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Mother-of-three Zhanique Lovett became the latest in a long line of female competitors — think Kacy Catanzaro, Jessie Graff, Meagan Martin, Jesse LeBreck, et al. — to demonstrate her elite athleticism on NBC’s popular obstacle-racing show American Ninja Warrior.

Zhanique Lovett poses with Akbar Gbaja-Biamila on set of 'American Ninja Warrior'

On a challenging Los Angeles course, the ANW rookie out-performed more seasoned female competitors to make it past the penultimate Battering Ram obstacle and guarantee herself a spot in the City Finals in a few weeks. As tough as the obstacles were, they were nothing compared to what Lovett faced in childhood.

A STAR IS BORN

Growing up, Lovett could not have imagined the life she leads today. Raised by a drug-addicted single mother, the pair lived in a series of rough neighborhoods, moving from apartment to apartment following each seemingly inevitable eviction.

“At 17 years old, I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I didn't have high self esteem, so I didn't really care about myself, but once I had a baby that completely changed my whole life around.”

— Zhanique Lovett

Pregnant at 17, Lovett was buoyed by the birth of her first child and over time her life stabilized.

Now 30 years old, Lovett works as a personal trainer and lives in Visalia, California with her kids and husband of nine years.