How a Naperville gym manager stays motived for ‘American Ninja Warrior’

To Jesse Labreck, there is no higher feeling than setting and attaining a aim, no higher pleasure than sharing her ardour with a neighborhood of younger and elite athletes.

The North Aurora resident has all the time beloved competing. It is why she underwent a yr of intense coaching earlier than making use of for the eighth season of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.” And it is why she has returned for six consecutive seasons, the most recent of which is airing now.

However the present is greater than only a competitors to the heralded contestant, greater than a sequence of maximum impediment programs continuously testing her energy, ability, pace and stamina. It has develop into a lifestyle.

“That blend of targets and enjoyable and this superior camaraderie with all these totally different ninjas in the neighborhood is simply wonderful,” stated Labreck, who additionally manages an Final Ninjas gymnasium in Naperville. “It simply retains it actually satisfying to proceed competing.”

Nicknamed “Flex,” the 31-year-old competitor is ready to look on Monday’s episode of “American Ninja Warrior” alongside her fiance, nine-time present veteran Chris DiGangi. They every resist six obstacles — some new and shocking, Labreck stated — in the course of the prerecorded Season 13 qualifying spherical for an opportunity to advance to the semifinals.

This yr’s aim? Make it again to Las Vegas for the nationwide finals, for which Labreck has certified each attainable yr.

Final season, held in St. Louis as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, she made it to the highest eight earlier than dropping within the Energy Tower playoffs to champion Daniel Gil. She has hit six whole buzzers throughout her tenure — greater than another feminine on the present.

“I’ve felt very fortunate that with the obstacles I’ve come throughout, I’ve both been robust sufficient to do it or I’ve gotten a little bit fortunate,” Labreck stated. “Every season is an increasing number of enjoyable since you put a little bit bit extra strain on your self, so while you do succeed, it feels even higher. I really feel prefer it’s been going fairly nicely.”

North Aurora resident Jesse Labreck is competing in her sixth season of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.” Her qualifying spherical airs Monday.
– Courtesy of Elizabeth Morris/NBC

A former observe and subject star, Labreck led an energetic life-style lengthy earlier than she began ninja coaching. She tried to race professionally after school however rapidly realized she beloved the crew environment and the sensation of competitors greater than she loved the game itself.

Initially from a small city in Maine, Labreck was weighing her subsequent transfer when a pal tried out for “American Ninja Warrior” and — a lot to her shock — made it on the present, the place the grand prize is $1 million. She determined to shoot her shot, too.

Labreck moved to Massachusetts and was a nanny for a younger woman with cerebral palsy whereas coaching on the nearest ninja gymnasium. When she utilized for the present the next spring, she was advised her energy, coaching ways and nannying expertise made her stand out.

She had a profitable preliminary run, turning into the primary rookie lady to qualify for the Vegas finals. “From then on, I have been invited again each time,” she stated.

It was at a Ninja Warrior occasion quickly after that Labreck met DiGangi, a 31-year-old software program developer for Deloitte and an athletic coach at Metea Valley Excessive Faculty in Aurora. Engaged since 2018, the couple lately purchased a home in North Aurora and plans to get married subsequent yr.

They regularly match one another’s efficiency on the present, although Labreck surpassed her fiance final yr. They usually share a ardour for going through challenges head-on and inspiring others to do the identical.

Labreck moved from the East Coast to the Chicago suburbs practically 4 years in the past to run the children’ program on the new Final Ninjas Naperville. The job alternative offered itself whereas she was speaking with the gymnasium proprietor throughout a “professional camp” occasion in Chicago that includes Ninja Warrior contestants.

With a level in elementary training, Labreck enjoys working with kids — however she realized she’d fairly educate on an impediment course than in a classroom.

“I really like seeing the children getting stronger and turning into extra assured in themselves,” Labreck stated. “Seeing them simply sort of develop up within the sport is admittedly superior. It’s totally rewarding.”