The painful mistake that almost cost gymnast Olivia Vivian the semi-final on Australian Ninja Warrior before she became the first and only female competitor to complete the course
She’s one of the favourites on this year’s season of Australian Ninja Warrior, but a painful injury almost ended Olivia Vivian’s hopes of progressing into the final.
The 31-year-old gymnast was completing the difficult obstacle course during the show’s semi-final on Tuesday when she landed on her tailbone during a dismount.
Olivia was coming down off the barrel roll, after successfully completing the challenge, when she missed the mat and landed hard on the ground.
Hurt: She’s one of the favourites on this year’s season of Australian Ninja Warrior, but a painful injury almost ended Olivia Vivian’s hopes of progressing into the final
The former Olympian writhed around, sitting where she had landed, as the crowd and the show’s commentators all collectively held their breaths.
‘That is a really ugly landing,’ remarked concerned host Rebecca Maddern.
Fellow host Ben Fordham added: ‘She’s landed right on her tailbone. I’m worried here, Bec.’
Hit and miss: The 31-year-old gymnast was completing the difficult obstacle course during the show’s semi-final on Tuesday when she landed on her tailbone during a dismount
Ouch: Olivia was coming down off the barrel roll, after successfully completing the challenge, when she missed the mat and landed hard on the ground
After a few moments, Olivia managed to stand up and continue on with the obstacle course, despite the painful fall.
‘She’s okay! Back on her feet, Olivia Vivian. That would have really taken it out of her…’ commented an incredulous Ben, 43.
Seemingly undeterred though, Olivia forged on through the obstacle course, effortlessly completing the spider jump, before moving onto the invisible ladder.
Stunned into silence: The former Olympian writhed around, sitting where she had landed, as the crowd and the show’s commentators all collectively held their breaths. Pictured, hosts Rebecca Maddern and Ben Fordham
Sweet victory: Making her way to the top, she then victoriously hit the buzzer, completing the course in 10:17:64
Making her way to the top, she then victoriously hit the buzzer, completing the course in 10:17:64.
She became the first competitor to successfully complete the semi-final’s obstacle course, and was the only woman to complete it and the only female competitor to progress into the show’s final.
‘Being the top ranked female in the last two seasons has definitely put a bit of pressure and expectation on the shoulder,’ she said, admitting it had been both ‘a physical and mental battle’.
Champion: She became the first competitor to successfully complete the semi-final’s obstacle course, and was the only woman to complete it and the only female competitor to progress into the show’s final