Recap of American Ninja Warrior Season 17, Episode 4 - “Qualifiers 4”

Air Date: Monday June 23, 2025

🧗‍♂️ Course & Format

• Competitors faced a classic six-obstacle Las Vegas qualifiers course:

  1. Quad Steps

  2. Log Grip

  3. Block Run

  4. Spin Cycle

  5. Battering Ram

  6. Warped Wall

  7. Mega Wall opportunity with a sub‑1:00 completion 

     
     

• Top 20 overall finishers, including the top 5 women, advanced directly to the semifinals

  
  

⚡ Obstacle Highlights

• Quad Steps & Log Grip:

  • Athletes needed precision and rhythm early; favorites like Nacssa Garemore and Isaiah Thomas navigated them with speed and composure

• Back half challenges (Spin Cycle & Battering Ram):

  • Claimed several strong runners.

  • Ace Goodson, in a suit, powered through the Battering Ram—his first time completing the balance section—before falling on Spin Cycle in an emotional, personal-best run.

🌟 Standout Athletes

Nacssa Garemore

• From ANW Jr., this season's star.

• Smooths through obstacles and Warped Wall in 46.99 sec, earning a Mega Wall attempt.

• Conquers the 18.5-ft Mega Wall, winning the $10,000 prize - a feat no one else has managed this season.

  
  

Isaiah Thomas

• Delivered the fastest clear of the night: 42.42 sec clear, though passed on the Mega Wall .

Other sub‑minute finishers:

• Sam Folsom (47.41 sec)

• Enzo Wilson (50.31 sec)

• Caleb Bergstrom (50.70 sec)All cleared the course and advanced.

  
  

Emerging Talent

• Kaden Forsha, a rookie teen, impressed by finishing the full course in 1:10.10 

• Joy Wolf, former ANW Jr. competitor, reached the Battering Ram before falling -another potential fan favorite.

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📊 Results Breakdown

Here’s a snapshot of key performances:

Athlete	Time	Clear?	Mega Wall Attempt
Isaiah Thomas	0:42.42	✔️	No (passed)
Nacssa Garemore	0:46.99	✔️	✔️ – succeeded
Sam Folsom	0:47.41	✔️	–
Enzo Wilson	0:50.31	✔️	–
Caleb Bergstrom	0:50.70	✔️	–
R.J. Roman	0:57.36	✔️	–
…others up to 20th place

Ace Goodson’s personal best just fell short - narrowly exiting on Spin Cycle despite strong balance and speed.

🎭 Emotional & Human Elements

• Ace Goodson’s story: A father and husband running for his family - his wife has MS and kids have special needs. His heartfelt run resonated even in defeat.

• Nacssa’s journey: From ANW Jr. to conquering the Mega Wall is a significant arc this season.

• Nostalgic course setup: Hosts noted the return to foundational obstacles, invoking a classic ANW-era feel.

🔮 Going Forward: Semifinals Preview

• Next round airs July 14, from Las Vegas, featuring 10 obstacles and a head-to-head racing twist.

• Keep an eye on:

  • Nacssa Garemore – Mega Wall speed & momentum

  • Isaiah Thomas – form and consistency

  • Ace Goodson – next redemption arc

  • Breakthrough contenders like Kaden Forsha and Joy Wolf.