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UPDATE: We plain old forgot that the Archer Steps existed. We’ve updated this article to include the obstacle.
“I just don’t want to go out on the first obstacle.”
We hear that all the time from the rookies (and some veterans) on each season of American Ninja Warrior. When you plan to take on the course you plan for big things. No Ninja wants to hit the water in the first 10 seconds of their run.
Alas, it happens. Nerves, silly mistakes, miscalculations. Many a rookie (and some veterans) can attest that the first obstacle on the course should never be overlooked.
Generally, the first obstacle is one of the few constants in each season of the show. It repeats between the Qualifiers and the City Finals (except for season 10 when the show brought in the Archer Steps as the first obstacle of the City Finals courses). It also stays the same as the show moves from location to location. However, the obstacle itself has changed from season to season.
Which “first obstacle” from the history of American Ninja Warrior is your favorite?
Need a reminder? Here are the four obstacles that have appeared over the 12 seasons.
Quintuple Steps (Seasons 1, 5, 6, 7)
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Quad Steps (Seasons 2, 3, 4)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22363551/699402388.jpg)
Floating Steps (Seasons 8, 9, 10)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22363562/541891376.jpg)
Shrinking Steps (Seasons 11, 12)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22363565/1229055739.jpg)
Archer Steps (Season 10 City Finals)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22371884/1017339404.jpg)
Which one is your favorite and why? Take the poll and share your thoughts in the comments.
Poll
Which "first obstacle" is your favorite?
This poll is closed
-
14%
Quintuple Steps
-
4%
Quad Steps
-
35%
Floating Steps
-
36%
Shrinking Steps
-
8%
Archer Steps