Ian Dory would love to become a cliché—specifically, the one about the third time being a charm. The 25-year-old Fort Collins native has twice been a finalist on American Ninja Warrior (ANW), NBC’s hit summer show featuring an obstacle course built for superhumans. This year, the professional rock climber is a favorite to claim the $1 million prize when the season wraps up in September. Dory trains up to 30 hours per week on a replica of the show’s course at his family’s 10-acre farm. He also works out in Boulder with the Wolfpack, a group of ANW competitors who all hail from the Front Range. Last year, one of those Wolfpack members—climber Isaac Caldiero—won ANW; Dory finished third after making it to the finals but failing on the last obstacle. This season he’s more prepared. “There are only so many obstacles a person can invent,” he says. “I just need to look for the spots I burn too much energy.” As much as Dory wants to win, he isn’t just competing for fame and cash. He’s helping to create a new generation of ninjas, too. “Kids who watch us on this show go to the playgrounds and apply it,” says Dory, who has a two-year-old son. At least he’s got that cliché down: Monkey see, monkey do.