The All Stars are always a treat to watch. I find that sometimes, the most interesting thing is just seeing who is competing. The women's division was pretty obvious because there aren't a ton of top female athletes. However, the men are interesting because there are a lot to choose from. Drew and Najee got a lot of attention but because the Wing Nut challenge was probably the biggest challenge (because of Drew, though) Obviously, Drew wowed everyone because he flew 20', and he's Drew and he is amazing. The second one I thought was shocking was the Salmon Ladder. I know Sean Bryan walked away with the medal, and he was insane! 19 seconds is unbelievable; however, I was most shocked at Josh Levin, I think. I am not going to lie, I really didn't think Josh was up to that. I really like Josh, and he seems so natural and comfortable on the course. Josh is someone who makes you see people with real talent and natural ability. For Karsten Williams and Mike Bernardo, this Ultimate Salmon Ladder was their thing because they're fairly average during the regular season. Now, these youngsters come in and not only dominate the regular courses, but even take the Salmon Ladder challenge away from them. Josh, Drew, Daniel, Joe, Adam... I mean some people are so good, and they just take over everything. I think some people like Williams and Bernardo are strong, but they don't particularly stand out. This All Stars is an opportunity to let some others shine, but it kind of sucks for them because it's like they can't have anything. I absolutely love watching the best athletes, and there's more enjoyment watching them, too, honestly, I just can't help but think how disappointing it is for people who just can't get a win.
Anyway, Sean Bryan proving yet again how strong he is. I also had no idea Sean was that strong. I thought that when he started skipping rungs at the bottom he was going to gas out. I couldn't believe he climbed that in 19 seconds! I thought he did it is 25 or something, but when they said 19. It is just so unbelievable. If Sean continues this, he is in a very elite group of the next generation. They talk about the next wave of twenty somethings coming in and replacing the first generation, and I totally agree with that. Drew and Joe have maintained their spots on top, which is just another testament to their skill and strength, but I do love seeing new people. I have some "oldies-but-goodies" like Drew and Joe, but having new people like Sean and Josh to cheer for is great, too. They have a lot of offer that we haven't seen yet. For example, we know Joe and Drew. We know what they can do, and we expect a lot from them, quite frankly. Yet, guys like Sean and Josh are still relatively new. Obviously, they've wowed us in their ANW debuts, but they still have yet to truly establish themselves. Either way, I am really excited to see Sean again.
I was pretty surprised to see Grant McCartney on the Striding Steps. Jake, Daniel, and Thomas are obvious choices, but Grant was interesting. It was even more interesting to see that he bested Daniel and Thomas. Grant is good, but he's definitely bigger is size and weight. I honestly don't mean to sound mean, but the other three seem lighter. I would guess Grant isn't necessarily stronger, but more muscular. I don't know if that makes any sense, but my point is I wouldn't have guessed Grant would have been in this particular competition. I was happy to see Jake win, because I like him better, honestly. Grant gets a lot of attention, but I wouldn't say he's one of the best. He's good, don't get me wrong, but compared to the greats and even the newbies like Sean and Josh, I just don't think he really compares. I think his personality was a great contributor to his popularity. Anyway, I was glad to see Jake win because I really like him. I hope he does better this season.
I'm glad Jamie won the Thunderbolt Challenge. I was also really glad to see him on Team Matt. I think Jamie Rahn is great, and I think he gets skimmed over more often. More on that later, though. Concerning the women, I don't know if I liked having an all female challenge or not. Last year, they integrated the women with the men, and switching it to have one challenge with all women seems like it would be considered a step backward, just because it seems like the women couldn't keep up with the men last year, so they had to give one just for them. Does that make sense? It's probably for the best because some women did get dwarfed when they were up against the men. They were given attention and hype because they were top women, but were usually the first ones eliminated (Meagan, Kacy, Jesse). Having just women do the Mega Spider Climb, might have been a better way to showcase their skills. They also had more women overall in this challenge, but it was just something I was a little surprised to see, I guess. I would have bet Jessie Graff would have won because she's got some crazy thigh muscles, and Meagan Martin was a worthy opponent. LaBreck seemed off that night. She always has a fairly focused face, but that night she just didn't seem too into it. I also kind of liked the Invisible Ladder better than the Spider Climb, but since it was for the women, it makes sense.
