American Ninja Warrior season 12

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American Ninja Warrior
Season 12
Hosted by
St. Louis, Missouri
No. of episodes8
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseSeptember 7 (2020-09-07) –
November 6, 2020 (2020-11-06)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 11
Next →
Season 13

The twelfth season of the reality/sports competition series

Akbar Gbaja-Biamila returned for their respective eleventh and eighth seasons, while Zuri Hall
returned for her second season on the show.

The course returns with the Mega Wall and Power Tower, and the fifty most popular athletes from previous seasons returned with two other ninjas (mostly rookies) of their choosing, like their ninja training partners or someone they have a special connection with. The top twelve competitors moved on to the semifinals after each qualifying episode, as well as the top three women. In this season, the player who won the Power Tower would get to bring their chosen rookies with them to the semifinals, even if the rookies had not made it into the top twelve finishers (or top three women). With the knockout tournament format, there were changes to the semifinal courses as well — unlike the past seasons, a competitor that completed the course would not automatically move on; they would have to be in the top 12 or have made it up the Mega Wall. One contestant, Nick Hanson, did not move on to the semifinals because of COVID contact tracing despite making it up the Mega Wall. Because of the format change to a knockout tournament and a team format instead of the traditional Sasuke format, the winner's prize has been decreased to only $100,000,[5] which was awarded to the winner of the knockout tournament final.

Obstacles

St. Louis Qualifying

Event Obstacles Finishers
Night 1 Shrinking Steps Weight for It Ring Chaser Rib Run Slingshot Warped Wall/Mega Wall 8
Night 2 Lunatic Ledges Ferris Wheel 14
Night 3 Beehive Spinning Bridge 9
Night 4 Off the Hook Sideways 15

St. Louis Semifinals

Event Obstacles Finishers
Night 1[6] Shrinking Steps Off the Hook Clockwork Burn Rubber Sideways Warped Wall Salmon Ladder Corkscrew The Dungeon Spider Trap 5
Night 2 Spring Forward Slingshot 6

St. Louis Finals

Event Obstacles Finishers
Finals Shrinking Steps Spring Forward Falling Shelves Diamond Dash Spin Hopper Warped Wall Salmon Ladder Slam Dunk Dragonback Spider Trap 7

St. Louis Qualifying

Key
Italics means that this competitor was also in the top 3 women.
Underline means that this competitor won the Power Tower.
Bold means that this competitor made it up the Mega Wall.

Night 1

The first qualifying round featured three new obstacles, Weight for It, Ring Chaser, and Rib Run. Notable ninjas running the course were school teachers, medical professionals, and

NFL linebacker Kamerion Wimbley
returned after his record-setting season in 2012, being the biggest man (240 pounds) to complete a course. Jody Avila won the Power Tower round, which was unaired as a result of a legal situation involving his opponent.

Top 12 Competitors
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jody Avila* 1:44.41 Finished
2 Tyler Gillett 1:45.20 Finished
3 Nate Hansen 1:53.09 Finished
4 Jon Alexis Jr. 2:20.02 Finished
5 Julius Ferguson 3:07.16 Finished
6 Mike Wright 3:45.41 Finished
7 Grant McCartney 4:01.16 Finished
8 Allyssa Beird 4:15.10 Finished
9 Flip Rodriguez 1:13.08 Slingshot
10 Jonathan Horton 1:20.75 Slingshot
11 Ryan Lashoff 1:25.63 Slingshot
12 Taylor Johnson 2:21.53 Slingshot
Top 3 Women
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Allyssa Beird 4:15.10 Finished
2 Taylor Johnson 2:21.53 Slingshot
3 Sandy Zimmerman 2:25.07 Slingshot
  • As a result of United States v. Drechsel, which was announced after taping for the season had ended, significant edits were made to this episode. Drechsel's run did not air. The 13th-place contestant also failed Slingshot but did not advance. Johnson, who finished behind other contestants but was the second-place female ninja, was given credit as the 12th-place finisher. Johnson and Ferguson were rookies selected by Drechsel. Also, the Power Tower Playoff, which was Drechsel and Avila, was not broadcast because of the ongoing legal issues. According to sources, Avila won the round.

