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In the second semifinal episode of American Ninja Warrior Season 17, only 20 coveted slots were up for grabs in the finals, and the competition was therefore fierce. NBC's long-running favourite put these athletes' power, speed, and attention to the test with a challenging 10-obstacle course. With Zuri Hall on the sidelines and Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila on commentary, the night became even more dramatic as the Corkscrew obstacle returned to derail several promising runs.
Teenagers, veterans, and some inspiring comeback tales were all represented in the roster. Among the top performers was Donovan Metoyer, a seasoned ninja, who made it all the way to the infamous Invisible Ladder, the last hurdle. Teenager Talan Yorn, who battled Lyme illness and persevered through his marathon, was also one of the night's greatest inspirations.
However, this semifinal round was anything but simple. Even the beginning of the course wasn't a joke, as a few of the aspirants were eliminated early on the Ferris Wheel and Log Runner. Despite some outstanding runs, the American Ninja Warrior episode didn't reveal the complete list of the 20 finalists just yet.
What happened in this episode of American Ninja Warrior?
The semifinal course featured ten challenging obstacles designed to eliminate all but the most skilled athletes. The lineup included Quad Steps, Fly Wheels, Log Runner, Spin Cycle, Ferris Wheel, and the dreaded Warped Wall for the first six challenges.
The back half proved even more demanding with the Salmon Ladder, the returning Corkscrew obstacle, Doorknob Arch, and the towering Invisible Ladder as the final challenge. The Corkscrew made its return from Season 12, continuing its reputation for eliminating strong competitors.
Several athletes fell victim to seemingly easier obstacles. The Log Runner claimed multiple victims including professional knight Trent Litzen and climber Megan Rowe. The Ferris Wheel also proved problematic, eliminating both David Campbell and Xavian Ochoa.
Donovan Metoyer delivered the night's most impressive run, advancing furthest among the featured competitors. Known as "The Classy Ninja" for competing in formal suits, the 10-time veteran successfully conquered the first nine obstacles.
Metoyer reached the 35-foot Invisible Ladder but couldn't complete the climb to hit the buzzer. His performance demonstrated the exceptional skill required to advance in these semifinals, as even experienced competitors struggled with the demanding course.
Teenage athlete Talan Yorn provided the evening's most inspiring storyline. The course was taken by 16-year-old Talan Yorn of Lincoln, California, who had been bedridden for three years due to Lyme disease. In order to stay healthy, he now requires daily stomach injections and twice-monthly IV treatments.
Talan crushed seven obstacles despite falling at the Corkscrew, which was far better than his qualifying run, where he was eliminated by the Ferris Wheel. Through his Limelight Foundation, he is utilising his time on the show to raise awareness about Lyme disease.
It was also a rough night for some top names on American Ninja Warrior. 18-year-old Katie Bone, a former Women’s Champion, was back on the course after a major knee injury from a 2023 rock climbing accident, but the comeback wasn’t easy.
Despite extensive rehabilitation and training, Bone fell on the Log Runner obstacle. Her return marked significant personal growth following surgery, with aspirations of making the 2028 US Olympic Team still intact.
On the Corkscrew, YouTube sensation Paxton Myler of the well-known Ninja Kidz TV channel was also eliminated. In the qualifications this season, the 16-year-old had already accomplished a buzzer, but he was unable to duplicate that accomplishment.
Despite his vast expertise and other notable saves throughout the show's history, veteran contestant David Campbell, 47, fell on the Ferris Wheel.
What are the future implications of the elimination?
Flashbacks of iconic saves throughout the show's history were included in the episode, emphasising how dramatic competition can be. These included Geoff Britten's Stage 3 saving in Season 7 of American Ninja Warrior and David Campbell's incredible comeback in Season 12.
Which athletes move on to the finals, where they will face even more difficult obstacles, will depend on the outcomes of the semifinals. Only the top 20 performers from this round qualified for the competition's next stage.
From young influencers to seasoned veterans, the American Ninja Warrior's popularity across age groups and backgrounds was demonstrated by the wide diversity of contestants, each of whom brought their own reasons and tales to the course.
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American Ninja Warrior airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with next-day streaming available on Peacock.
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