“compiled: Elmili TK”
TORONTO — June 23, 2025-In a thrilling display of agility, determination, and grace under pressure, 10-year-old Ella Crichlow-Mainguy from Acton, Ontario has etched her name into the record books as the first Canadian to win a title at the World Ninja League Championship.
Ella, representing a Milton-based ninja team, conquered a field of hundreds in the “Mature Kids Female” division at the prestigious global competition, held in Greensboro, North Carolina from June 19–23. Her win marks a historic moment not just for her local gym—but for Canada.
From rock walls to world titles
Ella’s ninja journey began just a few years ago at Aspire Climbing in Milton, where she first tried rock climbing. One day, she noticed athletes training for “ninja,” the sport made famous by the American Ninja Warrior TV show—and she was hooked.
“I just loved to watch it,” she told CTV News Toronto. “Once I tried it, I couldn’t stop.”
Since then, Ella has trained twice a week, building strength, grip, balance, and endurance to take on increasingly challenging obstacles. At home, her backyard has turned into a full-fledged training ground. “Imagine monkey bars for adults with things hanging off,” her mom, Rachel Mainguy, explained.
A race against time just to compete
Even getting to the championship proved to be a test of resilience. Travel delays left Ella and her mother stranded in Atlanta, Georgia, the night before her first event. With no rental cars available and a long lineup of frustrated passengers, it seemed like they might miss the competition altogether.
“We were told to wait in line until 1 a.m.,” Mainguy recalled. “Ella ended up sleeping on the airport floor on top of paper towels, next to her teammate.”
Miraculously, a last-minute flight emerged early the next morning. They landed just in time for Ella to change and head straight to the arena.
Defying gravity—and expectations
Ella faced three stages of intense challenges, ranging from cliffhanger ledges to aerial bar transitions. One obstacle stood out as the ultimate test: a “tipping L” structure that required climbers to hold on with fingertips as the platform tilted unpredictably.
“It could throw you off if you didn’t hold on really tight,” Ella said. But she pushed through, guided by the steady voice of her coach in her ear: “Be confident. Commit to everything.”
She did. And she won.
Out of several hundred competitors, only about 70 reached the final course. Ella rose above them all to claim the world title.
A proud moment for Canada
Matt Hallak, her coach, called it a monumental achievement: “She cemented her name as Canada’s first ever Mature Kid Female World Champion. Ella made Canada proud, and she’s only just getting started.”
This win comes on the heels of another major milestone: Ella also won the 2025 Canadian Ninja League Championship, making her the reigning champion at both the national and global levels.
Next year, she’ll move up a division to compete among preteens, a challenge she’s eager to take on. “They get such really cool obstacles,” she said. “I’m just really excited to try them.”
For Ella Crichlow-Mainguy, the sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the next obstacle to overcome.
