Taylor Rae Amann

From pole vaulting in college to launching into obstacles on American Ninja Warrior, Taylor Rae Amann brings heart, hustle, and creativity to everything she does. A full-time social media manager and UGC creator, Taylor also runs her own photography business—and still finds time to train and compete at the highest level in ninja! 

I caught up with Taylor to talk about her journey, creative passions, favorite competitions, and the track-to-ninja transition that helped shape her success.

 Quick Facts

• Name: Taylor Rae Amann
• Years Doing Ninja: Since 2016
• Main Gyms: Ultimate Ninjas Oak Creek & Milwaukee Athletic Club
• Favorite Competition Location: Los Angeles
• Favorite Obstacle Sport: Pole Vault
• Go-To Food: Mexican food—tacos, rice and beans, and a good marg
• Social Handles: @tayraeamann on IG & TikTok

 The Interview

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: I’m a full-time social media manager at The Weaponry Advertising & Ideas Agency. I also run my own photography business and work as a UGC creator and influencer.

Q: How long have you been doing Ninja Warrior?

A: My first time trying Ninja Warrior was in 2016 when I competed on (and won) Team Ninja Warrior College Madness. Since then, I’ve competed in five seasons of American Ninja Warrior.

Q: What gym do you train at?

A: Ultimate Ninjas in Oak Creek, WI, and the Milwaukee Athletic Club.

Q: How did you get into photography?

A: I got a camera for my 21st birthday and started shooting just for fun. One of my college track teammates asked me to take her engagement photos, and it all grew from there!

Q: What are your favorite things to photograph, and why?

A: Couples—there’s something really special about capturing genuine connection and emotion between two people.

Q: Where is your favorite place you’ve competed for ANW, and why?

A: L.A., hands down. California is one of my favorite places, so any time I get the chance to compete there, I’m beyond excited!

Q: What sports have you played all your life?

A: I started gymnastics at five, then later took up pole vaulting in high school, which led me to compete for the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Q: How has college pole vaulting helped with Ninja Warrior?

A: A lot of the training overlaps—sprints, cardio, bar work, swinging drills—it all translates really well. Both sports rely heavily on body control, spatial awareness, and explosive movements.

Q: What was your favorite place to compete in college, and why?

A: California—Palo Alto, Stanford, L.A., Sacramento, San Diego. I loved every single part of it: the weather, the energy, the atmosphere.

Q: What’s your biggest Ninja Warrior accomplishment so far?

A: Making it to the Las Vegas National Finals as a rookie. I hadn’t trained a ton at the time, so just getting there (and doing well) was surreal.

Q: Who do you like to see compete on ANW?

A: The friends I train with back home. Knowing how hard they work behind the scenes makes it even more meaningful to watch them shine.

Q: How has ANW changed your life?

A: It’s opened so many doors—social media, brand deals, incredible people and experiences. It taught me to say yes to new opportunities.

Q: What’s your best training advice for ANW?

A: Stay consistent, but keep your training well-rounded—mobility, conditioning, and balance matter just as much as obstacle work.

Q: What else do you enjoy outside of photography and ninja?

A: Snowboarding in the winter, water sports in the summer!

Q: If you could be any fruit, what would it be and why?

A: A mango—sweet, a little tough on the outside, and thrives in the summertime.

Q: If someone had to describe your personality in two words, what would they be and why?

A: Kind and driven. I try to lead with positivity and put my all into everything I care about.

Q: Favorite restaurant and order?

A: Anything Mexican—tacos, rice and beans, and a good marg. Can’t go wrong.

Q: What other competition shows would you want to try?

A: I’m not sure—but I’m always up for a challenge!

Q: If your life right now was a song, what would it be?

A: For Life by Kygo. It’s romantic, uplifting, and nostalgic. We actually used it at our wedding—it reminds me to soak in all the good.

Q: If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

A: Probably a cat. Independent, curious, quietly strong, affectionate when they want to be—but they know when to stand their ground.

Q: Who do you like to train with?

A: Mike Silenzi, Yari Breunig, Marques and Nathan Green. We’ve trained together since the beginning. It’s been fun going through the ups and downs as a team.

Q: What’s one interesting fact people would be surprised to learn?

A: I met Justin Bieber before he got famous! My best friend and I hugged him, got his autograph, and even chased him out of a parking lot to give him our numbers.

 Follow Taylor Online

 Instagram & TikTok: @tayraeamann