The CNL (Canadian Ninja League) decided this year to change up their format due to the COVID pandemic, deciding to run four World Qualifying competitions across Canada. From these competitions, only the top three athletes from each category will qualify to go to the National Ninja League (NNL) 2022 World Championships.
“One of the locations chosen was Apex Ninja in Sudbury. So as soon as we found out we registered Ethan and Kenzie right away as spots were limited.”, stated the kids father Brent Edwards.
Kenzie who is 6 years old was first to compete. She was registered in the 6-8 year grouping which was going to be a challenge when competing with kids over 2 years older then her. “Kenzie absolutely shocked the ninja gym by not only getting her fist “buzzer” but also posting the fastest time in her age group. She didn’t get a perfect score though so we nervously sat in anticipation while the rest of the ninjas had their turn. Finally after over 2 hours of competition it was time for the podium presentation. After they announced the bronze and silver medalists we had a pretty good idea Kenzie was getting the gold. Then they called out “in first place winning the gold medal Kenzie Edwards,” a proud Edwards went on to tell SaultOnline.
Next up it was Kenzie’s brother Ethan. At 9 years old, Ethan was competing in the 9-10 year old age group which was the largest age group in the entire competition. Edwards told SaultOnline that “if he was going to have a near perfect, and fast run, to even have a chance at making the podium.” He went on to tell us that Ethan powered through the obstacles and posted a very fast time, but there were still over 10 ninjas to run, “so it was still anyone’s competition to be won.”
After the last ninja competed, Ethan felt pretty sure he was going to see the podium and sure enough he earned the bronze medal. Edwards said that he had made one mental mistake which ended up costing him the gold, but Ethan was still happy with his Bronze.
As Kenzie and Ethan both finished in the top 3 in their respected age groups, they automatically earned a spot in the National Ninja League 2022 World Championships and will represent Sault Ste. Marie on the world stage.
Congratulations Kenzie and Ethan!!!
