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Well, when you’re right, you’re right. Just ask American Ninja Warrior competitor Nate Hansen. Here’s what he said to us after his course completion in the season 13 Qualifiers.
“Mentally, I was stronger than ever. I had more confidence than I’ve ever had and more belief in my training. I had the right things in the right place at the right time. My performance was very representative of that.”
Nate once again proved that “stronger than ever” statement when he took the course on the final night of the Semifinals. He tore through the course, including the new Drop Zone, the return of the Crazy Clocks, and the draining Dungeon on Split Decision. Nate, who has openly shared his journey with a growth hormone deficiency, hit the buzzer, assuring his place at the National Finals.
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For Nate, it was a moment he’s visualized for years.
“I’ve seen so many people like myself do it over the years,” he shared with us. “As a kid, I imagined getting into that Spider Trap and climbing all the way up. This year is the year I finally got to accomplish that goal.
I was pretty tired by that point, but I knew it was the final push. It was all going to be worth it. I made sure to take it easy and take my time so there were no little mess-ups. But I also wanted to push and try to get that fast time.”
Nate made his Ninja Warrior debut in season 12, which means that the National Finals weren’t an option even if Nate had made it to the Finals that year. This time around, he’s heading to Vegas, and he’s very clear on his expectations.
“I expect a million dollars is what I expect. All the way up that rope and hitting that buzzer that earns me a million bucks.”
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Nate’s confidence has been well-founded this year. He has been able to talk the talk and walk the walk. But all glory aside, Nate’s season already means so much to him and his ability to inspire others.
“This opportunity is just incredible. The fact that I got to inspire so many people across the nation is worth more than a million dollars. It is very cool to be able to come out here and show the world that no matter who you are or what your size may be, that you can accomplish all these obstacles just like I have.”
We’ll be cheering for Nate as he moves on to Stage One of the American Ninja Warrior National Finals.