By The Ninja Labs (Saratoga & Albany) recently traveled to Greensboro, NC for the World Ninja League World Championships. The World Ninja League is the premiere obstacle league in the sport of Ninja. The event took place June 21-24th at the Greensboro Coliseum and hosted over 2300 athletes from 11 different countries and across 7 different age and skill divisions.
Much like the finals of the hit TV show American Ninja Warrior, the main event at the WNL World Championships features a 3 stage obstacle course. Athletes who clear each stage (or finish in the top percentages of their division) move on to the next stage, but only those who clear each stage are still in contention for the World Championship title.
There is also a “World’s Strongest Ninja” title that is up for grabs during the event. In order to be crowned the World’s Strongest Ninja, athletes must do well not only on the obstacle course runs, but also perform well in the skills challenges that also take place during the Championships. A ninja’s speed, technical skills and endurance are challenged during these skills events.
Sixteen local athletes competed at Worlds and 4 finished in the Top 10 of their Divisions:
Coach Geoff Snyder finished 7th in the World in the Masters Division (40+)
Coach Nicole Van Oort finished 4th in the World’s Strongest Ninja category in the Adult Female Division.
Coach Anna Venditti finished 4th in the World and 3rd in the World’s Strongest Ninja category in the Young Adult Division (15-17).
Adelena Messier earned the title of World Champion by clearing Stage 1 and Stage 2, as well as going the furthest the fastest on Stage 3. She beat out 112 other top teen females (13-14) to take the title. Adelena also finished 3rd in the World’s Strongest Ninja category.
“I’m incredibly proud of Adelena & Anna, but I’m also equally proud of all of our Ninja Lab athletes and coaches.” said head coach Geoff Snyder. “We have built a quality program that has produced some of the best ninjas in the World Ninja League. Our athletes work incredibly hard year around and it’s been amazing to see the fruits of their labor this past season.”
