Michaela Meade
Epping local Janelle Zanatta is taking her opportunity to “seize the moment” .
The 24-year-old is taking on Channel 9’s popular Australian Ninja Warrior, which challenges competitors to an intense obstacle course hoping for a chance to conquer the final obstacle, Mount Midoriyama.
Only one person in Australia has conquered the final challenge in the four years Ninja Warrior has been filmed.
Janelle said competing in the show was “amazing [and] the best experience of my life”.
“It was exhilarating,” she said.
“It’s a lot harder than what you see on TV.
“Everything was truly amazing… it truly was the experience of a lifetime.”
Janelle, who is a real estate agent by day, is the smallest and lightest competitor in this year’s season.
“It’s a lot harder for me to tackle the course,” she said.
“I’d say it’s a disadvantage to a certain degree. [But] I love the fact that I’m different to most.
“It’s more challenging… that’s something I love.”
Janelle trained in Tae Kwon Do for about 20 years and is a second dan black belt.
She has put herselfe through “intensive training’ for the course, inclding wall climbs.
Despite her skills she said she views herself as “just an ordinary person”.
“I don’t look at myself as anything great,” she said.
“I like to do extraordinary things [and] push myself.”
Competitors who make it to the grand final course and go furthest in the fastest time will be crowned the Season 5 winner and take home $100,000.
Season 5 of Australian Ninja Warrior will air on Sunday, June 20 at 7pm.
To follow Janelle’s journey, follow her on Instagram, @janellezanatta_
