By Gary Boskovich
Dentist by day, ninja warrior in-training at night.
That’s how people can describe Tim Gossweiler – a Carmel dentist who qualified for a chance to compete on this season’s “American Ninja Warrior” television show.
To be considered for the competition, Gossweiler had to submit a video to the show’s producers.
“Last year they got 7,000 videos, and I’m sure they’ll get a lot more this year,” he said. “So I thought there was no way I was going to be picked with that many people and being 51 years old.”
To enhance his chances for getting selected, Gossweiler was encouraged to have a story to tell that accompanied his video.
“If you have the ability and a story, they are much more likely to pick you,” he said.
And there were two parts to his story. First, his son had just joined the army, and the two of them would often train together.
“I thought this was one way to make him proud of me,” he said.
The second part is unique.
About 10 years ago Gossweiler sold his dental practice, took 18 months off and backpacked around the world.
“We lived on a shoestring budget and traveled to all 7 continents,” he said. “We didn’t know exactly where we were going from one day to the next.”
He thinks his story put him over the top in the show’s selection process.
Gossweiler does a couple of routines to stay in shape. He takes a boot camp class and does cardio kickboxing.
“I’ve been taking the boot camp class for years, and it’s the toughest class I’ve ever taken,” he said.
To prepare specifically for the competition, he has a workout regimen that includes rock climbing and pull-ups for strengthening legs, upper body and core muscles.
With competitors’ average age in the 20s, Gossweiler has a modest goal.
“Even if I don’t move on … or if I go out on the first or second obstacle, I’m not going to be disappointed. I want to do it for the experience and enjoy the experience.”
Filming commences on April 13 and “American Ninja Warrior” episodes begin airing at 9 p.m. May 26 on NBC.
