Original subtitles

MAN: It's the toughest obstacle course on earth.

Yeah!

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIM)

WOMAN: I am in complete shock.

Thousands have tried to beat it,

but in 20 years, just ten people on the planet have conquered it.

Oh, no!

And now on Ninja Island,

this global phenomenon has come to Australia.

Last time, in the first of five qualifying heats,

homegrown legends were born.

Parkour twins Brodie and Dylan Pawson set the course alight...

That is how you do it, fellow ninjas!

..with the fastest two times of the night.

He has broken a minute!

The 'Deadly Ninja' Jack Wilson wasn't far behind.

I've never seen anyone do that better!

And gymnast Celeste Dixon went far enough on the course

to make the top 18 through to the semi-finals.

That is top shelf!

Tonight, round two of qualifying.

50 new competitors will face new challenges,

as the course changes to include new obstacles -

the UFO Slider,

the Spinning Wheel to Cargo Net,

and the Tilting Frames.

Among the favourites tonight, ex-commando Scott Evennett.

We were ambushed. Some bullet fragments went through my face.

Elvis is gonna get things all shook up.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

The race will be on to find the heat's fastest tradie.

I wanna be Australia's first Ninja Warrior.

I like to do what I'm actually capable of.

But for pure guts,

none can match Paralympian Sam Bramham.

MAN: Always been positive, and putting yourself out there

is probably the best role model that I could be.

Just 18 will progress to the semi-finals...

..where the quest continues to find Australia's first...

He's on top of the world!

..Ninja Warrior.

Welcome to Ninja Island,

home to the biggest, meanest, toughest obstacle course

in the world.

This is where some of this country's most awesome athletes

are going to test themselves

against the towering Australian Ninja Warrior course.

I'm Ben Fordham. MAN: I'm Freddie Flintoff.

And I'm Rebecca Maddern.

Welcome to Australian Ninja Warrior.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The person crowned Australian Ninja Warrior

will take home $100,000,

but our ninjas aren't here for the money.

They're focused on what it's going to take

to conquer the legend that is Mount Midoriyama.

These competitors have to be fearless.

They're doing battle with the biggest obstacle course on earth.

One false move and it's all over.

Now, Freddie, you've played sport at the highest level.

What do the ninjas need to get through this course tonight?

Well, Ben, I've had a close look at the course,

and I'm sorry to say it's too hard.

Six obstacles stand in the way of our competitors tonight,

with three of them brand-new to this heat.

First up are the Quintuple Steps.

Competitors move across five platforms,

each 1.5 metres apart.

Making its debut in this heat is the UFO Slider.

Grip strength is key on the zip-line ride

before transferring mid-air onto a rope.

Then it's on to the Bridge of Blades.

Speed and light feet are essential

to make it across four spinning blades.

Next, the second new obstacle, the Spinning Wheel to Cargo Net.

Competitors must use the mini tramp to get to the big wheel,

generating enough swing to reach the cargo net.

From there, it's the third new obstacle, the Tilting Frames.

There are three pivoting frames to cross.

That tests upper body strength to the max.

Finally, it's the Warped Wall,

where competitors will attempt to run up the 4.2-metre incline

to finish the course,

and for the top 18, the semi-finals await.

Yeah, the obstacle course is tough, but so are our competitors.

Let's kick it off with our first ninja.

32-year-old mum of two Tara Evans

was suffering from postnatal depression

until she rediscovered her passion for fitness.

The heaviest I ever weighed was 85kg.

I'm now 56kg, so, 30kg lighter,

and fitness has been a massive part of that.

Losing all the weight and keeping myself really fit

has helped me to keep up with the kids,

'cause having two boys is pretty crazy.

I became a personal trainer

'cause I wanted to teach other people

just how important fitness was.

I'm doing Ninja Warrior because I needed a challenge.

I actually really love the fact that it's not us against the boys,

it's us against the course,

and it's time for the Australian girls to get up.

Go, Tara! Go, Tara!

On the sidelines is husband, Aaron, and younger sister, Rebecca.

Go, Tara! Go, girl! Come on!

BEN: They call Tara 'Quadzilla',

and you can understand why.

AUDIENCE: Go, Quadzilla!

(CHIME SOUNDS)

The Quintuple Steps the first obstacle

for every competitor in the heats.

Go, Tars! Good girl!

For the shorter competitors, that 1.5-metre leap is big.

A tentative beginning for Tara Evans,

and she's done that pretty well.

Now she comes up to the UFO Slider,

one of the new obstacles for this heat.

You got it, Tars! You got it!

Yeah, she'll need a good grip here,

because you get a big jolt at the end of the zip-line,

and she needs to take that momentum onto the rope swing.

AUDIENCE: Quadzilla! Quadzilla!

Oooh! She almost missed it.

Yes, get up there!

She didn't feel confident enough to go for it.

She had to swing back and she did it.

Now she faces the Bridge of Blades.

The singlet that her husband is wearing says it all.

Speed is of the essence here.

Oh, no! Oh, she can save herself! Has she got the strength?

Hang on! REBECCA: Come on!

Smart save! Gutsy save!

I thought she was a goner, but she didn't doubt herself.

She used her foot to push off the blades,

instead of her hands, avoiding instant disqualification.

Now, watch the quads come into play here.

She's known as Quadzilla,

and that'll help her get some spring off this tramp.

Go, Tara, go! Go, Tars, go!

She's gotta get up onto the wheel.

She makes it. Nice work.

How many swings until she can let go and go for that net?

She's gonna really use the weight in those quads

to get the momentum up.

That cargo net is a long way away

for someone who stands at just 5'1".

That is not tall at all!

Yeah, you've gotta time the swing to get the pendulum swinging.

She's not quite timing it.

You've got it, Tara! You've got it!

If she can kick them up a little earlier,

it'll benefit a possible dismount.

Keep going!

How does it look down there, Freddie?

FREDDIE: The crowd are getting behind her.

AUDIENCE: Don't give up! Don't give up!

Oh, little bit out of time now.

AARON: You can do it! Come on!

There we go! Now legs back. Now forward.

Just remember being a kid on the swings.

Oh!

Oh, no! And a faceplant to end it!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, Tara.

You can see on the replay here she's fighting against the wheel

and not getting that smooth pendulum swing.

She tried reaching for the net with her legs,

but at the wrong time,

and after a last big effort,

she just couldn't hang on any longer.

Are you alright? That was quite a faceplant at the end.

It was a good faceplant, yep.

Just couldn't quite get the distance...

No. My short legs, they just wouldn't reach.

Short, but they look very, very strong.

Fantastic effort.

Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Quadzilla!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Gutsy effort from Tara.

What a great way to start the heat.

That was so hard.

Next up, a couple of larrikins from Far North Queensland,

best mates Travers Jamieson and James Boettcher.

MAN: James and I basically first met at school.

Like, as soon as we met, we just meshed.

MAN: We go motorbike riding, we go animal watching.

Every time of adventure or challenge,

we just want to do it together.

Alrighty, guys. We're just gonna head into the Botanical Gardens.

