the buzzer,
but he won't.

Got it!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ashlin Herbert!
Oh, my goodness!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert!

Insane! Incredible!

Unbelievable! What more can we say?

I'll tell you what I'll say -
it's just not fair!

How can you do that?

Oh, that was heaps fun.

I know you're not one
to get deep and meaningful,

but look up at Mount Midoriyama,

and just tell us what it means to
you

to make your way to the top
of that obstacle.

Yeah, well, it'd be great fun.

I reckon it'll be a good view
from up there.

So, I wanna get it.

Ashlin Herbert, folks.
Give it up for him.

That is mind-blowing, Bec.
Mind-blowing!

Let's just have a look at some
of the highlights of his run.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Right from the start, he blitzes it,

and then he doesn't even slow down.

He just keeps on digging
and finding a way forward,

and by the time he hits that buzzer,
there's 1:45 left on the clock,

and every other ninja here, Bec,
starts thinking,

"How the hell am I gonna beat that?"

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Every year, this course gets
tougher.

This year in particular,

an angry Mount Midoriyama made the
path more perilous than ever before,

but the ninjas have risen
to the challenge.

Look at the kids line up for
a fist bump with Ashlin Herbert.

They just love him, Bec.

He is so popular, isn't he?
With good reason.

I mean, what have we just witnessed
here tonight?

Is that the guy that can scale
Mount Midoriyama this year?

I'm sure he is...
Yep.

..but there are plenty more to come,

and grand final night continues
right after this.

Can anyone do it faster
than 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert?

Coming, will history repeat?

Can Olivia Vivian make stage two
of the grand final?

She's done it!
(BUZZER SOUNDS)

Will Charlie Robbins and Ben Polson

make back-to-back climbs
of Mount Midoriyama

and get their hands
on that $200,000 prize?

Standing in their way,

the most insane grand final course
we've ever seen, but next...

Jackie Boy's back,
from a back injury.

..it's the 'Deadly Ninja'
Jack Wilson.

I'm just grateful I'm here,
but I wanna go all the way now.

(LAUGHS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Welcome back to the Australian
Ninja Warrior Grand Final.

Bec, we began the night
with 28 Ninjas

and only those who complete
stage I of the course

will get to progress
to stage II tomorrow night.

Season two champ
and now Army engineer,

Rob Patterson

has brought a new focus and
determination to the course.

Despite a few heart stopping moments
along the way...

BOTH: Oh...

Rob successfully
completed his mission.

He's now into stage II
of the Grand Final

for the fourth time.

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

BEN: Yes!

New Ninja, Mat Hutchins-Read

has been on everyone's radar

and his name will be added
to the long list of Ninjas

whose Grand Final dream
has ended on the Salmon Ladder.

Oh no!

Oh, what?

No third and final for Mat.

The rocket man, Dylan James,
was true to form,

showing real speed over the course.

He was on target
for Grand Final two,

but then he also
met the Salmon Ladder.

Oh no, we lost him!
Oh...

We lost him on the Salmon Ladder.

This is the first Grand Final

from the home
of the Sydney Olympics.

So many sporting stories
and memories have been made here

and our next Ninja
can surely make one more.

It is the deadly Ninja,
Jack Wilson.

One of our most popular Ninjas ever,

made the Grand Final
in seasons one and two.

JACK: In season four, I actually
broke my back one month out.

I just didn't know
if I'd be able to do

these sorts of things again,
but I'm ready to go.

I'm just grateful
I'm in the Grand Final,

but I want to go all the way now.
(LAUGHS)

Tonight I'm going to be
channelling our emu...

(HISSES)
Ay!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: And here he comes.

He's channelling the emu tonight.

(LOW DIDGERIDOO SOUND)

Quick.
Oh, they are lightning fast.

Jack Wilson,
his story is just unbelievable.

To have a broken back 12 months ago

and here he is

in season five,
making his huge return.

(LOW DIDGERIDOO SOUND)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Jack is back.

He's ready to smash this course.
This is gonna be fantastic.

535 the time he has
to beat the clock.

Here he goes.

The look in his eye tonight

is something that I have
never seen before.

So quick over the Snake Run,
on the launchpad to trapeze.

And he's off it
as soon as he's on it.

He's only been on the course
for 15 seconds now.

What's about the balance
of this man.

Wow.

How impressive was that.

Now he's onto obstacle four of nine.

This is the Triple Corkscrew and
it could be tough on Jack's back.

First of all on the bars,

then he's got to lache across
onto the corkscrew.

It then spins and spins
and spins and spins before stopping.

He needs to readjust

and then launch himself upwards,
onto the second Corkscrew.

Yeah, I'm a bit nervous
for Jack on this obstacle,

but so far he is looking
strong and fearless.

Look how high he is swinging there.

Whoa!

Oh, what about the elevation

where you've got to go upwards from
the second Corkscrew to the third.

Unbelievable.

You have to be 100 per cent
committed and focused in this course

because if you fall tonight,
you are out.

He's doing great at the moment,

time is perfect.

It is, Crawf,
but he's breathing hard, Jack.

He's having a good look
at this obstacle.

Here we go.

He's up there on the first wheel.

