Interview With Kevin Bull From American Ninja Warrior On NBC & Esquire

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself.
KB: I am Kevin Bull former collegiate track and field athlete and current American Ninja Warrior! I also have a condition called Alopecia that causes me to be hairless.

MW: What made you want to compete in American Ninja Warrior?
KB: Originally I wanted to compete in American Ninja Warrior to test my limits on the worlds greatest obstacle course.

MW: Tell me what went through your mind the first time you stood on the stage and the time started?
KB: Relief was the first thing I felt. I had been a walk-on and was unsure if I was going to get a chance to go or what time during the night I would be running. I had been staying warm by jogging in place and jumping around for about 4 hours when they told me I could run and I was just happy to get my opportunity. I was very worried about the second obstacle, the spinning wheel, so my relief was short lived and I was soon in full competition mode.

MW: What goes through your head when going through each obstacle?
KB: I visualize the obstacles before I get on the course, so I try to stick to my visualization, constantly checking to see if anything is off, and at the back of my mind is the idea that the water might as well be lava and going in is not an option.

MW: Your first time competing for American Ninja Warrior was season 6 in 2014. Take me back to that day?
KB: I was not selected as a competitor through the regular process, so I decided to camp out in front of the course and try for a spot as a walk-on. It was a difficult few days with less sleep than normal, Venice beach is not a good place to camp. But the other ninjas in the walk-on line kept things pretty organized with a set of rules that everyone followed and there was very little infighting in the line.

MW: Lets talk about you competing in season 7 of American Ninja Warrior. How do you feel you have done so far?
KB: This year I really wanted to push myself, and of course do better than last year. I think I have done well, getting the fastest time in the Venice qualifiers then coming in second in the Finals was a good start to the season. I did really want to hit that finals buzzer though and the disappointment of falling on the invisible ladder will be fuel going into the Mt Midoriyama competition in Las Vegas.

MW: What is your feeling about this years course?
KB: I am very excited for the courses this year, ANW has added a lot of new obstacles and I think that gives me an advantage being one of the newer and less experienced competitors.

MW: Do you feel anyone will ever win American Ninja Warrior?
KB: I think there is a handful of us who have the ability to clear all four stages in Mt. Midoriyama, but whether or not someone will be able to put everything together this year is anybody’s guess.

MW: What do you do in your spare time?
KB: I like to do random adventures, road trips, spelunking, cliff diving or whatever really, as long as it’s exciting.

MW: How can fans reach you?
KB: The best way to reach me is either Instagram, twitter, or my athlete page on facebook, all under @kevin_the_bull

MW: What would you like to say in closing?
KB: I just want to thank everyone who has cheered for me the last two years on the show, it has been a whirlwind experience for me to go from an unknown to one of the big names in a fast growing TV show with a huge fanbase around the world and I really appreciate all the support.

Interview With Alvaro “Kung Fu Ninja” Campos From American Ninja Warrior On NBC & Esquire

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?
ACR: Hi my name is Alvaro Campos aka ninja_science aka #KungFuNinja.

MW: What made you want to compete in American Ninja Warrior?
ACR: I’ve seen it on TV many years ago and became an instant fan but never had the right facility to train for it. Once I found Apex NorCal I knew I could learn and make things work.

MW: Tell me what went through your mind the first time you stood on the stage and the time started?

ACR: It’s go time!

MW: What goes through your head when going through each obstacle?
ACR: Take one at a time and try to be in and out.

MW: Your first time competing for American Ninja Warrior was season 7 this year. Take me back to that day?
ACR: It was a long chilly Venice beach night and it was looking bad because there were no clears and it was almost 2am.

MW: Let’s talk about you competing in season 7 of American Ninja Warrior. How do you feel you have done so far?
ACR: So far I am content with my performance. 4th place is not a bad spot for a rookie.

MW: What are you’re feeling about this year’s course?
ACR: I think this year’s Venice course is very tricky compared to the previous years.

MW: Do you feel anyone will ever win American Ninja Warrior?
ACR: With the level of talent spreading, of course!

MW: What do you do in your spare time?
ACR: Spare time I cook and design obstacles. Watch Kung fu flicks haha.

