Get ready to do some pull-ups.
Or at least pull out the remote and tune in to this week’s episode of “American Ninja Warrior” to watch a hometown ninja hero do some.
Along with a lot of steps, swings, spider walls, pipe sliders, jumping bars, log grips, bungee bridges and so many other crazy moves.
I’m exhausted already.
But not David Fleming.
The 19-year-old Saint Andrew’s School alum and rising Yale University sophomore was selected to compete on NBC’s hit show after years of intense training. In March, he flew to Hollywood and took his shot at the course twice, for seasons 15 and 16 of the series, airing today, Monday, July 10 (8 p.m. ET) on NBC and again in the summer of 2024.
“As a kid, I loved watching ‘American Ninja Warrior.’ I began watching the show at age 8 and was inspired by the incredible athletes flying across my TV screen like superheroes. Since I first saw the show, it was a dream of mine to compete. But that seemed unattainable as I watched the show from my bed, suffering from debilitating headaches and migraines,” said Fleming.
From the ages 5 to 12, Fleming experienced severe headaches that forced him out of middle school because he couldn’t meet the minimum attendance requirements. He says he refused to live with the pain or take medications that didn’t seem to work. Instead, he created his own solution.
After years of research, successful trials, and acquiring four U.S. patents, Fleming developed a product called Releevum to deliver fast, convenient, and drug-free headache relief. The self-serve device uses one’s body weight and targeted tips to apply localized, adjustable pressure to the suboccipital muscles (at the base of the skull) to release tension and relieve pain with only a few minutes of use.
Fleming is launching a Kickstarter campaign to get Releevum into the hands of everyone who suffers from headaches and seeks drug-free solutions. He hopes he can soon share the device on QVC, “Shark Tank,” in CVS, and in Walgreens and retail stores across the country.
“It’s important for all headache sufferers to find relief so they can resume life and follow their dreams,” said Fleming.
Dreams like competing in “American Ninja Warrior.” Fleming says once his health began to transform courtesy of his Releevum device, he began training at the age of 14.
“One thing that I absolutely love about the sport is the strong community it fosters. For me, that meant my whole family—my brother and even my parents—competing in rec leagues across the country. I’d love to say I know what I’m doing, but sometimes I still struggle to keep up with my mom,” joked Fleming.
Most of us can’t keep up with Fleming’s mom, Kelly, who is as active in the community as she is in the ninja gyms.
Hard work and dedication is clearly all in the family when it comes to the Flemings. From community service to global inventions, headaches and dreams, just take it from David … life’s challenges are meant to be tackled head on.
“If you’re out there struggling right now, I encourage you to embrace your obstacles. Remember, obstacles don’t block the path, they are the path. Do your best to face your obstacles head-on and remember that everything will be ok,” said Fleming.
