06.10.15 — Competitors on the NBC game show “American Ninja Warrior” run up walls, cross rolling logs, and try to keep their balance through an obstacle course that tests their strength and agility.
Rachel (Munson) Person ’96, an Augustana nursing graduate and mom of five from Sioux Falls, got to run that famous obstacle course on Mother’s Day at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Her episode airs at 7 p.m. Central on Monday, June 22.
“Watching it in your living room and standing on the obstacle course are two totally different views,” she said. “Perspective is all about where you are standing!”
She can’t say how she did until after the episode airs. Among the details she can reveal: how she got selected, what it was like for her family, and why she ran the course at 3 a.m.
She answered more questions in a statement she shared with friends.
How did you get selected? Was there a tryout?
“No tryout. There was a detailed written application as well as a video submission. From those two things, I was selected out of 50,000 people by ANW to be one of about 600 spots (100 spots per region, six regions). For those who are not selected, there are some who do a ‘walk on’ line for a small chance at being selected to run the course. They camp out for weeks on end.”
What was the best part?
“Simply being selected and chosen. What an amazing and humbling honor. Getting to meet all the other ninjas, hear their stories, cheer them on, just share the experience together. Standing on that platform, taking a deep breath and telling myself this was really happening was surreal.”
What was the hardest part?
“In all honesty, probably knowing how hard it was on my family! In all the other regions, family and friends were able to watch the entire taping all night and see all the competitors run the course. At Universal, there was limited seating so my family was only able to be ushered in to watch me run the course. They waited hours on end, standing like sardines, outside in the heat, no food or water after being outside in 95 degrees all day. Two of my kids were puking. Mentally it was hard for me to know that they were not doing too well and how much they were sacrificing to watch me.”
What surprised you?
“Probably watching people get injured. It was hard enough to watch people fall – it broke my heart – because you know on any given day any competitor could rock the course! Watching people get injured was really hard for me though.
“I also really was amazed by all of the people, details, things that go into making a TV production! It was really cool to see and realize!”
When did you run the course?
“You are given a number when you arrive (I was in the ‘early’ group and arrived at 6 p.m.). I was number 49 and ran the course at almost 3 a.m. in the morning!”
Will we see you on TV?
“I can't guarantee that you will see me!
“They do tape each competitor’s entire run but then choose to edit for the show and highlight what they want to! There are the feature story competitors whom they almost always show the entire run for! Some competitors are shown running the whole course, some falling, some just making it up the wall, and some, like my friend Brandon who ran the Kansas City course and finished it, are never shown! So, don't be disappointed if you don't see me!
“I will be totally fine if they don't show my run. I got to live it! However, either way, it will be a show to watch as I watched the competition live and there were some amazing runs!”
About 'American Ninja Warrior'
“American Ninja Warrior” is in its seventh season. Those who successfully complete the finals course in their designated region move on to the national finals round in Las Vegas, where they face a four-stage course modeled after the Mt. Midoriyama course in Japan. The winner will take home a grand prize of $1 million.