MW: How can fans reach you?
ACR: Instagram – Ninja_Science Twitter – AlvaroTheNinja

MW: What would you like to say in closing?
ACR: Eat good food and stay focused.

Interview With Zac Eddington From American Ninja Warrior On NBC & Esquire

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?
ZE: Hi I am Zac Eddington.

MW: What made you want to compete in American Ninja Warrior?
ZE: My cousin Andrew Eddington actually was the man to encourage me to follow through with sending in an application and a video. I had lots of people tell me i should do it in the past, but I never took it seriously until Andrew told me he sent in a video and an application.

MW: Tell me what went through your mind the first time you stood on the stage and the time started?
ZE: At first I was in disbelief that i was just about to run my first qualifier run in ANW. And at first, the crowd and looking down the first couple obstacles was a little nerve racking. But as soon as I touched the quintuplet pad? I felt focused and ready.

MW: What goes through your head when going through each obstacle?
ZE: Whenever I came up to an obstacle, I just told myself “good job man, you got this all day”.

MW: Your first time competing for American Ninja Warrior was season 7 this year. Take me back to that day?
ZE: Well I started the day off with a family breakfast at the hotel. Then we were like chickens with our heads cut off trying to figure everything out with the friends and family line and where I needed to check in at lol. Once I checked in, I was having a blast getting to know all the ninjas I could, and meeting some of the ninjas i had been watching and admiring. And that continued all through the night while watching all the other ninjas run.

MW: Let’s talk about you competing in season 7 of American Ninja Warrior. How do you feel you have done so far?
ZE: Well I didn’t do as well as I had hoped in season 7. But due to the circumstances and this being my first time competing, I am very happy with how I have done.
MW: What are you’re feeling about this year’s course?
ZE: I had a blast on the course this year. Being as small and light as I am I feel kind of gave me an advantage on this course.

MW: Do you feel anyone will ever win American Ninja Warrior?
ZE: I know that someone will win one day. And I know I can do it.

MW: What do you do in your spare time?
ZE: I love to go out on the lake with my friends and go wake boarding, surfing, skating, tubing, all of the lake activity really. I snowmobile and snowboard in the winter. I was raised hunting with my dad and brother and cousins, so I do a lot of hunting in the fall. Training for ANW has become an addiction now and that’s all I’ve been doing for the last few months though.

MW: How can fans reach you?
ZE: Fans can email me at Krookymonster@gmail.com. Or on Facebook

MW: What would you like to say in closing?
ZE: I would like to say thank you to ANW for the opportunity to compete in the best TV series ever. And to all of my family and friends, and all the fans and other ninjas for the love and support. You have given me more focus and drive to continue this amazing journey.

Interview With Joe “The Weatherman” Moravsky From American Ninja Warrior On NBC & Esquire

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?
JM: I’m Joe Moravsky from Sherman Connecticut.

MW: What made you want to compete in American Ninja Warrior?
JM: I was one of those guys on the couch that said to myself “I definitely think I could do very well on that show.” So I got off the couch and pursued my dream.

MW: Tell me what went through your mind the first time you stood on the stage and the time started?
JM: The first time I ever competed I totally blacked out during my run. By the time it was finished I couldn’t really remember anything except bits and pieces of it. But it was one of the most emotional runs of my entire life.

MW: What goes through your head when going through each obstacle?
JM: I attack each obstacle with speed and precision. But at the same time I know that if something were to go wrong, I’m totally open to adapting in anyway possible to stay out of the water.

MW: Your first time competing for American Ninja Warrior was season 5 in 2013. Take me back to that day?
JM: My first year was season five. As a rookie there was a lot less pressure because nobody knew me. I also had zero expectations for me which made competing a lot easier. I definitely enjoy being in the spotlight and being under pressure a lot more… Which is usually not the case for most people!

MW: How was it doing USA Vs. The World in 2014?
JM: USA vs the world was one of the most awesome experiences I’ve ever had. I was so honored to be picked the team and I hope that I will have a chance again one day.