Let's go check it out.

I love being a tour guide, because I get to show people my backyard.

I mean, this place is just beautiful,

and having a good mate to do that with is just perfect.

We don't go to the gym so much as well.

We're just outdoors people and we're always just testing our fitness.

Big fig trees, the vines, you can just climb up like a rope.

You can hang on like a pull-up bar, and that looks like Ninja Warrior.

So, it's like using the jungle for a gym.

(WHOOPS)

When it comes down to Ninja Warrior,

we are definitely going to back each other.

We're just too excited for each other to succeed, so...

We're like the underdogs.

We maybe not expect too much, and then we might do really well.

We will talk about this forever.

You know, we'll always remember the time we did Ninja Warrior,

so we've gotta make it the best.

BEN: And there's James on the sideline,

nervously watching his mate.

Whoo! Whoo!

REBECCA: Oh, he's a character, and the crowd already loves him.

He's soaking it up. Let's see how he goes on the Quintuple Steps.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

JAMES: Go, buddy!

He is taking his time so far,

making sure he stays clear of that water.

We haven't seen that style before.

Just a bit like a frog. It worked for Travers.

Yeah, it worked alright. Look at him pumping himself up.

One obstacle down. Go, Trav!

Here he goes on the UFO.

It's gonna slide down and then it'll come to a sudden stop.

Oh! That's a pretty good save.

That was low, but he saved his feet from touching the water.

You got it, Trav!

Well done, Travers.

Go, Trav!

Pumping the legs up again, resetting himself,

drying off those hands as he stares down the blade.

He did that at lightning speed,

and he is pumped as!

His mate, James, knows that he's still to come,

but at the moment he's there as a supporter for Travers.

That's the hard stuff, man! You've done the hard stuff!

The cargo net was a problem in the last heat,

and it's already claimed its first victim tonight.

How will Travers do?

Oh, that was a great leap there.

Plenty of momentum going forward.

Yeah, he's just kicking the legs out.

The transfer's the hard one. How's he going to go?

We're gonna get a shot now.

He needs some more momentum.

Oh, how did he hang onto that?

Oh, I have no idea how he did that.

That's it, bro!

FREDDIE: No time for silly mistakes.

Watch that shirt! Don't dip that shirt in the water!

Any part of Travers touches the water and he's out of there.

That shirt is getting dangerously close, but he's finally through.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And he just signals to his mate, James.

He was just an inch above the water line,

as he walks up now to the last of our new obstacles,

the Tilting Frames.

Grip strength and upper body strength the key now.

There is a real jolt as those frames lift up and down,

and look at him pull himself up nice and high

to make sure that he's not straining those arms too much.

Having said that... when the frames tilt,

it makes it even harder to get the momentum to transfer,

but he's done it.

All that jungle training - swinging on vines and trees -

paying off for Travers here.

Can he land the dismount?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He does it, and he laps it up.

The Warped Wall is all yours.

He's got three attempts to make it to the top.

AUDIENCE: Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

The 30-year-old from Queensland. First shot.

Up, up, up, and away!

Unbelievable!

Travers Jamieson, the first up the wall tonight,

and look what it means to him and his best mate, James.

But Travers nearly lost it all on the UFO Slider.

He jumps for the rope, but grabs it far too low,

almost hitting the water,

but keeping a cool head,

Travers saves himself and makes it to the top of the wall.

The question is, is James gonna be able to do that?

James is gonna be able to smash it.

You better get down and give him some advice.

Yeah!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

That was epic, man. You're gonna feed off the crowd.

Take your time, think about it a little bit,

but just go with the flow.

You'll be awake for days! That's awesome.

What was the most challenging?

Probably the Bridge of Blades. Bridge of Blades?

Just go fast, man. Oh!

Travers is in the box seat to be one of the top 18.

After the break,

we'll find out if his best mate, James, can join him.

Coming up on Australian Ninja Warrior,

it's a family affair.

Husband and wife team Zac and Amanda Zakharia.

WOMAN: Zac has won six karate world titles

and I've also recently won a state title in karate.

And later, he's an ex-special forces hero

wounded in Afghanistan.

Tonight Scott Evennett unleashes beast mode.

If it's not enough to put me down, then I'm still gonna move forward.

And chippies, sparkies, and plumbers.

With all of them hitting the course,

who will be the fastest tradie?

I've got this in the bag.

REBECCA: Welcome back to Ninja Island,

where, before the break,

we saw tour guide Travers Jamieson become the first person

to make it up the Warped Wall tonight.

What was the most challenging?

Um, probably the Bridge of Blades. Bridge of Blades?

Just go fast, man.

All he can do now is watch and hope,

as his best mate, James, gets ready to start.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

BEN: Let's just see if James can do what Travers did a short time ago.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(CHIME SOUNDS)

And he is under way.

James Boettcher.

This is a novel approach -

a bit of a twist and a turn between each pad.

Look at that start!

He's not just doing this course, he is doing it in style.

Lightning speed!

And... No! No! No!

The most spectacular fall!

It was too much, too soon.

Oh, no!

Bad luck, eh, Freddie?

Mate, you was going so fast.

Yeah. Go hard or go home.

Well, you're going home.

James's run was fast and furious,

but it came to an end on the Bridge of Blades.

James's left foot was too high on the second blade,

and that meant he couldn't push off from the third.

He tried a full-length dive,

but just couldn't make it across.

Boys, got one through.

Oh, the beers are on me!

One got wet.

He's getting a six-pack. Eh?

He's getting a six-pack. The beers are on me.

Bit of overconfidence there, do you reckon?

Oh, I just had to go fast. That's my life, that's what I do.

Yay! Whoo!

Yeah, whoo. (BOTH WHOOP)

Whoa! Oh, yeah.

Right. Back to you guys.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Up next on the course is Amanda Zakharia.

She's a karate champion, just like her husband, Zac.

The only husband and wife duo to compete

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

It's yours, babe.

I took up martial arts pretty much the minute I met Zac.

Zac has won six karate world titles.

My son, Zane, has won three state titles,

and I've also recently won a state title in karate.

Go.

It certainly is a family affair.

Good. Drop. Push-ups, let's go!

Zac means the absolute world to me.

He's a beautiful dad.

He's a beautiful... just the perfect father figure.

He's also a father figure to the boys at school.

Six, seven...

Just a very honourable person and I love him to bits.

Keep your hands up, keep your hands up.

This is the Frank Dando Sports Academy,

a special school for bright boys with behavioural problems.

Let's have a look at chapter seven.

I'm the vice-principal.

We work as role models and peer leaders to the boys.

Good! Good work.

BOY: Lots of boys here don't have fathers,

and Zac's a really good example,

because he's experienced all the things that we have.

You know, Zac, I can talk to him about anything,

and he won't judge me, he won't criticise me,

but, you know, he's really, like, always there for you,

which is great.

He's my hero.

My husband is my hero, and like he believes in me, I believe in him,

and it's just fantastic.

I think he will do very, very well.

You're a sweetheart, you are.

I love you. You too.

Whoo!

We'll see Zac on the course soon.

