RECAP: American Ninja Warrior Season 17 Episode 8 “Semifinals 2.”

Course & Format

Course layout: Quad Steps → Fly Wheels → Log Runner → Spin Cycle → Ferris Wheel → Warped Wall → Salmon Ladder → Corkscrew → Doorknob Arch → Invisible Ladder
Races featured ninjas competing side-by-side; winners plus the two fastest non-winning finishers would move on. The two fastest winners received a Safety Pass, allowing a redo on National Finals Stage 1 if needed.

The episode began with a look back at memorable saves in ANW history, hosted by Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Zuri Hall.

NINJA WARRIOR TRAINING EQUIPMENT

1) Home Ninja Obstacle Course Line with Holds

19‑year‑old “Big Body”, from the renowned Beckstrand ninja family. After bulking up by 20 lb, he was a top qualifier and breezed up the Mega Wall.
In Semifinals 2, Kai crushed the course: he powered through Quad Steps, Fly Wheels, Log Runner, Spin Cycle, Ferris Wheel, Warped Wall, Salmon Ladder, Corkscrew, Doorknob Arch, and hauled himself 30 ft on the Invisible Ladder.
Despite fatigue setting in, he clinched the fastest buzzer hit of the night (≈ 3:45.62)

Luke Beckstrand (Kai’s brother) also conquered the course in around 3:12 - strong performance, though slightly slower.
Kaden Lebsack and Evan Lavallee delivered solid runs and completed the course, earning their spots in the Finals.
Several veterans crashed out mid-course, especially on the tricky Log Runner, Spin Cycle, and Salmon Ladder - proof that even experienced ninjas can be humbled.
Flashback segments highlighted amazing saves and close calls from earlier seasons, injecting excitement and nostalgia into the night.

Side‑by‑side racing created electric matchups. Winners automatically advanced, while the top two “lucky losers” with fastest times also moved forward.
Kai and another top finisher each secured Safety Passes by recording the fastest times among race winners - key insurance for National Finals.

(Exact times for Lebsack & Lavallee drawn from NBC summary)

The show’s highlight clip focuses on Kai’s ascent up the Invisible Ladder - tense commentary from Matt and Akbar underscored his strength and endurance.
Zuri Hall’s pre-run hype for Kai set the tone: “Coming into this season…many named Kai Beckstrand as the ninja to beat, and so far he is living up the hype.”

The Semifinal 2 performance cements Kai Beckstrand as a major contender heading into Nationals.
Luke and Kaden join the growing roster of strong performers.
The introduction of the Safety Pass adds tactical depth - meant to alter strategies and give top ninjas an invaluable second chance.

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