Michael Stanger is an insurance agent who competed in the Kansas City Finals.
Stanger was known for being a " superhero " as his wife, Enedina Stanger, was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome. He first ran the course for her as a walk-on in American Ninja Warrior 7.
American Ninja Warrior 7[]
With arguably one of the biggest competitor backstories of the season, Stanger had proved himself to be a successful competitor in American Ninja Warrior 7, where he ended up finishing the Kansas City qualifying course and placed 27th.
He had ended up reaching the finals, where he was putting a strong run, but was one of the many competitors to fall on the Body Prop. His time ended up placing 16th, and he was the only competitor on the Body Prop to not make it into the top 15. However, he was still awarded from his wife for his courageous efforts, and as an improbable occurence, Stanger ended up being a wildcard in Vegas, as Lorin Ball was injured before the finals and had filled in for him.
He wasn't shown in Vegas, but he fell on the first obstacle, Piston Road. [1]
American Ninja Warrior 8[]
He returned in American Ninja Warrior 8 in Indianapolis. It was revealed this season that since his two daughters also have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, inheriting it from his wife. This gave him more incentive running the course again. Stanger started off strong, until he got to the Disk Runner where he completed the obstacle, but his momentum caused him to fall off the side of the course. However, he was still awarded for his efforts from his wife and daughters, despite placing 35th overall in qualifying.
American Ninja Warrior 9[]
As a major update in ANW9, his wife Enedina was cured from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Stanger still ran the course in Denver, and made it all the way to the Rail Runner, which he placed 16th in qualifying.
However, in the city finals, Michael failed the Salmon Ladder, and did not advance to Vegas. He placed 19th overall.
American Ninja Warrior 10[]
After Enedina was relieved from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she was able to make her debut on the course alongside him in Minneapolis. His run was cut from the broadcast, but he was one of many to fail the Ring Jump in qualifying.
| ANW | # | Results | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 16 | Failed Piston Road (First Stage) | All Cut. Replacement for Lorin Ball. |