American Ninja Warrior 7's Invisible Ladder
The Invisible Ladder is an obstacle, firstly introduced on American Ninja Warrior 7, as the tenth and final obstacle in every city finals course, replacing the Spider Climb from the past two American Ninja Warrior seasons.
It consists of two hanging rings in a chute, which was 30 feet (9.14 meters) in height. Competitors must grab one ring in each hand and pump their arms upward as if they were climbing a ladder. Since the rings could only move upward, doing this would raise the competitors toward the top of the chute, where they could hit the buzzer. Competitors were not allowed to use their feet while attempting this obstacle (to compensate that rule, the space between the walls was made wider than the Spider Climb). Also, just like the Spider Climb, the starting platform at the bottom of the walls would move slightly upward when the competitors scaled the obstacle, in order to soften the impact, in case of the competitors failed to complete the obstacle and fell.
Because of the immense amount of upper body usage, in its first season appearance, this obstacle was proven to be much more brutal than the Spider Climb, as the obstacle ended many veterans' run once they got to it, mainly due to them being spent much time and energy after the previous nine obstacles. It took out eight competitors in total: David Campbell, Ryan Stratis, Flip Rodriguez, Drew Drechsel, Jamie Rahn, Kevin Bull, Matthew Jensen, and Neil Craver. Only 11 competitors were able to get up to the top and consequently finished the city finals course on American Ninja Warrior 7.
Other Season Appearances[]
American Ninja Warrior 8[]
American Ninja Warrior 8's Invisible Ladder
The Invisible Ladder made its second appearance on American Ninja Warrior 8, once again as the tenth and final obstacle in every city finals course. This time, the rings were bigger and closer together than they were during the previous season. Josh Levin was the only competitor during Los Angeles finals to complete it. However, during Atlanta finals, four competitors could get past the obstacle (including Drew Drechsel, who failed on this obstacle during American Ninja Warrior 7's Orlando finals). Another four competitors were able to get up the Invisible Ladder during Indianapolis finals, and two more during Oklahoma City finals, totaling 11 competitors once again, but no one was able to complete it during Philadelphia finals (making it the first time in American Ninja Warrior history that no competitor could complete the city finals course).
In total, only four competitors failed on this obstacle on American Ninja Warrior 8: Chris Wilczewski, Joe Moravsky (who completed this obstacle during American Ninja Warrior 7's Pittsburgh finals), Ethan Swanson, and Thomas Stillings.
On American Ninja Warrior 9, it was replaced by the harder Elevator Climb, which had a similar function as this obstacle.
American Ninja Warrior 17[]
American Ninja Warrior 17's Invisible Ladder
The Invisible Ladder made a reappearance during the semifinals in American Ninja Warrior 17, replacing the Rope Climb from the previous season. It was modified, having been raised to 35 feet (10.668 meters), the same height as the Spider Trap.
During the first round of the semifinals, nine were able to complete it while six competitors failed it: Elijah Browning, R.J. Roman, Enzo DeFerrari Wilson, Caleb Bergstrom, Kyle Soderman, and Grant Kiningham.
During the second round of the semifinals, ten were able to complete it while four competitors failed it: Jonathan Godbout, Donovan Metoyer, Nicholas Coolridge (who cleared this obstacle during American Ninja Warrior 7’s Venice Beach finals), and Carter Ray.
During the third round of the semifinals, nine were able to complete it while only two competitors failed it: Joe Moravsky (who previously failed on it during American Ninja Warrior 8’s Philadelphia finals) and Lucas Reale.
In total, 28 competitors were able to complete it this season, a significant improvement over the eleven competitors from each of its previous appearances.
Team Ninja Warrior[]
The Invisible Ladder appeared as the final obstacle in the first through seventh episodes in Team Ninja Warrior 2 with a slight modification as it was increased to 40 feet, compared to the regular season. Only Daniel Gil, Brian Wilczewski, and Brandon Mears failed the obstacle, and ironically, Daniel was able to complete the obstacle during American Ninja Warrior 8. It was replaced by the easier Final Climb for the rest of the competition.
Other Appearances[]
Ninja Warrior UK[]
Ninja Warrior UK 2's Invisible Ladder
The Invisible Ladder appeared as the ninth and final obstacle during the finals' Stage One on Ninja Warrior UK 2, replacing the Chimney Climb from the previous season. It had a height of 6m, with the space between the walls kept the same as the Chimney Climb (however, just like on American Ninja Warrior, competitors were not allowed to use their feet while attempting the obstacle).
Three competitors (Tim Shieff, Toby Segar, and Owen McKenzie) reached the obstacle, and despite having difficulties while attempting the obstacle, all of them could complete it and moved on to Stage Two.
The obstacle was replaced again by the Chimney Climb on the next season.
Ninja Warrior France[]
See also: Repechage
Ninja Warrior France's Invisible Ladder (L'Ascenseur de l'Extrême)
In Ninja Warrior France, the Invisible Ladder, locally called L'Ascenseur de l'Extrême (literally The Extreme Elevator), appeared as the ninth and final obstacle of the First Stage of the Finals of that season. This time, the obstacle itself had a height of 7 metres (~22.96 feet) and just as in American Ninja Warrior, competitors were not allowed to use their feet while attempting the obstacle.
In that season, due to the brutality of the previous obstacles (mainly the Jumping Spider), only Thomas Hubener and Valentin Dubois attempted this obstacle, with both of them clearing the obstacle and subsequently the First Stage.
Ninja Warrior France 2's Invisible Ladder
It returned in Ninja Warrior France 2 and Ninja Warrior France 3 as the seventh obstacle of the First Stage.
It was replaced by the Wall Flip Tower in Ninja Warrior France 4.
Ninja Warrior France 8's Invisible Ladder (Le Double Ascenseur de l'Extrême)
After a five season absence, it returned in Ninja Warrior France 8, serving as the sole obstacle in the Repechage Stage of the season. This time, there were two ladders (both 9 meters in height) set up side-by-side, making this specification a Double Invisible Ladder, locally known as Le Double Ascenseur de l'Extrême. The eight competitors who placed 9th through 16th along with the top two women who made it the farthest after Stage One finished would race on this obstacle side-by-side. Whoever finished first would advance to Stage Two while the loser would be eliminated.
The same version would appear once again in the Repechage in Ninja Warrior France: Clash of Nations. This time, the teams who placed 2nd through 4th would send one member of their team to compete for that person’s right to compete throughout the rest of the tournament: Maurane Jelic (Team France), Tim Champion (Team UK), and Stefanie Edelmann (Team Germany). Out of the three, both Tim and Maurane conquered the obstacle; Stefanie failed it at the 7 meter mark while Tim cleared it faster, letting him continue in the competition.
Ninja Warrior Germany[]
Ninja Warrior Germany 1's Invisible Ladder
Ninja Warrior Germany 3's Invisible Ladder
The Invisible Ladder (Unsichtbare Leiter) appeared as the final obstacle of First Stage during the first three seasons of Ninja Warrior Germany.
On Ninja Warrior Germany, this obstacle proved to be brutal, as only Oliver Edelmann out of nine competitors completed it and Stage One.
On Ninja Warrior Germany 2, all five competitors attempting completed it.
On Ninja Warrior Germany 3, only four out of 14 competitors failed it.
It was replaced by the Spider Trap in the following season.
Ninja Warrior Germany 7's Invisible Ladder (Unsichtbare Leiter)
In Ninja Warrior Germany 7, the Invisible Ladder then reappeared, after a four-year long absence, this time serving as the fifth and final obstacle of the Second Stage. Compared to the previous iteration that has been used from Ninja Warrior Germany-Ninja Warrior Germany 3, the height of the obstacle was increased from 7 metres to 9 metres (29.52 feet). Before starting, the rings were suspended from two pegs on opposite sides similar to the one used in Ninja Warrior Poland 5.
Despite the minor height raise, the obstacle instead proved to be a stamina and time waster rather than a Ninja-Killer, with all seven competitors who attempted the obstacle clearing it, and subsequently the entire Second Stage.
Ninja Warrior Austria[]
Ninja Warrior Austria 1's Invisible Ladder
Ninja Warrior Austria 3's Invisible Ladder
Invisible Ladder (Unsichtbare Leiter) appeared as the ninth and final obstacle of Stage One in Ninja Warrior Austria 1 and Ninja Warrior Austria 3. It was 7m tall.
Australian Ninja Warrior[]
Australian Ninja Warrior 3's Invisible Ladder
On Australian Ninja Warrior 3, the Invisible Ladder appeared as the ninth and final obstacle during the semifinals.
In total, 18 competitors attempted the obstacle and only six of them failed to complete it (four competitors in Semifinal 2, two competitors in Semifinal 3). The 12 competitors who could complete the obstacle included Ashlin Herbert, Mike Snow, Josh O'Sullivan, Bryson Klein, and Olivia Vivian (who became the first female competitor to complete the semifinal course on Australian Ninja Warrior).
Australian Ninja Warrior 4's Invisible Ladder
Then, on Australian Ninja Warrior 4, the Invisible Ladder returned as the ninth and final obstacle during the semifinals. This time, all 17 competitors who reached the obstacle were able to complete it (twelve competitors in Semifinal 1 and five competitors in Semifinal 2).
Ninja Warrior Poland[]
Ninja Warrior Poland 5's Invisible Ladder
On Ninja Warrior Poland 5, the Invisible Ladder (Przeprawa przez komin 2, roughly translates to Chimney Climb 2) appeared as the fifth and final obstacle during the semi-finals and the ninth and final obstacle in the Stage One, replacing the Chimney Climb from the previous four seasons. Before starting, the rings were suspended from two pegs on opposite sides. In this season, only three competitors failed on this obstacle.
On Ninja Warrior Poland 6, it was replaced again by Chimney Climb.
Ninja Israel[]
Ninja Israel 5's Invisible Ladder
On Ninja Warrior Israel 5, the Invisible Ladder, locally called שר הטבעות (literally Lord of the Rings) appeared as the final obstacle in every Semifinals, which was very similar to the one used in Ninja Warrior UK 2, since the space between the walls was kept the same as the Chimney Climb (however, just like on American Ninja Warrior, competitors were not allowed to use their feet while attempting the obstacle). This was the reason that the obstacle can be easily replaced by Chimney Climb in Finals' Stage One of the same season by simply removing the two rings. Before starting, the rings were suspended from two pegs on opposite sides similar to the one used in Ninja Warrior Poland 5.
Endless Invisible Climb[]
A supersized version of the Invisible Ladder, called the Endless Invisible Climb, was used during American Ninja Warrior: All Stars Special 2. This took place at the Stage Four tower and is 75 feet tall. Four selected contestants battled each other for the fastest time to reach the top.
James McGrath was crowned the champion of this event, beating out Jamie Rahn in the final heat.
Trivia[]
- Out of the 11 competitors that were able to get up the Invisible Ladder on American Ninja Warrior 7, two of them were rookies (Brendan Couvreux and Nicholas Coolridge), while on American Ninja Warrior 8, Josh Levin and Grant Clinton were the two rookies to get up the Invisible Ladder.
- Kansas City and Houston were the only two out of six qualifying cities on American Ninja Warrior 7, where no competitor had failed at the Invisible Ladder, while on American Ninja Warrior 8, Los Angeles and Atlanta were the only two out of five qualifying cities, where no competitor had failed at the Invisible Ladder.
- Venice Beach and San Pedro (Military) were the only qualifying cities on American Ninja Warrior 7, where only one competitor could get up the Invisible Ladder (Nicholas Coolridge and Dustin McKinney were the only finishers in their respective cities), while on American Ninja Warrior 8, Los Angeles was the only qualifying city where only one competitor (Josh Levin) could get up the Invisible Ladder.
- Among its three seasons on American Ninja Warrior, only James McGrath was able to complete it every time.
Competitors' Success Rate[]
- All results based on the NBC/Polsat/Keshet 12 broadcast and external information found.
American Ninja Warrior[]
| ANW | City | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANW7 | Venice Beach | 1 | 3 | 33.33% |
| Kansas City | 3 | 3 | 100% | |
| Houston | 2 | 2 | 100% | |
| Orlando | 2 | 5 | 40% | |
| Pittsburgh | 2 | 3 | 60% | |
| San Pedro (Military) | 1 | 3 | 33.33% | |
| ANW8 | Los Angeles | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| Atlanta | 4 | 4 | 100% | |
| Indianapolis | 4 | 5 | 80% | |
| Oklahoma City | 2 | 3 | 66.67% | |
| Philadelphia | 0 | 2 | 0% | |
| ANW17 | Semifinals 1 | 9 | 15 | 60% |
| Semifinals 2 | 10 | 14 | 71.43% | |
| Semifinals 3 | 9 | 11 | 81.81% | |
| Total | 50 | 73 | 68.49% | |
Ninja Warrior Poland[]
| NWP | Stage | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NWP5 | Semi-final 1 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| Semi-final 2 | 1 | 1 | 100% | |
| Semi-final 3 | 1 | 2 | 50% | |
| Semi-final 4 | 0 | 0 | N/A | |
| Semi-final 5 | 3 | 4 | 75% | |
| Semi-final 6 | 1 | 1 | 100% | |
| Stage One | 2 | 3 | 66.66% |
Ninja Israel[]
| NWI | Stage | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NWI5 | Semifinal 1 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| Semifinal 2 | 2 | 2 | 100% | |
| Semifinal 3 | 2 | 2 | 100% | |
| Semifinal 4 | 3 | 3 | 100% | |
| Semifinal 5 | 4 | 4 | 100% | |
| Repechage Semifinal | 1 | 2 | 50% | |
| Total | 14 | 15 | 93.33% | |