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[SWISH]

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- Matt, I love his
story because this

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tells me and tells
the world, you

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never judge a man by his size.

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- Just 5' 2", can
he handle Rip Run?

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[CROWD CHEERING]

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- Look at that.

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Look at that.
That's what I'm talking about.

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- Great footwork.
[MUSIC PLAYING]

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- Rookie, contestant Nate
Hansen inspired viewers

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with his impressive performance
on Monday's season premiere

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of "American Ninja "Warrior,
Known as the Gnarly Ninja,

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he suffers from a
hormone deficiency

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which caused him to stop growing
when he was 12 years old.

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- Growing up in middle school
and all throughout high school,

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I was bullied and
always called names.

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And it was really difficult
going through that

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because people were
always underestimating me.

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- Despite being much shorter
than the average competitor,

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Nate became the first
ninja of the season

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to make it up the 14
and 1/2 foot Warp Wall

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and complete the course.

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Fans were amazed
by his performance,

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with one fan
tweeting, Wow, Gnarly

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Ninja just wrecked the course.

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Inspirational!

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- The Gnarly Ninja, Akbar.

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- I'm speechless.

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- Growing up, people told me,
I couldn't do it my whole life,

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so I'm made it happen.

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- They not doubting you tonight.

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They're not doubting
you tonight.

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[SWISH]

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