With Drew Drechsel, Ryan Stratis, Jessica Clayton, RJ Roman, Travis Rosen and so many other top Ninjas in the mix at the Atlanta City Qualifiers, we knew from the start that we were in for a treat. So many amazing Ninjas were chasing their dreams through hard work, focus, grit, and nerves of steel. Today, we’ll focus on the Dream Chaser himself, Tyler Gillett.
As Tyler reflected on his 3rd season on American Ninja Warrior, he posted this on Instagram:
“The dream is the top. The dream is total victory.”
Tyler’s first run of the season in Atlanta definitely gave us the vibe that he was chasing that dream. He ran confidently, efficiently, and quickly – so quickly that he earned the second-fastest time of the night and a spot in the Power Tower against Drew Drechsel. In Tyler’s own words, Drew forced him to “go big or go home.” Drew ended up victorious on the Power Tower, but both Ninjas were stoked about their Atlanta City Qualifiers experience.
Of course, hitting a City Qualifier buzzer is nothing new for Tyler. So far, he has completed every ANW City Qualifier course he’s attempted, starting with his rookie year is season 9.
The City Finals course was where Tyler believed he had unfinished business. His results in the City Finals courses had been pretty stellar up to this point (getting to the ninth obstacle and qualifying for Vegas both years), but Tyler wanted that buzzer. And it would be extra special to achieve it in front of his hometown crowd in Atlanta… He did it! Tyler chased his dreams, and he hit that City Finals buzzer in front of all his family and friends!
On to Vegas, another familiar endeavor for Tyler. For the past two years, he had hit the Stage 1 buzzer, but failed on Stage 2. Would this year be the same? Well, it started the same. Tyler added another Stage 1 buzzer to his list of accomplishments.
With 3 buzzers under his belt, in this season alone, Tyler was hungry for another difficult buzzer – one that he had never touched before, one that only an elite group of Ninjas could claim victory over. Stage 2 had only been beaten 25 times in the entire show’s history.
Tyler and all of his Ninja buddies were hungry though, and prepared to chase their dreams. As Tyler stepped to the starting blocks, he likely had the third obstacle on his mind. (The third obstacle took him out on seasons 9 and 10.) His past didn’t haunt him though, he defeated the Stage 2 course, bringing his season 11 buzzer count to 4.
And then it was time for Stage 3, the stage only two Ninjas had ever conquered. During Stage 3, Tyler looked strong all the way to Cane Lane, but that’s where his run ended. Here’s Tyler’s thoughtful perspective on Stage 3 and beyond.
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