He's going quickly too,

the more time you have tucked away,
the better off later on.

Smooth, hits a bit of a clunk
at the end, makes the transfer,

needs to go up again
on the second wheel,

wheel stop at about 3 o'clock.

Yeah, Ninjas have
gotta consider pace.

If you go too hard to early,

you run the risk
of running out of steam.

Don't go hard enough
and you run out of time.

Well he's got 340 left on the clock.
Come on, Jack.

Yes!

And now he goes straight up
the Warped Wall, look at...

BOTH: Oh...

Oh, it didn't look like
he had enough speed on his run-up.

He's got two more attempts,
remember.

Jack's gonna go straight away,
that's a sign of confidence.

Oh no, this is his last attempt.

BEN: I can't believe
I'm saying this,

but Jack Wilson
could be in trouble here.

He's got one more shot.

Keep in mind, it's 4.35 m.
He needs to make this, or he's out.

BEC: And just keep in mind,
he's fallen on his back

and that back has been broken.

Jack Wilson...
Come on, Jack.

ALL: Oh!

Oh, he's out. That's it.
Jack Wilson...

Three attempts.

..is gone.

Ben, I am in shock.

There is no explanation
for what we just saw.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Wow, he was fast at the start.

Look at him flying
across the Broken Bridge.

He took it easily in his stride,
but on the Warped Wall,

it was like he wasn't hitting it
with enough speed,

getting a foot in the right spot
to take off is critical

and on his third and final
attempt, he was agonisingly close.

Not the finish we were hoping for.

But for Jack Wilson,
we need to remember,

just competing is amazing,
considering what he's been through.

Jack, I was trying to
push you up that Warped Wall.

I was underneath going,
"Get up there, almost there."

You know, it just happens
to the best of us, mate.

Something so simple,
you know, to us athletes.

You can come unstuck,

but you just got to take it
on the chin, mate

and keep moving forward because
we're here to inspire, you know?

That's a great attitude.

So good to have you back.

I have no doubt
we will see you again.

Please come back.

Please put your hands together
for the deadly Ninja, Jack Wilson.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh, it has been so great
to see Jack Wilson back

on the Ninja Warrior course

and a Grand Final course
for that matter.

Well done, Jack Wilson.

Still to come tonight,

can Olivia rewrite the record book?

I want to be the first female
in the world

to ever conquer Mount Midoriyama.

Jake Baker
uses his second chance run,

so its buzzer or bust.

Plus bringing their class
to the course,

2019's champ, Charlie Robbins

and last year's winner, Ben Poulson.

But on course next,
in his fifth straight Grand Final,

the tradie Ninja, Sam Goodall.

Can he break through
to Grand Final part two?

Look, I'm sick and tired
of going home,

knowing that there's two more stages
of a Grand Final to go.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Welcome back to the Australian
Ninja Warrior Grand Final.

We are having a blast
here tonight.

The obstacles tonight
have been formidable.

None more so
than the Underwater Escape.

Three Ninjas have completed
the course and are into stage II.

Flashlin Ashlin, the fastest.

Bam!

Zak Stolz's a minute slower, but
still well inside the 535 allowance.

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

Yes!
And that is our Ninja!

And 2018's furthest fastest,
Rob Patterson...

..all successful
through this brand-new obstacle.

Let's see how our next Ninja
is going to tackle it.

BEC: Well this veteran Ninja

might not be getting all the shuteye
he'd like to,

thanks to a new born in the family,

but he'll need to be bright eyed
and bushy tailed

for tonight's Grand Final course.

It is the tradie Ninja,
it is Sam Goodall.

Come on, Sam.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This fifth Grand Final was by far
the hardest to get into.

Sam Goodall is one of the very best.

Oh, he's quick.

The clock is ticking on him,
his staring down the buzzer!

Hit that buzzer, Sam!
He's done it!

Quick, quick, quick!
Yes!

BOTH: Yes!

SAM: It's about time I got
my own back on Mount Midoriyama.

Stage one, two and three,
there's three you,

I've got three kids.

I think the kids
are probably harder.

(LAUGHS)

So I think I'm ready for this.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

One of 12 Ninjas to compete in all
five seasons of Ninja Warrior.

He's appeared in five Grand Finals.

And just on that, Ben,

I don't think I've ever seen

Sam Goodall look as good
as this year.

His brother-in-law,
Zed Colback there on the sideline.

Wife, Rachel.

The daughters Abbey,
Delta and Eva.

Sam Goodall.

Watch out for this man,
I reckon he's gonna put on a show.

Go, Daddy!
(BUZZER SOUNDS)

Here he goes, the buzzer is off.

Sam Goodall has been
the pace setter

for much of this
competition this year

and completes
the Snake Run perfectly.

Oh, what about the run there!

Oh, no!
Oh, he's rushed it!

No, no.

A favourite bombs out,
seconds into the Grand Final.

Oh my goodness.

Let's have a look at the replay,

while they medical team just
goes and doublechecks that Sam's OK.

He just went too hard too fast,
I think.

Whoa, he was flying up
that launchpad, wasn't he?

