Home

Harvey’s ninja makes grand final

Briana FioreSouth Western Times
Harvey athlete Rhys Landwehr made it all the way to the grand final in the television series Ninja Warrior.
Camera IconHarvey athlete Rhys Landwehr made it all the way to the grand final in the television series Ninja Warrior.

A Harvey athlete somersaulted his way through to the grand final in the Ninja Warrior television series.

Rhys Landwehr made it into the top 24, thanks to his speed, upper-body strength and perseverance.

The 20-year-old powered through the auditions, heats and semifinals to make it into the grand final.

Contestants must leap over barriers, swing off hoops and run up giant walls in the hope of making it to the next round. The ninja who finishes in the fastest time — without plunging into the ice-cold water — is crowned the season champion.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW
Harvey athlete Rhys Landwehr made it all the way to the grand final in the television series Ninja Warrior.
Camera IconHarvey athlete Rhys Landwehr made it all the way to the grand final in the television series Ninja Warrior.

However, this was not Rhys’ first rodeo. The young gun made it all the way to the semifinals last year and said the course was increasing in difficulty each year.

“The obstacle course changes each season and it is definitely getting harder,” Rhys said.

I was absolutely exhausted, it was so physically demanding.

Rhys Landwehr

Rhys was training every day in the lead up to the competition and said he enjoyed keeping fit and active.

He also does rock climbing for three hours a day and is now training for the Rock Climbing State title.

Rhys grew up training with the Harvey Fire Brigade squad. His family was involved in the brigade so he decided that he too would give it a crack. Rhys was even crowned the Fire Brigade Men’s Champion in WA last year. He was then selected to represent WA in Victoria.

With the hours he puts into training, it may be hard to believe Rhys has an even bigger commitment in the pipeline.

Rhys is almost halfway through his journey of becoming a doctor. He has assured entry into medicine and is set to complete his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Australia this year.

I love studying medicine, however it has been hard this year because the coronavirus meant that all wet labs were cancelled.

Rhys Landwehr

“Everything went online so it was a lot of theory-based learning.”

The UWA student is sitting on a high distinction average and will start the practical component of his course next year.

“I am really excited to get out there and do some hands-on learning,” Rhys said. “I am not sure which area I will specialise in yet, but becoming a doctor has always been my dream.”

Rhys said his medicine commitments may prevent him from trying out for the next season of Ninja Warrior.

“Maybe if the stars align, but I think I will be too busy with prac,” he said.

The self proclaimed “Nerdy Ninja” said anything was possible if you set your mind to it.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails