Since Australian Ninja Warrior premiered on Channel 9 last month, Jack Wilson has made headlines for being the first Indigenous participant on the gruelling obstacle course.
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Born in Mount Isa and hailing from Kalkadoon culture, Jack is proud of his heritage and wants to give back, engaging youth with ninja warrior-style courses.
Jack has also gained attention for his costume on the show – a pair of Aboriginal flag design Budgy Smugglers.
Previously Jack told us he wasn’t sure when he’d make it back to the Isa.
It turns out he was here not long ago sporting his flag and nothing else, dangling off Dingo Dan’s famous billboard for ‘Australia’s Most Ordinary Rig’.
It’s a good advertisement for budgies, and for fitness.
Now the 24-year-old athlete is on a spontaneous trip home to visit Spinifex State College and help celebrate their Naidoc Week.
After a much-hyped finale on Tuesday night, fans of the show were left disappointed with no winner – every contestant ran out of time or crashed into the water.
A favourite to win, Jack made it to the final before eventually landing in the drink.
"I never thought I would make it here tonight," Jack said after climbing out.
"I just want to send a message to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to make sure you live a healthy lifestyle."
That has been Jack’s message all along, and one he intends to push.
He says the support from Mount Isa and Australia has been wonderful.
“I get calls every day from my family and people I don’t even know, people that love me and support what I’m doing.”
“It’s very overwhelming, actually, to realise how much people appreciate what I do and respect me as a person and for my identity, and they’re backing the message I’m trying to send. I’m grateful for that.
“This is a very special moment in my life,” Jack said.
Jack’s goal is noble; become a motivational speaker doing appearances at schools, sharing his message and telling his story.
He acknowledges bad influences in his youth could have led him down a different track.
“There's a lot of drugs, alcohol, and lack of education about healthy eating.
“You don't really know what life’s about when you see these things growing up,” Jack said.
Jack is looking forward to catching up with his two Nanas in Mount Isa, Mary Wilson and Mary Cooper.
“I love my nanas very much, I miss them,” he said.
Jack will be speaking at Spinfiex Junior and Senior campuses this Thursday and Friday.
Check out his Instagram for more ninja warrior photos.
