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How This Man Cheated Death to Become a Walking Miracle 'Ninja Warrior'

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When you think of a ninja, the image of a stealth figure clad in black probably comes to mind. 

Today's TV ninjas are highly skilled athletes working their way through intense obstacles on the immensely popular, "American Ninja Warrior." 

The reality show begins its ninth season in June. Competitors hope to win $1 million.

One contestant, Grant Clinton, saw his faith tested just six months before competition with an almost fatal diagnosis.

He shared his amazing story of survival with CBN News.

Incredible Shape

The 39-year-old Texan is in incredible shape. He gave CBN News an inside look at his preparation high-intensity interval training, conditioning and moving quickly through tough courses.

"Really, the obstacle by themselves lots of times isn't real difficult," Clinton said. "It's putting them together and then having enough energy on obstacle eight, or nine, or 10 to be able to not be pumped out with your muscles being just so fatigued and tired, so that's what I'm trying to build that up so they don't get fatigue."

Clinton trains about five or six days a week, heading to the gym for about two hours each day before work.

When not training, Clinton is a mortgage banker.      
     
"I had a lot of encouragement from the people I was training with," he shared. "They're like, 'What do you do? What's going on here?'"

"Actually, Daniel Gil, who's been on the show, he was telling me, 'Hey, you really are good at this. What's your thing?' I was like, 'I do mortgages,'" he chuckled. 

Clinton also competed as a gymnast in college which helped him make a better transition to the ninja world. 

During one typical training session, however, the unexpected happened.

Alarming Diagnosis

"I felt just a huge pressure in my head that I thought was just a terrible headache," Clinton explained. "I kind of had to step aside for a little bit and figure out what was going on, and the pain just got worse."

He underwent an emergency CT scan which showed bleeding in his brain. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital for surgery.

Clinton's wife Lindsey recalls the weight of that moment.

"He told me that everything was going to be okay," she said, fighting back tears. "It's like so fresh even though it's been so long."

"He told me that everything was going to be okay, which I knew it was going to be okay regardless of the outcome," she continued. "But then he did say, 'If I don't come out of this I want you to... I want you to make plans; I want you to move on with your life. I want you to find a good husband for our children.'" 

"It's just one of those conversations you don't really plan on having at our age," she added.

After surgery, Clinton learned he suffered a stroke a type with a 50 percent fatality rate.

"It was just kind of a big shock to everyone," he told CBN News. "I worked out all the time; I wasn't overweight. My cholesterol was low; I didn't have any genetic history of stroke."

Prayer Warriors

A week after leaving the hospital, Clinton attended a Christian men's retreat with his church, which focused on healing. He still felt a lot of pain and pressure, and the men prayed for him.

"I came in, heavy medication, terrible pain, pressure, and then two days later, I left with no meds, no pressure, no pain," he said.

"Seeing the Lord just literally lift that off of me through these men going to war for me was amazing, and it was a miracle," he continued.

National Television

Clinton eventually resumed his ninja training and about six months after the stroke, he made it on national television.

Amazingly, he completed the regional finals became a crowd favorite and made it to the nationals.

Although Clinton made an earlier exit than he hoped, his story connected with people around the world.

"Being a believer, that's what it's all about. Really, it's not about me being up there and performing well," he said. 

"Of course, I'm a competitor, and I like to do well. I want to compete well," he continued. "But, God's glory is first, and I want my story -- I want the people that have watched me to know what's going on, to know that God is still working miraculously in today's world."

"It's not only in what we read in Scriptures, but He's still doing it today," he added.

Paying it Forward

And this believer is giving back.

While competing, he wore a shirt emblazoned with the word "overcomer," which is based on OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) .

After a lot of people asked to buy the t-shirts, Clinton got down to business and donated the proceeds from sales to the Scott Coopersmith Stroke Awareness Foundation. He hopes to do the same again this season.

Looking back, Clinton says it's not clear why he had the stroke, and he's okay with that.

"The Lord allowed this to happen so that... I could build the faith of the men at my church, so I could encourage and build the faith of those that got a chance to see me on the show," he shared. "If that's all it was for we don't really have to have a reason for it."

And that encouragement resumes in June along with the chance at a million dollars.
 

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About The Author

Mark
Martin

Mark Martin currently serves as a reporter and anchor at CBN News, reporting on all kinds of issues, from military matters to alternative fuels. Mark has reported internationally in the Middle East. He traveled to Bahrain and covered stories on the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mark also anchors CBN News Midday on the CBN Newschannel and fills in on the anchor desk for CBN News' Newswatch and The 700 Club. Prior to CBN News, Mark worked at KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith, Arkansas. There he served as a weekend morning producer, before being promoted to general