North Philadelphia native Najee Richardson, also known as the Flying Phoenix, impressed many with his several turns on the hit NBC show American Ninja Warrior, reports Marvin Gomez for NBC10 Philadelphia.

Richardson first took part in the seventh season of the obstacle course-based show and has since participated in all but one of the subsequent seasons.

“It’s been pretty cool,” he said. “It’s been such an incredible journey that I’ve been able to go on with this show and with American Ninja Warrior. I’ve just really enjoyed my time, really enjoyed being a part of it.”

Richardson was a gymnast growing up so this was a natural next step for him, especially since it came at the right moment for him.

“Ninja Warrior kind of came around at the time where I just needed something to latch on to,” he said. “I really didn’t have a lot going on as soon as I left gymnastics out of college.”

He heard about the show and after applying, he got the coveted call.

“Being a part of this has just changed my life for the better,” said Richardson.

Watch the entire segment at NBC10 Philadelphia.

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