That was like something
we've never seen,

in this Grand Final course,
so quickly up that launchpad,

grabbed the bar,
couldn't stick it and then fell.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Sam, I was hoping to speak to you
at the end,

after hitting a buzzer.

Wasn't expecting,
expecting you so close.

Yeah, well they said
to finish the course,

you have to get wet,

so I thought
let's get it done early, hey.

(LAUGHS)

But yeah, I felt something
on my fingertips,

but I think yeah,

I only had like, you know,
a couple of fingertips on,

I didn't have
much grip at all on it,

so that's the way it goes,
you know,

we achieved a lot on the amount
of sleep I've been having.

Very grateful to be here,
my wife made it possible this year,

sensational effort from her
and the girls.

That's all right, we go home,
we work hard and come back again.

Sam Goodall, the tradie Ninja
always a pleasure,

thanks for being a part of it.

Thanks, guys.
Well done.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Great chat, Crawf.

Is there a Ninja with a better
attitude then this bloke,

Sam Goodall, every season
he fronts up, gives it his all

and does it with a smile on his face
and a sense of humour.

So he hasn't made tomorrow night's
second Grand Final,

but that dismount, I am sure
will go down in Ninja history.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

OK, one of the favourites is out,
but another is ready

to take on at this
incredibly challenging course.

A flawless semi-finals campaign

has landed her
in Grand Final number four.

It is the one, the only,

Olivia Vivian.

Here she comes.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

OLIVIA: This is my
fourth Grand Final.

Come on, Olivia Vivian.

It's Olivia.

She hits the buzzer!

Consistency, baby.

Yeah.

This woman is phenomenal!

Grand Finals.

Oh, I get so nervous
just thinking about it,

'cause I know it comes down to time

and I'm not exactly
known for my speed.

It's gonna be a race
against the clock.

But I've been trying
to work on my speed,

'cause I really want that
buzzer tonight.

So when speed and pressure
come into play,

that's when mistakes happen.

I want to be the first female
in the world

to ever conquer this course,

because my mission
is to inspire other women,

to have that self belief.

I'm excited nervous.

I'm excited and nervous
and terrified.

(LAUGHS)

I'm terrified.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Stepping up to the starting block,
Olivia Vivian,

the only female to make
this year's Grand Final.

Last season, she became the first
female to make Grand Final stage II.

Will we have a repeat
performance tonight?

BEN: Her partner, Ben Poulson,
is on the sideline,

the first and only
Australian Ninja Warrior.

They've had some
challenges this year,

but they are the undisputed
power couple of Ninja Warrior.

Come on, you got this.

They certainly are,

the courses have been
the hardest we've ever seen.

After the heats and semis, has
Olivia got enough gas in the tank

to make the buzzer
in less than five minutes 35?

She looks focused.

If there's one thing
we know about Olivia,

she'll give it her all.

This is the Snake Run.

Olivia Vivian,
she's crushed it.

Seven steps, oh, could this be!
Oh, she corrects it.

That was not perfect
by any stretch of the imagination.

Now the launchpad...

Oh, again!

Oh my goodness.

What is she doing to me!

Oh, you could be too fast, Olivia.

I'm worried, Ben,
I know she's gotta be fast,

but a mistake here
and it's all over.

Olivia, could you please
slow down for just a second.

Whoa, she's just given us
the fright of our life.

Well thankfully for our heart rate,

she's going to have to
slow down a bit.

All right, catch your breath.

Yes.
Everybody, catch your breath.

This is obstacle four,
the Triple Corkscrew.

Hold on, Olivia.

Oh, the fast start was scary,

but maybe a necessary risk.

Olivia now winding up beautifully
for this high lache.

Gets it and holds on.

She's racing the clock, so
she'll have limited recovery time.

It's a delicate dance, Ben.

Too fast and you could
make a mistake,

but she's good
on the last Corkscrew.

Too slow and you time out.

She needs to be right in the perfect
zone where her speed is just right.

Now Olivia glancing at the clock,
checking her time.

It's OK for now.

Last season she did this obstacle,

the Ferris Wheel, in 37 seconds.

If she does it in that time here,

she'll have about four minutes
for four obstacles.

Oh and what about the pressure here.

Keep breathing, keep breathing.

Ben Poulson doing his best
to calm and reassure Olivia.

Remember this obstacle
took out Sam Goodall

and Rob Patterson last season.

One slip and it's over.

She's OK so far.

Olivia having to swing
to make the transfer.

She doesn't have the wingspan
of Ben Poulson, but does it nicely.

She is on the second wheel,
her time is steady.

Gotta keep moving though,
the crowd right behind her.

Down she goes.

The second wheel now locked in,
but she's got to get off.

Oh, yes!

Olivia Vivian.

OK, here she goes.

Now surely in the Grand Final
in 2021,

she's not gonna do
a trick up the Warped Wall.

We don't have time for that, Ben.

No, Olivia, just get up there.

Here she goes, up the Warped Wall.
Here comes Olivia Vivian.

Makes no mistake,
first attempt,

nails it and Olivia Vivian
takes a giant step

towards making
Grand Final II tomorrow.

Salmon Ladder to Stair Hopper now.

You've got this, just like any other
Salmon Ladder, you've got it.

