WARRIORS IN LOVE!

THEY COMPETED AGAINST ONE ANOTHER TO REACH MOUNT MIDORIYAMA, BUT IN REALITY THESE NINJAS ARE ON THE SAME TEAM

- Melissa Field

For many couples, going up against each other in a high-stakes sporting competition could prove to be a source of friction. But for Australian Ninja Warrior super-couple Ashlin Herbert and Sarah Blackmore, the fact they were both in the running to take out this year’s $100,000 cash prize and the prestigious title brought the Victorian pair even closer together.

“It’s awesome to have this in common between us,” says 23-year-old gymnastics teacher Blackmore. “We train together and give each other tips. Ashlin is probably the best Ninja Warrior there is, but I can also give him coaching on how to be awesome!”

While Blackmore didn’t go as far as she’d have liked on the show this year, now she’s crossing everything that her 27-year-old carpenter beau can take out the title.

As a grand finalist, Ashlin, what does Sarah’s support mean to you?

HERBERT It means everything to me, she’s my motivation. I’m never in any doubt about her support because I can hear her screaming from the sidelines. I can even hear her when I’m still backstage!