watch tHe skies

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Looks like something has gone wrong with my lovely theme. So I’ve gone back to basics until I can fix it. I’m not as html savvy as I used to be, so bear with me. Remember though, just cos it looks a bit naff and generic, means that it fits perfectly with the content!

There are few things in this universe that are absolutely true. Cogito Ergo Sum I hear you say? However I could be imagining that along with everything else. I don’t know everything that is true. But I do know one thing.

Television is rubbish. And having spent far too much time in front of one this week, and watching England come second in every sport that I care about. I have come to the conclusion that the only thing worth watching is Ninja Warrior on Challenge TV. Sasuke, as it is known in Japan, is pretty much the most extreme challenge I’ve ever seen on TV. In it, 100 competitors attempt to complete a 4 stage obstacle course culminating in a gruelling rope climb to press a button high above the course within the time limit.

And this course is tough. I mean most of us wouldn’t last two minutes, and even those that are clearly super-fit, rarely get past the first stage. Since its inception in 1997 only two men have completed the course in the time available, and earnt the crown of Ninja Warrior.

So what is compelling about this programme? Firstly it is the battle of wills between the competitor and the course, which gets more difficult each season. In addition it is the amazing cameraderie between competitors, many of whom compete in every competition and come back time and time again to try and get further than before. It really is amazing to watch the dedication and effort of these athletes, working tirelessly towards their goal.

 Perhaps it’s the individual feats of athleticism I enjoy, or laughing at the muppets falling awkwardly in to muddy water, or perhaps its the way these guys “keep going” and “keep succeeding, one step at a time” that makes me tune in whenever I get a chance.

Ninja Warrior - Challenge TV 6pm weeknights.