Do we need to mention that
Olivia came off on this obstacle

in Grand Final II last year?

Probably not, Ben.

OK, point taken.

We need to mention the time though.

Two minutes 30 seconds
to complete three obstacles.

She needs to go up three rungs here.

That's one and it looked clean.

And yes, that's two.

She's going straight away.

This is impressive
from Olivia Vivian.

Looking at the clock, it is going to
be tight, there'll be seconds in it.

Come on, nice. Good pullback.

Olivia Vivian has become a superstar
right across the country

and this is why.

She never says no.

She never quits.
Come on, Olivia.

She always believes in herself.

Come on, Australia,
we need to get Olivia Vivian home.

Under two minutes now.
Needs to get a wriggle on.

Come on, Olivia.

Get over the Stair Hopper,
the Barrel Roll

and Underwater Escape to go.

Keep going, Olivia!

150 left on the clock,
she's got two obstacles.

Let's go, send it.

All right, I know that she's
going to be OK on the Barrel Roll

if she's got enough gas
left in the tank,

but how is she going to go
on the Underwater Escape,

we have never seen
Olivia Vivian in the pool before.

Bec, she's leaving it tight.

There is 1:19 on the clock.

Olivia Vivian,
getting ready to swing.

She can't afford
too many more swings,

look at that landing.

She makes the big landing,

it's probably the most
crucial of her career

and here comes Olivia Vivian
with 105 remaining.

Well it's going to be tight,
it's going to be really tight.

Here she comes!
Here's the dismount now.

We've got one minutes on the clock!

Olivia Vivian bombs into the pool.

Here she goes, opening door one,
she is through.

She takes a big, deep breath, comes
up and sucks in some more oxygen.

She's got 46 seconds left.

Here comes Olivia.

Imagine trying to get
as much oxygen as you can

and lift, lift, lift.

Olivia, she's through.

Comes up for another grasp of air.

It's the final door now.

It's weighted at 32 kg,
can she do it?

She sneaks in a breath,

as Rebecca Maddern is struggling
to get one in her system.

Here comes Olivia.
Here it is, here it is!

Hurry up, don't waste any time.

Hit that buzzer!

The only woman to make it
into stage II of the Grand Final,

Olivia Vivian.

We know you are a superstar.

You prove it time and time again.

You are simply awesome!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Look at the celebration
for Olivia Vivian.

There is a very special feeling
here at Sydney Olympic Park

and Olivia Vivian,
you are responsible for that,

because you're the only woman
in Grand Final Stage I

and you've hit the buzzer,

which means you're the only woman
in Grand Final Stage II!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

You know, if I can just
hit every course and you know,

show women that we are
capable of this

and competing against the guys
and look at me, I'm here.

It is possible, so just
believe in yourself and work hard.

As the father of daughters,
thank you,

we love what you do,
we love what you represent.

Put your hands together
for Olivia Vivian

as she books her place
in Grand Final Stage II.

Get that into you.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well where do you start
with a run like that?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

She scared us
with a fast and furious start

and it seemed like nothing
but sheer willpower

got her hands onto the trapeze.

But the risk paid off
and at the back end of the course,

she'd allowed herself enough time
to make it to the buzzer

and Olivia Vivian
has made history again,

qualifying for
Grand Final Stage II

for the second season in a row.

She is brilliant.

'Liv rocks,' says the sign.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

And here's Ben Poulson.
Whoa, don't grow breaking him.

He's running soon.

Let's have a look
at the leaderboard.

So is this shaping up to be
tomorrow night stage II form guide.

No one's come close to Ashlin.

Zak is pretty convincing in second,

Rob Patterson in third.

Olivia needs not have
worried about her speed,

because she had 20 seconds
left on the clock

and then there's
Jake Baker in fifth,

but he's still got
another run up his sleeve.

Coming up, season three champ,
Charlie Robin.

The Grand Final Stage I
is probably my weak suit,

especially after last year.

BEC: He just looks
absolutely shattered.

I really struggled to hit the buzzer
in the time limit.

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

It is a little bit worrying,

knowing how much the game
has stepped up this year and year,

and yeah, we'll see how we go.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Welcome back to
Australia Ninja Warrior.

It's coming down to the wire
for our last few Ninjas.

They've been feeling the fury
of Mount Midoriyama

through the most difficult heats
and semis we've ever seen.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Josh O'Sullivan
hit the Salmon Ladder,

but was feeling the pressure
of the clock.

Three Salmon Ladders,

you better get a wriggle on,
Josh O'Sullivan.

He showed the new Ninjas
how it was done,

but with time ticking,

the pendulum swings
on the Barrel Roll

just weren't big enough.

He mistimed his release.

BEC: Josh O'Sullivan
falls on the second barrel.

The obstacles in this Grand Final
are beyond insane,

but that hasn't bothered
all of our Ninjas.

Alex Bigg has competed
in every season

and this is his third Grand Final,

but his son Arlo
has never seen him hit a buzzer.

Alex has now hit two.

The big Ninja...
Yeah!

..he gives it a shout.
He hits the buzzer.

And he's into the second stage
of the Grand Final

for the second time.

