June 2, 2025

Ginny MacColl Returns to American Ninja Warrior

News Summary

Ginny MacColl, 73, a Guinness World Record holder from Knoxville, is making her return to American Ninja Warrior. As the oldest competitive female ninja athlete, she aims to inspire seniors to embrace fitness. Starting her journey at 63 after being inspired by her daughter Jessie Graff, MacColl continues to challenge perceptions about aging and physical capability. The new season premieres soon, showcasing the dynamic mother-daughter duo once again as they pursue their fitness goals together.

Knoxville – Ginny MacColl, a 73-year-old Guinness World Record holder from Knoxville, is set to make her return to the popular television show American Ninja Warrior on Monday. Known for defying age-related stereotypes, MacColl has previously competed in the show three times, and at 73, she holds the title of the oldest competitive female ninja athlete as well as the oldest person to complete an obstacle on the program.

MacColl’s appearance in the new season is part of her broader mission to inspire seniors around the world to embrace fitness and challenge perceptions about aging. Her fitness journey began rather late in life, starting in her 60s when she was inspired by her daughter, Jessie Graff, a long-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Graff has competed on the show for 12 seasons and has made a name for herself as a stuntwoman, often showcasing impressive physical feats.

On June 2 at 8 p.m. ET, Season 17 of American Ninja Warrior will premiere on NBC and Peacock, featuring the beloved mother-daughter duo once again. In the past, MacColl and Graff competed together on Season 13, highlighting their family bond and shared enthusiasm for athletic challenges. MacColl’s journey into obstacle racing began after she watched her daughter’s impressive performance on the show’s eighth season.

MacColl started her athletic training at age 63 with the goal of achieving her first pull-up. Since then, she has significantly expanded her prowess and has participated in various national and regional competitions, both in swimming and as a ninja warrior. In social media, she actively shares her experiences and accomplishments, connecting with a global community focused on health, fitness, and the challenges of aging.

A graduate of Bearden High School in Knoxville, MacColl studied dance education at the University of Tennessee for one year. Her career as a professional dancer began in 1974 with her performance in the Broadway show “Pippin.” Over the years, she appeared in numerous commercials throughout the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing her versatility and talent beyond the stage.

MacColl’s record as the oldest competitive female ninja has garnered attention not just for her age but for the perseverance and dedication she has demonstrated in her fitness pursuits. She hopes to break more Guinness World Records in the future and continued participation in American Ninja Warrior is a significant part of her aspirations.

As Ginny MacColl continues to take on new challenges in the world of ninja athletics, she remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for seniors everywhere, proving that age should not limit physical capability. Her commitment to fitness highlights the importance of active lifestyles at any stage of life and encourages others to push beyond their perceived limits.

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Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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