Night 2

Ashley McConville became the twentieth woman in ANW history to make it up the Warped Wall and move on to the semifinals, and Jake Murray's teammates, former AHL hockey player Barry Goers of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Glenn Albright moved on to the semifinals due to Murray's win on the Power Tower. Also, the "Eskimo Ninja" Nick Hanson completed the course and made it up the Mega Wall but did not have a fast enough time to make it into the top 12, later to be revealed as contact tracing.[7]

Also of note, second-place finisher Ethan "The Swan" Swanson did not compete in the semifinals after he came in close contact with another competitor who had tested positive for COVID-19.[8]

Top 12 Competitors
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jake Murray 0:54.50 Finished
2 Ethan Swanson 1:04.14 Finished
3 Jackson Twait 1:13.57 Finished
4 Daniel Gil 1:18.57 Finished
5 Cam Baumgartner 1:20.60 Finished
6 Abel Gonzalez 1:36.75 Finished
7 Donovan Metoyer 1:43.56 Finished
8 Jamie Rahn 1:49.46 Finished
9 Chris DiGangi 1:56.40 Finished
10 Gabriel Hotchkiss 2:06.95 Finished
11 Jesse Labreck 2:10.54 Finished
12 Roo Yori 2:19.71 Finished
Top 3 Women
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jesse Labreck 2:10.54 Finished
2 Ashley McConville 4:26.34 Finished
3 Caitlyn Bergstrom 1:09.22 Ferris Wheel

Night 3

Stuntwoman Jessie Graff once again completed the course, making it to the end to tie Jesse "Flex" Labreck for the most buzzers among women ninjas with five. Meanwhile, the teammates of drummer R.J. Roman of metal band Emuness, Ben Melick and Jessica Helmer moved on to the semifinals even though they did not complete the course because Roman won the Power Tower.[9]

Despite finishing among the top three women, Rachael Goldstein was unable to compete in the semifinals due to a broken finger which she suffered while filming a special episode of American Ninja Warrior in St. Louis.[10]

Top 12 Competitors
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 R. J. Roman 1:10.07 Finished
2 Sean Bryan 1:28.81 Finished
3 Thomas Stillings 1:29.38 Finished
4 Austin Gray 1:34.38 Finished
5 Tage Herrington 2:06.99 Finished
6 Dan Polizzi 2:09.88 Finished
7 Najee Richardson 2:49.36 Finished
8 David Campbell 3:27.48 Finished
9 Jessie Graff 3:58.76 Finished
10 Adam Rayl 0:35.17 Ferris Wheel
11 Devin Harrelson 0:56.85 Ferris Wheel
12 Lorin Ball 1:06.59 Ferris Wheel
Top 3 Women
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jessie Graff 3:58.76 Finished
2 Zhanique Lovett 0:32.61 Spinning Bridge
3 Rachael Goldstein 0:30.43 Beehive

Night 4

"The Weatherman" Joe Moravsky just edged out Michael Torres, who had the fastest time, and brought his teammates, Will Schlageter and Jeshuah Lewis back into the competition. Notable ninjas featured "Big Cat" Karsten Williams, rookie former

who ran the course, making it to the fifth obstacle. Also, six-time ANW veteran Tiana "Sweet T" Webberley hit the buzzer for the first time, as well as ICU nurse Mady Howard who completed the course with the fastest time for the women.

