Suburban Ice Cream Shop Owner on 'American Ninja Warrior'

GURNEE, IL - Four years ago, ice cream shop owner Christine Hovorka was 70 pounds overweight and decided she needed to make some drastic changes. Now, Hovorka, 30-year resident of Gurnee, will be vying for the title of American Ninja Warrior in the popular reality TV show. For Hovorka, earning a spot on the show has made all her hard work worth it.

"This competition means everything to me," Hovorka said in a Gurnee Park District news release. "I put my mind to it, and it's a dream come true."

Hovorka owns Christie's Dairy Delights in Chicago and Palatine and has earned the nickname of "Ice Cream Ninja" since being accepted onto the show. She was one of 100,000 to apply for a spot on the show that has contestants tackle challenging obstacle courses.

Hovorka will be among a hundred competing Monday, April 24, in the qualifying round in Kansas City as filming for the ninth season of the reality TV show gets underway, according to the Kansas City Star. The top 30 will move onto the finals the next night. The top 15 will then head to Las Vegas for the national finals and the chance to be named American Ninja Warrior.

On top of running her ice cream business, Hovorka works out one to seven hours a day. Hovorka, works out three days a week at the FitNation on Hunt Club Road in Gurnee.

"Christine is inspiring. She is the story that we want our members to hear," Patrick Bodame, fitness supervisor for FitNation, said.

Hovorka credits her family for helping achieve her goals. And adds she hopes she can be an inspiration for others to choose a healthier lifestyle.

"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."

The season premiere of American Ninja Warrior will air at 7 p.m. on June 12 on NBC.

Photo via the Gurnee Park District