First Visually Impaired Contestant Joins the Ranks of Ninja Warrior on TF1
Salim Ejnaïni made history as the first visually impaired contestant on TF1's Ninja Warrior during its ninth season premiere.
Key Points
- • Salim Ejnaïni is the first visually impaired contestant on TF1's Ninja Warrior.
- • The new season premiered on July 4, 2025, at 21:10.
- • Ejnaïni trained for three years to prepare for the challenges.
- • Sound cues and silence from the audience aided his navigation of the course.
In a groundbreaking moment for the world of entertainment in France, *Ninja Warrior* on TF1 has featured its first visually impaired contestant, Salim Ejnaïni. This significant event took place during the premiere of the show's ninth season on July 4, 2025, at 21:10. Salim, 33, is an accomplished equestrian and television presenter, known for hosting the show *À vos marques*. His entry into the competitive arena promises to reshape perceptions of athletes with disabilities.
Salim Ejnaïni embarked on this challenging journey after a bet with his partner during the COVID-19 confinement period inspired him to try out for the show. Following three years of rigorous training under coach Manu Cory, Ejnaïni has been documenting his progress on Instagram, embodying the fighter spirit needed for *Ninja Warrior*. To aid in his participation, production implemented specific accommodations. Notably, sound cues were introduced to help guide him through the challenging course, a strategy he likens to how he communicates with his horse in equestrian competitions.
Furthermore, audience members were requested to maintain silence during his runs, allowing him to concentrate on the auditory signals and instructions from the referee. Salim made it clear that he aims to change the narrative around visual impairment in competitive sports, stating, "I hope people will eventually forget or normalize the fact that I can't see." This sentiment underscores the importance of representation in mainstream media.
His historic participation symbolizes a significant step towards inclusivity within such competitive formats, raising hopes that the presence of visually impaired individuals will become normalized in sports. The episode not only marks a personal achievement for Ejnaïni but also serves as a powerful message of resilience and representation for athletes with disabilities across France.