Top 12 Competitors
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Michael Torres 1:08.75 Finished
2 Joe Moravsky 1:13.95 Finished
3 Lucas Reale 1:17.09 Finished
4 Mathis “Kid” Owhadi 1:23.17 Finished
5 Amir Malik 1:26.15 Finished
6 David Wright 1:30.67 Finished
7 Lance Pekus 1:45.62 Finished
8 Kevin Bull 1:57.17 Finished
9 Alex Nye 2:04.69 Finished
10 Brian Kretsch 2:18.44 Finished
11 Alex Carson 2:19.92 Finished
12 Verdale Benson 2:22.29 Finished
Top 3 Women
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Mady Howard 2:29.28 Finished
2 Tiana Webberley 2:41.03 Finished
3 Meagan Martin 1:12.35 Sideways

St. Louis Qualifying Leaderboard

Key
Italics means that this competitor was also in the top 3 women.
Underline means that this competitor won the Power Tower.
Bold means that this competitor made it up the Mega Wall.
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jake Murray 0:54.50 Finished
2 Ethan Swanson 1:04.14 Finished
3 Michael Torres 1:08.75 Finished
4 R.J. Roman 1:10.07 Finished
5 Jackson Twait 1:13.57 Finished
6 Joe Moravsky 1:13.95 Finished
7 Lucas Reale 1:17.09 Finished
8 Daniel Gil 1:18.57 Finished
9 Cameron Baumgartner 1:20.60 Finished
10 Mathis "Kid" Owhadi 1:23.17 Finished
11 Amir Malik 1:26.15 Finished
12 Sean Bryan 1:26.81 Finished
13 Thomas Stillings 1:29.38 Finished
14 David Wright 1:30.67 Finished
15 Austin Gray 1:34.38 Finished
16 Abel Gonzalez 1:36.75 Finished
17 Donovan Metoyer 1:43.56 Finished
18 Jody Avila 1:44.41 Finished
19 Tyler Gillett 1:45.20 Finished
20 Lance Pekus 1:45.62 Finished
21 Jamie Rahn 1:49.46 Finished
22 Nate Hansen 1:53.09 Finished
23 Chris DiGangi 1:56.40 Finished
24 Kevin Bull 1:57.17 Finished
25 Alex Nye 2:04.69 Finished
26 Gabriel Hotchkiss 2:06.95 Finished
27 Tage Herrington 2:06.99 Finished
28 Dan Polizzi 2:09.88 Finished
29 Jesse Labreck 2:10.54 Finished
30 Brian Kretsch 2:18.44 Finished
31 Roo Yori 2:19.71 Finished
32 Alex Carson 2:19.92 Finished
33 Jon Alexis Jr. 2:20.02 Finished
34 Verdale Benson 2:22.29 Finished
35 Najee Richardson 2:49.36 Finished
36 Julius Ferguson 3:07.16 Finished
37 Vance Harris 3:10.31 Finished
38 David Campbell 3:27.48 Finished
39 Mike Wright 3:45.41 Finished
40 Jessie Graff 3:58.76 Finished
41 Grant McCartney 4:01.16 Finished
42 Allyssa Beird 4:15.10 Finished
43 Nick Hanson N/A Finished
44 Adam Rayl 0:35.17 Ferris Wheel
45 Devin Harrelson 0:56.85 Ferris Wheel
46 Lorin Ball 1:06.59 Ferris Wheel
47 Flip Rodriguez 1:13.08 Slingshot
48 Jonathan Horton 1:20.75 Slingshot
49 Ryan Lashoff 1:25.63 Slingshot
50 Taylor Johnson 2:21.53 Slingshot
51 Barry Goers N/A Ferris Wheel
52 Glenn Albright N/A Ferris Wheel
53 Ben Melick N/A Ferris Wheel
54 Jeshuah Lewis N/A Sideways
55 Will Schlageter N/A Beehive
56 Jessica Helmer N/A Shrinking Steps
Top 12 Women
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jesse Labreck 2:10.54 Finished
2 Mady Howard 2:29.28 Finished
3 Tiana Webberley 2:41.03 Finished
4 Jessie Graff 3:58.76 Finished
5 Allyssa Beird 4:15.10 Finished
6 Ashley McConville 4:26.34 Finished
7 Caitlyn Bergstrom 1:09.22 Ferris Wheel
8 Meagan Martin 1:12.35 Sideways
9 Taylor Johnson 2:21.53 Slingshot
10 Sandy Zimmerman 2:25.07 Slingshot
11 Zhanique Lovett 0:32.61 Spinning Bridge
12 Rachel Goldstein 0:30.43 Beehive