Now let's talk about the team competition. Team Kristine I would also have bet was going to win. Graff and Rodriguez were returning champions, and (though I like Coolridge a lot more) Woods is a decent choice. Probably not who I would have chosen, but the team still proved to be the strongest. I knew Team Kristine would win, but I was cheering to Team Matt. Before I get too into Team Kristine and Team Matt, I will say Team Akbar was super shocking. Jon Alexis Jr., Tyler Yamauchi, and Allyssa Beird is a match-up I never would have dreamed of. Last year, I think Akbar chose Meagan Martin, Grant McCartney, and Neil Craver, and were also the first to be eliminated (I think). This was even weirder. Tyler was probably the best out of the three. He did really well in his city finals, and I understand why he wanted Allyssa, but Alexis Jr? I would have bet Akbar would have been out first. I wanted Team Matt to win because I like Jamie and Lance better than Flip and JJ. I know this probably sounds mean, but just in terms of skill and personality, I like Jamie and Lance better. Also, like I said before, I think Jamie is getting skimmed a little more now with so much new talent coming in. I think the order in which they run is also interesting. For Team Akbar, on Stage 2, I knew the order they were going in because it made a lot of sense. Honestly, having the woman in the middle is for the best, even though Allyssa fell. This is why I thought Jesse taking on the Rope Swing and Salmon Ladder was odd, and then to have Jamie go second. There is chance it was switched after Team Akbar ran because they knew Jamie would be able to pass the point where Allyssa fell, but Jesse ate up a lot of time to start. It was probably that order to begin with, but I would have thought Jamie would go on the Wing Nuts, but maybe Jamie would have done better on the Wing Nuts than Lance. I was disappointed that Tyler didn't get a second chance on the Wing Nuts, but he did shine on the challenge at least. I wonder if there are limitations to who they can choose or if they just don't choose certain people so they can showcase other people. Otherwise, I would imagine Drew would be chosen or Sean or Daniel? I'm just really surprised at Akbar's team. I don't know, I guess I'm just rambling now.
Anyway, like I said, I knew Team Kristine would win because Jessie is amazing, as well as Flip. JJ did have some trouble on Stage 3. I think they put JJ last because he was the weakest link like Jesse. Flip and Jamie in the middle was expected because they were probably the best, but even with only 2 obstacles both JJ and Jesse struggled. JJ really couldn't figure out the Time Bomb at first, and I honestly thought he was going to drop. If he had been able to complete Stage 3 up to that point on his own, the second he missed the hook he would have fallen, like Joe. I think the fact he was also struggling on the Bar Hop after the Time Bomb showed he still has a lot to work on. JJ has big biceps and is strong, but when it comes to hand, grip, and finger strength, he is not the best. I think Team Kristine's Stage 3 order was the best possible lineup. Team Matt was also the best order. Jamie has shown to be strong. Him and Joe were the only ones to complete their City Finals last year, I believe. He earned the Pom Wonderful Crazy Healthy Run of the Night during the City Finals. He's always been strong, and I think he was a great choice for the team competition. He also won the Thunderbolt Challenge, so he had already done something that night and still did amazing. Jessie also won something, but everyone already knows how amazing she is. I think Lance was a good choice, too. Again probably not who I would have chosen, but he did great on the Wing Nuts. It's good he passed it last night, but a bummer he couldn't during the regular season, when it, arguably, counts for more. Team Matt did really well, and for a second when JJ was struggling, I thought they would win, but ultimately, they were faster. I mean, you saw them run Stage 1 together. Three professional stunt doubles on one team? You know they're going to be fast and energetic.
Overall, I was surprised to see the outcome of somethings, and not surprised at others. It's always fun to see these people come out and do such crazy things. There was really no lack of enjoyment. I can't wait for the season 10 to start on May 30, and I will definitely be here throughout the season.
Anyway, Sean Bryan proving yet again how strong he is. I also had no idea Sean was that strong. I thought that when he started skipping rungs at the bottom he was going to gas out. I couldn't believe he climbed that in 19 seconds! I thought he did it is 25 or something, but when they said 19. It is just so unbelievable. If Sean continues this, he is in a very elite group of the next generation. They talk about the next wave of twenty somethings coming in and replacing the first generation, and I totally agree with that. Drew and Joe have maintained their spots on top, which is just another testament to their skill and strength, but I do love seeing new people. I have some "oldies-but-goodies" like Drew and Joe, but having new people like Sean and Josh to cheer for is great, too. They have a lot of offer that we haven't seen yet. For example, we know Joe and Drew. We know what they can do, and we expect a lot from them, quite frankly. Yet, guys like Sean and Josh are still relatively new. Obviously, they've wowed us in their ANW debuts, but they still have yet to truly establish themselves. Either way, I am really excited to see Sean again.
I was pretty surprised to see Grant McCartney on the Striding Steps. Jake, Daniel, and Thomas are obvious choices, but Grant was interesting. It was even more interesting to see that he bested Daniel and Thomas. Grant is good, but he's definitely bigger is size and weight. I honestly don't mean to sound mean, but the other three seem lighter. I would guess Grant isn't necessarily stronger, but more muscular. I don't know if that makes any sense, but my point is I wouldn't have guessed Grant would have been in this particular competition. I was happy to see Jake win, because I like him better, honestly. Grant gets a lot of attention, but I wouldn't say he's one of the best. He's good, don't get me wrong, but compared to the greats and even the newbies like Sean and Josh, I just don't think he really compares. I think his personality was a great contributor to his popularity. Anyway, I was glad to see Jake win because I really like him. I hope he does better this season.
