ONE of the Limestone Coast’s homegrown sporting heroes has again flexed her muscles, appearing on reality television show Australian Ninja Warrior earlier this week.
Former Mount Gambier resident Jenna McCormick has made a name for herself on the international soccer stage and as an Adelaide Crows AFLW premiership player, but decided to take on a new challenge.
Although busy with her dual-code schedule, Ms McCormick had always been a fan of the ninja warrior program and leaped at an opportunity to test herself while living in Brisbane last year.
“I knew it was something I always wanted to do and although I have a busy schedule, I did not want to miss the chance,” she said.
“So I did a bit of training at a gym while juggling my soccer commitments and tried to make it work.
“Everyone was helpful in the lead-up to the show and showed me how to get to that different level of fitness.”
Ms McCormick said although she played sport for a living, learning how to compete in ninja warrior challenges was a whole different ball game.
“You definitely use muscles you never thought existed,” she said.
“I think I noticed that going from soccer to footy though as well, it is definitely a different workout so I was expecting to feel out of my element in the beginning.
“You are using your entire upper body strength and learning how to throw yourself across obstacles so it is definitely tough.”
Ms McCormick said she was unable to train as much as she hoped ahead of the test, but knew she would give the competition her all.
Falling short on the second obstacle and unable to finish the course, Ms McCormick said she was still proud of her effort.
“It was pretty tough and I am just glad I got out there and gave it a go,” she said.
“I think now I am going to go back and keep training as I have really found a love for it.
“Maybe in the future I will give it another shot, who knows, but for now I am just enjoying learning a new sport.”
