Kaden Lebsack has been crowned as the winner of American Ninja Warrior season 13 and rightfully so! The powerhouse competitor was the only contestant to reach stage four at the National Finals, which is a feat that is no easy task.
While this year’s season brought back the fan-adored action, impressive obstacles and edge-of-your-seat excitement, the beloved show upped the ante by lowering the age limit to just 15.
This new entry-level age limit opened the door for a slew of younger ninja warriors to try their hand at the show, just like Lebsack. Kaden not only got to compete at just 15-years-old, but also took home a $100,000 prize as the competitor to make it the farthest.
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In an exclusive interview with Celeb Secrets, Lebsack told us that coming into the competition at such a young age was an opportunity he was ready to take on.
“..As soon as I got the call, I was already nervous for qualifying,” said Lebsack. “I upped my training even more and I was definitely nervous for sure.”
But channeling the nerves and hard work during training certainly paid off for the Colorado native, as viewers could not help but notice how incredibly smooth Kaden was throughout the courses.
He told us that he credits his skills to his next level training.
“I would definitely credit most of it to my coach John,” said Kaden. “He’s helped me a lot and pushed me more than I could myself.”
And what advice does the newly-championed ninja warrior have for those who one day want to be in his spot? Lebsack says to “dream big.”
“Definitely just dream big,” Lebsack said. “You can accomplish anything if you just work hard for it.”
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Celeb Secrets sat down (virtually) with Kaden Lebsack to learn more about his time on American Ninja Warrior, what he plans to do with his winning funds and what’s next for the young powerhouse competitor.
Check out the full Q&A below! Don’t forget to let us know what you think of Kaden’s season by leaving a reaction below or sending us a tweet @celebsecrets. You can connect with Kaden by giving him a follow on Instagram at @kadenwake.
Celeb Secrets: This year, they lowered the age limit to 15 for ANW and you are 15 taking home the win. How does that feel?
Kaden Lebsack: “It’s crazy! I’ve been watching the show for five years thinking that I would run when I’m 19 and now I’m getting to run at 15. It’s crazy.”
CS: And so when you found out that they lowered the age limit and you were now old enough, did you have any nerves or doubts going in?
KL: “Oh yeah! As soon as I got the call I was already nervous for qualifying. I upped my training even more and I was definitely nervous for sure.”
CS: You are so smooth on stage and you make it look so easy! Is there something you credit to that?
KL: “I would definitely credit most of it to my coach John. He’s helped me a lot and pushed me more than I could myself.”
CS: What advice do you have for those watching at home who one day want to be in your shoes?
KL: “Definitely just dream big.You can accomplish anything if you just work hard for it.”
CS: How do you plan to spend your winnings?
KL: “I have a few of my Ninja Warrior friends on a trip to Disney World but I don’t really have any other plans for it right now.”
CS: What is next for you?
KL: I’m gonna keep training, push myself even harder and come back next season for stage four!”
