If you’ve ever met Lucas Marso, you know there’s rarely a dull moment around him. Lucas brings his upbeat energy, equal parts determination and good humor to everything he does. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, playing baseball, or tackling a twelve-foot wall like it’s just another Tuesday afternoon.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Lucas beyond the gym, and his easygoing nature and quick wit make it no surprise that he thrives in the high-energy world of American Ninja Warrior.
How It All Started
Lucas’s story starts with family: “My sisters do gymnastics at the same place and I watched all the ninja warriors practicing and was like, I wanna do that,” he says. Sibling inspiration? Absolutely. Competitive spirit? Most definitely.
What Keeps Him Hooked
What keeps Lucas coming back for more ninja competitions? “I love the challenging, different and difficult obstacles that change throughout competitions. I also get to meet a lot of new people.” For Lucas, every course is a new adventure and every competition brings a fresh batch of friends.
Training Like a Ninja
Lucas spends 1½ to 2 hours on weekdays practicing obstacles, focusing especially on the most challenging ones. “Eventually, it helps me once the competition starts, making it so I feel more comfortable doing the different obstacles,” he says. Comfort, in this case, comes from conquering the uncomfortable.
A Movie-Worthy Moment
One of Lucas’s most memorable moments is straight out of a sports movie: “When I first started I was not able to run up the 12-foot wall. On evaluations I needed to be able to, and when the evaluations were just about over I got it on my last try and moved up a level.”
His Biggest Cheerleaders
His support squad is always on hand, whether he’s soaring over obstacles or taking a tumble. “They support me by going to my competitions and cheering me on. They also support me when I mess up or fall.”
Balancing School and Ninja Life
Balancing school and ninja life isn’t always easy, but Lucas has found his rhythm. “I practice three days a week and sometimes over the weekend. I have time before and after practice to finish my schoolwork, and I also have some days off where I can do schoolwork as well.”
Rituals, Nerves, and Resilience
Superstitions? Not really, but Lucas does have a ritual: “I usually pray a Hail Mary for a blessing or good luck and to help me keep safe while I compete.”
Nerves are part of the game, but Lucas has learned to manage them. “When I first started I was always scared to compete in front of people but as I have done more and more competitions, it’s got more normal and comfortable. Knowing if I fail on something there are plenty of others that fail on the same obstacle. It also shows me what I need to work on.”
And when tough days hit, Lucas relies on his training partners. “They motivate me when I’m feeling tired, by cheering me on, so I know that they are also struggling with me. If they can do it, I can as well.”
Role Models and Wisdom
His role model? None other than Spencer Johnson, owner of Emerge Academy and an actual American Ninja Warrior competitor. “I look up to him, hoping that will be me someday.”
Lucas’s best advice: “Never give up.”
Life Beyond the Course
Off the course and outside the classroom, Lucas enjoys baseball and hanging out with friends. His proudest accomplishment so far? “Moving up to the highest level in American Ninja Warrior and getting 2nd place in a competition.”
The Ninja Mindset
Above all, Lucas credits ninja competitions for shaping his mindset: “Being a ninja competitor has shaped me to be my best self both physically and mentally, pushing through tough challenges I didn’t know I could.” His philosophy for life’s big hurdles? “Even though there are LARGE obstacles in your way, just go over them or around them, it’s not that hard to be completely honest.”
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Lucas has his eyes on the prize: “My goals for the future are to get on the TV show and to get a lot of money and maybe start my own ninja/gymnastics gym.”
With his determination, you just might see Lucas Marso on your TV screen one day, vaulting over obstacles and inspiring the next generation, one wall at a time.
