RECAP: Season 17: Episode 7 “Semifinals 1” of American Ninja Warrior

Cayden Jones
Jul 15
2 min read

1. Expanded 10‑Obstacle Semifinal Course

For the first time in three years, the Semifinals ramped up in difficulty with a 10‑obstacle course vs. the six standard city qualifiers. The added finale tested pure power and stamina.

Course Breakdown (in order):

Quad Steps
Log Grip
Block Run
Spin Cycle
Battering Ram
14½‑ft Warped Wall
Salmon Ladder
Cannonball Alley
Door Knob Arch
Invisible Ladder

2. Highlights & Key Competitors

Standout Performances

William “Spartan” Brown made a dramatic return after a decade-long hiatus. He conquered the first seven obstacles with his trademark vigor but slipped on Cannonball Alley, exiting just before the buzzer.
Caitlyn Bergstrom‑Wright, from the famed ninja lineage, surged through seven obstacles, becoming the first woman of the night to face Cannonball Alley.
Enzo DeFerrari Wilson battled through nearly the full course, stumbling on the Invisible Ladder, narrowly missing the buzzer.

Full Course Finishers

The field produced an impressive group of ten finishers, with Isaiah Thomas (19, coach from New York) blazing through in 3:38.79, becoming the night’s first official finisher. Additional finishers included:

Karsten Williams: (fast but fell on the Door Knob Arch)
Isabella Wakeham: the first woman to complete the full Semifinal course this season (5:16.73)
Sam Folsom, her husband, following close behind (4:30.18)
David Bergstrom‑Wright (4:21.55)
Kaden Forsha (4:05.85)
Luke Dillon (4:03.93)
Jessie Graff, who fell on Cannonball Alley but advanced on time.

Speed Kings

The evening’s fastest racer was 17‑year‑old Nacssa Garemore, who blitzed the course in 2:52.60, extending his clean-run streak and pushing his personal total to 90 obstacles conquered.
Teens Bray Weinacker (reached the ninth obstacle) and Austin Baron (completed in 5:01.99) also advanced based on strong performances.

NINJA WARRIOR TRAINING EQUIPMENT

1) Home Ninja Obstacle Course Line with Holds

2) Balance Obstacle - Slackline

3) Atomik Climbing Holds - Hanging Pipes

4) Atomik Climbing Holds - Hanging Balls

5) Ninja Warrior Chalk

6) Grip Strength Trainer

7) Obstacle Course/ Ninja Warrior Crash Pad

8) Zipline

3. Results & Advancement

NBC's official coverage noted the course was especially grueling, with only the top-tier ninjas advancing to the National Finals. While exact placements from Episode 7 weren’t provided by CDL, NBC’s article confirms this was the opening night of LA Semifinals and that fastest times and completions determined the 20 advancing ninjas.

4. Overall Takeaways

Classic obstacles made a comeback: Energizing long-time fans and ramping up the challenge.
Endurance was key: Four new upper-body obstacles meant this round wasn’t just about speed, it demanded sustained strength.
Balanced field: A mix of seasoned competitors like “the Spartan” and breakthroughs from newer ninjas like Kevin Bull highlighted the evolving nature of the competition.