St. Louis Semifinals

Night 1

Some notable competitors like Grant McCartney, Kevin Bull, Abel Gonzalez, and Mathis "Kid" Owhadi failed on Corkscrew, an obstacle new to this season, and did not advance to the finals.

Top 12 Competitors[11]
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jake Murray 4:37.44 Finished
2 Daniel Gil 4:38.58 Finished
3 Cameron Baumgartner 5:30.18 Finished
4 Tyler Gillett 6:20.09 Finished
5 Adam Rayl 6:27.41 Finished
6 Jackson Twait 3:56.67 Spider Trap
7 Jody Avila 2:50.82 The Dungeon
8 Donovan Metoyer 2:59.32 The Dungeon
9 Jon Alexis Jr. 3:07.59 The Dungeon
10 Flip Rodriguez 3:22.35 The Dungeon
11 Chris DiGangi 3:30.35 The Dungeon
12 Jamie Rahn 4:03.01 The Dungeon
Top 2 Women
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jesse Labreck 4:25.54 The Dungeon
2 Sandy Zimmerman 4:55.26 Corkscrew

Night 2

Top 12 Competitors
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Joe Moravsky 4:59.28 Finished
2 Lucas Reale 5:00.44 Finished
3 Austin Gray 5:20.95 Finished
4 RJ Roman 5:31.00 Finished
5 Micheal Torres 5:52.46 Finished
6 Najee Richardson 6:35.79 Finished
7 Amir Malik 3:58.17 Spider Trap
8 David Wright 3:23.39 The Dungeon
9 Dan Polizzi 4:15.65 The Dungeon
10 Thomas Stillings 2:06.43 Corkscrew
11 Jeshuah Lewis 2:13.26 Corkscrew
12 Jessie Graff 3:54.09 Corkscrew
Top 2 Women
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jessie Graff 3:54.09 Corkscrew
2 Jeri D'Aurelio 2:21.05 Slingshot

Drew Drechsel originally finished in the top 12, but due to his post-taping legal issues, his runs were edited out. Devin Harrelson finished 13th, as he was eliminated on the Corkscrew with a faster time exiting the Salmon Ladder than Graff. However, Graff, the top woman who finished outside the top twelve, was upgraded to 12th in post-production.

St. Louis Semifinals Leaderboard

Top 24 Competitors
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jake Murray 4:37.44 Finished
2 Daniel Gil 4:38.58 Finished
3 Joe Moravsky 4:59.28 Finished
4 Lucas Reale 5:00.44 Finished
5 Austin Gray 5:20.95 Finished
6 Cameron Baumgartner 5:30.18 Finished
7 RJ Roman 5:31.00 Finished
8 Micheal Torres 5:52.46 Finished
9 Tyler Gillett 6:20.09 Finished
10 Adam Rayl 6:27.41 Finished
11 Najee Richardson 6:35.79 Finished
12 Jackson Twait 3:56.67 Spider Trap
13 Amir Malik 3:58.17 Spider Trap
14 Jody Avila 2:50.82 The Dungeon
15 Donovan Metoyer 2:59.32 The Dungeon
16 Jon Alexis Jr. 3:07.59 The Dungeon
17 Flip Rodriguez 3:22.35 The Dungeon
18 David Wright 3:23.39 The Dungeon
19 Chris DiGangi 3:30.35 The Dungeon
20 Jamie Rahn 4:03.01 The Dungeon
21 Dan Polizzi 4:15.65 The Dungeon
22 Thomas Stillings 2:06.43 Corkscrew
23 Jeshuah Lewis 2:13.26 Corkscrew
24 Jessie Graff 3:54.09 Corkscrew
Top 4 Women
Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jesse Labreck 4:25.54 The Dungeon
2 Jessie Graff 3:54.09 Corkscrew
3 Sandy Zimmerman 4:55.26 Corkscrew
4 Jeri D'Aurelio 2:21.05 Slingshot

