As I watched 10-year-old Avery Wilson navigate the treacherous obstacle course with the precision of a seasoned athlete, I couldn’t help but marvel at the future of athletic talent developing right here in our city. Last month, this young Torontonian accomplished something no Canadian has done before – becoming the first-ever World Ninja League Champion in her age division.
“It was just crazy,” Avery told me during our interview at her training facility in north Toronto. Her eyes still sparkled with disbelief at her own achievement. “I didn’t think I would win because there were so many amazing competitors.”
The competition, held in Las Vegas, brought together over 1,200 young athletes from around the globe. Competitors faced challenging obstacles requiring strength, balance, and split-second decision-making – skills Avery has been honing since she was just seven years old.
Her coach, Marcus Reynolds of Toronto Ninja Academy, wasn’t surprised by her victory. “What sets Avery apart is her mental toughness,” he explained as we watched her effortlessly scale a 14-foot warped wall during practice. “When other kids get frustrated, she gets focused.”
The ninja sport phenomenon has exploded across North America in recent years, with Toronto emerging as a surprising hotspot for talent development. According to the Canadian Obstacle Course Racing Association, participation in ninja-style training programs among youth has increased 78% since 2019.
What struck me most during my conversation with Avery was her humility. Despite achieving international success, she remains remarkably grounded. When asked about her training schedule, she shrugged and said, “I just practice a lot because it’s fun.”
Her parents, Sarah and David Wilson, have supported her journey from the beginning but never imagined it would lead to international competition. “We started this because she couldn’t sit still,” Sarah told me with a laugh. “Now we’re planning trips around competitions.”
The financial commitment for families pursuing elite-level ninja training isn’t insignificant. Equipment, travel expenses, and competition fees can exceed $10,000 annually, according to Sports Canada data. The Wilsons have made sacrifices to support Avery’s passion.
Toronto’s ninja community has rallied around its new champion. Local gym Toronto Movement Lab has offered Avery free training time, while several businesses have stepped forward with sponsorship opportunities. The city’s Parks and Recreation department is even considering adding ninja-inspired elements to playground renovations planned for 2024.
Dr. Elena Mikhailov, a pediatric sports specialist at Toronto Western Hospital, sees tremendous value in the sport beyond competition. “These activities develop proprioception and spatial awareness that benefit children in countless ways,” she explained. “The confidence gained transfers to all aspects of life.”
For young girls especially, Avery’s success provides powerful representation in a sport that remains male-dominated at the professional level. “When I started, there weren’t many girls,” Avery noted. “Now more are joining every week.”
Her coach estimates that female participation at their facility has increased nearly 40% since Avery’s championship win was announced on social media. “She’s changing perceptions about what young athletes – especially girls – can accomplish,” Reynolds said.
The road to Las Vegas wasn’t without obstacles. Three months before the championship, Avery suffered a wrist injury that threatened her participation. “There were days I thought we might have to withdraw,” her father recalled. “But she was determined.”
Working closely with a youth sports physiotherapist, Avery modified her training to protect her healing wrist while maintaining her conditioning. This experience taught her valuable lessons about patience and adaptation.
When I asked what advice she would give to other kids interested in ninja sports, her response was refreshingly straightforward: “Just try it. You don’t have to be the best. You just have to try your hardest.”
The city of Toronto is planning a formal recognition of Avery’s achievement, with Mayor Olivia Chow expected to present her with a certificate of accomplishment next month. Local schools have also invited her to speak about perseverance and goal-setting.
As our interview concluded, I watched Avery return to the training floor, immediately tackling an obstacle that had given her trouble earlier. The determination on her face told me everything about why she’s become a world champion.
In a city often dominated by hockey, basketball, and traditional sports headlines, Avery Wilson is carving out a new path – one challenging obstacle at a time. And Toronto’s newest ninja champion is just getting started.
For more information about youth ninja programs in Toronto, visit the Toronto Parks and Recreation website. The next Canadian Ninja League qualifying event will be held at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on June 15.
