Teenager with cerebral palsy continues dominating run on ‘American Ninja Warrior’
Fan-favorite ninja Vance Walker was looking to advance beyond stage one of the American Ninja Warrior finals, which kicked off on Monday. The 16-year-old was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 18-months-old, and he says that the movement disorder still hinders him on some obstacles.
So when Walker reached the Jumping Spider obstacle during his run on Monday, one that saw plenty of failure throughout the night, all eyes were on the five-foot five-inch high schooler.
But not only did he get through the Jumping Spider with relative ease, he made it all the way to the end of the course. And when you pair his success from Monday and earlier in the season with the fact that he won American Ninja Warrior Junior in two consecutive years, Walker has officially never fallen on an obstacle. A streak that he will take into Stage two of the finals.
Video transcript
- If you're not familiar, cerebral palsy is a movement disorder that affects roughly one in every 350 kids. There's no known cure, only treatment, which is why Vance Walker winning "Ninja Junior" twice is so impressive.
- But Matt, stage one may be a challenge.
KYLIE MAR: Stage one at the "American Ninja Warrior" finals kicked off Monday Night with fan-favorite ninja Vance Walker looking to advance. The 16-year-old was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 18 months old, and he says the movement disorder still affects him on some obstacles. So when he reached the Jumping Spider, which was a struggle for plenty of contestants Monday, all eyes were on the 5' 5" Vance.
- Matt, he can go.
- Come on.
- And no problem!
- And he's running, got a decent pace, and really being cautious there, being smart.
- Trying to get that ankle flexibility, make sure that his feet are locked in as much as possible.
- Really nice. Good job.
KYLIE MAR: The high school student who was born in Texas and lives in Georgia has won "Ninja Warrior Junior" twice. And when you pair that with his success this season on the show, he has never fallen on an obstacle, a streak that is still going strong.
- I know he's bringing his books.
- Well it's not just lifting [INAUDIBLE] He's lifting it up, and look at him ascend that!
- Oh, wow. Look at this. Look at this.
- Walker remains perfect as he runs his way to a buzzer and stage two.
- All he does is this. All he does is this.
KYLIE MAR: Viewers on Twitter loved Vance's performance, with comments like, "Vance Walker is someone to watch. His story is the definition of fall down seven, get up eight. Keep going Vance." And, "Death, taxes, and Vance Walker dominating "American Ninja Warrior.""
And with a safety pass still in his possession, which is basically a "get out of the water free" card, big things could be coming for Vance.
- We may be looking at our next Ninja Warrior, and he's just 16 years old. This kid is good.
- And Matt, oh by the way, he has his safety pass for stage two.
