Easton teen graduates to ‘American Ninja Warrior’
EASTON — After two years competing on “American Ninja Warrior Jr.,” Jordan Carr has graduated to the big show.
The Easton teenager, a student at Joel Barlow High School, a trainer at New York City Ninja Academy, and a former competitive rock climber, will be competing on the season premiere of “American Ninja Warrior Monday” at 8 p.m. on NBC.
“I’m so excited to be back competing again and this time on the adult version,” said Carr, 15, who reached the semifinals of “American Ninja Warrior Jr.” last season. “I have been training harder than ever to get ready for this, and I’m super excited for it to air.”
To prepare for the adult version, Carr said she trained on larger obstacles and longer courses. At 15, Carr just became eligible to compete on the main show this year.
“It’s definitely a little bit more intimidating knowing that I’m competing with adults,” Carr said, “but at the same time it’s super fun and super awesome because it pushes me to do my best and improve. I also learn a lot from competing with these seasoned veteran ninjas.”
While unable to speak specifically about the results, Carr said she enjoyed the competition and the chance to reconnect with friends she has made while on the circuit the past two years.
“In order to be able to compete at this high level with the adults I always have to make sure I’m pushing myself to the limit in training and practice,” Carr said. “Additionally, at this level the mental game is very important, so I have to make sure I am mentally prepared.”
Carr was a competitive rock climber for some five years before turning to ninja competitions two years ago. She started competing in pole vaulting about two months ago at Joel Barlow and is now ranked top two in the state.
Carr trains upwards of six days per week. She works out at a ninja gym three or four times a week; climbs one or two times a week; and works with a trainer two times a week on overall strength, cardio and balance. She has also started coaching at a ninja gym in New York City weekly.
With rock climbing on hold, Carr turned exclusively to ninja competitions last year. She also won the National Ninja League’s World’s Strongest Ninja competition in the elite/pro division, as well as placing third in the World Championship competition in that same division.
“I love being competitive, particularly since I trained so much in the past year,” Carr said. “Additionally, I just love running a fun course, and American Ninja Warrior has some of the biggest and best courses to run.”