Hunter Ogden’s inspiring journey growing up with a cleft lip and palate and competing in American Ninja Warrior
15-year-old Hunter Ogden was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, but that hasn’t stopped him from developing remarkable resilience and compassion. In addition to a heart murmur, breathing problems soon after birth, and fighting for his life when doctors didn’t believe he would survive, Hunter also faced 13 surgeries and bullying because of his cleft lip and palate. Hunter’s story showcases his strength, resilience, faith, and the unwavering love and support of his family. I spoke with Hunter and his mother, Jennifer, about Hunter’s inspiring journey growing up with a cleft lip and palate and becoming one of the youngest competitors on American Ninja Warrior.
What is a Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip and palate occurs when the lip and palate do not properly form before birth. This creates a gap from the upper lip extending into the palate. The opening (cleft) can be on one side of the lip (unilateral, like Hunter’s) or both sides of the lip (like mine).
Hunter Ogden before his first cleft lip surgery
The Power of Faith
When I began chatting with Hunter, I immediately felt his confidence, positive attitude, and humble nature. Hunter expresses unwavering devotion to his faith and the pivotal role it plays in his life by helping him remain resilient and graceful. He credits God with all his achievements, including having the courage and resilience to endure his cleft surgeries, being part of the cleft lip and palate community, and competing on national television. As the cornerstone of his identity, Hunter’s faith reminds him that all things are possible with God.
Developing Self-Acceptance and Self-Confidence
Like most people born with a cleft lip and palate, Hunter experienced bullying from his classmates because of the scars on his lip. His self-confidence was affected by rude and hurtful comments, such as being called “toothless.” Still, Hunter realized that reacting to the bullies only fueled their actions and learned that the key to building self-confidence and self-acceptance was realizing that others’ opinions did not define him. As a result, Hunter takes a positive attitude about his cleft lip and palate by seeing it “…as a trait about my appearance, just like someone with freckles or another unique physical characteristic.”
Hunter Ogden as a toddler
The Influence of Family and Friends
Hunter’s family provided unwavering support throughout his journey, comforting him when he was going through surgery and providing him with the love and strength he needed. As a result of Hunter’s challenges growing up with a cleft lip and palate, his older brother and two younger sisters, developed empathy and compassion for other people. Learning about the struggles other people go through, and recognizing their physical differences has taught Hunter’s siblings to be more sensitive and aware.
Hunter Ogden and His Mom
An Inspirational Teenager with Goals and Dreams
What is most inspiring about Hunter is how building his self-confidence instilled his deep sense of compassion and empathy for others. He recognizes that his experiences gives him a stronger understanding of challenges faced by other people with diverse backgrounds and situation. Drawing on his faith in God, Hunter acknowledges that others may have it worse than him, which reminds him to count his blessings and continue to inspire others through his actions.
When I asked Hunter what his future goals are, he told me “I am enjoying high school and want to pursue a career as a teacher, police officer, or a pastor”. His big dream is to own a ninja warrior gym!
Hunter Ogden Climbing a Rock Wall
From Cleft Warrior to American Ninja Warrior
Hunter always loved climbing trees, swinging from branches, and jumping on things in his back yard to help him release his pent up energy. He found the exercise to be mentally challenging while trying to push himself further to see what he could do. When Hunter’s grandmother introduced him to American Ninja Warrior about 5 years ago, Hunter was determined to compete against other Ninjas.
He was surprised to be accepted after his first time applying when many applicants try multiple times over several years. American Ninja Warrior recently lowered the minimum age to 15, and Hunter was one of 400 applicants to be selected out of 70,000 applications.
Overcoming Doubts and Adversity
When Hunter found out he was going to be competing on the live show, he doubted his abilities and his lack of experience compared to other competitors. Hunter trains at a nearby gym, and even though it’s not an official American Ninja Warrior gym, that doesn’t stop his motivation and enthusiasm to do the best he can during his run! Despite his concerns about his strength and abilities, Hunter remains committed in his willingness to push himself beyond his boundaries. American Ninja Warrior is a platform that tests not only physical strength but also mental fortitude, and Hunter shares how his faith and trust in God provides him with peace and strength during his training and competitions.
Increasing Self-Resilience
The most inspiring and emotional moment of my discussion with Hunter was when he told me fractured his foot during one of his runs, forcing him to make a split-second decision to continue. His trust in God and his determination to make his family proud is what kept him going, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity. Hunter’s ability to bounce back and maintain his focus despite the physical pain reminded both of us of the pain we endured after our cleft lip and palate surgeries. Hunter’s experiences exemplifies the mindset of a true Cleft Warrior, and American Ninja Warrior.
Hunter "Training" for American Ninja Warrior
Hunter’s Future Plans
Hunter’s story is an inspiring testament to determination, community support, and the pursuit of one’s passion. I enjoyed chatting with him about our experiences growing up and living with a cleft lip and palate, Hunter’s upcoming performance on American Ninja Warrior, and his contributions to the cleft lip and palate community as well as the American Ninja Warrior community. Hunter’s future plans for now are to get back to ninja training while finishing high school, and begin volunteering with Smile Train’s Student Ambassador Program later this year.
The Full Interview and Hunter's Run on American Ninja Warrior!
Watch Hunter's run on American Ninja Warrior on YouTube here.
Watch the full video of my interview with Hunter and his mom, Jennifer below: