Behind the Course: The American Ninja Warrior Experience with Colton Skuster

#184 - What does it take to conquer the American Ninja Warrior course? For Colton Skuster, the journey began as a 10-year-old jumping over exercise balls in his basement, dreaming of someday tackling those iconic obstacles himself.At just 20 years old, Colton has already competed in three seasons of American Ninja Warrior, reaching the National Finals in Las Vegas and proving himself against competitors twice his age. His path wasn't straightforward – from training in a monkey costume to building his own backyard obstacle course during COVID lockdowns, Colton's determination never wavered.During our conversation, Colton pulls back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes at ANW. We discuss the intense application process where personality matters as much as athletic ability, the nerve-wracking experience of stepping onto the starting platform surrounded by cameras and crowds, and the surreal moment when producers reveal obstacle courses competitors have never seen before. You'll discover how competitors train for challenges they can't predict and the split-second decisions that determine success or failure on national television.Beyond the competition itself, Colton shares profound insights about finding purpose after achieving a lifelong goal. "You reach one goal, you're satisfied, it's amazing, you celebrate," he explains, "and then you think – how can I take this further?" This wisdom has led him to mentor younger athletes, speak at high schools, and even caddy at Pebble Beach alongside celebrities like Michael Phelps.Whether you're a fan of American Ninja Warrior or simply someone searching for motivation to pursue your own challenges, Colton's story demonstrates how passion, friendship, and resilience can transform dreams into reality at any age. Listen now, and discover how the journey matters more than the destination.Be sure and give Colton a follow on Instagram @cwskuster.Subscribe, leave a review, and follow @journeywithjakepodcast on Instagram to join our community of adventure seekers finding inspiration in extraordinary stories. Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.