The Ninja Family on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ Season 15 Semifinals
The Ninja Family, a group of four siblings and their spouses, showcased their unity and strength on the latest season of ‘American Ninja Warrior.’ Caleb Bergstrom, Caitlyn Bergstrom-Wright, Ashley Bergstrom, and David Bergstrom-Wright competed on Season 15 of the popular television series, where contestants navigate extreme obstacle courses for a chance to win a $1 million grand prize.
The Pinellas County family proved that riches couldn’t come between them as they competed side by side. The public got a chance to witness their teamwork and support when all four participants appeared on the same semifinals episode, which was filmed earlier this year in Los Angeles. The episode aired on August 14th at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Out of the 238 ninjas who began the season, the 96 men and 32 women with the best qualifying times advanced to the semifinals. The 48 male and 16 female winners of one-on-one races, along with eight wildcard contestants, competed in the finals, where men and women competed in the same bracket. This season introduced one-on-one races, a shift from previous seasons that relied on best times.
While the family members remained tight-lipped about their progress in the competition, Caitlyn Bergstrom-Wright emphasized that they always support and cheer each other on. Even the prospect of winning large amounts of money didn’t diminish their camaraderie and respect for fellow Tampa Bay friends Vance Walker, DC Banks, Enzo Wilson, and Emma Pereya, who also competed on the same semifinals episode.
The dominance of the Tampa Bay area in ‘American Ninja Warrior’ can be partly attributed to the Bergstrom’s Jungle Gym. This facility, located in Pinellas Park, offers ninja training to members as young as 3 and as old as 60. Equipped with a 15,000-foot Jungle Gym, it provides obstacle courses similar to those seen on the show, including the challenging 15-foot steeply curved warped wall.
Ashley Bergstrom, 23, highlighted the importance of dedication in pursuing this form of training, stating that many people initially had no experience but were willing to put in the effort. The family’s connection to ‘American Ninja Warrior’ goes beyond their participation. Around 30 gym members, including Caleb and Ashley’s brother Danny and father Jason, have competed on previous seasons.
The Bergstrom family started as fans of the show and began building their own obstacles in their backyard, inviting friends over to try them out. The family’s involvement in ninja competitions across the state eventually led to the opening of their gym in 2019. Season 11 marked the debut of David and Caitlyn Bergstrom-Wright, Caleb and Ashley Bergstrom, and it was during that season that Caitlyn met her future husband, who was living in Texas at the time.
While they haven’t won the competition yet, the family made a pact before Season 15 to ensure no one would walk away empty-handed. Winner buys dinner, joked David Bergstrom-Wright, 23, acknowledging the significance of the million-dollar prize.
The Ninja Family’s journey on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ Season 15 has captivated audiences with their remarkable unity and strength. As the season unfolds, viewers are eagerly awaiting their upcoming performances and the possibility of a grand victory. With a dedication to training and an unbreakable bond, this remarkable family serves as an inspiration to aspiring ninjas around the world.
