Summary

  • Josiah Pippel is one of the youngest competitors on American Ninja Warrior, making history by competing at 15 years old.
  • American Ninja Warrior has been more inclusive of younger contestants, lowering the minimum age for season 13 to 15 years old.
  • Josiah has been dedicated to training for American Ninja Warrior for years and has received coaching from Ninja alumni. He has competed in multiple seasons and plans to compete again in the future.

The contestants on American Ninja Warrior have come from various shapes, sizes, and ages, and Josiah Pippel is the newest star to come from an unconventional background. As he first competed at 15 years old, Josiah is one of the youngest ninjas to compete on the game show and overcome some of the series' most intimidating obstacles. From dedicating half his life to competing on American Ninja Warrior season 13 to his hometown and height, here's all there is to know about Josiah.

Although Josiah is a trailblazer for teens looking to join the reality competition, American Ninja Warrior isn't new to hosting the talent of young gymnasts. The show has featured passionate children from 9 to 14 since the spinoff series' debut in October 2018. On top of allowing younger ninjas to compete on the offshoot show, the American Ninja Warrior age parameters for contestants on the original series have been growing more lenient for the past few years. For season 13, American Ninja Warrior lowered the age requirements once again, dropping the minimum age from 19 to 15 years old. This adjustment allowed Josiah to make history.

Who Is Josiah Pippel From American Ninja Warrior?

Josiah Pippel American Ninja Warrior

Josiah first gained notoriety when he qualified for the American Ninja Warrior Junior quarterfinals in 2020. According to NJ.com, Josiah was 13 years old and 5'11" at his qualification. Josiah is from Moorestown, New Jersey, where he has been dedicated to his passion for American Ninja Warrior. Josiah had even built some of his own Ninja Warrior obstacles to train on growing up. In addition to preparing for his reality TV debut, Josiah's hobbies include building and designing robots as a part of the Moorestown First Lego League robotics team. Josiah's mom, Beth Phillips, explained, "He doesn't follow any sports teams... He lives and breathes Ninja!"

Josiah Pippel Trained For American Ninja Warrior For Years

The American Ninja Warrior alum trained for his opportunity to become a champion of the game show when he went to a birthday party at a parkour facility when he was only seven years old. In June 2021, Josiah proved that 15-year-olds can hold their own on mature obstacle courses. Josiah secured his spot in the finals in the American Ninja Warrior season 13 and 14.

American Ninja Warrior Nation reported that Josiah had been coached by Ninja alumni Chris Wilczewski and Najee Richardson. Josiah was a force to be reckoned with during the semifinals despite his young age. Josiah was the second-fastest to complete the course, leading him to a face-off at the Power Tower, finishing a second behind Vance Walker.

Josiah has gone on to compete in American Ninja Warrior season 14 and 15. After an impressive run on season 14, his time in the 2023 season was unfortunately cut short. However, he maintains a positive attitude and will hopefully compete again in American Ninja Warrior season 16.

Sources: American Ninja Warrior Nation, NJ.com