But right now he'll be holding his breath for his wife.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

Here she goes on the Quintuple Steps,

using hands, using feet,

using everything, just to make sure.

Good! That's it - focus.

She's been training incredibly hard for this moment,

but it doesn't matter how hard you train.

It doesn't guarantee you success.

You can do this.

Oh! Arggh!

Just like that, she came off the UFO Slider,

and her night is over.

Amanda's arms were too straight on the slider,

which meant she was unable to pull up

and absorb the jolt of stopping so suddenly.

From that point, she was headed to the water.

Any advice you want to pass onto your husband, who's also competing?

Yeah. Smash this, Zac. Just smash it for us, babe.

Zac, you have been told by the wife to smash this.

So, you better go off, go and get yourself warmed up.

Wish you the best of luck. I'm gonna do that.

You did really well. Unlucky, Amanda.

Thank you.

Here comes Zac up to the start line.

Whoo! Go, Zac!

BEN: 48-year-old Zac.

He is the vice-principal at the Frank Dando Sports Academy.

I bet the students there are cheering him on tonight.

That is the look of a ninja.

Let's go, Zac.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

Now, his time to shine.

The Quintuple Steps -

just like Amanda, he's using his hands as well

just to make sure of every manoeuvre.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Go slow, Zac. Go slow, baby.

He's onto the UFO Slider.

This is going to test his upper body strength.

(AUDIENCE CHANT)

Amanda didn't make it through. Can her husband?

Go, baby.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He just holds on where his wife let go.

Now the Bridge of Blades.

Oooh!

(WHOOPS)

He wants to prove that a man at his age, 48,

has still got what it takes to tackle Ninja Warrior.

He's also wanting to show all those boys at the Frank Dando school

that nothing is impossible.

Come on, babe! Come on, Zac!

He's got great form.

That's the best one I've seen tonight

through the big wheel to the cargo net.

He knows exactly what he's doing.

Didn't waste that opportunity

to grab onto the net when he had the chance.

Sometimes when they miss that first chance,

then they're in a swing of death.

Come on, baby!

Oh, blowing a kiss to his beautiful wife, Amanda,

there on the sidelines.

Freddie, how's it looking from there?

FREDDIE: Now onto the Tilting Frames,

the penultimate of our obstacles tonight.

Just starting to tire a little bit.

He needs to reach out now. Oh!

That's a nasty jolt.

See what he's doing there?

He's getting right to the end so that stretch isn't that far.

The strength of this man is incredible.

In inspiration to so many young men.

Swing, Zac. Swing. MAN: Take your time!

And now taking on the great wall.

Go, baby. You got this!

The 48-year-old vice-principal karate black belt champion.

He's got the chance to add Ninja Warrior to his list of credits.

Beat the wall! Come on, babe.

But how incredible if he's able

to get to the top of that Warped Wall.

This is a big moment. Can he do it?

Oh! His first shot gone.

Come on! Warm-up! That was a warm-up!

I reckon he's starting so fast.

He needs to build up pace as he gets to the curve using his strength,

rather than speed.

Oh!

And he's done everything he needs to do tonight

apart from conquering this wall.

Finish it, baby. Finish it.

He's got one more attempt.

AUDIENCE: Beat the wall! Will he do it?

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Here we go.

Oh!

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

That just shows you how hard this course is.

Such is life.

Zac did everything right,

but just lacked the explosive power on the Warped Wall.

His little steps built up pace on the curve,

but he just didn't have enough power in his lower body

to force him up to the top.

Thank you.

You did so good. Ahh.

It wasn't to be for the Zakharias, but both of them gave everything.

Zac's time of 3:14

currently sees him in second place,

behind Travers Jamieson.

Remember, the top 18 who go the furthest on the course

in the fastest time will qualify for the semis,

so Zac has an anxious wait to see if he's done enough.

Coming up, it's now or never

for 45-year-old Elvis impersonator Rusty Roberts.

It's just fun to do it, and everyone knows an Elvis song.

He's got the moves,

but can he dance his way into the semi-finals?

Gymnast Larissa Miller is out to prove

that the best things really do come in small packages.

2014, I made my first Commonwealth Games,

and walked away with two silver medals.

Also I've done five world championships and two Olympic Games.

And later, rugby superstar, mixed martial arts fighter,

natural bodybuilder.

Is there anything Francis Cullimore can't do?

We're here to support Francis Cullimore.

We can't wait. He's a legend, a competitor.

Mate, give it heaps.

Kill it, bro!

(ALL WHOOP)

BEN: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior.

While you were away,

we saw more of our ninjas cut down to size on the Bridge of Blades.

Bodybuilder Ashley Vallance got off to a flyer...

REBECCA: Great work.

..before he missed his step and ended up in the pool.

Oh! Oh, no!

24-year-old Queenslander Luke Sorensen

tried a different approach.

This is something we haven't seen.

But ultimately, slow and steady fell short.

I don't know. He's... No!

Luke also got a bump on the head for his troubles.

And self-confessed water baby Benjamin Coy

just managed to stay dry on the UFO Slider...

He's always around the water. Staying away from it at the moment.

..but ran into trouble when he reached out

and pushed himself off on the final rotating blade.

It resulted in instant disqualification.

You understand what happened?

BENJAMIN: Yeah, we were told that if we touched with our hands,

that was not a problem,

but if we grabbed and looked like we used it to our advantage,

then that was gonna be an issue.

So, pretty disappointed, but that's the nature of Ninja.

Like, Ninja is this amazing thing

where you've gotta do everything perfectly or you're out.

Our next competitor, Larissa Miller,

has overcome adversity to represent Australia at the highest level.

Gymnastics did save my life, and I really believe that,

'cause I don't know where I'd be without it.

I was sexually abused between the ages of five and 16.

So, basically, over half my life, yeah.

I didn't really know any different.

Like, it was just the way my life was,

and it wasn't till it was 16

when I really knew that it was wrong

and that it just didn't feel right.

I definitely used gymnastics as an escape.

I could just pour my whole heart and soul into the gym every day.

It really was my saviour.

You're a beautiful person.

I'm so proud of Larissa for putting her story out there.

Um... she's very brave in doing it.

Larissa is now an ambassador for Bravehearts,

which is an organisation that helps children.

She doesn't want what happened to her to happen to somebody else.

The biggest message I would send to young girls, and boys as well,

is just don't be afraid to speak out, you know?

Be brave.

Keep talking until someone listens to you,

because someone will.

Such a brave young woman with an important message.

Larissa's mum couldn't be here tonight,

but no doubt she'll be cheering her on at home.

No doubt about that.

A dual Olympic gymnast in London and Rio.

She'll be hoping to add Ninja Warrior to that list tonight.

Oh, my god.

One thing you can't do is talk yourself out of it.

She's ready to take on the course. Come on, Larissa.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

She's used to nerves, she's used to pressure situations,

but she's very hesitant on the Quintuple Steps.

She's light on her feet.

All those years of gymnastics serving her well.

Taking her time with every single step.

Onto the last one.

And she's safely across. Freddie?

