Meet Ginny MacColl: World Record Holder and the Oldest Female Ninja Warrior

Ginny MacColl has had a remarkable career, starting as a Broadway dancer—a true icon for all of us who grew up watching and admiring those dazzling performances. For 20 years, she was the face of commercials we all know and love (Sizzlean bacon, Folgers coffee, and Jordache jeans).

But that’s not all—Ginny is living proof that age is just a number. She holds a Guinness World Record as the oldest female ninja competitor at 71 years of age, and she has been on American Ninja Warrior three times. What’s even more inspiring is that she couldn’t do a single pull-up in her 60s—and now look at her!

Ginny shares her excitement about being on Broadway, recalling the thrill of understudying a lead role and then stepping into the spotlight for two whole weeks. It was a magical, nerve-wracking experience that she describes as the peak of her life at that time.

This episode dives into her journey as Ginny discusses what brought her to where she is today—bold, ageless, and unstoppable. Her story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to start a new chapter and push your limits, no matter your age.

Southern Star Moves to the Big Apple

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Ginny MacColl relocated to the bustling streets of New York City at 20 years old, despite many telling her she’d never make it. She set a goal to give herself three to five years to break into the industry, knowing it takes time to meet people and find your footing.

The transition was a culture shock for Ginny—New York City never sleeps, unlike the quieter city of Knoxville. One of her early challenges was losing her Southern accent for auditions, which meant letting go of a part of her heritage and personality. However, she occasionally gets to bring it out for roles, which she finds fun.

Ginny reminisced about her early days in New York, arriving with just $2,000 from selling her car. In 1972, that was supposed to last her as she focused on joining a dance troupe. She walked 40 blocks to auditions, scavenged for furniture from the streets, and even attended parties for free food.

Despite the challenges, Ginny persevered and worked hard to achieve her dreams!

Ginny shares that her career wasn’t always glamorous. She took on small gigs, like performing the Tarantella at Mama Leoni’s or joining a mime troupe, to build her skills and gain experience. Each role, no matter how minor, was a stepping stone, teaching her the importance of perseverance and humility.

One particularly interesting tidbit is Ginny’s time in a mime troupe that traveled to schools and performed comedic acts. The joy and audience response made these experiences magical, similar to the enchantment of performing on Broadway or seeing the final cut of a film. These stories highlight that no matter the stage of life, every challenge and opportunity contributes to a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

From the Stage to the Screen

After a successful Broadway career, Ginny started doing commercials in her early 20s—it was an exciting chapter of her life. It allowed her to make a living while having the flexibility to raise her kids. From iconic brands like Jordache, Folgers, Mr. Clean, and Wonder Bread, Ginny’s commercials were household staples before the era of DVR, so everyone saw them.

One of her memorable commercials was for Sizzlean, where she famously said, “Move over bacon, there’s something leaner!” The behind-the-scenes was as fun as it sounds—special effects were manual, so a guy on scaffolding used fishing wire to make the bacon fly!

Ginny shared how she transitioned into commercials by knocking on agents’ doors and leveraging her role in the musical Pippin. Her story shows that there are many different paths one can take in the acting world. It’s especially inspiring for those looking to get into commercials or brand representation later in life. Ginny’s journey is an illustration that it truly is never too late to branch out and try something new.

Ginny MacColl: American Ninja Warrior

When she became a mother, Ginny had to learn how to balance a successful career in commercials with raising a family and later diving into fitness.

Ginny managed to work on commercials while raising her kids—she even dabbled in voiceover work. Back then, the process was meticulous, involving razor blades to slice tape when edits were needed, making each session an adventure with some incredible voiceover artists.

As she focused on her family, Ginny never lost her love for movement. Her daughter Jessie, a top competitor on American Ninja Warrior, inspired Ginny to pursue strength training. Although she had been active, Ginny realized she lacked upper body strength, particularly for pull-ups.

Determined, Ginny installed a pull-up bar at home and started practicing. Despite initially struggling, she sought help from a strength and conditioning coach, setting a goal of five pull-ups. This journey took about a year, but Ginny gradually built up her strength, feeling more toned and motivated by the positive feedback she received.

Ginny’s journey into fitness didn’t stop there. She trained on Ninja Warrior obstacles, starting with small steps and gradually increasing difficulty. Her first attempt at the show ended in a fall on the initial obstacle, which was devastating. However, this setback fueled her determination to improve, embodying the spirit of perseverance.

Ginny’s resilience and dedication to fitness show that age and inexperience are no barriers; they’re just part of the journey. Whether it’s pull-ups or Ninja Warrior obstacles, Ginny proves that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

Valuable Lessons Learned Along the Way

Throughout her career, Ginny has learned valuable lessons. She shares this gem from her Broadway days that continues to resonate: believe in yourself. When asked about the toughest part of performing eight shows a week, Ginny emphasizes the importance of self-belief amidst the challenges and potential jealousy from others.