I'm glad Jamie won the Thunderbolt Challenge. I was also really glad to see him on Team Matt. I think Jamie Rahn is great, and I think he gets skimmed over more often. More on that later, though. Concerning the women, I don't know if I liked having an all female challenge or not. Last year, they integrated the women with the men, and switching it to have one challenge with all women seems like it would be considered a step backward, just because it seems like the women couldn't keep up with the men last year, so they had to give one just for them. Does that make sense? It's probably for the best because some women did get dwarfed when they were up against the men. They were given attention and hype because they were top women, but were usually the first ones eliminated (Meagan, Kacy, Jesse). Having just women do the Mega Spider Climb, might have been a better way to showcase their skills. They also had more women overall in this challenge, but it was just something I was a little surprised to see, I guess. I would have bet Jessie Graff would have won because she's got some crazy thigh muscles, and Meagan Martin was a worthy opponent. LaBreck seemed off that night. She always has a fairly focused face, but that night she just didn't seem too into it. I also kind of liked the Invisible Ladder better than the Spider Climb, but since it was for the women, it makes sense.
Now let's talk about the team competition. Team Kristine I would also have bet was going to win. Graff and Rodriguez were returning champions, and (though I like Coolridge a lot more) Woods is a decent choice. Probably not who I would have chosen, but the team still proved to be the strongest. I knew Team Kristine would win, but I was cheering to Team Matt. Before I get too into Team Kristine and Team Matt, I will say Team Akbar was super shocking. Jon Alexis Jr., Tyler Yamauchi, and Allyssa Beird is a match-up I never would have dreamed of. Last year, I think Akbar chose Meagan Martin, Grant McCartney, and Neil Craver, and were also the first to be eliminated (I think). This was even weirder. Tyler was probably the best out of the three. He did really well in his city finals, and I understand why he wanted Allyssa, but Alexis Jr? I would have bet Akbar would have been out first. I wanted Team Matt to win because I like Jamie and Lance better than Flip and JJ. I know this probably sounds mean, but just in terms of skill and personality, I like Jamie and Lance better. Also, like I said before, I think Jamie is getting skimmed a little more now with so much new talent coming in. I think the order in which they run is also interesting. For Team Akbar, on Stage 2, I knew the order they were going in because it made a lot of sense. Honestly, having the woman in the middle is for the best, even though Allyssa fell. This is why I thought Jesse taking on the Rope Swing and Salmon Ladder was odd, and then to have Jamie go second. There is chance it was switched after Team Akbar ran because they knew Jamie would be able to pass the point where Allyssa fell, but Jesse ate up a lot of time to start. It was probably that order to begin with, but I would have thought Jamie would go on the Wing Nuts, but maybe Jamie would have done better on the Wing Nuts than Lance. I was disappointed that Tyler didn't get a second chance on the Wing Nuts, but he did shine on the challenge at least. I wonder if there are limitations to who they can choose or if they just don't choose certain people so they can showcase other people. Otherwise, I would imagine Drew would be chosen or Sean or Daniel? I'm just really surprised at Akbar's team. I don't know, I guess I'm just rambling now.
Anyway, like I said, I knew Team Kristine would win because Jessie is amazing, as well as Flip. JJ did have some trouble on Stage 3. I think they put JJ last because he was the weakest link like Jesse. Flip and Jamie in the middle was expected because they were probably the best, but even with only 2 obstacles both JJ and Jesse struggled. JJ really couldn't figure out the Time Bomb at first, and I honestly thought he was going to drop. If he had been able to complete Stage 3 up to that point on his own, the second he missed the hook he would have fallen, like Joe. I think the fact he was also struggling on the Bar Hop after the Time Bomb showed he still has a lot to work on. JJ has big biceps and is strong, but when it comes to hand, grip, and finger strength, he is not the best. I think Team Kristine's Stage 3 order was the best possible lineup. Team Matt was also the best order. Jamie has shown to be strong. Him and Joe were the only ones to complete their City Finals last year, I believe. He earned the Pom Wonderful Crazy Healthy Run of the Night during the City Finals. He's always been strong, and I think he was a great choice for the team competition. He also won the Thunderbolt Challenge, so he had already done something that night and still did amazing. Jessie also won something, but everyone already knows how amazing she is. I think Lance was a good choice, too. Again probably not who I would have chosen, but he did great on the Wing Nuts. It's good he passed it last night, but a bummer he couldn't during the regular season, when it, arguably, counts for more. Team Matt did really well, and for a second when JJ was struggling, I thought they would win, but ultimately, they were faster. I mean, you saw them run Stage 1 together. Three professional stunt doubles on one team? You know they're going to be fast and energetic.
Overall, I was surprised to see the outcome of somethings, and not surprised at others. It's always fun to see these people come out and do such crazy things. There was really no lack of enjoyment. I can't wait for the season 10 to start on May 30, and I will definitely be here throughout the season.
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