Meet Nathan Hansen | Ninja Warrior Athlete

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathan Hansen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from a small town of Fruita, Colorado. I grew up in a family of 5 with 4 brothers, quite the household! Growing up in a large family was amazing, yet very chaotic to say the least. As I grew up, I was very athletic and played many sports. From baseball to volleyball, and everything in between, I played about every sport you could think of.

At the age of 12 I faced the hardest obstacle in my life, this was my diagnosis with growth hormone deficiency. As a middle schooler, I was the shortest and smallest one in my classes and on the field. Due to my abnormal stature, I was bullied for many years due to something that I was not in control of, my height. I was told time after time that I was a failure, I didn’t stand a chance, and that I would never be successful because I just wasn’t as normal as everyone else. For years, I took prescribed growth hormone to assist my body in growing to its full capacity, but once again, that didn’t harvest the results the doctors were looking for.

What I didn’t know is that Growth Hormone Deficiency was the greatest thing to ever happen to me. In 2020, I found myself living life in a childhood dream as I got to compete on my very first season of American Ninja Warrior. I had always had a vision for that moment, but never truly thought it would come to fruition. My first time on the course, I hit a buzzer and that is when the story of Gnarly Nate truly came alive for the world to see. A small guy, from a small town who was told he would never be great. But now, Nate is lookin pretty great if I do say so myself. My story has influenced millions of people across the world as I have proved that no matter what your circumstances look like, you are capable of achieving whatever you set out to do. I am now one of American Ninja Warriors’ most recognizable athletes and have come very close to winning it all!

The life I live today would be drastically different if I was never diagnosed with GHD. My impact, my story, and my influence all stemmed from a gift I was given, but couldn’t see. I have so much more to do and so many goals to achieve. One person at a time, I will change the world and show people that anything is possible.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have always been a business minded individual in many senses. I understand my potential and my life is representative of achieve that potential every single day. That drive translates into my athletics, my relationships, and my business. Right now, I am a young entrepreneur trying to grow my career as a motivational speaker. I know that my story is inspirational and that more people in the world need to hear it, as it will be a light of hope in their lives. I am constantly seeking opportunities to speak on international stages and even small school districts to reach any and all people around the globe. I have worked relentlessly to make this dream become a reality, and although I have not seen the results harvest yet, I know that one day I will make this dream become reality.

There are many lessons I have learned along the way. Always put people before profit. If you serve people, profit will follow. Personal excellence and discipline are the key to high achieving individuals. Last but not least, Don’t work for your money, let your money work for you. (passive income) Many of these lessons I have learned from the successful individuals I surround myself with regularly. Additionally, I have listened to some of the most successful individuals on the planet consistently through podcasts who have dedicated their lives to helping people like myself become and build the best versions of themselves and their businesses through purpose and hard work. Andy Frisella and his show MFCEO project/ REALAF have given me the tools to perform at a high level and hold myself and those around me to the highest standard. This has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever received, and it is available to anyone reading this as well. I highly recommend his content!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Denver is an incredible city. There are so many amazing spots that I am a huge fan of. I am a big fan of going to Boulder and walking around Pearl Street to see the beautiful flatirons and small shops around that area. There is so much life in that city but its beauty is unlike any other. I am also a big sports and concert enthusiast. Redrocks is a MUST! Going to a Rockies game, going to watch the nuggets win another game, or watch the Broncos do their best is always an amazing time! In terms of food, I am a big pizza fan! Cosmos Pizza is my go to on a good pizza day! Voodoo doughnuts, The Spice Room, and Illegal Petes are three of my absolute favorite restaurants!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shoutout I could ever give is to our savior Jesus Christ. My success, my fame, my performance, and everything I do are for his purpose. He has shown me more love, mentorship, and support than I can even comprehend and has performed miracles in my life time and time again. In every moment he shows us how much he loves us, what he wants for us, and who we are meant to be in his image. I credit all of my success to him alone, because I would not be who I am today without Jesus Christ.

Website: gnarlynation.com

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JhXxvVO9rV2bfMVkZN9sA