BOSTON (WHDH) –
Kristine Leahy’s road to prime time television runs right through the heart of Boston.
The charismatic host of NBC’s hit “American Ninja Warrior” spent seven years in the hub, starting as a journalism student at Boston University.
“I love Bostonians. I love Boston sports. I love Boston radio. I actually got my start at WEEI. That was my first job out of college,” said Kristine.
The Boston Celtics then saw a spark in Kristine and offered her the job as host and in-arena team reporter for the TD Garden.
Before long, Kristine caught the attention of the networks. She has covered the playoffs in every major sport.
Kristine says her latest assignment has taken some getting used to.
“I would say the biggest difference is that when I’m a sports anchor or a sports reporter, I have to be very unbiased. When I am doing American Ninja Warrior, they encourage me to root for the fans, so I can show them how happy I am when they get off the course and they’ve completed it,” said Kristine.
She says it’s not all smiles though.
“I’ve cried so many times on this show. You don’t see all the interviews I do, but I can’t tell you how many times that I’ve started crying. You get attached. These people are so cool,” said Kristine.
Even though she has lived in Los Angeles since 2012, Kristine still roots for our hometown heroes.
“I feel like I’m still a Bostonian in a way. I am still a huge Celtics fan. I love the Patriots and I can say that now which is really cool,” said Kristine. “I’m having a great time. I have the best seat in the house for the best show of the summer!”
“American Ninja Warrior” wraps up its seventh season with a $1 million prize at the Las Vegas finals. Kristine says it will be crazy, so you won’t watch to miss that Monday at 8 p.m. on 7NBC.
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