Jonathan Godbout of Sterling, a Worcester State student, makes 'American Ninja' finals

Jonathan Godbout of Sterling had advanced to the semifinals on NBC’s "American Ninja Warrior" in Los Angeles, but he might have been wondering if that's as far as he would get this year in an episode of the show that aired Aug. 7.

For the first time in "American Ninja Warrior," this season after the preliminary rounds, ninjas in the semifinals had to negotiate the formidable obstacle course side by side against a competitor, with the winner of each race going on to the show's finals in Las Vegas.

Godbout, 19, who this coming semester will be entering his sophomore year at Worcester State University, found himself competing head to head with Verdale Benson, an Army veteran, a bodybuilder who can deadlift over 500 pounds and who is 20 years his senior.

As the two set off on the obstacle course with its many challenges and twists with names such as the Beehive, Hopscotch, Sling Shot and Cargo Climb, Benson took the lead.

"It was definitely a little nerve-wracking," Godbout recalled.

But Godbout caught up with Benson and went ahead. Then, behind him, Benson shockingly fell at Hopscotch.

"When he fell I knew I had won the race, but I wanted to finish the course," Godbout said.

Which he did, and now Godbout is on to the "American Ninja Warriors" finals in Las Vegas, which will start airing on NBC on Aug. 28.

Despite his young age, Godbout is an "American Ninja Warrior" veteran and this is his second time making the finals.

"I made it to Vegas two years ago. I got back this year, so I'm real happy to have done that," Godbout said.

There were 17 head-to-head races in the episode of the show that was broadcast Aug. 7. Another local ninja, Alex Goodwin of Clinton, did not make to the finals.

Viewing party cheering him on

Godbout said that there was a viewing party cheering him on Aug. 7 at the gym he works out at, Ultimate Obstacles in West Boylston.

There were no doubt plenty of others watching and rooting. He is a double major in political science and psychology at Worcester State, and also a drummer with the multigenre band Devitalized.

Men and women from all walks of life and every corner of the country compete in "American Ninja Warrior," now in its 15th season. The show has been airing this season at 8 p.m. on Mondays. In the finals in Las Vegas, competitors face a four-stage course modeled after the famed Mount Midoriyama course in Japan. The winner will take home a grand prize of $1 million.

Godbout has said he began started watching "American Ninja Warrior" when he was about 8 and started doing ninja training when he was 12.

He competed on two seasons of "American Ninja Jr." and then "American Ninja Warrior" seasons 13 and 14. He made the finals in season 13 but had an early exit last year.

Climb equivalent to Mount Everest

As part of his training last summer, Godbout climbed the equivalent height of Mount Everest at Wachusett Reservoir Dam, going up and down a 100-foot-tall set of stairs 291 times over the course of three days, equaling 29,000 feet.

Godbout smoothly negotiated the obstacle course in his solo preliminary round appearance in Los Angeles, which was broadcast on July 10.

But competing side by side as opposed to doing a solo run "is a big difference. It does make it more stressful," he said.

On the other hand, "it's more fun to watch. It definitely is a lot more high stress, high intensity. I think it's really cool. It brings out the best in both athletes."

Going head to head with a person of Verdale's size "is definitely intimidating," Godbout said.

"He's super, super strong, but a typical ninja build is not like that." However, "I knew he was a super ninja," Godbout said.

Looking ahead to the finals, Godbout noted that gymnasts have their prime years in their late teens. With ninja competition, similarly, "I think it's a prime age for the sport. And I have a lot of experience in the sport. I'm used to the pressure."

Godbout said he feels "confident, open minded, and optimistic, too. I think there are a lot of athletes better than me. but I know in 'American Ninja' anything can happen which is why I go into the finals so optimistic."

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Jonathan Godbout of Sterling, WSU, in 'American Ninja' final