Also important is to surround yourself with supportive people, whether you’re tackling a demanding job or simply trying to stay active. Ginny draws a parallel to her Ninja Warrior experience, encouraging listeners to find buddies who lift them up and make the journey enjoyable. This supportive network is key to staying motivated and achieving your goals.

The Personification of Determination

While her experience on American Ninja Warrior was incredible, Ginny shares the challenges and triumphs she faced. Ginny admitted that her initial attempt on the show was a steep learning curve—she could barely do one pull-up and had minimal experience with the obstacles.

Despite this, Ginny’s determination drove her to return not once, but twice more. She realized that ten years down the line, she’d regret not giving it another shot. Her perseverance paid off as she grew stronger and more skilled with each attempt.

Ginny also shared an inspiring anecdote from her time filming the movie “POMS” with Diane Keaton. The film, centered around a group of women over 67 forming a cheerleading squad, echoed a powerful message: it’s never too late to chase your dreams and overcome failures. Ginny’s own experience on American Ninja Warrior mirrored this theme, showing that with hard work and resilience, you can always come back stronger.

Do What You Love

No strangers to starting new chapters later in life, Christina and Ginny share valuable insights with the Living Ageless and Bold audience. Many listeners are finding themselves at a crossroads—whether they’ve left corporate jobs, finished raising kids, or just getting used to some newfound freedom and resources. Christina emphasizes that while starting fresh is challenging, there’s a unique confidence that comes with age, especially when you’re willing to fail and pivot.

Ginny agrees. Her initial attempts with American Ninja Warrior were tough, but her determination to improve and not give up kept her going. This resilience is something she believes is crucial for anyone tackling new endeavors, especially later in life.

The Power of Exercise: Get Moving to Improve Your Wellness

Ginny and Christina stress the importance of finding something you love. They also point out how important it is to incorporate movement into your life. Ginny shares the many benefits of physical activity for overall health, balance, muscle strength, and even mental sharpness. She hopes more people embrace exercise as a non-negotiable part of life, much like brushing your teeth, to facilitate long-term independence and well-being.

If you think you’re too old to get healthy, think again! There are many benefits of getting healthier later in life and both Christina and Ginny have experienced incredible transformations first-hand. Christina shares how she always enjoyed walking, but during COVID, her husband created a workout routine that combined walking with weights. Now, nearing 60, she feels stronger and more confident than ever, even flaunting shorts and skorts with pride.

Ginny, echoing this sentiment, said she feels stronger now than she ever did, even during her professional dancing days. Her critical health revelation from her 40s, when she was diagnosed with osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis, is about how important strength training is at all ages. Through dedicated weight lifting and resistance training, she managed to reverse the osteopenia and return to normal bone density within two years. Ginny recommends seeking guidance with a professional to avoid injuries when starting a new weight training program.

Muscle maintenance and resistance training are important as we age. Muscle loss can start as early as age 30 and can lead to significant reductions in muscle mass by age 70 if not addressed.

Many people face mental barriers like self-doubt when starting something new, and exercise is no exception. Ginny encourages listeners to push aside negativity and make a commitment to their health, whether it’s through starting a new class or maintaining a regular exercise routine.

A Guinness World Record Holder

Many have dreamed of earning a Guinness World Record. Ginny shares the exciting news that she holds the record for being the oldest female ninja competitor in the world! This recognition wasn’t something she actively pursued; it came as a delightful surprise.

Ginny’s record has connected her with people worldwide, including from India, South Africa, Europe, Mexico, and Canada, all discussing how to promote healthier lifestyles, especially among seniors. Her age during the American Ninja Warrior competition led to this acknowledgment, a realization that hit home when her daughter reminded her it was a global, not just national, recognition.

Ginny also shares the joy of setting two records with her daughter, creating a special bond through their shared passion for Ninja Warrior competitions. This journey has brought them closer, and Ginny loves seeing more parents and their children trying out the sport together. She encourages everyone interested to start with baby steps to avoid injuries and enjoy the process safely.

To the Next Adventures…

Her experience on American Ninja Warrior tops Ginny’s list of greatest accomplishments since turning 50. Overcoming failures, becoming the oldest person to complete an obstacle, and the experience of having her daughter, Jessie, cheer for her were incredibly fulfilling. Ginny’s journey has also allowed her to motivate others worldwide, showing that if she can do it at 72, others can pursue their passions too.

Looking ahead, Ginny envisions herself swimming competitively well into her 80s and 90s, inspired by seeing older athletes break records and maintain their mobility. She has a goal to master a muscle-up, another challenging feat like the pull-up. Additionally, she’s considering breaking more world records and possibly returning to film roles, proving that there’s always room for new adventures.

Ginny’s story reinforces the message that it’s never too late to start something new. Whether it’s fitness, new hobbies, or even career shifts, Ginny exemplifies that age should never be a barrier. Christina and Ginny leave listeners with a powerful reminder: with determination and resilience, you can achieve remarkable things at any stage of life. Keep an eye out—Ginny might just return to American Ninja Warrior next year!

Watch her full episode here: