Jessie Graff’s impressive run on “American Ninja Warrior” came to an end Monday night, but she still walked away victorious.
Graff made “ANW” history two weeks ago when she became the first woman ever to compete Stage 1 of the national finals course in Las Vegas. On Monday’s season finale, she followed that up by being the first female to attempt Stage 2.
As seen in video of her run, the LA-based stunt woman started out strong, navigating the Giant Ring Swing with relative ease and deftly completing the Down-Up Salmon Ladder. But on the third obstacle, the Waverunner, she lost her grip and fell into the pool, just as five other competitors had slipped up before her.
Graff’s run, ending with 1:27 left to go on the clock, was hardly a fail, however. The crowd still chanted her name as she exited the course a history-maker. And she’ll get another shot to conquer the course next year — earlier Monday NBC renewed “American Ninja Warrior,” which is averaging 7.2 million viewers, for a sixth season.