Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Gil.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Daniel Gil, and I’m a 7-time National Finalist & Season 12 Champion of American Ninja Warrior. I got started in this new and growing sport back in 2013 when a friend told me about a local gym that trained people to compete on the show. Being a monkey boy my whole life with a background in athletics, I jumped at the opportunity to get involved in a gym as exciting as that. I visited the gym and tried many of the obstacles seen on the tv show. I was blown away and simultaneously hooked! The level of difficulty and athleticism required to navigate your way through these incredibly fun obstacles was exactly the type of movement-based sport I had only dreamed of! I miraculously was able to walk out with a job that same day and would soon begin coaching introductory classes for this new form of OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) sport called Ninja. After trying unsuccessfully for two years to get on the television show and its online auditioned casting process, I waited in line for a week and – again, miraculously was finally able to compete on season 7 for the Houston Qualifiers. I walked away with the fastest run of the night and became the Rookie of the Year that season. After that, the rest is history.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My American Ninja Warrior Journey has been anything but a smooth road. My challenges began before I even ran my first course because on the show you are never allowed to practice any of the obstacles! What you see on the tv is the first time we’re touching those obstacles, and they introduce new ones at every round of competition! So, you can imagine the level of difficulty running these courses becomes. Not only is it physically demanding, but mentally exhausting as well. Each year I would do better than the last but would fall before making it to the final stage at the National Finals. On season 11, I made it all the way to the final round – Stage Four- which is a 75ft rope climb you must complete in 30 seconds or less. I lost the victory and one million dollars by three seconds. Three seconds! That was a tough pill to swallow. But I looked for the silver lining and believed that if I made it that far once…then I could do it again. I enjoy sharing with people that our failures in life do not have to define us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a pro-OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) Ninja athlete. I train and compete in obstacle course races nationally and internationally. I coach and offer private training in Houston, TX, where I live, and I specialize in obstacle course training. I regularly run clinics at other ninja gyms across the country. I am also an author and motivational speaker with books and messages about overcoming obstacles. I have spoken in school assemblies, summer camps, church services, conferences, retreats, outreach events, FCA, corporate events, keynotes, fundraisers, and special events across the country for close to a decade.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My greatest asset and support have been my incredible wife, Abby! Without her, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do or accomplish what I have. Additionally, my family has been a pillar of support and encouragement when I needed it. My students are a constant source of joy and remind me why I do what I do. I also owe a great debt of gratitude to my many mentors and role models that I’ve had over the years who have taken me under their wing to teach and guide me in the world of business and entrepreneurship. My pastors have helped me keep a Kingdom mentality at all times. Lastly, I owe my original ninja warrior training to my sensei, Sam Sann, for teaching me all he knows about how to train for obstacles.
Contact Info:
- Website: DanielGil.ninja
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/kingdom_ninja/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielGilANW
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCX6JhIDYLGCzNs5ieBWwPA
Image Credits
Amy Photography
Spencer Davis Photography