St. Louis Finals

The finals of the show spanned two nights—episode seven, and the beginning of episode eight.

Rank Competitor Time Furthest Obstacle
1 Jake Murray 3:56.20 Finished
2 Daniel Gil 4:12.68 Finished
3 Lucas Reale 4:33:36 Finished
4 Najee Richardson 4:36:66 Finished
5 Austin Gray 4:40:29 Finished
6 Adam Rayl 6:24.15 Finished
7 Jesse Labreck 7:31.02 Finished
8 Amir Malik 2:40.70 Dragonback

Power Tower Playoff Bracket

The Final 8 competed in a single-elimination tournament format with the top 8 seeded based on their performance in the final. The results are as follows:

Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
         
1 Jake Murray Lose
8 Amir Malik Win
8 Amir Malik Lose
5 Austin Gray 36.00
4 Najee Richardson Lose
5 Austin Gray Win
5 Austin Gray Lose
2 Daniel Gil 30.13
2 Daniel Gil 35.24
7 Jesse Labreck Lose
2 Daniel Gil Win
6 Adam Rayl Lose
3 Lucas Reale Lose
6 Adam Rayl Win

American Ninja Warrior 12 champion: Daniel Gil

Broadcast Notes and United States v. Drechsel Case

Drew Drechsel, the season eleven champion, did participate in this season for the duration of its taping. On July 31, 2020, six days after the taping concluded, the U.S. Department of Justice formally charged him with four felonies for various crimes in regards to criminal sexual conduct in regards to a complaint filed by a 19-year old woman to the police in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Following an August 4 press release by the Department of Justice, NBC cut ties with him, did not air his runs, and prohibited him from appearing in future seasons.[12] They did, however, air the rookies Drechsel chose to compete off-screen. In addition, because Drechsel competed on the Power Tower in episode one (losing to "Big Dog Ninja" Jody Avila),[13] the Power Tower competition was not aired; Avila was credited with a win by forfeit. Fellow ninja Joe Moravsky stated on a Twitch stream that Drechsel didn't make it to the Power Tower Playoffs.[14][15]

On June 1, 2023, Mr. Dreschel pled guilty to one count of child pornography and one count of enticing travel for sexual conduct. Sentencing was scheduled for October 24, 2023.

Ratings

Episode Air Date Timeslot (ET)
Rating/Share

(18–49)
Viewers
(millions)
1 Qualifiers #1 September 7, 2020 Monday 8:00 PM 0.6[16] 3.66[16]
2 Qualifiers #2 September 14, 2020 0.5[17] 3.18[17]
3 Qualifiers #3 September 21, 2020 0.5[18] 3.48[18]
4 Qualifiers #4 October 5, 2020 Monday 9:00 PM 0.4[19] 2.22[19]
5 Semifinals #1 October 12, 2020 Monday 8:00 PM 0.6[20] 3.09[20]
6 Semifinals #2 October 21, 2020 Wednesday 9:00 PM 0.5[21] 2.58[21]
7 Finals #1 October 28, 2020 0.5[22] 2.94[22]
8 Finals #2 November 6, 2020 Friday 8:00 PM 0.5[23] 2.97[23]

