Newcomb teen Sasha Madzarevic defies odds in Ninja Challenge League
A Newcomb teen who was told a genetic condition could put him in a wheelchair for life has proved doctors wrong, now conquering 4.6m warped walls. SEE HIM IN ACTION
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A Newcomb teen who was told he could end up in a wheelchair for life has defied the odds, ranking third in Australia’s Ninja Challenge League this year.
Aspiring ninja warrior Sasha Madzarevic, 18, suffers from joint hypermobility syndrome, a debilitating genetic condition that causes chronic pain and increased injury risk.
But that doesn’t stop the teen from regularly conquering obstacles like the 4.6m warped wall in his local gym, which is taller than the wall used on the Australian Ninja Warrior TV show.
Now a qualified personal trainer and Geelong Ninjas coach, Mr Madzarevic said losing the ability to walk was not an option, after being warned of the risk at age 10.
“At first I was wondering why me, but then I just kind of changed my mindset to why let it stop me?” he said.
Mr Madzarevic began ninja training five years ago and “fell in love” with the sport.
Since then, he has progressed by leaps and bounds to rank third in the adult Ninja Challenge League in 2024 and second in under 18s in 2023.
“I was told with my disability I need to stay away from high-impact sports to avoid injury but my love for the sport is too great to just throw it away,” he said.
Despite his determination, the young ninja said there were still days when simple physical tasks are difficult to complete.
“There’s still moments I struggle, like when mum walked into the kitchen the other day and I was flat on the floor … all I did was pick up the kettle,” he said.
“There’s definitely some days I’m not getting off the couch.”
Joint hypermobility syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that causes loose or weak ligaments.
For some people, hypermobility can cause intense joint pain, joint and ligament injuries, fatigue, and bowel issues.
According to mum Natalia Madzarevic, while most people’s bodies work to hold them up, her son had to concentrate “all day, every day” to hold his own body up.
Mr Madzarevic recalled the confusion he felt when he first experienced symptoms.
“It was my little brother’s first birthday party and he had a plastic ball pit and I was throwing balls at dad all night,” he said.
“I woke up in the morning and I couldn’t use my wrist.
“I didn’t know what was happening.”
Mr Madzarevic said his most recent competition in October was supposed to be his last.
“After announcing to the ninja community I was done, it didn’t sit right with me,” he said.
“I know I can keep pushing and outperform previous years.”
Mr Madzarevic said he works hard to “make the best” of his chronic condition and is gunning for the return of Australian Ninja Warrior to show the nation what he’s got.
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Originally published as Newcomb teen Sasha Madzarevic defies odds in Ninja Challenge League
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