When fans watch American Ninja Warrior, they see competitors take on some of the most challenging obstacles in television. What they don’t always see is the journey that brought them there.
For four-time American Ninja Warrior competitor Colton Skuster, that journey has been about much more than physical strength. It has been about overcoming self-doubt, finding confidence, embracing what makes him different, and learning that setbacks are simply part of the process.
Colton joined BuzzWorthy Radio to discuss his incredible journey, from growing up as someone who struggled with confidence to competing on one of NBC’s most recognizable competition series. He also shared the story behind his unforgettable monkey suit appearance, the challenges he faced on the course, and why creating your own path is so important.
Finding Confidence Through Ninja
Growing up, Colton was not the outgoing person many people might expect from someone who would eventually compete at such a high level.
“I think there was always a part of me that wanted to be outgoing,” Colton explained. “But I just didn’t have the confidence in myself to be super outgoing.”
Colton opened up about struggling with self-confidence during his younger years and feeling like he wasn’t always good enough, whether it was because of his appearance, athletic ability, or how he believed others viewed him.
That perspective began to change when he discovered Ninja.
For Colton, finding a sport where he could dedicate himself, improve, and see his hard work pay off helped him build the confidence he had been searching for.
“I finally found a sport that I was really good at and something that I really, really worked hard at to be good at,” he said.
The confidence he developed through Ninja eventually started carrying over into other parts of his life.
The Story Behind The Monkey Suit
One of the most memorable moments from Colton’s first appearance on American Ninja Warrior was his decision to compete wearing a monkey onesie.
It was unexpected. It was hilarious. And it was completely different.
But there was actually a strategy behind the decision.
Before competing for the first time, Colton knew he needed a way to stand out. With many young athletes entering the competition, he wanted viewers and producers to remember him.
“I wanted to show up right off the bat,” Colton said. “Like, this is my unique twist on it.”
The idea came during a training session when he joked about running the course in a monkey costume. His training partners thought it was funny — while also questioning whether he was serious.
That was all the encouragement he needed.
Colton understood something important: sometimes the thing that makes you different is exactly the thing you should embrace.
Learning From Failure and Coming Back Stronger
Competing on American Ninja Warrior requires more than athletic ability. It requires the ability to handle pressure, failure, and disappointment.
Colton experienced that firsthand, especially when facing the difficult Piston Plunge obstacle.
After struggling with the obstacle multiple times, he had to find a way to adjust, learn, and keep moving forward. The challenge was not just physical; it was mental.
During his first season, Colton also experienced the unique challenge of waiting months before he could publicly talk about his result because the episodes had not aired yet.
He had to process the disappointment privately.
But instead of allowing failure to define him, he used it as motivation.
“It doesn’t happen overnight,” Colton said. “It was years of constant effort.”
That mindset became one of the biggest lessons from his journey. Success is not usually one major breakthrough moment. It is built through countless attempts, adjustments, and the willingness to keep going.
The Person Behind The Competitor
One of the reasons conversations like this are so meaningful is because audiences often only see the final result.
They see the athlete, the competition, and the accomplishment, but what they don’t always see is the story that created that person.
“Everyone has a story to share and everyone has some story from behind the scenes that made who they are,” Colton shared.
That idea extends far beyond American Ninja Warrior. Everyone has moments where they questioned themselves. Everyone has obstacles they have had to overcome. Everyone has a journey that others may never see.
For Colton, that journey was learning to believe in himself.
Creating Your Own Path
The biggest takeaway from my conversation with Colton was the importance of not being afraid to create your own path.
“Don’t be afraid to go after your own path,” Colton said. “Don’t be afraid to be different.”
While he continues his education and builds his future, Colton has also found ways to combine his passions and create opportunities that are uniquely his own.
You do not have to completely abandon the traditional path. Sometimes, you just have to find a way to make that path yours.
That is something I personally connected with during our conversation.
When I started podcasting nearly 20 years ago, I never imagined it would become such an important part of my life. It was not the original plan, but it became the place where I found my voice.
For Colton, that place was Ninja.
For someone else, it could be something completely different.
The important thing is recognizing what makes you who you are — and having the courage to pursue it.
Behind every accomplishment is a story. Sometimes the biggest obstacle is not the one in front of you. It is believing you can overcome it.
Watch or listen to my full conversation with Colton Skuster on BuzzWorthy Radio now by clicking on the player above or downloading on Spotify.
