Nine-Year-Old Spa City Ninja to Appear on America Ninja Warrior

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nine-year-old Spa City local Ollie Huss will show the world his ninja skills on American Ninja Warrior Junior.

Ollie has been climbing and ninja-ing with his siblings for years, as it is very much a part of his family’s way of life. His father Eric Huss, who has a vested interest in climbing and athletics, turned his garage into their own personal climbing and ninja gym, which is now known to many as Saratoga Ninja Garage.

However, he only began seriously competing in rock climbing and ninja competitions three years ago.

"He's kind of self-taught with everything; his ninja, his climbing, skiing, everything - he's a natural,” says Eric Huss, Ollie’s dad.

Eric Huss and Ollie’s mother strongly encourage their kids to try a lot of different activities and help them to maintain balance in every aspect of their lives. This constant support and encouragement are why at such a young age, Ollie is and holds a lot of discipline to practice and confidence.

"So, when you're doing something - let’s say, American Ninja Warrior Junior, you do the first obstacle, and you kinda feel confident for the rest of what you're doing,” says Ollie.

Ollie often takes his practice outside of the gym. He has climbed jungle gyms, door jams and the attempted to scale various structures around town.

This nine-year-old with the hot pink hair is fearless say the least. His father can’t recall feeling nervous watching his children scaling obstacles feet above the ground, but his biggest take away is watching the progression of his young athletes.

"It's fun watching the kids progress from when he and his brother did their first comps (competitions) three or four years ago and fell in the first obstacle and ran off the course crying,” said Huss. “And now to see what they do… it’s just to watch that progression it's been pretty cool as well."