Man doesn't let size stop him from crushing 'American Ninja Warrior' course

On Monday’s season premiere of “American Ninja Warrior,” Rookie contestant Nate Hansen inspired viewers with his amazing performance on the obstacle course. Hansen suffers from a growth hormone deficiency which stunted growth at age 12. As a result of being small, Hansen was bullied quite a bit. “Growing up in middle school and all throughout high school, I was bullied and always called names,” said Hansen. “It was really difficult going through that because people were always underestimating me.” Despite only being 5’2”, Hansen became the first contestant of the season to climb the 14.5 ft warp wall and hit buzzer.

Video Transcript

[SWISH]

- Matt, I love his story because this tells me and tells the world, you never judge a man by his size.

- Just 5' 2", can he handle Rip Run?

[CROWD CHEERING]

- Look at that. Look at that. That's what I'm talking about.

- Great footwork.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

- Rookie, contestant Nate Hansen inspired viewers with his impressive performance on Monday's season premiere of "American Ninja "Warrior, Known as the Gnarly Ninja, he suffers from a hormone deficiency which caused him to stop growing when he was 12 years old.

- Growing up in middle school and all throughout high school, I was bullied and always called names. And it was really difficult going through that because people were always underestimating me.

- Despite being much shorter than the average competitor, Nate became the first ninja of the season to make it up the 14 and 1/2 foot Warp Wall and complete the course. Fans were amazed by his performance, with one fan tweeting, Wow, Gnarly Ninja just wrecked the course. Inspirational!

- The Gnarly Ninja, Akbar.

- I'm speechless.

- Growing up, people told me, I couldn't do it my whole life, so I'm made it happen.

- They not doubting you tonight. They're not doubting you tonight.

[SWISH]