NINJA WARRIORS FIND LOVE!
THEY COMPETED AGAINST ONE ANOTHER TO REACH MOUNT MIDORIYAMA, BUT IN REALITY THESE NINJAS ARE ON THE SAME TEAM
For many couples, going up against each other in a high-stakes sporting competition could prove to be a source of friction. But for Australian Ninja Warrior super-couple Ashlin Herbert and Sarah Blackmore the fact they were both in the running to take out this year’s $100,000 cash prize and the prestigious title brought the Victorian pair even closer together.
“It’s awesome to have this in common between us,” says 23-year-old gymnastics teacher Blackmore. “We train together and give each other tips. Ashlin is probably the best Ninja Warrior there is, but I can also give him coaching on how to be awesome!”
While Blackmore didn’t go as far as she’d have liked on the show this year, now she’s crossing everything that her 27-year-old carpenter beau can take out the title.
As a grand finalist, Ashlin, what does Sarah’s support mean to you? HERBERT It means everything to me, she’s my motivation. I’m never in any doubt about her support because I can hear her screaming from the sidelines. I can even hear her when I’m still backstage! BLACKMORE I’m pretty opinionated and loud, whereas Ashlin’s a lot quieter. We’re a yin and yang couple, which is why we work so well. I get so nervous when he’s on the Ninja Warrior course, I can hardly breathe. I try and hide it so I don’t stress him out. I think I’m just yelling to hide my nerves.
You guys were friends before you became a couple. When did you realise there was something more between you?
We met through gymnastics six or seven years ago and we were good mates. Then around the time Ashlin first competed on Ninja Warrior [in 2017], one of my students said to me “you should date him”. At first I was kind of grossed out like, “Ew no, he’s just my friend.” Then about three years
ago, I guess I didn’t care anymore and our friendship wasn’t just a friendship. HERBERT We’re pretty different people, but it works. We’ve got Ninja Warrior in common and we love adventure sports like rock climbing, too. We also love to go camping. We can’t really sit still. The only time you’ll find us on the couch and maybe having a beer is when we’re watching Ninja Warrior!
Is a wedding on the cards? BLACKMORE Not yet, we’re pretty young still and we love our freedom. This year we went to live at Mount Hotham for the ski season, just because we could. My niece is keen for us to get married though, not because she wants to be a flower girl but because she can’t wait for me to give her a cousin! I’m like, “Ease up!” We’ve already got babies anyway – we have three dogs, Chief, Ace and Dash. They’re a handful.
What would Ashlin winning the title mean to you both?
I think he’s the best competitor in Australia so if he wins, it would be like, “Finally!” HERBERT The money would be nice, but the personal achievement itself would be huge!
•By Melissa Field Australian Ninja Warrior airs Sun., 7pm; Mon-Tue., 7.30pm on Nine Network. Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers special airs Wed., 7.30pm on Nine Network