Weekend warriors
A more comfortable Freddie Flintoff is impressed by the Ninja challengers, writes Seanna Cronin
AFTER three years in the splash zone on the Australian Ninja Warrior
obstacle course, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff feels like he has hit his stride.
As the hit reality show’s sideline reporter, the former British cricket all-rounder and father-offour believes he’s at his best when he’s in the thick of the action.
“I think everyone was wondering what I was going to be like on season one,” he says.
“They give me more wiggle room every year. Top Gear is the same. I think I’m at my best when I’m left to react to stuff.
There are many presenters who can deliver lines better than me; I’m best just left to have a go.”
After spending more than a decade competing at the highest levels of international cricket, Flintoff is impressed by the camaraderie on the Ninja set – despite the prizemoney jackpotting to $4000,000 this year.
“When I was sportsman it was win at all costs. Competition brings the best out of me but sometimes it brought the worst out of me as well,” he says.
“Everyone wants a winner but Ninja’s really inclusive and supportive. Everyone appreciates how good each other are. It’s an interesting dynamic and not one in I’ve seen in sports before.
“The ninjas are comfortable in what they do and how much they train, and they take on the course rather than each other. The show’s got a nice community of people who look out for each other.”
But those friendly rivalries will be put to the test in a new addition to the obstacle course – the Power Tower.
Each night the two fastest ninjas compete on the four-storey structure, with the victorious ninja gaining a crucial edge leading into the finals.
“They’re up, down and they swing around – it’s a real spectacle,” Flintoff says. “But it seems everybody is desperate to be in that showdown at the end, so rather than just getting through the course they’re trying to rush it and there have been a few more mistakes.
“In previous seasons the viewers have wanted winners. Nobody’s taken the big prize out yet but this (the tower) gives an end to each show.
“I love seeing the underdogs and there are a couple of surprises from the new ones this year.”
Shane Crawford will also be seen filling in for co-host Rebecca Maddern after she was forced to self-isolate during a coronavirus scare.
“He stepped in the boots and he was brilliant,” Flintoff says.
“But of course, it was great to have Bec back. The three of us (me, Bec and Ben Fordham) have been there from the start and it’s been a great opportunity to grow the show together.”