Ep 8. Indianapolis Finals

The eighth episode of American Ninja Warrior's ninth season takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the top performers from the previous episodes now face the tough obstacles of the city finals. The contestants are both nervous and confident, knowing that this is their chance to take one step closer to glory.

The course is set up at Monument Circle, in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, and features some of the show's most challenging obstacles. The course is split into three stages, and only those who complete them all will have a chance at making it to the national finals in Las Vegas.

The first stage features six obstacles, including the Floating Steps, which requires contestants to jump across a series of floating blocks, and the Ring Swing, in which athletes use momentum to swing from one ring to another. The second stage is made up of four obstacles, and the third stage is a grueling climb up the daunting 75-foot Mega Wall, which only a handful of competitors have ever conquered in American Ninja Warrior's history.

The episode kicks off with the fan-favorite walk-on contestants, who get their shot at completing the course before any of the top competitors take to the stage. These walk-on contestants come from all walks of life, from teachers to firefighters to college students, and their stories are as inspiring as their athletic abilities are impressive.

As the top competitors take to the course, the energy level ramps up, with each athlete pushing themselves to their limits in hopes of making it to the next stage. Some of the athletes are returning veterans, while others are newcomers looking to make a name for themselves.

One of the season's top performers, Lance Pekus, known as the "Cowboy Ninja," is back after a disappointing showing in the regional finals. Pekus, who hails from Salmon, Idaho, is a rancher by day and a ninja warrior by night. He's known for his strength, agility, and unrelenting determination, and he's determined to make it past the Indianapolis finals and onto the national stage.

Another top contender is Daniel Gil, a two-time national finalist who's looking to go even further this year. Gil has been one of the show's most consistent performers over the past few seasons and is known for his lightning-fast speed and unmatched athleticism.

But the competition is fierce, and one mistake can be costly. Veteran competitor Kevin Bull, known for his jaw-dropping performances, makes a surprising misstep on the fifth obstacle, ending his night prematurely. And former NFL player Jon Ryan struggles with the course's balance obstacles, ultimately falling on the seventh obstacle and ending his run.

The episode also features a unique twist on the course, with a brand-new obstacle called the Indianapolis Flywheel. This obstacle requires contestants to swing from a trapeze bar to a spinning wheel, and then back to another trapeze bar before landing safely on a platform. The Flywheel proves to be a formidable challenge, with many competitors struggling to get past it.

As the episode draws to a close, only the strongest competitors remain. The pressure is high, the obstacles are tough, and the crowd is cheering them on every step of the way. Who will make it through the course and onto the national finals? Viewers will have to tune in to find out.