MW: Let’s talk about you competing in season 7 of American Ninja Warrior. How do you feel you have done so far?
JM: Season seven is full of surprises. A lot harder courses and a greater grand prize of $1 million. So far my Pittsburgh qualifying run has aired and I made it to the Pittsburgh finals! Hopefully I can keep the momentum going through many more stages.

MW: What are you’re feeling about this year’s course?
JM: Same as previous answer… This year the course is a LOT harder… But I’m up for the challenge.

MW: Do you feel anyone will ever win American Ninja Warrior?
JM: I definitely think that somebody will win this year. And I think I’ve a really good chance of doing so.

MW: What do you do in your spare time?
JM: I enjoy weather forecasting, sports, playing piano and singing, video games, relaxing on the beach, and coaching gymnastics and parkour.

MW: How can fans reach you?
JM: My website! http://www.TheWeatherWarrior.org

MW: What would you like to say in closing?
JM: Thanks for all your support!

Interview With Elet Hall From American Ninja Warrior On NBC & Esquire

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson
MW: Please introduce yourself?
EH: What’s up? I’m Elet Hall, part time ninja and full time wild-guy.

MW: What made you want to compete in American Ninja Warrior?
EH: A couple parkour friends of mine, Levi M, Travis Graves, and Frosti used to compete in the first few seasons and they mentioned it to me. So I gave it a shot.

MW: Tell me what went through your mind the first time you stood on the stage and the time started?
EH: It’s on da Youtubez. I was honestly just laughing and dancing around. I love high intensity situations, especially when I know I’m safe. So I was just waiting to turn those adrenaline shakes into movement. I didn’t know what was coming so I was just ready to try it!

MW: What goes through your head when going through each obstacle?
EH: Not a whole lot, As a good friend once told me, If you think, you don’t move. I focus on my movement and let it flow through me. Ive been training parkour for 11 years and i trust my body to do what it needs to.

MW: Your first time competing for American Ninja Warrior was season 4 in 2012. Take me back to that day?
EH:I was 21, had just moved back east after a few seasons snowboarding in Park City, Utah and had no idea what I was getting into. I had never watched the show and had no familiarity with the obstacles. I went on a whim really. I flew down to Miami, hung for a few days training parkour then hit the course!

MW: Lets talk about you competing in season 7 of American Ninja Warrior. How do you feel you have done so far?
EH: I’m super stoked on my Pittsburgh City Qualifier. I was apprehensive at first, I thought the course wasn’t designed for me to go fast and the conditions were cold and wet. But I was able to get through it and that felt really good!

MW: What is your feeling about this years course?
EH: The courses have leveled up for sure! I can’t give anything away, but watch all the city finals, the pump will be real!

MW: Do you feel anyone will ever win American Ninja Warrior?
EH:I think so, I know so many strong athletes who have the capability. It’ll just depend on us being perfect in that moment, pulling together everything we’ve trained and executing at the right time.

MW: What do you do in your spare time?
EH: Everything. I love anything that gets me outside, especially parkour, snowboarding, and cliff diving. I study martial arts and I’ve gotten into throwing tomahawks a lot recently. I also love to read and write, travel on my motorcycle, shoot photos, and meet people. Otherwise I hike and climb and hang out in the woods.

MW: How can fans reach you?
EH: via Facebook.com/EletHall and Instagram @E.T.BeWild or go to the raddest outdoor spots you can find, you might just bump into me!

MW: What would you like to say in closing?
EH: Get outside and play every day even if it’s just a few minutes. Learn and experiment with your strength, humans are made to move and a consistent practice will do all sorts of things for you. You have to be in nature and you have to be moving. This isn’t just a recommendation, you downright have to do it if you want to be healthy and happy.

TBT – Interview With Kacey Cantanzaro Of American Ninja Warrior From 2013

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?
KC: My name is Kacy Catanzaro and I am 23 years old.

MW: How did you get involved with American Ninja Warrior?
KC: I have always loved watching Ninja Warrior with my Dad, and it was especially exciting when it became American Ninja Warrior. Brent and I both moved to Texas to be a part of Alpha Warrior and he helped guide me and get my submission video ready for American Ninja Warrior.

