How did 19 year old Noah Muenier fare in American American Ninja Warrior Season 17?

American Ninja Warrior
American Ninja Warrior | Image Source: Instagram /@noah.anw

American Ninja Warrior's Noah Meunier turned heads once again in Season 17, proving he’s one of the sport’s brightest rising stars. The NBC show is all about conquering brutal obstacle courses that push every limit of strength, speed, and focus, with a $250,000 prize waiting at the end. This season shook things up with head-to-head races instead of solo time trials, meaning one slip or one slow move sent athletes packing. At just 19, the Fairhaven, Massachusetts, native tore through the bracket, keeping his streak of flawless runs alive deep into the finale.

On championship night, he stacked up four straight wins before running into fellow 19-year-old powerhouse Kai Beckstrand, an EMT from Utah with a reputation as one of the sport’s toughest. Their duel sealed the season, with the title and prize riding on every step. Despite competing while battling illness, Meunier pushed through to secure second place overall in his third consecutive season as the top New England performer.

How did Noah Muenier’s journey come to an end on American Ninja Warrior Season 17?

Meunier's path to the finale showcased his elite skill level and competitive instincts. He adapted quickly to the new head-to-head format that replaced traditional individual runs. The Massachusetts native won four straight elimination races to reach the championship match.

His semifinal victory against Kaden Lebsack proved particularly dramatic. Meunier was battling a cold during filming and felt extremely fatigued. He barely held onto the final handle as Lebsack fell, securing his spot in the Final Four through sheer determination.

The young athlete maintained his perfect obstacle completion record for most of the American Ninja Warrior season. A counter displayed on screen tracked his consecutive successes throughout the episodes. Meunier completed 129 obstacles in a row before finally falling on "Falling Shelves" during the finale.

The American Ninja Warrior season's climactic race pitted two 19-year-old prodigies against each other. Beckstrand entered as the clear favorite after dominating earlier competitions. Meunier faced the challenge while still recovering from his illness.

Despite his physical condition, Meunier kept pace with Beckstrand through most of the final course on American Ninja Warrior. The showdown stayed tight until the last obstacle, where Meunier’s flawless streak finally snapped. Beckstrand powered through to grab the $250,000 prize and the Season 17 crown. After the race, host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila likened Meunier’s effort to Michael Jordan’s legendary “flu game,” since the 19-year-old battled sickness while still delivering one of the season’s gutsiest runs.

His breakout finish also put a spotlight on Massachusetts as a new hotbed for American Ninja Warrior talent. Six New Englanders reached the finale, with Meunier leading the regional charge. His training base at Vitality Obstacle Fitness in Fall River has produced multiple elite competitors.

This marked his third consecutive American Ninja Warrior season as the top New England performer. He previously finished third overall in both seasons 15 and 16. The consistency demonstrates his steady improvement and competitive maturity despite his young age.

His girlfriend, Addy Herman, won the 2024 Women's Championship and holds multiple records herself. The couple set a Guinness World Record for fastest mixed-pair obstacle course completion. Their combined success highlights the depth of talent emerging from the region.

How does Noah balance competition and career?

Meunier manages his ninja training alongside his career as an electrical apprentice. He works for EAV Solutions in Buzzards Bay during the day before coaching and training in the evenings. The demanding schedule requires careful time management and physical conditioning.

His technical school background from Old Colony Regional provided practical skills that complement his athletic pursuits. The combination of physical work and ninja training has contributed to his strength and endurance development over the years.

Looking ahead to Season 18, NBC has confirmed the head-to-head racing format will continue. Meunier embraced the changes while acknowledging they created an entirely different competition requiring new strategies and mental approaches.


American Ninja Warrior airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh