Gurnee woman known as the 'Ice Cream Ninja' vies for spot on 'American Ninja Warrior'
Submitted by the Gurnee Park District
Christine Hovorka, resident of Gurnee and member at the Gurnee Park District's FitNation, was recently accepted to participate in season nine of "American Ninja Warrior."
She applied about eight months ago. Hovorka filled out a questionnaire, received an email to send an audition tape and then, a few weeks ago, she received the phone call telling her that she was accepted to be on the show.
"My husband secretly videotaped the phone call," Hovorka said. "I thought it was my dad on the other line."
More than 100,000 applications were received for this season of "American Ninja Warrior." Hovorka was one of only 60 accepted from this region to participate.
She first became interested in the show about four years ago.
"I decided that I needed to be on it. I was about 70 pounds overweight. I couldn't even do a push-up when I started this process," she said.
Her journey toward health and wellness started by eating healthy and then gradually adding workouts to her routine.
"You can now find me at FitNation on Hunt Club Road three days a week in the morning. I like everything about it there. You have access to two locations, lots of equipment and free weights. Also, it's always clean and the staff is extremely friendly. They always say hello and goodbye to me. You don't get that everywhere," she said.
"Christine is inspiring," FitNation fitness supervisor Patrick Bodame said. "She is the story that we want our members to hear. You can make a change physically and mentally when you step into our club. We are 100 percent here to support you through your own fitness journey even if your goal is not to become the next American Ninja Warrior."
"Without FitNation, I couldn't do my strength training," Hovorka said. "It's my getaway. I have goals I smash here."
Hovorka has been a resident of Gurnee for more than 30 years. She first moved to Gurnee with her parents. About six years ago, Hovorka and her husband got married and decided to purchase a house in Gurnee.
"I've dedicated my entire life to this," Hovorka said. "This competition means everything to me. I put my mind to it, and it's a dream come true."
In addition to training anywhere from 1 to 7 hours a day, seven days a week, Christine also owns Christie's Dairy Delights in Chicago and Palatine, hence the nickname "Ice Cream" Ninja.
"Once I got accepted onto the show, one of my customers bestowed that nickname to me. It has stuck ever since," Hovorka said.
Christine will be competing in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 24 and 25 for the qualifier rounds of the show. She will be cheered on by her husband, parents, friends and customers.
"I have a great support system. My parents and husband are the most important people to me," she said. "I hope just one person looks at me and wants to achieve their goal. If I can change one person's life, that would make my entire life."
To learn about the club where Christine trains, visit www.FitNationGurnee.com.
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