About TRAVIS

 

Travis Rosen knows obstacles. A dad and public speaker, he was a 10-time competitor on NBCʼs formidable obstacle course competition, American Ninja Warrior. A former All-American gymnast, Rosen announced his ninja retirement after 2019ʼs season 11 at the age of 44, to focus on family and his growing role as a speaker and author. Forging a career defined by overcoming the seemingly impossible, earning nicknames such as The Ageless Wonder and Mr. Consistency, his ability to inspire is more poignant than ever after making a miraculous comeback from what is arguably the worst injury in the history of ANW.

His storied career began in season two, with highlights including being the first American to climb stage fourʼs 77 ft tower on USA vs The World, being a two-time member of Team USA—as well as captain, and being a top-five finisher, five times— including tying for 2nd overall in season five. Additionally, Rosen was the first American with nine consecutive trips to the ANW Finals with six stage one clears, and the first ninja to accomplish 10 straight qualifying round course completions. He also enjoyed success as team captain of runner-up Team TNT on seasons one and two of the ANW: Ninja vs Ninja/Team Ninja Warrior series. All of Rosen’s accomplishments took place while being, on average, 15-20 years older than other top competitors. 

Season 11 of American Ninja Warrior—his 10th—presented Rosen with his biggest obstacle to date: overcoming the severely broken ankle he sustained crash landing during the previous season’s National Finals. Receiving news post-surgery that he may never run again, Rosen became a walking miracle—not only healing better than expected, but making his return to ninja action less than one year after his horrific injury and qualifying for his ninth-straight National Finals!

When Rosen’s not spending time with family or being active, his living is as diverse as the obstacles he used to face. He is a speaker with several Nashville-based speaking agencies/bureaus, and his impact has been immediate and far-reaching. Speaking on subjects heʼs lived and breathed such as believing for the impossible, overcoming adversity, embracing your ability to impact others, faith, teamwork, and the value of prayer, perseverance, and proper preparation, his message has reached tens of thousands. “Every time I stepped onto a Ninja course I had the privilege to inspire others. Speaking and writing give me even more exciting avenues to call upon this roller-coaster ninja journey, in order to help encourage and influence others. To know I can provide the spark to an individual, group, or team to grow and become all they’re meant to be…it’s so gratifying.” He also spends time traversing the wiles of the stock market as a trader, and has begun stepping into the world of commentating for ninja competitions.

“My longevity and consistency on American Ninja Warrior, including the countless victories as well as defeats, have given me the unique opportunity to convey the importance of unrelenting persistence, teamwork, faith and hope in Jesus, and never quitting in the midst of incredible adversity. It’s a message that resonates because…that’s life.”

Originally hailing from Eugene, OR., Rosen was an NCAA All-American as well as co-captain on the University of Iowa’s men’s gymnastics team, where he graduated with a major in Japanese—including a one year study abroad in Japan, at Tsukuba University (筑波大学). He currently resides in Franklin, TN., where his wife, three kids, and walk with Jesus continue to motivate him to use all that the Lord’s done in his life to help others.

Career Highlights

 

  • Ten-year veteran of American Ninja Warrior

  • First nine-time American Ninja Warrior Finalist

  • First American to clear ten consecutive qualifying courses

  • Tied for 2nd overall at ANW5 Vegas Finals

  • Top five finisher, five times, at ANW Vegas Finals

  • 2nd place ANW9 Daytona City Qualifier

  • 3rd place finish & “POM Wonderful Run of the NightANW8 Atlanta City Finals

  • Captain of runner-up Team TNT in seasons one & two of Team Ninja Warrior

  • Member/Captain of Team USA, USA vs The World (2014)

  • First American to conquer stage four’s 77 ft rope climb in competition (USA vs The World)

  • Member of Team USA, USA vs Japan (2013)

  • Member of Team America, ANW3 Japan Finale (Japan’s Sasuke 27)

  • Fastest one mile (run): 4:55 minutes (2015)

  • Co-Captain of 2nd Place University of Iowa Team at 1998 Men's NCAA Gymnastics Championships

  • NCAA All American gymnastics honors, vault (1996)- University of Iowa

Favorite Athletic Moments

 

  • Overcoming tangible fear—and experiencing sweet redemption—when facing the obstacle that caused his horrendous ankle injury, the National Finals’ Double Dipper, in season 11.

  • First to complete the ANW8 City Finals course after fighting back from Team Ninja Warrior's broken wrist

  • Being the FIRST American to climb the 77 ft Stage 4 rope in competition...and the view!

  • First American to perform stage 2's Double Salmon Ladder in only three moves in competition during season 6's USA vs The World

  • Earning a spot on Team America via the last head-to-head 50’ rope climb challenge of ANW’s season three boot camp

  • Placing 2nd at the 1998 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships, while team co-captain

  • Earning NCAA All American gymnastics honors