Isaac Caldiero made history Monday night as the first ever contestant to win NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” over the show’s seven seasons. More than 3,500 athletes have competed since the series began in 2009.
With his win, Caldiero takes home $1 million and and the title as the first American Ninja Warrior winner.
Caldiero, a 33-year-old professional rock climber, scaled the course’s towering Stage 4 rope climb in 26.14 seconds, narrowly beating out fellow competitor Geoff Britten, who had reached the summit in 29.65 seconds just moments before. Both competitors achieved something that nobody has in prior seasons, which was to both reach and defeat the course’s Stage 4 obstacle.
“Winning this event always seemed impossible,” Caldiero said. “As the first American Ninja Warrior I want to use this opportunity to inspire the world to find your impossible and conquer it.”
The finals course consists of four stages and 23 total obstacles. The competitors must successfully complete all three stages before tackling the ultimate Stage 4 obstacle, Mt. Midoriyama, which stands at 8-stories tall with a 75-foot rope climb. Competitors have 30 seconds to scale the rope climb.
Caldiero was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition to competing around the world, he has played an important role in the establishment and conservation of some the most nationally recognized climbing destinations, including the Buttermilks in Bishop, Calif., and both Joe’s Valley and Moe’s Valley in Utah. Caldiero currently lives in Las Vegas with his girlfriend, Laura Kisana, who is also a competitor on “American Ninja Warrior.”
The 36-year-old Britten was born and raised in Honolulu, where he spent most of his time climbing through bamboo forests and surfing. He soon developed a passion for climbing and has maneuvered through some of the largest boulders in the world. Britten is married to fellow climber and “American Ninja Warrior” competitor Jessica Britten. The two met climbing and have been together ever since. Their 6-year-old daughter, Allison, also climbs and enjoys obstacle courses. Britten works as a professional cameraman for live sporting events, including Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League games, as well as NBA and college football. He has also covered three Olympics.
“America Ninja Warrior” is executive-produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions’ founders Arthur Smith and Kent Weed (“Hell’s Kitchen,” “Unsung,” “Ellen’s Design Challenge”), along with Brian Richardson and Anthony Storm.
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Please visit the official show site at: http://nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior
MEDIA CONTACT:
Leslie Schwartz, , 818-777-3233
SOURCE: NBCUniversal
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