FREDDIE: Now, you would imagine

this is the start of her disciplines.

Upper body strength, being a gymnast.

On the UFO Slider, needs a strong grip.

When that thing jolts, she'll be catapulted off,

and she needs to grab the rope.

Oh, oh, oh, oh! Oh, hang on.

She's doing a routine on the rope.

Very graceful, Larissa.

At 54kg, I don't think the Bridge of Blades will even know she's on them,

she's so light.

Nice work, and a roll at the end.

Coming round the corner,

she's gotta use the trampoline to get plenty of height.

She's only 5'2", so not tall at all.

She'll use the spring to launch herself up onto the big wheel,

and then hopefully straight over to the cargo net.

That was all class.

Look at the determination on her face.

She's using the legs.

You've gotta build the momentum.

Getting the knees hooked over the net.

That is a very good tactic.

She needed to get the legs in first.

She's also using all of her flexibility

and making sure the legs don't get tangled.

Skirts underneath that net,

being careful not to touch the water.

Hang on!

Oh, be careful of the hair.

She's through,

and she becomes the first woman in this heat to make it this far.

The Tilting Frames next,

and size could be an issue here.

That's what's special about Australian Ninja Warrior -

the same course for the blokes, same course for the girls.

She's only a lightweight, but look at that upper body strength.

The only question is, has she got the wingspan

to make the transition to this next frame?

To be outstretched like that takes extreme strength,

particularly for a woman.

Freddie?

Keep shimmying along. Not far to go now.

Come on. One more swing onto the mat.

Oh! Straight, Larissa. She's going all over the place.

Yes! She's on!

And now just the Warped Wall to go.

That wall is 4.2 metres tall.

That's almost three times her size.

AUDIENCE: Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

The crowd are on their feet, urging her on.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

This is the moment. This is the test.

Beat the wall!

From Commonwealth Games to Olympic Games, and now...

Oh, no! Not yet. Not yet.

Oh!

Hard to watch.

That first attempt about a metre short.

She seemed to start well, but ran out of gas when she hit the kerb.

Ben, she needs to pump those arms and pump those legs

to get herself up that wall!

Come on, Larissa!

Oh!

She's just failed on her second attempt, but look how close she was.

Just a fingernail away.

She's got one more attempt.

Let's just put this in perspective.

On 'American Ninja Warrior',

it took six years for a female competitor

to get to the top of the Warped Wall.

I think she can do it.

Oh, it's almost too nerve-racking to watch at this point.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Come on!

Yes! Yes!

Oh, just falling short. Ohh!

What a great competitor.

Well done, Larissa.

How did that compare to anything you've done before?

I had so much fun, you know?

Like, it was nice to go out there

and actually really enjoy what I was doing,

and, like, involve the audience.

It was amazing.

Unfortunately, the wall just at the end, just couldn't quite reach.

I knew, coming onto this show,

that the wall could potentially be my kryptonite,

but... that's really high.

Brilliant. Great effort.

Ladies and gentlemen, Larissa!

Coming up, she was teammates with Larissa Miller

at the Commonwealth Games.

I go 100% and I attack every goal I have.

Can Olivia Vivian go one better

and become the first woman to climb the Warped Wall?

But next, plumber Ryan Solomon is aiming to flush away the competition

to be the fastest tradie on the course.

We've got plenty more to come on Ninja Island.

Don't go anywhere. We're back right after this.

REBECCA: The competitors on Australian Ninja Warrior

all wanna make it through the course in record time.

BEN: But it's the ninja who goes furthest and fastest

that will be given the title of Performance of the Night.

Thanks to Berocca.

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,

and like you, we are blown away by the guts and determination

we've seen displayed so far.

Before the break we saw pocket rocket Olympic gymnast Larissa Miller

come up short on the Warped Wall.

Our next ninja is Ryan Solomon.

He fixes leaks for a living

and he reckons he's going to be the fastest tradie on the course.

Let's hope he stays dry.

MAN: I work as a plumber.

I run my own business in Brisbane.

So, after working pretty hard during the week,

it's good to get out on the water.

My friends would say it's a bit crazy,

some of the sports I get up to,

some of the things I do in my spare time.

I've been jetskiing for five years now,

and, yeah, I've been pro for about two years.

One of my biggest achievements was completing the world tour last year

and finishing number eight.

The number one rule is just don't let go.

If I can take that to the course and just hang on, that'll be it.

Come on, princess.

It's always fun, training with Ryan, but we're very competitive.

If it's 50 sit-ups, then I'll try and smash him,

he'll try and smash me.

So, I am 100% confident that Ryan Solomon

is going to win Ninja Warrior,

just because I have to say that because I'm his girlfriend.

Ryan!

Girlfriend Amy there whipping up the crowd.

AUDIENCE: Ryan! Ryan! Come on, baby!

He looks happy.

He means business.

Take it off!

FREDDIE: Oh, my word. What a treat for the fans.

The ladies in the crowd are loving this.

Oh, wow. What's going on there?

(CHIME SOUNDS)

The 29-year-old from Queensland begins his run.

Come on, baby! You got this!

Yeah, baby! Whoo!

Onto the UFO Slider.

All about upper body strength.

Yes!

Oh, makes it across, but he's nearly six foot and he's 90kg.

Some of our heavier competitors have a bit of trouble

on the Bridge of Blades.

Ryan makes it through, though.

Down he comes, and now the big wheel to cargo net.

Focus!

Onto the wheel.

He'll look for a quick transition here.

Finds the net,

and there's a perfect transfer.

Arms bent! Bend your arms!

So far this is a very quick time.

Just dangling perilously close to the water,

but he's alright.

Yes! Come on, baby!

Taking on the Tilting Frames. Here he comes.

This is all about upper body strength again.

Ryan, whoo!

Have a look at the biceps, have a look at the muscles, the pecs.

It's all working for Ryan Solomon.

The plumber is doing very, very well.

He is more than a minute faster

than tour guide Travers Jamieson at this point.

And he touches down well.

The crowd love Ryan Solomon.

Can he get right to the top of the Warped Wall?

Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Listen to that crowd.

They think he can make it.

No, not this time.

And he's looking a little nervous now

on his second attempt on the Warped Wall.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Come on, Ryan.

Attempt number two, and he's there!

Yes! Yes!

Ryan Solomon climbs to the top of the Warped Wall.

Hits the buzzer, and that's the fastest time so far tonight.

Whoo, baby!

How'd that feel, mate? That was great.

Pretty good time too. Well done.

Oh, thanks. Whoo!

Have a look at Ryan's transfer onto the cargo net.

One swing, plenty of momentum, and in control throughout.

Very different to some that we've seen earlier.

That technique saved him precious seconds.

So, even though he failed with his first attempt,

he still made it up the wall and onto the top of the leaderboard.

I love you. You did good.

FREDDIE: Ryan, unbelievable.

Your aim is to be the fastest tradie.

You've put yourself right in the hunt there, haven't you?

Well, I hope so.

