In the hundred episodes of the American Ninja Warriors competition he watched over the years on YouTube Jeremy John never once imagine he would get the opportunity to participate in such a competition, until he heard T&T was hosting a local edition of the event.
Sure enough the Cedros born fitness freak nicknamed “Baby Hulk” entered and advanced to the finals where he completed the difficult obstacle course in the fastest time and became the first local Ultimate Ninja Warrior. It was the first time that the 23-year-old labourer who now resides in San Juan had ever entered a sport competition.
Sunday’s event saw 33 finalists challenging for honours at the Nelson Mandela Park, St Clair, Port-of-Spain. “I like to research things on YouTube and I came upon the America Ninja Warrior. I really liked it because I like challenges.”
Weighing 152 pounds and standing six-feet five inches, John said the only training he did for the competition was a rigorous body workout routine called calisthenics, which he has been doing at the Aranguez Savannah for the past three years.
“I actually never train to do the course I just went with my mind focus on winning. To tell you the truth I was very nervous, but I had the support of my team and they helped calm my nerves. I ran second to last in the course and I was focused on getting through very quickly. I scored 1.42.”
John said he intends to use his $10,000 cash prize to good use together his trip for two courtesy Caribbean Airlines to visit London.
For those who plan to challenge him next year, he said: “I wish you all good luck when you coming for my title, because I’m coming for that car and I will be leaving with it.”
The organisers announced that the first prize for the 2017 event will be a luxury motor car.