Entertainment

‘Legend’ grandpa sends Ninja Warrior fans wild with impressive body

Jul 09, 2018

The granddad impressed Ninja Warrior viewers. Source: Channel 9.

A 64-year-old grandad sent viewers wild as he appeared on Australian Ninja Warrior to take on the gruelling course, showing off his impressive muscles as he swung from ropes and leapt across moving obstacles at amazing speed.

Ian Newland, dubbed ‘Pa Rambo’ on the latest series of the popular Channel 9 show, said he was inspired to keep fit so he can enjoy activities with his young grandkids, and even built his own obstacle course in the garden to practice for his TV debut.

It paid off, as he managed to beat athletes less than half his age on the dangerous obstacle course, only missing out on the goal after his hand slipped from a hanging rope at the last minute.

Competition between contenders went out the window when Newland stepped up to the starters’ platform, wearing just a pair of shorts, a Rambo-style headband and his signature ‘tache, and the entire crowd were screaming for him as he showed off some jaw-dropping moves and speed.

The Bridge of Blades is no match for our oldest competitor ever on #NinjaWarriorAU! pic.twitter.com/uFoM2kiYAf

— Channel9 (@Channel9) July 8, 2018

Taking to Twitter to share their shock at his toned physique and amazing agility, viewers praised him for proving age is just a number. As one gobmsacked viewer wrote, “I was not as fit as this dude when I was 18!!!!”, while another added, “Seriously, how inspiring was this 64-year old grandpa in Australian Ninja Warrior? And what about his body? Show that if you train you age a hell of a lot slower”.

And one viewer simply wrote: “Pa Rambo! Legend!”

He's our oldest #NinjaWarriorAU athlete, but he's no ordinary grandpa! pic.twitter.com/jF0eBIF1rZ

— Australian Ninja Warrior (@NinjaWarriorAU) July 8, 2018

Speaking about his inspiration to keep fit, Newland told viewers: “Unlike other grandparents I get actively involved with my grandkids,” adding that ”I don’t look at age being a big deal. I don’t want to live forever but I’d like to live well as I get older”.

His wife Ann has been his biggest support through the years, and was there to cheer him on as he competed in the show, alongside his family and grandson, who was heard screaming “Pa” as the Sunshine Coast grandad hurtled throughout the obstacle course.

https://twitter.com/NinjaWarriorAU/status/1015887245767630848

Speaking to 9 News shortly afterwards, Newland explained he “miscalculated” the final suspended ball which led to his fall, and added: “They put a tiny, short, little rope, instead of a long rope and I misjudged it and I didn’t have enough room to reach out and grab the net.

“I just made a bad decision at the time and didn’t cover myself by having two hands on the ball. Otherwise I was confident in finishing the course, ’til that little point.”