'American Ninja Warrior' final includes an Iowan. Will Jackson Twait win $1 million?

An Iowa native is among the finalists competing for $1 million on NBC's "American Ninja Warrior" Season 16.

Jackson Twait is from Hudson, Iowa, and is an "American Ninja Warrior" veteran, who first competed in 2019. He's a University of Northern Iowa graduate, an actuary by day and a ninja by night.

Jackson Twait's childhood 'Ninja' dream becomes his adult reality

Twait said he still remembers the first time he saw someone complete the ultimate challenger course on "American Ninja Warrior," when he was about 12 years old. Since then, he has always been preparing for the show, long before he knew he'd be a competitor.

Whether it was special exercises while lifting in high school or training to rock climb in college, Twait said things just started to fall into place. Eventually, he decided to do a live walk-on audition and run a course. He was then connected to casting producers and about a year later, he was competing in season 11.

How many seasons has Jackson Twait been on 'American Ninja Warrior'?

Twait has returned to the show several times since his initial debut in 2019. This is the first time he has advanced to Stage Three during the finals.

"Nowadays all my best friends are from are from 'Ninja Warrior,'" Twait said. "I've gotten to travel across the U.S. meeting people and just have friends everywhere."

How can you watch Jackson Twait compete in the "American Ninja Warrior" season 16 finale?

The "American Ninja Warrior" Season 16's finale airs on NBC (WHO 13 in central Iowa) on Monday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. Episodes are also available the next day on nbc.com or by subscription on Peacock .

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 'American Ninja Warrior' final includes an Iowan. Will Jackson Twait win $1 million?