An accomplished artist and singer, Grade 8 student Abbie is also an avid climber. She was recently contacted by American Ninja Warrior Junior to compete on the premiere of the show, a spin-off of the popular obstacle course-based reality television show created in Japan. We had a chance to talk with her about climbing and the show.

What do you like about climbing?

It’s really fun. It is a challenge to figure out the climb, to envision what you want to do, then try to execute.

What do you like about Hamlin’s climbing program?

It’s great that Hamlin has a climbing program, not many schools have climbing walls. It is really cool how we learn to belay and mock lead climb.

What was it like being on television?

It was a new experience being on TV. It made me nervous racing against another competitor, that is not something I’d ever done before.

How long will you continue climbing for?

I want to do competitive climbing for as long as I can. I want to do it in college.

The San Francisco Chronicle did a piece Abbie. You can read it here: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/SF-teen-to-star-on-first-ever-American-Ninja-13303293.php

Abbie’s episode airs on 10/27. You can learn more here: https://www.universalkids.com/shows/american-ninja-warrior-junior