About

Josh Levin is a professional climber and American Ninja Warrior athlete from Sunnyvale, California. Recognized as one of USA Climbing’s most decorated youth competitors, Josh spent his early climbing career accumulating 19 National Championship titles, 5 Continental Championships, multiple US speed climbing records, and the bronze medal at the 2008 Youth World Championships. The Northern California native quickly moved up the ranks into the pro circuit with wins in speed, bouldering, and lead climbing competitions, establishing himself as one of the most well-rounded competitors in the sport. With nearly two decades of climbing experience, Josh has also ticked off V13 and 5.14c outdoors and is always looking to expand his climbing into new styles and terrains.

In 2016, Josh began competing on the NBC TV show American Ninja Warrior, earning the title of Rookie of the Year in Season 8. Following his breakout performance, he was selected as the first rookie in history to Team USA for the USA vs. The World competition. During the event, Josh became the first American rookie to clear Stage 3, helping to clinch the World Championship trophy for the 2nd consecutive year. In the same season, Josh also competed on USA Network's Team Ninja Warrior as a part of Joe Moravsky's Storm Team. As the team's relay anchor, he won 3 back-to-back relays en route to claiming the title of Team Ninja Warrior Champions.

In addition to competitions, Josh dedicates his time to giving back to the community. He's organized trail cleanups and outdoor climbing trips for high school students, coached the Zero Gravity Climbing Team, and represented the sport of climbing at the Youth Olympic Games in 2014 & 2018. Josh was also a member of the Access Fund Rock Project workgroup and served as athlete representative on the USA Climbing Board of Directors. These accolades earned him The North Face Young Gun Award in 2012, bestowed upon only two athletes per year for “commitment to the sport and exemplary sportsmanlike conduct.”

​Outside of climbing, Josh has completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern University. As a student, he established both the Northeastern Rec Climbing Club and the Northeastern Climbing Team, winning the 2017 Collegiate Ambassador Award for his contributions. Josh was also a principal design lead for the Northeastern Hyperloop Team and has interned both at Apple and at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a member of the Mars Perseverance Rover group. In 2023, Josh earned a master's degree in learning design, innovation, and technology at Harvard University. In his spare time, Josh enjoys watching a good Christopher Nolan flick as well as reading the complete Calvin & Hobbes anthology as many times as possible.