An Oxford scientist has mastered TV's toughest obstacle course to make it to the final of Ninja Warrior UK this weekend.

Beth Lodge, 29, a DNA scientist, who works for biotechnology firm Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd, first applied for the show in season four.

"Partly because one of my brothers dared me to apply, but also because it looked like a lot of fun,"she said. "I got hooked and trained for season five, where I managed to become last woman standing.

"In between season five and now, I had two shoulder surgeries, so my hope going into this season was to show myself that I could still compete, regardless of how well I did." 

She said she was "overwhelmed" to make the final.

 

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"I remember Rochelle asking me questions and I felt like I could barely string a sentence together because I was so overwhelmed that I had finished!"

Beth, who is a two-time Guinness world record holder for most back somersault burpees in 30 seconds and fastest 100 metre forward rolls, trains at True Function Ninja Training Ground in Swindon a couple of times a week.

She also goes to a gymnastics session every now and then.

She said: "Training at the gym in Swindon allowed me to train obstacles that have been on past seasons of the show and also work on endurance and confidence.

"The idea was that when the nerves hit on the show, your body has had the practice and knows what to do so you don't need to think so much."

For the first time in the series, the UK’s top female and male competitors will take on the toughest and most challenging course ever to be crowned Ninja Warrior UK Men and Women’s Champions.

Beth has arranged to watch the final with a group at a friend's house and keeps double-checking with colleagues that they have not missed the show hosted by Ben Shephard, Rochelle Humes, and Chris Kamara.

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She said: "All the competitors backstage cheer each other on and support everyone.

"It is one of the most nerve-wracking things I have ever done but everyone backstage rallies together.

"I'm sure I've made friends for life from it."

The final episode of Ninja Warrior UK: Race for Glory airs this Saturday October 29 at 5:30pm on ITV, catch up on the series so far on ITV Hub.

 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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