Born: 1984 (Frederick, Maryland)
Biography:
Jessie Graff, born Jessica Lauren Graff on January 12, 1984, is an exceptional American professional stunt woman and athletics-based television personality. Her outstanding achievements in various disciplines, from martial arts to pole vaulting and gymnastics, have established her as a remarkable and inspiring figure. Graff’s unique talents and unwavering determination have propelled her to become a trailblazer in the world of obstacle course shows, notably American Ninja Warrior.
Graff’s journey towards becoming a renowned athlete began at a young age. At six years old, she started taking circus classes, which ignited her passion for acrobatics and physical performance. Her innate athletic abilities led her to pursue gymnastics at the age of nine, and for the following six years, she dedicated herself to competitive gymnastics as a member of the Frederick Gymnastic Club.
By the time Jessie Graff turned twelve, she was already catching other performers on the trapeze, showcasing her fearlessness and natural talent. However, there were limitations to her participation as a trapeze artist. She was restricted from catching anyone who outweighed her by more than twenty pounds. It was during this time that Graff’s determination and personal drive began to emerge, signaling the remarkable resilience that would define her future success.
Graff’s high school years saw her excel in the field of pole vaulting. She graduated from Urbana High School in Frederick, Maryland, in 2002, leaving behind a legacy as a Track Team Leader and a member of the National Honor Society. She continued her academic journey by majoring in aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech and studying theatre at the University of Nebraska. In 2007, she proudly graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), marking a pivotal moment in her life.
Driven by her insatiable thirst for challenge and physical mastery, Jessie Graff has achieved black belts in Taekwondo and Kung Fu, further showcasing her diverse skill set. Her relentless pursuit of excellence saw her engage in collegiate sports, where she demonstrated exceptional talent. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, Graff set her personal best (PB) in the 5000m run, clocking in at an impressive 15:56.30. Additionally, she set her outdoor pole vault PB at 4.17 m (13 ft 8 in) and her indoor pole vault PB at 4.20 m (13 ft 9 in), establishing records at both Georgia Tech and the University of Nebraska.
It was in 2007 that Graff embarked on her career as a stuntwoman, captivating audiences with her fearless and captivating performances. Her presence in numerous television shows and movies has solidified her reputation as a skilled and accomplished stuntwoman. Always up for a challenge, Graff’s tenacity and ability to push beyond boundaries have earned her tremendous recognition and praise.