LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15 has got its winner and its none ot18-year-old Vance Walker. The winner's social media claims that he is continuing his athletic life. He is 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.
Winning Season 15, Vance became only the 3rd contestant since 'American Ninja Warrior' debuted to win a total of $1 million cash prize money.
After being declared the winner, Vance gave a heartfelt speech. Vance said in an interview with USA Today, "I don't even believe that I've won it yet because I dreamed of it for so long."
He 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. Vance managed to get past the hurdles fearlessly.
Who is 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15 runner-up?
Vance beat Daniel Gil in the finale of 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15. Indeed, Daniel was the runner-up of the show.
Daniel achieved Total Victory with a final time of 27.99. However, Vance managed to beat Daniel by achieving it in 26.75.
Vance Walker recalls the 'most nervous' moment on 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15
Vance recalled the "most nervous" moment on 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15. Claiming it "terrifying" he said, "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 added, "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.
He said, "Those eight years of just pain and suffering and putting myself through absolute torture to achieve this goal just all came together at once. 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."
'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15 winner Vance Walker struggled with cerebral palsy as a kid
Vance was 13 when he set his eyes on winning 'American Ninja Warrior.' However, as a kid he has to face a lot of challenges while struggling with cerebral palsy.
However, Vance did not let his difficulty come in the way of his dreams. He exercised and stretched his limits until his abilities matched those of other kids.
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 has also been twice the winner of 'American Ninja Warrior' Junior.