Marjory Stoneman Douglas teacher competes on 'American Ninja Warrior'

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School teacher and coach Gabe Stewart took on the challenging American Ninja Warrior qualifying course in Miami, with students and other teachers from MSD rooting for him from the sidelines.

Stewart was praised as a hero of the February shooting. “When we heard the first couple shots, my immediate reaction was to get the kids to safety,” he said. One of his students said, “Coach Gabe got us back into the class, then he went back out. He was risking his life to make sure all the kids are safe.”

On the show, Stewart made it through the first three obstacles, despite a very close call on the Razor’s Edge. Unfortunately his grip gave out on the next obstacle, known as the Ring Turn, and he fell in the water.

As soon as Stewart emerged, he was given a hero’s welcome by the dozens of MSD students and colleagues on hand. Stewart talked about the strength of their community, saying, “It just proves that we’re still strong for greatness no matter what happens to us. We’re a strong community. We’re always gonna fight for each other and lean on each other.”

American Ninja Warrior airs Mondays at 8 p.m.

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