The last two weekends have been remarkable for the young athlete from the region. He first participated in the season finale of the Ninja Quebec League (LNQ) held on May 25 and 26 at Motion in Granby. 175 participants were expected for the occasion, who took on the challenges of a course designed especially for the event.
Jessy Bélanger won the honors in the men’s 16 to 39 year old category, which brought together 109 provincial athletes. This is the toughest division within the NQL. As proof, the best athletes (Jessy Bélanger, Ezekiel Gaudreault and Xavier Gaudreau-Poulin) finished their course with 19 points each. Just 48 seconds separated first and third.
Jessy Bélanger won a third consecutive Quebec title. (Samuel Bélisle/Taken from Facebook (Motion))
This is his third consecutive title. Beyond the results, in an interview, Jessy Bélanger highlighted the experience and the spirit of camaraderie that reigned during the competition. The humble athlete did not fail to highlight the excellent performances of his counterparts, from the region and elsewhere.
“Meeting people who share the same passion is very rewarding. Regardless of age, participants encourage and help each other despite the competitive spirit. We are all friends, we get along really well! And the course also allows you to prepare for future events,” says the proud representative of the Granby Motion team.
A prestigious title
The fan didn’t have too much time to rest, since he was invited the following weekend to the Canadian Ninja League (CNL) championships held in the Ontario city of Sudbury. It was at the end of this major competition over three stages that Jessy Bélanger was crowned Canadian champion for the 2024 season in the professional category, the most competitive.
“I’m very happy, it’s very motivating! I have the impression that all the efforts invested over the last few months have paid off. I had a lot of fun with my colleagues,” assures the man who competed against around ten participants from coast to coast.
The young athlete from Bromont recently won his first Canadian title. (Taken from Facebook (Motion))
Three events separated them from the coveted title. On the first day, participants were invited to a burnout, an endurance course that requires going as far as possible while being perched in the air for long minutes. Proud of his performance, Jessy Bélanger finished the stage in first place.
“The next day, we made a speedrun, a shorter, easier route, but very fast as its name suggests. I finished second. Then, the average of the two events determined the list of participants for the very last day. I was first overall. At the end of the three days, I managed to keep this rank,” summarizes the Canadian champion.
The feat of arms is all the more impressive, since it is his first participation in the Canadian Ninja Warrior events. A perfect performance for an incredible athlete, judge Patrick St-Laurent, co-owner of Motion and head coach.
“This guy is positive at all times, he always gives his all. Since the last year, he has had to reduce his training hours in order to continue his studies, but as his results show, he manages to continue his progress and be at the top of his art!
— Patrick St-Laurent
Next stop, the worlds. The honors of the final championships of the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) will be contested from July 24 to 28 in Anaheim, in the American state of California. Jessy Bélanger is waiting for the meeting with great impatience. Remember that in 2022, he finished third against the best ninjas in the world.
“I’m going there for a week with other members of the Motion team. It must be said that the province is always well represented there! For my part, I will be in the professional category, like at the nationals. Now is the time to prepare until July,” he continues.
The human behind the sport
Jessy Bélanger launched her “ninja” career in October 2019 by finishing third in a competition held at Motion, in Granby, in the category intended for ages 13 and under. It was the first time he tried the experiment, but not the last. He subsequently had several victories. His third position obtained at the worlds two years ago then allowed him to reach the professional rank.
“It’s a lot harder than you think when you watch the show Ninja Warrior on American television. Seeing it and doing it are very different. Faced with the challenge, I decided to show perseverance, to practice discipline to the point of leaving hockey aside,” says the 18-year-old athlete.
It is said above that the young man reduced his training hours to devote himself to his studies in Laval. Later, he wants to become a firefighter. A vocation which, in addition to courage and dedication, requires a good dose of physical effort.
“It’s a big year, but it’s worth it. The job of firefighter is something that really appeals to me! I am an active guy in all areas… as much in sport, in my studies as in my future professional life,” he concludes.
