Ryan Stratis, a 41-year-old Greenville native and Army National Guard veteran, has returned to “American Ninja Warrior.”
Now in its 18th season, the show is based on the Japanese reality TV show “Sasuke” and has its competitors tackle various obstacle courses in different cities. The competition’s winner will receive a $1 million grand prize.
Stratis was introduced to the show’s concept while watching “Ninja Warrior” or “Sasuke” on the former G4 network. The show was later developed into “American Ninja Warrior.”
“There was a marathon going on and I was hooked instantly,” said Stratis. “It was a challenge I felt I would have done well at because I was already into obstacle courses in the military.”
Ryan Stratis competes on “American Ninja Warrior.” Photo provided by Trae Patton/NBCStratis was cast in the show’s first season and has continued to participate over the years. As the show has evolved and he’s gotten older, the way he and other participants train has changed. To be competitive on the show, all athletes train year-round as they work to build upper body strength and improve dynamic motion and movements.
When he’s not competing on “American Ninja Warrior,” Stratis serves as a commentator for the Ninja Sports Network, a YouTube- and Patreon-run content-creation team that hosts competitions.
Stratis will appear in one of the show’s semifinals episodes, which begin airing July 14. Another Upstate contestant, Bob Reese of Anderson, also advanced to the semifinals.
“American Ninja Warrior” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC. It is also available for streaming on Peacock.
