64-year-old Australian Ninja Warrior contestant inspires nation
Ian Newland may be the oldest person to compete on Australian Ninja Warrior, but he is defying expectations.
On Sunday, the 64-year-old showed off his six-pack while completing the gruelling obstacle course.
In his intro package for the show, the grandfather-of-three explained that he doesn’t spend much time thinking about ageing.
“I don't look at age being a big deal. I don't want to live forever but I'd like to live well as I get older,” he said.
“I watched season one (of Australian Ninja Warrior) on television and I thought, 'Gee, I'd love to give it a go.' I've always been fit and involved in sport. I was a competitive gymnast, competitive paddler, having paddled from Victoria to Tasmania.”
Social media erupted with encouragement for Newland, as his fitness inspired others to look after their own health.
“I was not as fit as this dude when I was 18!” one viewer wrote on Twitter.
“The 64-year-old's abs! I'm so ashamed of myself. Off to the gym tomorrow,” another wrote.
As Newland made it through different stages of the challenging obstacle course, his wife, Ann, cheered him on from the sidelines.
However, despite an impressive effort, Newland failed to grab a suspended ball and fell into the paddle pool in the fourth obstacle.
"The one I was worried about was the bridge of blades. I was so excited over getting through that one I lost a little bit of focus," he told the Sunshine Coast Daily.
"I should have gone back into safety mode, but I just went ahead.
"When you walk up on to that stage and see the lights, the cameras and your family is there, your heart rate just goes right up. You've got to get that energy under control."
Despite not completing the course, Newland hopes his appearance on the show will inspire others to get active with their grandchildren.
"I hope to inspire older people, 60-plus and even under, to get out there and enjoy life and keep fit and eat right," he said.
"To have a healthy, fun attitude – I find that's the big thing. Do all the stuff with your grandkids. Don't sit there and watch them at the skate park; buy a skateboard and do it with them."
Newland has started his home training so he can attempt the Australian Ninja Warrior course as a contestant next year.