It's gonna be a good night. That was a really fun course.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Right now in the warm-up gym

is 30-year-old ex-commando Scott Evennett

In just a moment, he'll be bringing beast mode

to the toughest obstacle course on the planet.

He'll be hoping to fare better

than these other competitors we've seen tonight.

Carpenter Scott Campbell was chipping away at the course...

He's punching through it in pretty good pace,

and he's looking good doing it too.

..until he lost his grip on the transfer to the final Tilting Frame.

Swedish Viking Danijela Hodges brought the intensity...

I haven't seen a competitor tonight look more serious

about taking on this course.

..but didn't have the grip to match.

And family man Glen Curtis...

You can do it!

..slipped down and out on the UFO Slider.

He liked the pool so much, he jumped back in.

Glen, you've gotta respect the course. Do you think you did?

Not quite as much as I would have liked to have.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The roar you can hear is for our next competitor,

former army commando

and post-traumatic stress disorder activist Scott Evennett.

Scott lives by a simple motto - challenge accepted.

MAN: My military career was eight years,

five of that in special forces.

Afghanistan was primarily where I went.

We were lead team going down a pathway,

and we were ambushed.

A round hit my own weapon.

Some bullet fragments and bits and chunks of my own weapon

went through my face.

Emotional moment, I suppose,

but if it's not enough to put me down,

then I'm still gonna move forward.

Dealing with massive emotional spikes of Afghanistan,

losing mates, being wounded myself,

and then bringing that home and trying to, you know,

configure that back into civilian life, that's a challenge.

The general population doesn't know anything about PTSD

and the way that it affects soldiers.

So, we run the Commando Tough facility together.

We really work on people's mindset, as well as physical training.

We want to show people that you can talk about it

and that it can be an open topic to be talked about

and to help these people.

For Ninja Warrior, Scotty's gonna go at it as hard as he can,

and as fast as he can, 'cause that's who he is.

You've just gotta hang on for the ride.

He spent eight years in the army.

Three tours of Afghanistan,

and sadly lost six mates in battle.

Fiancee Tamara on the sidelines,

as well as dad, Warren, and sister-in-law, Melissa.

Whoo!

Scott is 5'7" and 85kg of pure muscle.

He means business!

The Evennett army getting behind him,

and Scott's determined to give them something to cheer about.

And he's just got one focus.

Look at him sprinting through it.

He has not put a foot wrong.

No time wasted whatsoever.

This has gotta be one of the fastest runs tonight, Freddie.

FREDDIE: This is unbelievable!

He's just eating up the Ninja Warrior course.

This man is an absolute beast.

He is so quick tonight.

Alright, two more obstacles to go.

Incredible strength.

At this rate, you can't see anything stopping him,

and he's probably in line to create the fastest time tonight.

He has not faltered.

And a perfect landing.

He's moved through it quicker than anyone else,

but none of that will count if he doesn't get to the top of the wall.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

No, not even close. He was about a metre off, Bec.

Come on, babe! You got this!

That's a surprise, but listen to the crowd

getting behind Scott now for his second attempt.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Here he goes.

And again he's short.

Oh, Tamara on the sideline is looking extremely tense.

She wants him to get up the wall.

The crowd wants him to get up the wall,

but right now he'll be trying

to block all of that out and just focus.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

This is the moment for Scott Evennett.

His final attempt. Come on, Scotty!

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

All the way up the ramp.

He's there! He's done it!

You beauty!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

How good's that?

Fabulous, work. So close, my friend!

Whoo! Close!

Go, babe!

How'd that feel?

Mate, that was unreal. Let's do it again.

While Scott set a blistering pace through the course,

he underestimated just how tough the Warped Wall is.

After two failed attempts,

it all came down to Scott's mental strength

to make sure it was third time lucky.

What was going through your mind on that third attempt?

14 foot versus 4 foot, but I had it no matter what.

It's a mindset thing, right?

Yeah, one of your mottos in life is, "Challenge accepted".

That's right.

And you definitely accepted that one.

I definitely did.

Halfway through the heat

and Scott's amazing run puts him

on top of the leaderboard,

with the fastest tradie Ryan Solomon

eight seconds back.

Olympic gymnast Larissa Miller

is in seventh position,

and she'll be hoping

she's done enough to claim

a semi-final spot.

Still to come,

Paralympian Sam Bramham is ready to defy the odds again.

GIRL: Sam's putting a really big message out there

for people that have a disability

that they can do what they want,

and they can achieve great things.

But next...

MAN: I'm putting my love of Elvis and my love of fitness

out there for Australia to see.

Come and join the party, basically.

..it's a little less conversation, a little more action

from Rusty Roberts as he hits the Ninja Warrior course.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

REBECCA: Welcome back to Ninja Island,

where the action is coming thick and fast.

While you were away, trainee pilot Jessi-Leigh Bridge had high hopes...

BEN: Just imagine staring at that rope

and thinking, "How am I going to..."

No!

..but could only manage a splash landing.

The Spinning Wheel turned into a nightmare

for CrossFit coach Ahmed Eid...

FREDDIE: He's trying to get the feet locked in there.

No room for indecision on this course, Ahmed.

..as he tried and failed to reach the cargo net.

And Sydney supergirl Sarah Carter saved the day on the UFO Slider.

How's the back arch? Good rescue.

But when it came to the mini tramp,

it was a case of, "Is it a bird? Is it a plane?"

Unfortunately, it was neither.

That did not pan out the way she expected.

And on the course right now, about to take on the Bridge of Blades,

our youngest competitor, Chloe Travers.

A big moment for an 18-year-old.

Just finished school

and now wanting to be crowned Australian Ninja Warrior.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

She breathes a sigh of relief

as mum and dad Sue and Stuart cheer on from the sidelines.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

She went to Poland last year,

competed in an international rowing regatta,

taking on some people who'd already competed at the Olympic Games.

Wouldn't it be great to see a teenager get through

to the semi-finals of Australian Ninja Warrior?

Now, the trick is, with this mini tramp,

you need to attack it evenly.

Oh! And she didn't.

That was her downfall there.

You can see Chloe's feet aren't together as she jumps.

Her left foot is so far forward, it's almost off the tramp,

killing her bounce and dumping her in the pool.

From the youngest competitor to one of our oldest,

Elvis has entered the obstacle course -

professional Elvis Presley impersonator Rusty Roberts!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Hello, and welcome to Graceland on the Gold Coast. Come on in.

♪ Oooh, dabba, dabba Oooh, dabba, dabba... ♪

At the age of around 14 or so,

I started calling myself 'the Elvis Collector'.

Ta-da! Here we are.

Who has an Elvis bed?

If you don't have one, go and get one.

I've passed the general collecting stage.

I've got something pretty big here, and every year I get bigger.

I just keep going and going. I just have to do it.

And one thing I've always wanted, over all these years,

is something no-one else has.

Then, 21 years ago, I come across it -

my son, Elvis.

This is Elvis, everyone - Elvis Roberts.

How you going, Elvis? I'm good.

So, I'm putting my two loves out there for Australia to see -

my love of Elvis and my love of fitness,

and come and join the party, basically.

Fantastic audience. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Margaret, Tanya, Wayne, and Melissa -

his mates on the sideline getting all shook up for King Rusty,

the 45-year-old, as he takes on the steps.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

FREDDIE: Rusty Roberts, an Elvis impersonator from NSW,

but is he gonna be king of the course?

It looks like he's taken a leaf out of tour guide Travers's book

and he's using the frog technique.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, come on, now.

You don't have time for the moves mid-course, Rusty.

On the UFO, and here he goes.

Yes! He's putting on a show, Freddie.

Oh, look at this - he's giving all the moves of Elvis tonight...

WOMAN: Come on! Time!

..as he dances across.

Beautiful!

The King himself would be proud of that run over BoB.

Onto the mini tramp.

Rusty's not one of our bigger competitors.

He'll need a good bounce here.

Hits the wheel. Grabs it with one leg.

No. Almost.

And that's the problem -

if you don't get it then, you've gotta build the momentum.

Does he have the upper body strength to get the swing, the pendulum,

so he can get his way onto the net?

The eyes are saying yes but the legs are saying no.

There! Almost!

Margaret, Tanya, Wayne, and Melissa are the mates on the sideline.

They need to lift their voices

if Rusty Roberts is gonna find his way onto that net.

Never mind 'Burning Love'.

The arms are burning. The fingers are burning.

The biceps are pumping!

Go! Again! Again!

Oh, he's losing momentum, getting tired...

Oh, he's faceplanted into the water!

Rusty Roberts, no! Poor old Rusty.

No matter how hard he tried, Rusty's timing was all wrong.

He reached out with his legs at the wrong time on the swing,

fighting against the wheel.

After several attempts, he just didn't have anything left.

Rusty, you've got the King on your T-shirt,

but you got caught in a little bit of a trap there, didn't you?

I've left the building there, mate.

You did. You exited pretty hard into the water.

Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Rusty!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

A great effort from Rusty Roberts,

but unfortunately there's no comeback special on this course.

Still to come, rugby legend Francis Cullimore

thinks he's got what it takes to win Ninja Warrior.

MAN: I've got the physical attributes needed

and I can do all range of sport.

Can he back up the talk?

And later, Olivia Vivian has won more medals than she can count.

Bags of medals, mate. Bags.

Now this Perth livewire sets her sights on the ultimate prize.

To perve on all the hot guys.

We've got plenty more straight after the break

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

BEN: Welcome back to Ninja Island.

While you were away, we've seen a few more competitors

put themselves to the ultimate test.

REBECCA: Dog lover Paul Ranger was off-leash

and eating up the course.

The long arms, I think, are an advantage here for Paul Ranger.

And those long arms certainly helped him

reach the top of the Warped Wall,

where he celebrated doggy style.

(BARKS)

Then Newcastle electrician Mick Krake

treated us to a supercharged run...

This sparkie is ready to light up Ninja Island.

..capping off an electric performance

by making it up the wall.

And Queensland scaffolder Nic Turriff, nicknamed 'The Ant'.

Will his tradie background come into good use here?

He scaled new heights and also made it to the top.

Yeah!

(KLAXON BLARES)

Whoo!

Scott Evennett still has

the fastest time of the night,

but with several more

successful runs,

time is becoming a crucial factor

for this top 18.

And in 14th place,

Larissa Miller will be

desperate to discover if she can

hang on to her semi-final spot.

That means our remaining competitors know

every second counts.

Our next ninja is William Laister.

He's a carpenter, ex-snowboard racer, gymnast, and ballet dancer.

MAN: Yeah, my mum's pretty keen on the old dancing.

She put me in ballet when I was... I think I was five,

five to about ten,

and I didn't like it at first, but I got pretty good at it.

When I was 17, I started having pains in my back.

I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.

My immune system was attacking my joints,

thinking it was, like, a foreign body.

It got worse and worse. It slowed me down.

I couldn't do any sports. Running was totally out of the question.

I eventually couldn't walk properly.

I thought that was it for me -

I was never gonna be able to do anything again, yeah.

I went to this doctor

and then found out I had to inject myself every two weeks.

Ever since that, I've been able to walk, play sports,

do everything I need to do.

To become Australia's first Ninja Warrior would mean the world to me.

Going from where I was to now, you know,

going on the craziest obstacle course,

it's extremely satisfying.

It's amazing, you know? I'm very happy.

I've come so far, but there's still so much more to go.

Mum Lyn on the sidelines,

with girlfriend, Leigh, and coach, Kyle.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

Will he be the next tradie to get up the Warped Wall?

William just dancing through,

using those ballet skills to amazing effect.

On the UFO.

Yes, he's OK.

Bridge of Blades time. Straight through.

A big hit, but back up on his feet.

It doesn't matter if it's pretty or not,

as long as you do not touch the water.

Finds his way onto the Big Wheel.

That was just a clean grab only using his fingers.

There was no other part of his body that connected with the net.

How's he holding up, Freddie?

FREDDIE: Legs getting a little bit tangled on the net,

but he's through, he's through.

You got plenty of time - plenty of time, love!

Now he's realising that time is of the essence.

He wants to make a go of this.

He's wriggling and shaking... and making it his own.

You can see on his face how much physical exertion it takes

to get to the mat on the other side.

Get there.

The Tilting Frames are completed.

This is very quick.

Arches back, sticks the tongue out,

and makes a big attempt at the wall.

He's there the first go, Bec!

I did not expect that!

The 26-year-old tradie from Victoria

has set the fastest time tonight.

Sensational!

Go, William! That's so quick!

I can't believe it. Oh, my god.

BEN: Take a look at William on the Bridge of Blades.

He almost makes the same mistake as tour guide James earlier.

While James pushes up off the second blade,

William keeps lower,

giving him just enough contact with the third blade to make it across.

But that was a super fast time.

Mum, you stood there watching. You must be immensely proud.

Oh, I am so proud.

I can't believe what I just saw there. It's amazing.

Has it inspired you to have a go?

Oh, god, I'm too old. Sorry!

These competitors are getting faster and faster.

Our next ninja knows that every second counts.

Francis Cullimore played rugby for the Waratahs.

He was in the Australian Rugby Sevens team

and he's also a successful natural bodybuilder.

I like to think that I can succeed, no matter what I do.

I started with rugby league,

and then got picked up by the NSW Waratahs.

And when I turned 35,

I just thought, "I need to give the body a bit of a rest."

Little did I know

I'd be training as hard as I did when I was playing

now that I'm doing natural bodybuilding.

I do what I do because I've always got to have a challenge in my life.

Very competitive person.

I always like to win, no matter what.

I'm really confident I can win Ninja Warrior this year.

I'm very versatile. I've definitely got attitude.

I may be talking the talk,

but I'll show you that I can walk the walk as well.

Sisters Moana and Tania,

along with his wife, Kerrie, watching on.

Go, bro!

Now, Francis is one of our biggest warriors.

Over six foot, 95kg.

Very powerful lower body.

Fit as a fiddle and raring to go.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Off he goes on the five steps.

