Revenge of the Ninja nerd
HE’S “awkward as” with the ladies and wore “dorky” chic on national television.
But “nerdy” golfer and dark horse Charlie Robbins stole the limelight from the buff brigade to win Australian Ninja Warrior last night.
Robbins, 20, fell two obstacles short of ANW’S end game, Mount Midoriyama, but got the furthest on the course in the fastest time, beating favourites Ashlin Herbert and Rob Patterson.
Robbins said his win was a victory for the underdogs.
“For everyone watching it who thinks they can’t win, or they’re not in the right sport; give it a crack. What’s the worst that could happen?”
While Channel 9 shot Australian Ninja Warrior late last year, Robbins said the win was “still sinking in”, adding: “It’s really weird. It’s given me a little bit of extra confidence ... and helped with my golf a bit.”
His love of golf meant wearing “dorky” and “nerdy” outfits to fit character narratives on the show. It was also a diversion from a steady parade of biceps and abs competing alongside him.
“I wasn’t trying to trick people (with the outfits),” Robbins said. “I wanted to show a little bit of who I am. It’s funny; a lot of people came up and said they thought I was going to fall off after the starting block, It was like, ‘ what’s this guy even doing here?’.”
Robbins said the challenges of golf (“it’s an individual sport where you’re not relying on other people”) helped him prepare mentally for ANW. He also started gymnastics training two years ago.
A Nine bio for Robbins said he’s single and “not very good with the ladies”.
He laughs: “I’ve had a lot of friend requests and Facebook and Instagram messages, but it’s not gonna change the fact that I’m awkward as. I don’t really plan on using (winning ANW) as a pick-up line.”
Robbins, from Rye, Victoria, is studying exercise and sports science, and plans to use some of the $100,000 ANW prizemoney to travel through Europe.