Fox Friday: Emily Gardiner Gets a Lesson in Grit and Determination Competing in American Ninja Warrior

Fox Friday is a series that highlights the accomplishments of students districtwide. We regularly feature the incredible things our students are up to — whether they are excelling academically, athletically or are quietly impressive.

Today’s Fox Friday focuses on senior Emily Gardiner, who has been invited back for her third season of American Ninja Warrior, a reality TV show where elite athletes from across the country compete to tackle the most difficult obstacle course in the world.

How did you get into being a ninja warrior athlete?

I got into the sport through my dad. He did it for fun and started me in classes at The Grit Ninja in Pleasantville. I was instantly obsessed, and I’ve been doing it for five years now.

What does training for such a high level of competition look like?

I train at the ninja gym three times a week for two hours. I do strength, conditioning and plyometric training (exercises that use explosive movement to gain power) four times a week at my local gym for one to two hours. I also have to be very aware of how I’m fueling my body. That goes for food, hydration, etc.

What process did you have to go through to get on the show?

First, you have to film a three-minute submission video and fill out lots of questions about who you are and why you’re interested in competing. Then, you submit your application through their casting website and wait for a call back. Around 70 thousand people apply every year, and they only pick 100-200 to compete. Getting invited back for my third season was a definite blessing!

What is your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part of the experience is getting to compete and do behind-the-scenes stuff with all my friends. They do a lot of hero shots (dynamic photos meant to capture the audience’s attention) and b-roll, for example, and it looks super cool on TV, but you would be surprised at how fun it is to actually create! Competing in front of a big crowd is very intimidating, but ultimately ends up being one of my favorite parts each year simply because of how energetic they are.

Did you learn anything that surprised you?

I didn’t know going into the application process that we would be filming overnight. When I actually got invited to compete, it was definitely a shock. I’m still not 100 percent sure why they film overnight, but I’m pretty sure it has to do with wanting to film outdoors while controlling the lighting. Filming takes place in Los Angeles or Las Vegas from 7 pm to 5 am some nights.

How has the experience changed you as a person?

When you’re competing with such high stakes in front of a big audience, there’s obviously a lot of pressure put on you. You’re bound to mess up occasionally. So, if Ninja Warrior has taught me anything it’s the ability to look at your losses from a different perspective. You don’t learn anything when you win, you learn when you’re at your lowest trying to get to your highest. That applies in ninja and in life.

Is there anything else you think people should know?

Nutrition is a very big part of how I’m able to perform at such a high level. If I don’t get the right amount of protein and vitamins, my athletic abilities suffer.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

My hopes and dreams for the future are to continue American Ninja Warrior throughout college. I want to study kinesiology to hopefully one day become a strength and conditioning coach.