Navy Lt. j.g. Dustin McKinney, an information warfare officer assigned to the U.S. Navy Information Operations Command -- Georgia, takes a moment to pose for a photo while in San Pedro, California, before competing in the 2015 American Ninja Warrior ...
Navy Lt. j.g. Dustin McKinney, an information warfare officer assigned to the U.S. Navy Information Operations Command -- Georgia, practices gripping small ledges while training on obstacles he built in his garage in preparation for his appearance in...
FORT GORDON, Ga. (Aug. 7, 2015) -- A local Sailor competes again in the nationally televised American Ninja Warrior show that airs on NBC.
After reaching the Las Vegas finals segment of the competition in 2014, Navy Lt. J.g. Dustin McKinney, an information warfare officer assigned to the U.S. Navy Information Operations Command -- Georgia at Fort Gordon, has committed much of his time to train on various skill sets from balance, strength, cardio, and grip strength.
"You have to be able to hold yourself a lot on the tiniest little ledges, and stuff normal people don't do," said McKinney. "Versatility is what helps you be successful on the show. You have to be versatile."
He was previously seen on TV July 6 completing the first stage qualifier round of the 2015 ANW Military episode at San Pedro, California. McKinney will display his abilities in the airing of the second stage qualifier, scheduled for Aug. 17 on NBC, which was previously recorded. If he completes the second stage as one of the top 15 contestants, he then moves on to Las Vegas and more obstacle challenges.
His athletic background includes break dancing, inline skating, and competition sports such as gymnastics, and in wrestling where he has had great success since middle school and on the All Navy wrestling team.
People around him knew he was entering the competition in 2014 and have given him much positive feedback. Before submitting the initial application packet and profile video to compete, McKinney approached his commanding officer to inform him, "I may be on national television," to schedule the time off.
In 2014, he made it to the Las Vegas finals competition, where he fell at the Spider Climb obstacle. This year he has prepared by building obstacles in his garage, visiting area gyms in Atlanta where they have larger obstacles to train on. Most of his training is done at home.
Many of the other competitors know him to be well rounded because of all the stuff he does.
"I want people to realize this is just a hobby and no matter what happens, I love physical activity," he said. "No matter what you love, go for it. Living life is all about going for something and this is something I'm going for right now. This is what makes life fun for me."
He is trying to also represent the culture of fitness that is encouraged to those serving in the Department of Defense.
" I hope this carries forward with more success," he said. He stated he is just one example of what Sailors, Soldiers, Airman, and Marines can do if they are given the opportunity. "I'm just one of many who are physically fit and it's because the military has helped me achieve that."
The show is split up into six regions where there are multiple competitors trying to be one of the top 30 on day one, and then compete again to be in the top 15 on the second day. The all-military episode is made up of activeduty service members, veterans, and retirees forming one region. Finalists of the second day move on to Las Vegas.
"The hardest part about this competition is not just the obstacle course but getting selected," he said. "To be one of the 120 selected, I was lucky. Blessed and lucky that I was one of those people, because that is a very small percentage."
The next episode, which airs on NBC Aug. 17, is the second stage qualifying round to see if McKinney moves on to the finals held in Las Vegas.
"Your're going to see your brothers and sisters still in arms, still serving, competing in this really special episode that second night. This is the year that you don't want to miss the next episode of the military edition," he said.
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