'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15 winner Vance Walker recalls struggle with cerebral palsy as he takes away $1M prize money
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Vance Walker, 18, has been declared the well-deserving winner of 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15, and according to his social media, he is determined to continue his athletic life. He is also speculated to be seen in more sports reality shows ahead.
After being announced the champion of the sports entertainment reality show, Vance walked off the stage with $1 million prize money, becoming the third contestant since 'American Ninja Warrior' debuted to win a total of $1 million.
Vance celebrated his win, giving a heartfelt speech. In an interview with USA Today, he said, "I don't even believe that I've won it yet because I dreamed of it for so long."
The athlete added, "I would close my eyes when I was running on the treadmill and just picture myself at the bottom of that rope climb. And it would be so real to me in those moments that I think when it actually happened it was so hard to believe."
Vance faced several rule changes in the Qualifying Round of 'American Ninja Warrior', including an 18.5 mega wall and a promise of $10,000 to any Ninja who could compete in the course under 1.20. However, the teenager managed to get past the hurdles fearlessly and become the winner.
Who is the 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15 runner-up?
Vance Walker beat Daniel Gil in the finale of 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15, making the latter the runner-up of the sports entertainment show.
Daniel achieved Total Victory with a final time of 27.99. However, Vance managed to beat Daniel by achieving it in 26.75.
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Vance Walker recalls the 'most nervous' moment on 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15
Vance Walker recalled the "most nervous" moment on 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15, saying, "I think the most nervous I've ever been in my life is when that last runner was on the rope, and they were the difference between me and finally winning."
He continued, "I remember Ethan Bartnicki, he was right behind me, and I was shaking so hard that I literally turned around to him and I was like, ‘Yo, hold me because I'm going to pass out from being so nervous. And he was right behind me, ready to catch me if I passed out."
Vance claimed a lot was going through his mind when he was announced the winner of the season, stating, "Those eight years of just pain and suffering and putting myself through absolute torture to achieve this goal just all came together at once."
The champion added, "Just knowing that it finally paid off and knowing that all that hard work was finally for something was just, I don't even know how to describe it. It was just beautiful."
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'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15 winner Vance Walker struggled with cerebral palsy as a child
Vance Walker was 13 when he set his eyes on winning 'American Ninja Warrior', but as a child, he had to face a lot of challenges due to his diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
However, he did not let his difficulty come in the way of his dreams rather dedicating his time to exercising and stretching his limits until his abilities matched those of other children.
He said, "I've just gotten accustomed to having that little bit of extra work put in, and that's definitely helped me in my career now."
Vance, who has also been twice the winner of 'American Ninja Warrior' Junior, has no intention of slowing down at this point.
