Local from Calexico accomplishes dream of competing on American Ninja Warrior

Since he was fourteen, Ruben Arellano made it his life mission to be the American Ninja Warrior. Falling just shy of the finish line, he says it’s still a moment in his life he’ll never forget.

“It felt like an outer body experience. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. I couldn’t believe I was here. I couldn’t believe my grandma and the rest of my family was here.”

Ruben’s family always supported his dream. And they were there for his big moment, on the biggest stage.
“I felt really happy when he got the news that he was chosen to be on ninja warrior. The family was really excited because it was something that he dreamed of,” said Refugio Desoto, Ruben’s mother.

Home means everything to him. He carries a piece of Calexico with him when he competes. Arellano said, “I was glad to represent this mural across my chest during the competition. Anyone from that town saw this mural. And so I have a little piece of where I’m from the entire time. And it makes it that much more special.”

He won’t give up until he accomplishes his life long dream. “When I was fourteen, that’s the year, the idea of me competing on American Ninja Warrior dawned on me. That’s the kindle that lit that fire. And being here making my fourteen year old self proud and not stopping until I’m at the top of Mount Midoriyama. Looking down upon my fourteen year old self saying we did it. ”

Ruben continues to train four times a week and hopes to continue his journey to become the American Ninja Warrior.