‘Flippy’ reaches new heights at world ninja event

A LEOPOLD-BASED ninja athlete is smiling from ear to ear following her best performance on the world stage, overcoming her nerves to exceed her own expectations.

Michelle “Flippy” Callanan says despite a lack of preparation leading up to this year’s World Ninja Athlete Games in Anaheim in the United States, she secured her top results in her eight years of ninja.

Over the five days in late July, Ms Callanan achieved two runner up finishes in the World Ninja Athlete Games and International Open 100m course events, an 11th place finish in the Federation of International Ninja Athletics event, an eighth place finish in the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association event, and a 14th place finish in the Obstacle Course Racing 3km course.

“I’m really happy with myself, it’s a great feeling to see the hard work I’ve put in paying off,” Callanan said.

“It takes a lot financially and emotionally to get overseas to the Worlds event, so to come away with these results is awesome, and it gives me motivation to head back there next year to go for an event win, if everything pans out well here at home.

“I’m just a big kid really, and as much as I’m having fun, then I’ll keep doing ninja until I physically can’t.”

It was the third time Callanan attended the World Ninja Athlete Games, and she said her familiarity with the expo was a major factor in her better-than-expected results.

A dog groomer and personal trainer by trade, Callanan said she took great joy in introducing the world of ninja to others at her Leopold home, which is packed full of structures and training equipment.

She has also been invited to be part of the Premier Series League, which will arrive in Melbourne in September.

Callanan is hopeful she can obtain sponsorship for future events, which she said would give local businesses good exposure.

“The biggest thing is always sponsorship, and for the younger ninjas, obtaining sponsorships is pretty straightforward, but it’s a bit of a struggle for us older ninjas,” she said.

“Even though we can be as successful as other ninjas, it’s pretty tough, and me personally I’m a bit of social media nut, so there’s a lot of ways businesses can be given an opportunity to promote their brands.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Callanan or joining her personal training business can do so by reaching out via email at [email protected]