Sean “Mitoman” Loughlin has demonstrated remarkable dedication in reaching the American Ninja Warrior stage. His journey is a source of inspiration and strength for many.
Hailing from Boonsboro, Maryland, the 15-year-old battles mitochondrial disease, which hinders his body’s cellular energy production. Due to this, he relies on a feeding tube for 20 hours each day, with his training sessions for ANW being the sole times he unplugs from the pump.
“Being able to participate in ninja activities makes my life immensely better,” Loughlin expresses in the video clip.
Despite the restrictions of his condition, Loughlin dedicates himself to training with as much, if not more, determination than other kids his age. “It’s amazing what he accomplishes,” shares his mother Christine. “My pride in him knows no bounds.”
In the clip, we watch as Loughlin takes off his feeding pump, and takes to the course. His family and friends from all across the East Coast watch in support, whether it be in the audience or virtually. At just 5’1 and 94 pounds, he is the lightest contestant of the night.
Loughlin breezes through the Shrinking Steps and new returning obstacle, Rollercoaster, with ease. Loughlin has a small slip at the end of tackling the Domino Effect—which could have spelled disaster—but the ninja handles the minor set back with ease. However, it’s when Loughlin reaches obstacle five, the dreaded Wall to Wall, that he starts to experience trouble when his smaller frame proves to be a disadvantage. Despite struggling to get the wall the lock, Loughlin does not give up. He powers through, eventually making his was to the final obstacle: the Warped Wall.
With only 14.5 feet standing in between Loughlin and the buzzer, the crowd is exuberant. “Beat that wall,” the audience chants as Loughlin takes a second to prepare. On his first attempt he barely touches the top, but that does not deter him. After his second attempt, it’s clear that the task is weighing on Loughlin, but he refuses to give up. With one attempt left, Matt Iseman takes a moment to encourage the crowd to cheer louder. “Let him hear it, folks,” he roars into the microphone and the audience responds accordingly.
As Loughlin takes his final attempt, the crowd falls to a hush just before he reaches the top. Making it over the wall, he hits the buzzer at 3:15.60 and it’s thrilling! The audience jumps to their feet. When asked if he was ever concerned throughout the course, Loughlin says: “No. Never planned on giving up. Always gonna give it my all.”
Tune in tonight to American Ninja Warrior at 9/8c on NBC to see more ninjas share their incredible stories.