Andrew ‘freddie’ flintoff ‘IT CAN BE TOUGH AT TIMES’
Australian Ninja Warrior is back! Season 4 promises even more thrills and spills as supreme athletes take on the notoriously tricky obstacle course with the hope of claiming $400,000 in prize money. Previous fan favourites like Olivia Vivian and Ashlin ‘Flashlin’ Herbert, as well as new ninjas battle it out for the chance to face mighty Mt
Midoriyama.
Could this be the year someone makes it to the top?
Former star cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff joined co-hosts Ben Fordham and Rebecca Maddern until COVID-19 saw him head back to the UK, with Shane Crawford stepping in for Freddie. Here, Freddie, 42, takes us through the season, including an exciting new change.
WHAT MAKES YOU COME BACK TO NINJA WARRIOR EVERY YEAR?
I think it just gets bigger and better each year. They are introducing new things all the time and it is more exciting. For me, I get to come to Australia, plus see these incredible athletes as well.
CAN WE EXPECT ANY NEW OBSTACLES THIS YEAR?
There is one at the end of each heat called the Power Tower, with the two fastest ninjas going head to head – and there is a winner!
THE FORMER CRICKETER ON FAMILY AND WHY HE’S EXCITED ABOUT THIS SEASON OF
NINJA WARRIOR
The Power Tower to look at is four storeys high and it’s unbelievable. It’s hard for the ninjas, but it gives them an advantage for the finals.
HAVE YOU SEEN ANY TERRIBLE INJURIES DURING NINJA WARRIOR?
You know what, I don’t know if we have been lucky or the ninjas are so fit they keep themselves safe. We have had a lot of big faceplants or people dropping into the water at different angles, but we have not had any injuries.
HOW WELL DO YOU THINK YOU’D GO ON THE COURSE?
I’d smash it! Nah, you watch it and then you almost convince yourself that you would be all right to do it because some of these guys make it look so easy. I think everyone at home watching thinks, “I could do that” and then you go to the gym to try and do some chin-ups and you think, “I have not got a chance whatsoever”.
YOU AND YOUR WIFE HAVE FOUR CHILDREN. DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD WANT MORE IN THE FUTURE?
I don’t know to be honest; I’m not getting any younger.
“YOU ALMOST CONVINCE YOURSELF YOU’D BE ALL RIGHT”