RECAP: American Ninja Warrior Season 17, Episode 3 (“Qualifiers 3”)

⭐ Episode Highlights

1. Legendary Obstacles Return

• Classic course kicks off with Quad Steps and Log Runner

• Three fan-favorites make a comeback:

  • Lunatic Ledges (#2), notorious for high failure rates

  • Crank It Up (#4), test of raw upper-body strength

  • V Formation (#5), a precision-based challenge.

Contestants also had the chance at the Mega Wall and a $10,000 bonus by finishing under 1:10.

2. Standout Runs & Notable Competitors

• Emily Gardiner (17, NY): strong start but faltered on V Formation.

• Mack Roesch (36, FL): “King of all obstacles” in season 8, fell on Quad Steps.

• Wendu Frantz (50, MN): oldest female competitor this round, fell on Lunatic Ledges.

• Nick Hanson (26, TX): Rugby/Olympic hopeful, bested Log Runner but failed next obstacle.

• Christian Hart (16, CT): a dedicated fan turned competitor at just 4’1″ - crushed first four… but just touched water at V Formation.

• Tatsumi Yanaba (Mozambique): struggled, then fell on Lunatic Ledges after a ~2‑minute attempt.

• Ethan Gardulski: conquered the course in 1:23.18, becoming the first buzzer hitter of the night. This marks his third ever qualifying buzzer.

• Others like James Athenos and Barry Boyd made strong efforts but didn't finish.

3. Who’s Advancing?

NBC Insider confirms the top 20 finishers moving on to the Semifinals, including:

Josiah Pippel, Jackson Erdos, Jay Lewis, Ethan Gardulski, Rancis Valdez, James McGrath, Tate Becker, Philip Scott, Jason Behrends, Johnny Brown, among others.

🏁 Summary

Episode 3 was a throwback celebration with throwback obstacles, producing a high drop-off rate early in the course. Yet, gems emerged - especially Ethan’s buzzer moment and Christian’s inspiring fan-to-athlete journey. With the top 20 earned, the competition heats up heading into the next rounds!

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🎯 Top 20 Advancing to Semifinals (from Qualifiers Episode 3)

These athletes punched their tickets to the Semifinals with successful runs on June 16, 2025:

1. Josiah Pippel – 1:02.67

2. Jackson Erdos – 1:07.18

3. Jay Lewis – 1:09.78

4. Ethan Gardulski – 1:23.18

5. Ramcis Valdez – 1:33.98

6. James McGrath – 1:34.28

7. Tate Becker – 2:19.70

8. Philip Scott – 2:31.16

9. Jason Behrends – 2:41.16

10. Johnny Brown – V Formation…plus Christian Hart, Spencer Johnson, Barry Boyd, Addy Herman, Emily Gardiner, Ryan Stratis, Caleb Vaughn, Taylor Amann, Casey Rothschild, Kenzie Hughes