One Redcliffe athlete has reached new heights after competing in three separate world championship competitions this year.
Kylee Sanson flew to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the United States to compete in the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) World Series Finals, from 11 to 16 July.
Athlete and personal coach, Kylee Sanson, said this competition was her first experience on the world stage, but she entered her first competition last year.
“I entered my first ninja competition in April 2025 at Ninja Jungle on the Sunshine Coast, and in that first comp, qualified for nationals,” Kylee said. “My love of the sport, and skill, grew from there.
“This experience was about way more than just me competing. The memories I took away were so rich in connection.”
Kylee qualified for and competed in three separate competitions, placing 11th, 9th and 9th, respectively.
Not only did the ninja warrior qualify and place so well, but Kylee is now recognised as one of the top 10 masters female ninja warriors in the world.
“I don’t think it’s actually sunk in yet,” she said. “Coming in 9th in The UNAA and USA World Cup has certainly fuelled my fire to return next year with a lot more skills in my ninja toolbox.
“The most exciting part of this for me is knowing that I have only just scratched the surface of what I am capable of. I know there is still so much for me to master, so much efficiency to gain, so much speed and power to work on.”
How It All Began
Kylee first fell in love with ninja and parkour rigs after going to Urban Xtreme (now known as Bounce) with her kids; eventually inspiring her to participate in such competitions.
“…I would be ‘that mum’ that would be playing on the ninja and parkour rigs for hours!” she said. “It is a literal big kids’ playground and I loved it.
“I see myself on the podium, with the gold medal around my neck. I know I am capable of it, I just have to keep chipping away, one callus at a time!”
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