At 17, Jackson Erdos has already climbed to the top of his sport three times. The Springside Chestnut Hill Academy rising senior recently clinched first place in the "Elite" division of the World Ninja League season 9 World Championships, outperforming contestants from across the globe. Held June 21-24 in Greensboro, N.C., the competition put Erdos atop the championship podium in a division open to all athletes aged 15 and up. 

It's a familiar spot for the young ninja warrior, who has competed in six world championships, finishing first three times, second twice and third once. His recent championship victory in Greensboro was live-streamed on YouTube, drawing over 10,000 viewers. 

"I used to watch on TV the winner holding up the trophy, and my dream was to do it myself. And now I have. It is almost not real," said Erdos, who spends about two hours daily at a gym in Hatboro where he also coaches younger athletes. "But they make it harder every year. Over time a sport has to change and get harder. The 14-year-olds I coach now could have won five years ago. It has to remain challenging. I cannot get complacent. I have to keep finding new challenges."

While uncertain about his college major, Erdos aims to own a gym in the future. "This [Ninja] competition is the coolest thing ever," he said. "I have 3,000 followers on Instagram and 30,000 on TikTok."

But Erdos' path to success hasn't been without obstacles. Behind his impressive athletic achievements, he's battled chronic depression.

"On the outside it looks like you have a perfect life when you win these titles," Erdos said. "But I have struggled and been diagnosed with depression, even after winning national championships."

Erdos underwent three months of intensive therapy. "I feel incredibly better now," he said. "Group therapy really helped me. I have built bonds with people who have been through similar struggles. It helps to know you are not alone."

Fans of NBC's "American Ninja Warrior," which first aired in 2009, are familiar with the sport's demanding courses. Contestants must navigate seemingly impossible obstacles in timed races, testing their ability to run, jump, crawl, climb, hang and swing. Both boys and girls compete against each other, with competitions starting as young as age 6.

Erdos' journey began with rock climbing at age 6 after seeing a pop-up on a computer. He progressed to gym workouts at 7 and his first competition at 8, where he placed third in his age category.

"Most of the best 'Ninjas' in the world are between ages 15 and 20," Erdos said. "Teenagers are the best."

His father, Mike Erdos, recalled his son's early passion for physical challenges. "He fell in love with it and never really left the gym," he said. "He was the kid sliding down the banister at home, always getting injured. There was a list of broken bones and stitches. He never gravitated towards traditional sports. In fact, Jackson injured himself so many times that everyone started calling him 'Jaccident.' "

Erdos' experiences have inspired him to host mental health and suicide prevention fundraising events. 

The next ninja season starts in September, and Erdos is already back in training, ready to face new challenges both on and off the course. "It is off-season now, but I went right back to training," he said.

Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com