Stuntman, Mike Snow
took to the course.

He was cool and calculated
throughout.

He managed to hold onto
his Second Chance Run

as he hit the buzzer
with 23 seconds left on the clock.

Like Zak, Mike can now use
his Second Chance Run

in tomorrow night's Grand Final
if he needs to.

Speedster, Bryson Klein
skipped the semis

as a Fast Pass Holder,

but was up to his usual tricks
with a smooth and fast run.

He's got one obstacle to complete
before he gets to the pool,

that was scary.

His quest to conquer
Mount Midoriyama

and become an Australia
Ninja Warrior is on track.

Housemate, Ben Poulson,
you've been warned.

Well done, Bryson Klein,
an amazing effort.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This is how the top five look
with just a few Ninjas left to run.

Ashlin and Zak,
still the two fastest.

I'm sure the other Ninjas
have taken note of that.

Alex Bigg played a blinder
with 35 seconds left on the clock.

Bryson is fourth,
Rob Patterson fifth.

Stage II tomorrow night,
it's gonna be incredible.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: OK, so are we all ready
for one of the red-hot favourites

for season 2021.

Here's another Ninja

who fast tracked his way
to a start tonight,

courtesy of a power tower
advantage in the heats.

He's conquered
Mount Midoriyama before,

can he do it again?

He's your favourite,

Charlie Robbins.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I can look after your hat, mate.
I can look after your hat.

Let's go.

Nearly, I nearly caught it.

Come on, lucky hat.

The fans who are out there,
they love this bloke.

His grandad, Taffy
is with us tonight.

Come on, mate.

That's girlfriend, Tessa
and Charlie's mum and dad.

Go, Charlie.
Deep breaths.

BEC: Here he goes.
OK, here we go.

Watch how quickly this happens,
here comes Charlie Robbins.

One, two, three, four, five, six,
flawless.

As you would expect
from Charlie Robbins.

Off he goes, lands it and bam.
He's so good.

And with that gymnastics background
as well,

he's gonna be so good on so many
of these obstacles tonight.

TAFFY: Focus!

Take your time, mate.

Taffy is yelling out take your time,

Charlie Robbins
never takes his time.

(PUFFING) Oh, these Ninjas
have got way too much energy.

You should have put in more
Ninja training, Crawf.

Here he goes, Charlie Robbins.

Does the first of three
Corkscrews successfully

and you just have two marvel at how
efficient these elite Ninjas are.

Their attitude is the quicker
you go, the less gassed you are.

Perfect example right here,

just a big swing
and he's onto the third.

Ben, the thing is about
Charlie Robbins,

his technique is just so good.

He doesn't waste any energy,

does he?

No, he is so efficient,
so quick.

Ashlin Herbert,
the fastest so far tonight,

he was here just a few seconds
faster than Charlie.

We've seen him in
season three, season four

and is now in season five.
He comes down this Ferris Wheel...

Hold on, Charlie.

..transfers to the next

and then he's gotta
climb back up again.

That requires upper-body strength
and Charlie's got that in spades.

It's quite incredible
that some of the very best Ninjas

can make it look so easy,
when it's not.

For a lot of us, it's impossible.

We're going up the Warped Wall
and we're going up quick.

Here he goes!

Here he goes!

Coming up to just under
four minutes,

but Charlie,
oh he looks exhausted.

We try and crunch the numbers, Bec
and we worked out before

that if you've completed the Wall

and you've still got about
two minutes 30 left on the clock,

maybe you're a good chance
of finishing.

He's about to knock over the wall...
Nice, Charlie.

..and he does,
with three minutes 40 on the clock.

Clock is looking good, but
Charlie Robbins is looking tired.

You've got to remember
this is the guy

that just goes
and goes and goes.

The crowd right behind him though,
I am a little worried.

I think they know
he needs a lift at this point.

Come on, Charlie!
You need to find another gear.

Charlie Robbins gets ready

to take on the Salmon Ladder
to Stair Hopper.

This obstacle always makes me
nervous, there is no room for error.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Up he goes,
that's one of three.

What were you worried about, Bec?

Two of three,
Charlie Robbins is incredible,

snaps the last one into place.

Technique, amazing.

TAFFY: Control, Charlie, well done.

Two fixed bars now
to get to the Stair Hopper,

then he'll have to take
the bar with him.

Charlie, you've got to be
precise here,

which is hard when you are fatigued.

The bar has got to remain
straight and true.

Charlie makes his way down.

Yeah, the strength and control
of Charlie Robbins is amazing.

He's almost cleared obstacle seven.

Two more to go now.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The question is,

is fatigue Charlie's
biggest challenge right now?

He could run out of gas well
before he actually runs out of time.

He is struggling a little here.

The golfer from the
Mornington Peninsula

is now getting ready
to take on the Barrel Roll.

Just do it, mate.

I'll tell you what,
I love his grandfather,

I love the passion.

Up he goes, on the rope.
Connects with the barrel.

Chewing up a little bit of time.

Come on, Charlie,
make the transfer.

(CROWD CHANTS)

I thought he was gonna go then.

I'm starting to wonder

if he's running out of
a bit of gas, Charlie.

