10-Year-Old Ontario Girl Becomes First Canadian to Win Ninja World Title
Ella Crichlow-Mainguy, a determined 10-year-old from Acton, Ontario, has made Canadian sports history by becoming the first Canadian to win a World Ninja League Championship in the Mature Kids Female division.
Ella’s journey began when she spotted a Ninja Warrior training group at her rock climbing gym in Milton. Fascinated by the obstacles and inspired by the hit show American Ninja Warrior, she gave it a try — and never looked back.
Ninja competitions test agility, strength, and mental focus through intense obstacle courses like cliffhangers and aerial latches. Ella says during competitions, she tunes everything out except her coach’s advice: “Be confident and commit to everything.”
Her hard work paid off in 2025 as she captured both the Canadian Ninja League title and the World Championship in her age group — dominating the sport’s biggest events of the year.
“It was just an honour,” Ella said, recognizing the talent of the competitors around her.
Coach Matt Hallak praised her as a rising star and a trailblazer: “She cemented her name as Canada’s first-ever world champion in her division. And she’s only getting started.”
Next season, Ella will move up to the preteen division, where she’s eager to take on even tougher challenges: “I’ve been watching from the sidelines, and I can’t wait to try the cooler obstacles.”