Oooh, a little bit of a stumble, but he's OK.

He won't have any problems with the toughness of this course tonight.

Australian Rugby Sevens team, being a member of that team,

that's for no shrinking violets, let me tell you.

Oh!

Sometimes it's the easiest things

that cause the biggest problems for our ninjas.

WOMAN: Do it again. WOMAN: Go again!

That's it. Keep going.

Yeah, he got through that,

but I wonder how much trouble the Bridge of Blades will cause him,

considering he's 100 kegs.

Oh, that nimble footwork in the Rugby Sevens paying off there.

We've had a number of very successful participants tonight,

so time is of the essence.

He gets the jump, gets the grab,

and now the swing to find himself onto the net.

Ooooh!

One little mistake and it could be goodnight,

but he's got it under control now.

FREDDIE: This is where Francis will find it hard.

Gotta carry that big frame underneath that cargo net.

If any part of the competitor or their clothing touches the water,

it can lead to disqualification,

and when there's so much of them, like Francis,

there's a greater chance they are gonna touch that water.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's blowing hard.

Maybe Francis is starting to tire.

He's one obstacle away from the wall,

but first, the Tilting Frames.

Francis! Francis!

Using those biceps, his arms are carrying that weight,

and he's looking good at the moment.

The transfer between these frames is precarious, Bec.

He's just bought himself a little bit of extra real estate there,

climbing right to the end of that frame.

And look at him pull himself up nice and high

to make sure that he's not straining those arms too much.

Swing! Go again!

Oooh!

Only just.

Now he has a look.

He's staring at the wall and thinking,

"Do I really have to run up that thing?"

The seconds are ticking away for Francis.

He's already more than a minute slower than William Laister's time.

Here's attempt number one.

Oh! He seemed to get there, but just couldn't hold on.

You've really gotta explode as you hit the curve.

He's gonna have to dig deep.

What's Francis got left?

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

The crowd's behind him.

Come on, Francis. You can do it.

Here he comes.

Francis, he's there!

And in a chance of going into the semi-finals.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Francis lost precious seconds on the cargo net,

and he grew more fatigued the longer he struggled to get down.

Luckily he had just enough left in the tank

to make it up that wall.

Francis, how'd that feel, mate?

Yeah, it's hard. It is so hard.

I don't have the cardio at all.

Take in this moment, my friend.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well done.

In the warm-up gym right now is dual Paralympian Sam Bramham,

the next competitor on the course.

Good luck, my boy. We're really barracking hard for you.

You've worked really hard, I think, and just have a great time.

Love you, mate. Very proud of you. Go, Sam!

Stick around. We'll see you soon right here on Ninja Island.

REBECCA: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior.

BEN: Here he goes. This is very quick.

Before the break, William Laister blazed through the course

in the fastest time tonight.

Sensational!

And Francis Cullimore dug deep...

Come on, Francis. You can do it.

..and muscled his way into the top 18.

Yeah, it's hard. It is so hard.

Next on deck,

it's gold medal-winning dual Paralympian swimmer Sam Bramham.

He was born without a right femur,

but he's refused to let that get in the way of his success.

MAN: I was born without my leg.

There was no medical conclusion given as to why.

I just like to say that my parents

didn't finish the job properly at the start, so it's their fault.

WOMAN: He was just our baby, as far as we were concerned.

He was fine, he was beautiful.

He just happened to miss a very important part of his leg.

I competed at the Athens Paralympics in 2004

and the Beijing Paralympics in 2008.

Broke a world record in the 400 freestyle,

broke a world record in the 100-metre butterfly,

and grabbed a gold, silver, and a bronze at both.

Sam got the Order of Australia at the beginning of 2009.

Not just for sporting,

it was also his contribution to youth with disability.

He is very, very good at what he does, and he's genuine.

Gotta watch the fingers and not get pinched at the back.

GIRL: Four years ago, I met Sam.

I thought, "OK, there is someone else in the world

"that actually is like me."

I'm excited. This is the first time I've seen you walk.

My role for young people with disability has always been positive,

and putting yourself out there

is probably the best role model that I could be.

No-one can tell anyone how to do things or what to do.

Sam's being really brave in Ninja Warrior.

It's something pretty big, knowing that Sam did this -

I reckon I could do it as well.

Mum Tracie and Aunt Sydney are on the sidelines

as Sam readies himself,

about to take on the Ninja Warrior course.

You just look at him and ask, "How is he gonna be able to do this?"

But when you consider his list of achievements,

he can do anything.

Well, he won't have any trouble with the obstacles

that require the upper body strength,

but this is gonna be tough right from the very first obstacle.

Go, Sammy!

Go, Sam! Come on! Go, Sammy!

An amazing amount of strength required in that left leg

to make it across each step, but he's doing it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This is remarkable!

I can't believe what I am watching right now.

Sam, come on, mate! Come on, mate!

Gosh, that is incredible!

Yeah, baby!

I tell you what, when you're at home and you say,

"I can't do that, that is too hard,"

get your inspiration from Sam.

Come on, mate. Come on, Sam! Come on!

Here he comes - down the UFO onto the rope.

No!

What an achievement, all the same.

Absolutely phenomenal effort.

He's been awarded an Order of Australia

and now you know why.

Sam was so close to making it through.

Unfortunately he missed his grip with his left hand,

and by knocking it with his wrist,

made it all but impossible to grab with his right.

A magnificent effort nonetheless.

This course is so tough, but how was it for you?

It must be unbelievably hard.

Yeah, look, it's different to be back in the pool again, but...

(LAUGHTER)

..it's hard.

I think everyone watching you

will have had shivers down their spine tonight.

Sam, congratulations, mate. Great effort.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Putting the finishing touches to her warm-up is Olivia Vivian.

We saw her ex-teammate Larissa Miller

fall short on the Warped Wall earlier.

Very soon Olivia will get the chance to make amends.

But before that, we've got a bit of an unknown quantity.

This is Ashlin Herbert.

He's a carpenter from the Mornington Peninsula, in Victoria.

He's a shy guy whose biggest fan is his mum.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

MAN: You have to be pretty fit to be a carpenter.

Lots of very physical work.

Apple teacake.

Yeah, I'm very close to my mum.

Dad passed away when I was seven,

so... it was a very hard time.

It's definitely given me a resilience

and, yeah, independence.

Yeah, the loss of Ashlin's dad definitely impacted.

He was only at primary school.

So, that's basically when I put him into gymnastics,

just to sort of keep his mind occupied.

From a young age, he could just, yeah, bounce around

and do cartwheels and backflips and all that sort of thing.

Single mother of two. She's a very strong woman.

Very loving. She's awesome.

I didn't realise I was raising a ninja, but as Ashlin grew up,

yeah, I thought he'd get into something like this.

I'm hoping to do my mum really proud in Ninja Warrior.

It looks like great fun, and I just want to try it, see how far I get.

Standing on the start line, he looks quite unassuming,

almost embarrassed.

Mum Gabrielle is on the sidelines

watching her beautiful 22-year-old boy.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

And here he goes.