This time he goes up, he hangs on.

His arms will burn
as he gets to the top of the barrel.

Trying to get his knee, now his foot
onto that second barrel.

152 on the clock.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This is tense,

Charlie is resting the arms,
but he can't take too long.

Come on, Charlie.
He's ready to go.

Go!
Don't muck it up.

Whoa, what is this?

Here we go.
So good.

He knew.

He falls backwards
and rolls backwards.

Well done, well done Charlie.

Get that air in your lungs, mate.

Here he goes in the pool!
Straight in the pool.

One minute 27 left on the clock,
he's got three doors to lift.

The first one here is 32 kg.

He goes underneath the water,

puts his feet
against the side of the glass

and pulls that door back,
then goes for another breath.

One minute 13.

Charlie, you better
get a wriggle on, son.

Come on, Charlie.
Now this is where it gets tricky.

The Underwater Escape.
Come on!

Chews up so much time.

Charlie Robbins has still got his
glasses on unbelievably,

can't take those off, 'cause he
can't see very well without them.

58 seconds on the clock.

Now he lifts the next one,
it's 36 kg.

He has a fresh breath

and pushes himself under.

48 seconds left.
Come on!

Ben, this is the first time

that we've seen Charlie Robbins
struggle on this course.

Use your legs, Charlie!
Use your legs!

It's going to go down to the wire.

Door three now, 32 kg,
slides it open,

goes up for another,
final grasp of air,

goes through and he's home.

Charlie Robbins can see the buzzer,
his glasses might be fogged up,

he needs the windscreen wipers,

but it doesn't matter,
he can see the buzzer!

Come on, Charlie Robbins!

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

Booked his place
into the Grand Final.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Oh, yeah!

Charlie Robbins!

TAFFY: Oh, unbelievable.

That is a birdie
if I've ever seen one.

How was that, mate?

Yeah, it was pretty tough,
I gassed out

a lot quicker
than I thought I might,

so I took a bit of extra time.

Just sort of made sure
I got it done and got in,

through to stage II.

So that's pretty happy.

Let's give him a big round of
applause, Charlie Robbins.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well, he had to work hard.

He started off fast,
but this run was all about timing

and Charlie Robbins found the
balance between fatigue and failure.

He was feeling it
in the end though,

working hard on the sliding doors,

but Charlie Robbins
just found a way through.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: After the break,
can it be second time lucky

for this Ninja.

Jake Baker will use his advantage
and rerun the course.

Do not go anywhere.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Then...

Can the reigning champ,

Australia's first Ninja Warrior,
Ben Poulson, go back to back.

There's never been a winner
which has won two years in a row

anywhere in the world.

But I'm going to give it
a good crack.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Welcome back
to Grand Final night

from Sydney Olympic Park.

Right now on the course,
Jake Baker, the rat daddy.

He's about to hit
obstacle number eight,

the Barrel Roll

and this is the obstacle
Jake fell on earlier tonight.

But after winning
the Power Tower in the semis,

he has a second chance to use
and this is it right now.

So this time
there can be no mistakes.

No second chance this time

and he just said to himself,

he needs to send it.

BEC: And he is here about 20 seconds
slower than his first run.

We're all just wondering here though
at Sydney Olympic Park,

whether that first run

has burnt some energy that he needs,
but at this stage,

it does not look like it.

We want you to get through it.

This second chance run,
don't waste it, Jake.

He's gonna be good.

Lift off, he's got it!

Looks good.

135 on the clock.

He learnt the lesson
from his first run.

He's set himself up
for a bigger swing.

Whoa!

Oh, not yet, not yet.
BOTH: Yes!

Here he comes!
He's done it!

122 left on the clock.

He's into the pool.

Three underwater doors
between Jake and the buzzer.

This one slides,
it's 32 kg.

We've got 112 on the clock.

The next one is 36 kg and lifts up.

Jake Baker, he's got one minute
and six seconds remaining.

There he goes, moves door two,
36 kg,

squeezes and shimmies
his body through.

Oh, he is running
out of energy, Bec.

Let's go, keep moving.

Kicks, dives deep,
got the third door in his grasp,

knows he can almost
see the buzzer and there it is.

Jake Baker,
what a phenomenal effort.

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

It doesn't matter how you get there,

you've just gotta do it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well, what about him,
how good is that.

Success!

He says it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

It was more stressful
the second time around,

how did you manage that?

(CATCHES BREATH)

I'm kinda glad I got that first run,
I definitely needed it.

Second time round,

just did the same thing,
only you know, sent it.

Congratulations, Jake Baker.

That was so good.
So good.

Give him a round of applause.

You made it through.

Jake Baker.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Lets have a look at his replay.

He used the knowledge he gained
on his first run

and on the Barrel Roll,
his second chance advantage

meant he knew
how to make that transition.

There was a moment of hesitation,

but Jake Baker did it

and by the time he got to
the Underwater Escape,

there was no stopping him.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Jake Baker handled the pressure
of his second run beautifully.

Now our next Ninja
has to handle some as well,

but of a different kind.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

When you are the reigning
Ninja Champion,

the pressure can be stifling,

but we know just how
mentally tough this guy is.

