SASUKE 2008: American Ninja Stands Out
The spring 2008 edition of obstacle course television show SASUKE just ended, and just like the last edition, it was an incredibly difficult course. Of the 100 competitors who attempted the first round, only 3 made it to the second round. Among them was American free-runner Levi Meeuwenberg, who had been flown to Japan as one of three Americans chosen by G4 TV to compete on behalf of American “Ninja Warrior” fans.
Levi passed the second stage with ease while the two Japanese competitors failed badly, leaving the American as the only competitor to make it to stage 3. It was the first time since SASUKE 8 that a foreigner was the last man standing.
However, Levi was unable to grip a particularly difficult ledge on the 3rd stage, sending him plunging into the water.
It was disappointing to see nobody make it to the final stage this time around, but Levi and the SASUKE all-stars will be no doubt be back next time, and Levi’s impressive performance will probably drive more American “Ninja Warrior” maniacs to aim for the competition.
[ For more details on the outcome of tonight's SASUKE special, check out Lost In Ube's commentary! ]
Update: No videos of last night’s show have appeared on YouTube yet, but here’s a video showing Levi performing some amazing feats of free-running.