Oh, that was low, but he saved his feet from touching the water.

Onto the UFO Slider. That was quick!

And this is even quicker!

Straight through the Blades.

Doesn't even pause for a breath

and he's already eyeing off the big wheel to the cargo net.

One swing towards the net,

he comes back for some more momentum, and here's the entry.

He's there, Bec.

Gabrielle with a big smile on her face.

How does Ashlin look, Freddie?

FREDDIE: Don't touch the water! Oh, my word, that was so close!

Take a deep breath. He's still going.

Up onto the Tilting Frames.

This guy is moving so quickly!

Go, Ashy!

The 22-year-old from Victoria

flying across these Tilting Frames.

This is some sort of time tonight,

but it won't count for anything unless he can make it up the wall.

There he goes - big hair, big hopes, and he's home!

That's incredible stuff.

Out of nowhere, Ashlin Herbert blows the field away.

That was record time.

You did that in one minute. One minute.

Go down and see your mum. She's dying to see you!

Good on you, Ashlin.

Take a look at Ashlin's dismount from the Tilting Frames.

Most ninjas move to the end of the final frame,

but Ashlin was confident enough to jump from the middle.

After swinging back, he lifted himself up,

and brought his legs through fast

to rappel himself onto the mat.

No doubt who the fastest tradie tonight is -

Ashlin Herbert with a bolt from the blue.

Ashlin's on top of the leaderboard

after beating fellow carpenter

William Laister's time

by nearly 20 seconds.

Scott Evennett's heroic efforts

put him in sixth position,

ahead of Ryan Solomon.

Rugby player Francis Cullimore

is 18th,

meaning, sadly, Larissa Miller

has missed out.

But next, the last competitor of the night, Olivia Vivian,

will be aiming to shake up the leaderboard one more time.

She hits the course when we return here on Australian Ninja Warrior.

BEN: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,

where we're still in awe of the fastest run of the night,

from surprise package, 22-year-old Ashlin Herbert.

You did that in one minute. One minute!

Yes!

Our final competitor tonight is champion gymnast Olivia Vivian.

Her ex-teammate Larissa Miller

missed out by millimetres earlier.

Can Olivia use her extra height and go one better?

As a competitive gymnast, I've won, um... How much time you got?

It's been a long career, and I recently retired.

You know, I have a whole lot of memories, good and bad.

Gymnastics isn't normally a paid sport.

It's very tough to support your way,

especially at the top level,

and so an opportunity popped up

for me to start the cafe.

A lot of people ask me, "Why is it called The Leaky Tap?"

My father was a plumber,

and he, unfortunately, passed away a few years ago,

and so this cafe was sort of my fun way to honour him.

I love it. I love it every day.

I wake up excited to go to work.

I'm doing Ninja Warrior to perve on all the hot guys.

I go 100% and I attack every goal I have,

and you know, I got a bag of medals at home.

Why not add a Ninja Warrior trophy to the case?

WOMAN: Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! AUDIENCE: Oi! Oi! Oi!

Takes off the ra-ra skirt, throws that away.

FREDDIE: Well, let's just hope she stops there.

Keep the rest of it on, Olivia.

Yeah, she means business, Freddie.

She's won over 500 medals,

including seven Aussie championships,

world championships,

and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.

She has a fine CV to become a ninja.

And the gymnastics experience seems to come in very handy.

She'll need it all tonight.

2:55 is the time to beat.

Onto the UFO Slider.

Oh, I thought she'd left it too late,

but she managed it, Freddie.

Getting more and more confident as she goes.

Needs to gather some speed now to run through BoB.

Oh!

BoB nearly taking another victim, but Olivia was having none of it.

Being a gymnast, she'll be no stranger to a trampoline.

Here she goes.

Moves very well through the air, hanging from that wheel.

Oh, this is the great dilemma -

when do you let go, or can you grab it with your feet?

Our competitors here, well, many of them have mastered this cargo net.

They've worked out that the easiest way

is actually to hook your leg in first.

She's getting tantalisingly closer, and she's hooked on.

The long legs stretched out to enable her onto the cargo net.

And now she clambers her way down to get onto the mat.

Remember, 2:55 is the time Olivia needs to beat

to make it into the top 18.

Come on!

Now, her favourite apparatus is the uneven bars.

So, she has probably been looking forward to the Tilting Frames.

AUDIENCE: Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!

She is looking good at this point. Very good indeed!

The crowd is pumped, willing her on!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Just like Larissa did,

she's showing plenty of upper body strength,

but can she nail the dismount?

Can she? She does.

This is Olivia Vivian's opportunity

to be the first woman on Australian Ninja Warrior

to make it to the top of the Warped Wall.

Can she use those long arms and legs to make it up?

Here we go - first attempt.

No, she's well short.

2:55. That's what she needs to beat.

30 seconds to get to the top and into the semi-finals.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

This is the moment.

Ooooh!

Oh, this Warped Wall is proving very difficult

She has one more chance.

Will she be the first woman on Australian Ninja Warrior

to make it to the top?

I've got a very good feeling.

This is for a place in the semi-finals.

Will she do it, Down Under? Come on!

No!

(KLAXON BLARES)

Oh, so close.

She waves to the crowd. That is a sterling effort, all the same.

Olivia, Olivia, Olivia. Mate, I know. I know.

I knew that one was gonna challenge me,

and, phew, that's an awesome course.

You was running up that wall and you was just centimetres away.

Ahh, it's alright.

You know, I'm happy to be here on the first Australian season.

Go, Australia!

Let's hope we see you in the second one too.

Great effort, Olivia. Thanks for coming.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a big round of applause.

Ever so close!

Well done, Olivia. Great effort. Thanks, guys. Thank you.

What a finish to the heat,

but Olivia Vivian just misses out.

Ashlin Herbert leads the way

with the fastest time of the night,

and he's sent out a big message

for the semi-finals.

He'll be joined

by ex-commando Scott Evennett,

and the impressive plumber

Ryan Solomon,

while tour guide Travers Jamieson

and rugby coach Francis Cullimore

manage to hang onto their places in the top 18,

There has been some unbelievable runs by our ninjas in this heat,

but the Performance of the Night goes to the amazing Ashlin Herbert.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(KLAXON BLARES)

That was incredible.

Our ninjas have really shown us tonight what they're made of.

Yeah, one thing's for sure - I think we're all addicted to this.

We'll see you soon on Australian Ninja Warrior!

Tonight saw 18 ninjas nail their place in the semis.

And he's there!

And tomorrow another 50 competitors will face their chance.

18 more semi-final places are up for grabs,

with a new course standing in their way.

This is going to test upper body strength.

Brothers David and Mark Ravi love Ninja Warrior so much,

they built their own Ninja Academy.

We've always been into Ninja Warrior.

It's, like, the best TV show in the world.

Will they have the passion?

Will Sheena-Lauren Steinert have the determination?

You're going into an arena to fight to the death.

And will Samson and John from Justice Crew have the moves?

We're a crew, and we're about to serve justice.

On you, Ninja Warrior.

That's tomorrow on Australian Ninja Warrior.