He is the one and only, Ben Poulson.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: The 2020 Champion!

It was an awesome moment
to kind of go "Wow."

This has changed my life.

The first Australian Ninja Warrior
is Ben Poulson.

Do I believe I can back it up
and do it two years in a row?

The answer is yes, 100 per cent.

The crowds on its
feet right now.

Oh!
Oh no! Ben Poulson is off.

The semi-finals,
when I hit the water,

not knowing whether I'd
made it through or not,

it's a sinking feeling,
it really is.

I'm just grateful that
I managed to scrape through.

And I tell myself this is
an opportunity, don't waste it.

Mount Midoriyama
wants to challenge the Champ.

Well the Champ wants to challenge
Mount Midoriyama again.

I'm excited to see what happens.

(EPIC MUSIC)

This is a big moment for him

and let's take a live shot
of Mount Midoriyama,

because this is the obstacle
he scaled last year,

faster than anyone else

and Ben Poulson

is dreaming about going all the way

and before he even gets there,
he's gotta get through this.

You've got this, babe!

Get ready, Australia,

Ben Poulson is about to attack
the course, the Champ is here.

Olivia inspired us earlier.

Can Ben do the same?

Here he goes on the Snake Run.

One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven.

It's claimed three Ninjas
already tonight,

not Ben Poulson.

And he may deny it,

but there is so much pressure
on the shoulders of Ben Poulson,

being the defending champion,

you can't slip up.

You wanna be up there again.

You've got a lot to prove

and sometimes it's even harder
to get there a second time.

Onto obstacle number four,
the Triple Corkscrew.

Oh, look at that,
didn't even use the pole,

just jumped up and grabbed it.

He gets those legs moving,
look at how tall this bloke is.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Catches the Corkscrew.

How tall is he?

He's 195 cm.

And we always marvel
at the strength of this guy,

because he is just a weapon.

195 cm tall, 85 kg.

He's got the perfect body
for Australian Ninja Warrior,

so strong in the shoulders,

so strong in the upper body.

Look at him carve up this course.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This is Ben Poulson
at his very best.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

And look at him now,
just turning to the crowd

and firing them up,

as if to say, "Come on,
make a bit more noise for me."

Yeah, but he can't afford
to do that too much.

His 15 seconds slower than Charlie
at obstacle five, the Ferris Wheel,

which is ominous for Ben,

because Charlie finished
with 23 seconds left on the clock.

If you can't do the maths,
Ben Fordham,

let's just say
at this stage it is tight.

It is tight.

Ben Poulson makes his way
across the first wheel.

He holds on for the jolt.

It locks into place.

And he'll use that big wingspan
he's got to get across.

Yes, makes that transfer
look so easy

and now he works his way
over the top.

The key is to keep moving,

rest once you're off the obstacle
if you have time,

but make sure you get off.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well Ben Poulson is making sure.

Oh, one hand on the rope.
So calm.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

So good.

339 on the clock.

CROWD CHANTS: Beat the wall.

The chant goes up, "Beat the wall."

Beat the wall.
Beat the wall.

He starts the run up.
Here we go.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

And that is the defending champ,
Ben Poulson,

up the Warped Wall,
takes a look at the clock.

It's getting close to 3 minutes now.
Three obstacles to go.

OLIVIA: Lots of time.

Looks a little tired,

not rushing though.

When you feel like
you can complete it.

Ben, interesting tactics here.

The clock is ticking,

but he must need this break,

he really feels gassed
at this point,

taking a lot longer than I expected.

Come on, Ben Poulson,
the clock is ticking.

Yeah, this is the danger zone, Bec.

You've gotta judge the fatigue
with the time you've got left.

Ben Poulson onto the salmon ladder,
makes the first.

Four ninjas failed on this tonight.

Look at the concentration,

you've got to get the timing
just right on the Salmon Ladder.

Now he has to make his way
to the Stair Hopper

and control here, oh so important.

Time pressure aside,
he cannot rush,

has to keep that bar even
all the way down.

So far, so good.

One more step to go down now,
Ben Poulson.

Now he starts to swing.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The Ninja Warrior Champion
goes back a bit.

Is he going for an early exit.

Make sure of it, Ben.
He does.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

With two obstacles to go,

Ben Poulson is looking like
he is throwing caution to the wind.

The reigning champ, breathing hard.

OLIVIA: All right, let's go, babe.

Olivia Vivian on the side-lines

is looking a tad nervous
at this stage.

Anything can go wrong at this point,
which chews up time

and I'm really talking about
the Underwater Escape.

It can chew up a lot more time
than you expect.

Ben Poulson is on
the Barrel Roll,

the second last obstacle.

Big swing and a catch.

Last barrel now.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

120 on the clock.
Got to get moving.

Here we go.

Ready...

Oh, doesn't exit.

It's 110 on the clock.

This is going to come
right down to the wire right now.

He steps over.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He's gotta go. Ben Poulson,
he's down for the first one.

The first one weighs 32 kg,
he is struggling with it.

Struggling with the door.

Oh, the clock is moving on him.

53 seconds left,

he's into the second pool.

Here he comes up.

