Horizon alum Bennett among American Ninja Warriors

days later her entire gymnastics team went to a ninja gym out of the blue.

Taybi syndrome (RTS), a rare genetic disorder.

Mountain Time.

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Jaelyn Bennett was helping Horizon High School in ornton excel in gymnastics, she never imagined she’d have a chance of winning “American Ninja Warrior.” She’d seen the show before, but it wasn’t something she thought about doing.

Now, Bennett, along with ve other Coloradans, is competing in the show’s 15th season on NBC. All six survived the season’s premiere episode and advanced to the semi nals.

By conquering unique obstacles and beating timed physical challenges — all while battling the elements — they inch closer to the $1 million that’s on the table for the national winner in Las Vegas.

“I never really saw myself doing this until after I graduated high school,” Bennet said. “It was fall of 2018 when I was scrolling through social media and I saw [‘American Ninja Warrior’ legend Jessie Gra ] competing and I just thought, ‘Man, that is so cool. I really think this is something I can do.’ at night, I actually made ese gyms, which feature physically-demanding challenges and equipment to practice them, have become abundant in Colorado, Bennett said. ere are more than a dozen in and around the Denver area alone.

It’s created a community that is inspired by the show and spreading every year, she said.

Another product of the growing movement is Emily Keener of Arvada.

“ e Colorado ninja community is so talented, and I feel very lucky to have grown up training with some of the country’s best ninjas,” Keener said. “ e opportunity to compete alongside my coaches and training partners made my rookie season on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ incredible. I was thrilled to nish in rst place among the women on my qualifying episode, and I can’t wait to take on the semi nals course with this season’s brand new format of head-to-head racing.”

For Castle Rock’s Hans Hertz, becoming the next American Ninja Warrior was something he always dreamed of.

To represent his home state on the biggest stage is

“Being able to live out a childhood dream was the greatest moment of my life,” Hertz said. “Getting to share that moment with my brother made it even more special. I am so elated I was able to spread inclusion through this opportunity.”

Bennett, now 23, has years of training under her belt and is considered one of the better ninja prospects across the nation. While her gymnastics background translated well, she said viewers might not understand just how di cult things like grip strength and dealing with weather conditions can be. Temperatures can drop, even in warm places like Los Angeles, which has seen an abundance of rain recently also.

But she encourages viewers to chase their dreams and try new things.

“I have people I haven’t talked to in probably 10 years message me and be like, ‘I saw you on TV! at’s so awesome and inspiring!’” Bennett said. “So, it’s nice to know I can inspire people to try new things because I did something even though it was kind of scary.”

Meet the Colorado contestants on season 15 of “American Ninja Warrior” through

Also, keep an eye out for more potential Coloradans in later qualifying rounds as the season unfolds.

1. Hans Hertz, 15 Hometown: Castle Rock, CO

Occupation: High school sophomore American Ninja Warrior History: First appearance Hertz’ younger brother Harper is his hero. He was diagnosed with RubinsteinTaybi syndrome (RTS) - a rare genetic disorder. In some severe cases, RTS can severely a ect organs, shortening life expectancy, but this isn’t the case with Harper. Harper is nonverbal, so he signs and uses an assistive device in order to communicate.

Hans and Harper connect with their love of ninja. Harper was in physical training for many years and hated it. However, after Hans started training in ninja, Harper engaged with ninja in ways the physical therapist never could. Ninja works on some of the same things his physical therapist did such as balance, core strength, spatial awareness, jumping, and planning motor movements.

Hertz is a Formula 1 superfan and wants to pursue a

2. Austin Gray, 26 Hometown: Broom eld

Occupation: Ninja coach

American Ninja Warrior History: Six-time ANW veteran, three-time national nalist, two-time runner-up After a disappointing fall on stage one last season, the two-time runner-up is just trying to keep up with his friend Nate and protégé Taylor Greene. He coaches and trains with best friend Nate Hansen, prodigy Taylor Greene and girlfriend Jaelyn Bennett.

Austin partnered with the National Kidney Foundation last year to produce a public service announcement about his story. Austin is a living organ donor and hopes to show that people can still achieve amazing things even after donating a kidney.

3. Nate Hansen, 22 Hometown: Broom eld

Occupation: Business student / ninja coach

American Ninja Warrior History: Four-time ANW veteran, two-time national nalist, seven buzzers in three seasons

“Gnarly Nate” became the shortest to ever reach Stage 3 last season and now his impact on the community is reaching new heights.

At the age of 10, Hansen stopped growing at 4-foot-7 and was diagnosed with growth hormone deciency at age 12. He was prescribed a growth hormone shot that he had to take every day for ve years. e shot was not as e ective as originally hoped – he only grew an additional seven inches.

However, he has spoken in front of large groups and helped raise money for research into human growth disorders. He was awarded e Daniels Fund, a full-ride scholarship, which is based on leadership, integrity, respect, and community service.

Hansen is working on a new look for this season: big gnarly muscles and a big gnarly mustache. He’s added heavy weight lifting to his workout routine and he’s liking the results.

4. Glenn Albright, 30

Hometown: Colorado Springs

Occupation: Ninja coach

American Ninja Warrior History:

Four-time ANW Veteran

Growing up, Albright’s grandpa would tell him stories about his carabao (water bu alo) farm, in the Philippines. When his grandpa died, he decided to become the Carabao Ninja, as a way to honor his grandfather and heritage.

While visiting family in Manila, Albright heard about the growing ninja community and decided to try out local comps. He was surprised by how fast and talented the Filipino ninjas were!

Albright now trains at a minimum of ve times per week. He feels mentally stronger and better prepared than ever and has been keeping his body as strong as possible to minimize injuries.

He worked as a deli cutter at a BBQ joint for four years. When they closed down, he shifted his career focus to being a trainer and ninja coach at Warrior Playground in Longmont.

5. Jaelyn Bennett, 23

Hometown: ornton

Occupation: Mechanical engineering student

American Ninja Warrior History: Season 14 veteran

Bennett is a multitasking engineering student who calculates her route across the course. She trains while also nishing her studies and working three jobs.

She met her boyfriend, Austin Gray, through mutual ninja gym friend Nate Hansen – Austin’s best friend. ey’ve been together since September 2020. Bennett attended Horizon High School and was on the gymnastics team (2014-2018). She helped her team place third in state her senior year.

6. Emily Keener, 15

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Occupation: High school student

American Ninja Warrior History: Ninja Junior veteran Keener has a unique ability called synesthesia that causes her to see vivid colors when hearing di erent sounds. When listening to music she sees a vivid blend of colors and patterns all around her based on the notes of each song. When reading or writing, each letter she sees has a di erent color, which can be distracting.

Keener trains with Austin Gray, Nate Hansen and Taylor Greene. She recently beat all the top women ninjas at a national competition, including Jesse Labreck. She also competed on season two of Ninja Junior where she was mentored by Jessie Gra , and they still keep in touch. Her little brother Caleb “Lil Kat” Keener competed on season three of Ninja Junior as well.