Kai Beckstrand Winner of American Ninja Warrior

“That was probably the most nervous for any race in all my years of competition.”

Welcome Kai Beckstrand

We’re joined on the Starline by the American Ninja Warrior winner, taking out all comers, including his brother on the way to $250,000. We welcome Kai Beckstrand.

Kai, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your road to Ninja Warrior champion started at 12 when you won the American Ninja Warrior Jr competition. How did you prepare for the biggest moment of your life in the finals?

How does your family love of Ninja Warrior support and help you?

Speed has helped you in the past and also punished you. How is Ninja Warrior not just strength or speed but a mental battle?

In ANW Jr it’s head to head. Previous years ANW competitions were solo. Why do going head to head change the dynamics of the competition?

Your brother was actually ahead of you for most of the quarterfinal. How did you overcome the adversity of “crap, I don’t want to lose to little brother”.

The Rockin’ 8:

Kai Beckstrand winner of American Ninja Warrior joins us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Who is the one person you never want to race head to head?

2. In a family of ninjas, what’s the worst chore mom and dad made you do?

3. If you could snap your fingers and eliminate one obstacle forever, it would be?

4. Favorite obstacle of Ninja Warrior? 

5. Best thing about Grip Fitness?

6. Best thing about your brother Luke?

7. Name of the last lamb you showed?

8. Would you rather be in the pool or on the ski slopes?

Sneaking in a Couple More:

What’s your message to the Type 1 diabetic’s fans after you won?

Biggest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life?

What is your next challenge?

The Impossible Question:

You’ve gone through firefighter academy and EMT training. What goes through your mind about dealing with life and death situations, especially with knowing that you might not be able to save everyone no matter how hard you try?

Where can people find you online?

The Wrap:

He loves the salmon ladder wants to get rid of all rope climbs and wants you to watch American Ninja Warrior on NBC Kai Beckstrand, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today and congratulations.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with athletes here.