The Eskimo Ninja, Nick Hanson, Reflects on the Native Youth Olympic Games
In honor of the commencement of the 2024 Native Youth Olympic Games, the RIVR editorial team sat down with Eskimo Ninja Warrior, Nick Hanson. Originally from Unalakleet, Alaska, he began his early athletic career participating in the NYO games. Check out Nick’s reflection of his athletic journey, as well as four songs that get him pumped for a workout!
What is your experience with the Native Youth Olympics?
I’ve been competing in the Native Games since 2004 and the thing I love most about the games is the sportsmanship and coaching. Every athlete is concerned about their personal best rather than winning — and, of course, sometimes their personal best means winning — but never at the expense of humility and sportsmanship.
How has your previous training in the Native Youth Olympics prepared you for the challenges of the Alaska Eskimo Ninja Warrior course?
The Native Games and Ninja Warrior are a perfect marriage of athleticism. I’m a “jumper” in the native games, so when I started Ninja 10 seasons ago, my upper body had never been tested in that way. Ninja Warrior became a great way to fill out my core and arm strength, which improved my ability in the jumping events of NYO.
What challenges do you anticipate facing in the Alaska Eskimo Ninja Warrior competition, and how do you plan to overcome them?
As the sport of Ninja Warrior has continued to evolve, the youth have slowly taken over the competition.y biggest challenge is maintaining my health and preventing injury by staying active, watching what I eat and always stretching before any activity. Little did I know — Longevity in sports started back in middle school with P.E. Stretches! Haha
In what ways do you integrate traditional Alaska Native athleticism into your approach to the Alaska Eskimo Ninja Warrior competition?
The Native Games test one’s body in a way nothing else can; core, legs, balance, agility. Every single game presents a challenge and workout that involves every aspect of living, survival and grit — all nece.
Can you share a memorable moment from your training or preparation for the Alaska Eskimo Ninja Warrior competition that highlights the importance of your cultural heritage?
When I first applied for the show, my entire submission video was a highlight real of my NYO/WEIO experience. I explained the significance of each sport and how they directly relate to survival techniques our ancestors used to survive in Alaska. The Los Angeles producers had never heard of or learned about our ways of life, and were especially interested in Knuckle Hop. So, when I got a chance to demonstrate Knuckle Hop to them in person, they were all in shock — but the best part was when they all decided to try it with me. I share our games and they couldn’t get enough of the history and cultural connection.
What advice do you have for young Native athletes hoping to make it to the Ninja Warrior course?
Never stop telling your story, and know who you are. Be confident in your natural abilities and inherent grit that we as Alaskan Native people have just by living here. Every day we struggle just go get to school — a blizzard, getting wood, hunting on the ice — these are natural tools and abilities the other competitors don’t have that is as Alaskan Natives live through every day.
Four Songs That Pump Nick Up:
Come alive by the Greatest Showman
Man out of you by Mulan
Pieces by Redhandler More
You are more than Able by Chandler Moore