A Mainer’s quest to win the title “American Ninja Warrior” and a $500,000 prized ended during Sunday night’s episode of the obstacle course-based reality TV show.

Jesse Villareal, 24, of Westbrook, was seen falling while crossing an obstacle known as “The Spinning Bridge” during Sunday night’s episode of the show on the cable network G4.

The three-hour episode highlighted the 100 competitors who had made it through regional competitions to get the show’s finals in Las Vegas.

Villareal was the 61st competitor, out of 100, to try the course in the opening round of the finals. Because he fell he didn’t make it to round two.

Villareal began “free running” – a sport that encourages atheletes to run, jump and climb while navigating all obstacles in their path – while he was a student at Deering High School in Portland.

The show “American Ninja Warrior” is based on a long-running Japanese competition show called “Sasuke.”


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.