Fitness

FLORES BROS. SWING AWAY IN MALAYSIAN NINJA EVENT

15-year-old Rai finished first in novice division

by
GSPN
October 3, 2024

Guam Ninja athletes Nico (17) and Rai (15) Flores showcased their skills in a tough Ninja Warrior obstacle course championship competition at the O-Zone Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 28-29 September. Competition took place over two days and included 2-3 Ninja Warrior obstacle course stages. Sponsored by the Malaysian clothing brand Team Joined, the event included Ninja athletes from Japan, Russia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Scotland, Brunei, Syria, Philippines, Finland, and India.

Flores brothers Nico and Rai represented Guam in the Ninja style O-Zone Games in Malaysia. Rai took the top spot in the novice division.

Rai Flores stood out and posted the fastest time for stage one, beating out Ninja athletes from the professional division. Both Flores boys competed in the novice and open competition which included professional Ninja Warrior athletes. Rai finished first out of over 100 athletes in the Novice Division with athletes from Malaysia finishing 2nd and 3rd.

Guam Ninja Warrior athlete and the Flores boys’ coach, Deren Perez won the Open Division at this competition last year but was unable to compete this year because he is competing in and filming the American Ninja Warrior competition in Las Vegas this week.

As the Flores boys signed the event banner next to the Guam Flag, they placed Deren’s name above the flag to honor their coach.

Rai said, “his presence was missed, but he prepared us well, and it was fun meeting people from other countries!”

Nico really enjoyed spending down time with ninjas he has known from previous competitions, and he “enjoyed spending time on the obstacles after the competition with the other athletes.”

Ninja Mom, Jorgi Flores, who has accompanied her boys to five international Ninja Competitions said that the Ninja Warrior community is the most supportive community. “It is unbelievable how they support and encourage each other, even though they are competitors. They are all there for the love of the sport.”

Both boys compete in the next Guam Sindalu Siha Ninja Warrior Games in 2025 and plan to compete in the 2025 Ninja Warrior World Championships in Dallas in July 2025.