MW: Was Season 5 the only season of American Ninja Warrior you have done?
KC: American Ninja Warrior Season 5 was my first season, but it will not be my last! I am very excited to train hard and do it again next year!

MW: What did you think when you did not make it to the semi-finals of Season 5?
KC: I was really dissapointed when I did not make it to the semi-finals of ANW5 because I knew that I was more than capable of completed that qualifying course. I was upset because I have worked so hard and felt as though I did not get to prove my full potential. But, I had to keep in mind that every slips up, everyone gets wet, and it is okay.

MW: Do you plan to come back for Season 6?
KC: I plan to come back to ANW Season 6 and be even more prepared to conquer that qualifying course and hit the buzzer!

MW: Do you think a women will ever win American Ninja Warrior?
KC: Even though no American has ever won American Ninja Warrior, we get closer and closer every year. I know that someone is going to win it, and I am confident when I say that I believe it could be a man or a woman. The woman that compete on ANW get stronger and better every year, just like the men.

MW: Do you ever want to compete in Ninja Warrior in Japan?
KC: I would love to compete in Ninja Warrior in Japan. It would be such an amazing experience, especially because I have watched and looked up to the Japanese competitors for so long. Going to Japan to compete is definitely something that I have my sights set on!

MW: What is Alpha Warrior?
KC: Alpha Warrior is a new traveling obstacle course. The great thing about Alpha Warrior is that anyone can do it. The only qualification is that you have to be 16 years or older. Other than that, you do not have to pass any test, fill out an application, or plead your story to us, because anyone and everyone is welcome to come do our course.

The general wave is great because you can go at your own pace. If you fall or slip up, you are not out of the race, just pick back up and keep going. It’s okay if you are not the first one to the finish line because the object is to challenge yourself and accomplish things you thought you never could.

The elite wave is awesome because now it becomes a race. There are cash prizes for the top three finishers in both the male and female category. First place: $1,000; Second place: $500; Third place: $250. If you fall in this wave, you still are not disqualified, but you have to do 20 burpees to make up for the fall before you continue.

Alpha Warrior is something great for everyone to do in order to challenge themselves and set new goals to accomplish.

Alpha Warrior is very spectator friendly as well. The spectators can follow through the entire course and cheer on their friends or family.

MW: Where can it be seen?
KC: Our next Alpha Warrior event will be in Dallas, TX, on October 12/13. After that anyone can go to AlphaWarrior.com to follow along with the schedule and where we will be traveling to next. Follow Alpha Warrior on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram because they are always doing contests and promotions that can save you money or score you some cool Alpha Warrior gear! Check out the Alpha Warrior videos on the website or youtube to get a better feel of what it is!

MW: What is your background to be able to American Ninja Warrior?
KC: My background is in gymnastics. I did competitive gymnastics for 18 years, and earned a gymnastics scholarship to a Division 1 school, Towson University in Maryland, where I competed for four years. All of my experience, along with Brent Steffensen’s knowledge and training, prepared me for the American Ninja Warrior course.

MW: What are your plans for the rest of 2013?
KC: I look forward to traveling with Alpha Warrior for the rest of 2013. Our events get bigger as they go because more people find out about it and just want to be a part of it.

MW: Do you do appearances?
KC: I love to do events and signing where I get to meet my fans because they mean so much to me. My fans are the reason I push through obstacles with a smile on my face because I know they are looking up to me and I don’t want to let them down. I love talking with my fans and being as much a part of their journey as they are in mine. Anyone can go to KacyCatanzaro.com , click on the “Contact me” tab, and write me an email to tell me their story, book an appearance, or ask questions.

MW: What would you like to say in closing?
KC: I love what I do because I want to relay a positive message to everyone. The healthy lifestyle is something that is very important to me and I want to pass that message and knowledge onto others. Being healthy involves eating right and exercising. I think it is healthy to test your limits and really find what you are capable of. This might be scary sometimes, but the feeling afterwards is indescribable. Don’t ever give up on your dreams because you think they are too big, realize that you are big enough to accomplish them! Stay positive and always do what makes you happy. I feel very blessed to accomplish all that I have so far, and I look forward to what is ahead! I am very thankful to everyone who follows me through my journeys and shows their love and support.