References

  1. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (August 12, 2020). "American Ninja Warrior Sets Premiere for Pandemic-Shortened Season 12". TVLine. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  2. ^ Lee, Nikki (September 28, 2020). "American Ninja Warrior is not on tonight (Monday, September 28)". American Ninja Warrior Nation. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  3. ^ "Exclusive: 'American Ninja Warrior' shoots COVID-19-delayed Season 12 in St. Louis dome". USA Today. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  4. ^ "'American Ninja Warrior' Season 12 Returns After Filming Under Strict Quarantine Guidelines". NBC Los Angeles. September 7, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  5. ^ Lee, Nikki (August 19, 2020). "Take a closer look at Season 12's competition format". American Ninja Warrior Nation. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  6. ^ Lee, Nikki (October 12, 2020). "Season 12 complete results: Night one of Semi-Finals". American Ninja Warrior Nation. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  7. ^ Lee, Nikki (September 15, 2020). "Nick Hanson wrapped up his season with the Mega Wall". American Ninja Warrior Nation. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  8. ^ "Ethan Swanson on Instagram: "I was disappointed being sent home, but I understand why it was done. If I ended up having COVID, I could have been risking other athletes and ANW production employees. This all happened in July, and I'm safe! Thanks to everyone who cheered me on this season, and good luck to all the competitors still going for buzzers! For me? On to season 13."".
  9. ^ Lee, Nikki (September 21, 2020). "Night three of Qualifiers: Leaderboard and advancing Ninjas". American Ninja Warrior Nation. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  10. ^ "☆ RACHAEL GOLDSTEIN ☆ on Instagram: "⚠️ Last video is a little graphic ⚠️ Sadly, I was unable to compete in semi-finals this season because of a very broken finger 😢 During filming of a special episode the day beforehand (No obstacle spoilers), I smashed it between two parts of an obstacle. I remember looking down at it and thinking "owwwch" but didn't think much of it, jumped up on the next obstacle which involved fingertips, and probably separated the bone there. After my run, I held out on going to get x-rays hoping it was just dislocated (It was crooked at first but then straightened itself out - plus who wants to go to an ER during COVID). I had hoped that since it was just the tip of my finger I could just compete and get it all sorted out later, but am glad I ended up getting it checked out. Competing with a break like this would have been a big mistake! Since it was so unstable, I had to see an orthopedic surgeon who pushed it back in place and then drilled a pin down my finger to hold it in place. I was bummed not to be able to compete in the semi-finals because I knew that I could go further than I did in the qualifiers, but that's how it goes! AND, I was lucky to only hurt a finger. For an injury, this was as good as it gets - I was able to go home and do everything I needed to do! I could take care of Finley, shower, go in pools, etc. I'm seeing a hand specialist right now to try to get my mobility back and decrease pain but am also able to climb and do most ninja things again! #AmericanNinjaWarrior #ninjury #injury #fail #rehabilitation #grrrlarmy #likeagirl #doyoueven #fithealthymom #functionalfitness #momsover30 #fitmomlife #upperbody #occupationaltherapy #handrehabilitation #xrays #anw12 #workhard #nevergiveup #beatyesterday #competeeveryday"".
  11. ^ Lee, Nikki (October 12, 2020). "Night one of Semi-Finals: Leaderboard". American Ninja Warrior Nation. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  12. ^ "American Ninja Warrior all-stars: Drew Drechsel, facing life in prison, will be edited out". reality blurred. August 6, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  13. ^ "Did Drew Drechsel win American Ninja Warrior's Power Tower? Who was on his team?". reality blurred. September 21, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  14. ^ "United States of America v. Andrew Drechsel". United States Department of Justice. USDOJ. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  15. ^ US Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey (August 4, 2020). "Florida Man Charged with Child Sex Offenses in New Jersey". United States Department of Justice. Department of Justice. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  16. ^
    Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original
    on September 12, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  17. ^ on September 16, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  18. ^ on September 23, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  19. ^ on October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  20. ^ on October 14, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  21. ^ on October 23, 2020. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  22. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (October 29, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 10.28.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  23. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (November 9, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Friday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.6.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020.

External links