From walk-on to fan-favorite, perhaps no other ninja won over the American Ninja Warrioraudience as quickly and completely as Kevin Bull. With one spectacular upside-down flip-off obstacle Cannonball Alley, Kevin not only became the first ninja to make it past the infamous obstacle, but he also earned the respect of fans as well as his fellow ninjas. Alas, his skills didn’t come out of nowhere, as he had built up his strength in other athletic sports.

Kevin Bull is one of the big-name ninjas who isn’t expected to compete on American Ninja Warrior season 13. For unknown reasons, many fan-favorites seemed to have gotten left off of the guest list. Ryan Stratis, Lorin Ball, and James McGrath all applied but weren’t accepted. Stuntwoman Jessie Graff and ninja-turned-actor Najee Richardson are both sitting this season out to recover from injuries. Other ninjas like Brian Arnold, Geoff Britton, and Travis Rosen allegedly didn’t apply for unknown reasons. It’s unclear why Kevin Bull isn’t attending, but he will be missed by many fans.

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Raised in California, Kevin Bull has always been athletic. Growing up near the woods, he loved to climb and play in the trees. In school, his sport was track and field, including racing and pole vaulting. He credits his track and field competitions in college with helping prepare him for competing on American Ninja Warrior, as both are about having multiple skills and great endurance. But that didn’t mean he smoothly transitioned to being on ANW. When he wasn’t selected for season 6 in 2014, he camped out for four days before being selected as a walk-on, an unseen part of the selection process. The rest is history.

After his first year appearing on ANW, Kevin partnered with the non-profit Children’s Alopecia Project. Alopecia is an auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s hair whenever it tries to grow, causing hair loss. It is not connected to any health issues, but as it changes the physical appearance of someone with the disease, it can be hard on their confidence. Kevin hopes to use his platform to help young alopecia sufferers realize that there is nothing wrong with the way that they look and they should be confident in themselves. Kevin has also helped mentor young ninjas on American Ninja Warrior Junior.

With any luck, fan favorites like Kevin Bull, stunt-woman Jessie Graff, and Ryan Stratis will be back for season 14. Season 13 will be the first time Kevin has missed a season of American Ninja Warrior since he first appeared as a walk-on. Season 12 was the first time Kevin didn’t move on to the finals. Viewers would have loved to see him redeem himself, but apparently, they will have to wait. Kevin has been partnering with multiple gyms to help teach people obstacle course skills, so he has the chance to stay in top shape and hopefully compete again.

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