When Allyssa Beird soared through the American Ninja Warrior course, her accomplishments showcased not just speed but also unwavering perseverance. Beird, a committed fifth-grade teacher from Massachusetts, demonstrates both strength and passion on national television while juggling her intense ninja training.
Allyssa made a strong impression at the Philadelphia qualifiers, where she took on the course with sharp focus and a whole lot of aggression. Fans and competitors respected her highly, being one of four women who fought their way to Stage 1 of the National Finals in 2019.
Her story, though, is about grit no less than athleticism. Years of focused training, balancing lesson plans with exercises, and overcoming obstacles—including a surgically repaired shoulder—propelled her to succeed.
Off-camera, Allyssa talks about her experiences training ninjas at night, educating students by day, and motivating fans via TV interviews and social media. Fans who value not only her impressive flips but also her modest dedication resonate with her journey from classroom to obstacle course.
Allyssa Beird is more than just a competitor in her community, where gyms are as significant as gradebooks. She is a contemporary superhero who approaches classrooms and twisted walls with equal fervor.
Allyssa Beird’s journey: From teacher’s desk to American Ninja Warrior stage
Growing up in Plainville, Massachusetts, Allyssa Beird is not your average American Ninja Warrior competitor. She is a committed fifth-grade teacher who has demonstrated that tenacity and enthusiasm can transition successfully from the classroom to the obstacle course. Her ninja journey inspires audiences worldwide—from her early gymnastics roots to her success on Stage One.
Allyssa used the furnishings in her living room as a springboard for her 15 years of gymnastics training. After a move and injury forced her to retire from competitive gymnastics, she took on new challenges by participating in Spartan events in 2015 and running her first marathon in 2011.
After discovering the ninja world that same year, she applied to American Ninja Warrior within months. She won a wildcard entry into the Las Vegas National Finals and secured a spot in the Top 30 by Season 8 in Philadelphia.
Making history & balancing life
Allyssa’s influence on American Ninja Warrior continued to grow. She became the second woman ever to clear Stage One of the National Finals in Season 9, after becoming the first woman that season to hit a qualification buzzer in Cleveland. In her finals interview, she quietly pressed the buzzer.
All of this while working full-time as a fifth-grade teacher in Middleborough. She revealed on Reddit that balancing ninja training and teaching required her to take unpaid leave to pursue her goals and use personal days for qualifying rounds.
Allyssa Beird is a remarkable example of perseverance and commitment. Her story demonstrates that you don’t have to choose between your work and your dreams—you can do both, and do them well. Whether she’s teaching students by day or mastering the Warped Wall by night, she continues to inspire.
Fans can watch Allyssa Beird on American Ninja Warrior on NBC.