Jessie Graff’s run in the American Ninja Warrior national finals this Monday has already gone viral. The Supergirl stunt woman conquers the show’s toughest obstacles with ease, and beats out most of her competitors—men and women. Now, she’s making it clear that she wants her athleticism to be proof of something much greater.
“I hope it will show women that feminine is strong,” Graff told PEOPLE. “That we can frequently do more than people think we can – sometimes even more than we believe ourselves, if we’re willing to work for it.”
Graff, who previously caught eyes after running an ANW course dressed as Super Woman,was also the first woman ever to complete Stage I during the Las Vegas finals. In the same interview with PEOPLE, she admitted that it’s not always easy to keep up with her male competitors: “[Women] may have to train smarter and harder, but if we achieve greater focus, technique and strategy, we can beat the guys,” she said. “I know I’m not the strongest or the fastest. There are plenty of women who can do what I did, but I’m honored and grateful to have been the first – to get to be a part of this huge movement in which we challenge our perceptions of what’s possible.”
Watch Graff’s run below, and read the full interview at PEOPLE.com
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com