Grasping the door,

taking that last
suck in of oxygen there,

lifts up the door.

It's only 36 kg,

but it must feel like
136 at this point.

40 seconds to go,

less than.

They're a lot heavier
than what he expected

and now he pulls this next one open,

he knows it's a race to the buzzer.

Here comes Ben Poulson
from Western Australia.

He was the winner
of Ninja Warrior last year.

Can he do it again?
(BUZZER SOUNDS)

One thing's for sure,

he's into stage II
of the Grand Final

on season five

of the Australian Ninja Warrior,

the competition
that launched him into stardom

12 months ago

and now Ben Poulson
gets ready to go back to back.

The champ is back!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(GRAND MUSIC)

How are you doing, buddy?

Oh, look.
Doing well, doing well.

It's nice to have Olivia
on the side,

helping me out
with the time and stuff.

But it's tough.

And just look up at that giant
staring down at you, mate.

You've been up there before.
Are you a little bit scared of that?

Oh, a little bit scared, far out.

I mean, when I heard it was harder,

I did not expect this.

I've been practising lots of rope,

I have not been practising
much Salmon Ladder. So...

Uh-oh.
So I don't know what to tell you.

(LAUGHTER)

Alright, well ladies and gentlemen,
the Ninja Warrior Champion

from 2020, Ben Poulson.

So good, so good.

Give him a round of applause.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He is just awesome.

That run was awesome.

I don't know how they do it, Bec,

they seem to handle
the time pressure so well.

Ben was his usual dynamic self.

hitting plenty of highs
along the course.

I could tell you what though,

the difficulty
of the Underwater Escape

has surprised some of our Ninjas,

but in the end,
Ben Poulson got the buzzer,

he's into Grand Final part two.

What a way to end the night.

Mount Midoriyama said,
"I want revenge"

and our Ninjas went,

"Not tonight,"
and didn't they do just that?

I think it's some of the best action
we've seen, it was just amazing.

Let's take one final look
at the leaderboard

and we'll see who is running
stage II

at the Grand Final tomorrow night.

Flashlin Ashlin Herbert
had the run of the night

by a country mile.

He had 145 left on the clock,
that seems impossible.

Zak Stolz, the closest,
with 48 seconds left

and Jake Baker,
not too far behind.

Is this a hint of what's to come?

Some big names were off the pace.

Ben Poulson and Charlie Robbins
will need to step it up a gear

if they want another shot
at the title.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Wow, hasn't it been
a huge night of action, Bec?

We started with 28
worthy Grand Finalists.

Now only 10 have managed to battle
their way through to stage II

and that's tomorrow night.

Stage II of the Grand Final,
that's going to be huge.

Ben, it doesn't get
any easier though.

Incredibly difficult
new obstacles await

and then looming above them all
is the monster Mount Midoriyama.

It just doesn't quit.

Tomorrow night's furthest fastest
Ninja will win an amazing $100,000,

but if any Ninja can summon
Mount Midoriyama,

good luck,

they'll double that prize
to $200,000

and of course be crowned Australian
Ninja Warrior Champion 2021.

It promises to be a stunning climax

to what has already been
a thrilling series.

So join us tomorrow right here,

when one Ninja
will rise above all the rest

in the 2021 Australian
Ninja Warrior Grand Final.

Goodnight.
Good night, Australia.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Tomorrow night...

..it all comes down to this.

Grand Final II...

Stage II is epic.

It is 100 per cent send
or nothing else.

The stage is set
for the final battle

between Ninja and mountain...

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

We began with 200
of the best in the country...

I don't see myself
as just a strong female anymore,

I'm a strong Ninja
and I'm here to play.

Boom, let's go.

Now only 10 remain...

Last year, got done by a second,

so hopefully can improve
on that a little bit.

Can Ben Poulson
be the first person in history

to become a Ninja Warrior Champion

two years in a row...

My goal is to come back
and back it up.

But I am capable
of accomplishing it twice in a row.

..or will and another superhuman
achieve the ultimate goal?

Hold on to your breath, Australia.

BEC: He looked like Superman then.

Standing between them
and Mount Midoriyama,

the hardest 11 obstacles ever seen.

Whoa!

There is $100,000 on offer

for the furthest fastest.

But if they can
conquer the mountain,

they'll win $200,000

and become Australia's
next Ninja Warrior.

Then on Wednesday night...

BEC: 5.8 m, go, go, go, go, go!
Oh!

Oh, no!
No!

..for the first time,

it's Australian Ninja Warrior
Record Breakers...

Jack Wilson is 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.

..as the best of the best
attempt to smash world records,

including the highest Warped Wall
known to man...

Oh my goodness!

..the longest lache in history...

He's done it!

..and a Mount Midoriyama-sized
Salmon Ladder.

BEC: Where do they get the strength?

He's absolutely thumping it.

Plus it's Ninja versus Ninja...

Ashlin Herbert's chasing.

Oh! I wonder...
Who hit it?

..there is cash on offer
for every record

and we welcome the return
of Ninja royalty...

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

..Andrea Hah...

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

It's the biggest night
of Ninja Warrior ever.

It is on like Donkey Kong.

It should be freaking awesome.