A rural community in South Australia is rallying around a farmer who has jumped and climbed his way to the grand final in one of the most physically challenging competitions in the world.
Simon Martin is a fourth-generation farmer and councillor from Karoonda, which has a population of about 340.
The father of three has risen to fame through his Australian Ninja Warrior campaign and images of him are being projected onto Karoonda's silos at night to celebrate his success.
"It's quite surreal, actually," Martin said.
He has also received encouraging messages from family and friends.
"Hearing them yelling at their TV screens and really supporting me, it's a pretty humbling experience," Martin said.
'No end to how good you can get'
The unconventional sport has exploded in popularity over the past decade.
Martin first gave it a go in Adelaide, where he trained alongside top-level athletes.
"I rolled up to the ninja gym and realised how bad I was," he said.
"I was expecting myself to be a lot better.
"You can basically train at your own level and there's no end to how good you can get, so I guess that's what attracted me to it."
Ninja kids follow in dad's footsteps
Martin's dedication to the sport is best exemplified through his home gym, "the Ninja Barn".
The family started training together and while the sport can be physically demanding, Martin recommends kids have a go too.
"Especially young kids — the upper body strength side of it is probably lacking in a lot of sports these days," he said.
