SALISBURY, N.C. -- Doctor by day, ninja by night.
Yes, that actually exists. In fact, the next contestant to watch on the TV hit American Ninja Warrior hails from our own in Salisbury.
Chances are you've probably ooh'ed & aah'ed over the contestants on the show completely near-impossible obstacles, often with such ease. One family in Salisbury watches the show religiously, the Loves.
Dr. Elliot Love tells NBC Charlotte they moved here two years ago from Cleveland, Ohio. Once finding a home in Davidson, Love joined a local gym and stumbled upon an obstacle course. He says it was his 10-year-old son, Landon, who said, "Daddy, can you do that?" To which he responded, "yes" of course.
Not only could he complete the course, he could also go on to compete nationally for a chance at achieving what the show calls, "Total Victory."
"I got the call that I made it back in January, so it's pretty exciting," Love said.
While physical fitness is a longtime passion, he does his real work as a surgeon for the Dermatology Group of the Carolinas. Even with surgeon hours, he doesn't miss a beat when it comes to his training.
"I leave the house around 4:15 every morning to head to the gym," Love said.
At 5-foot-10, Love is down 20 pounds since submitting his audition tape back in January, now weighing in at 180 pounds. Love says he felt he needed to lose the weight in order to compete on the show and that his new weight makes him much more agile.
The 39-year-old is so dedicated he also completely cut out sugar from his diet, something his son questioned saying, "Daddy! You still drink Rockstar!" (Don't worry, Love assured us they are sugar-free).
Doctor by day, ninja by night...the next contestant on the TV hit @USANinjaWarrior hails from our own Salisbury, NC @wcnc pic.twitter.com/jd3ImLGyIe
— Rachel Rollar (@RachelRollar) March 31, 2017
The 'Warped Wall' ain't no thing for Dr. Elliot Love - Check out my full story tonight on @wcnc at 5:55 @USANinjaWarrior #RedButtonBound 🚨💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/STGcZoaLnE
— Rachel Rollar (@RachelRollar) March 31, 2017
The best part of all of this, Love says he's doing it all to show his three boys, Landon, Bennett, and Myle
"You can do anything you put your mind to." Love says, "My kids didn't see all the hard work I had do to get this job (as a doctor) they were kind of born into it, so I want to show them hard work pays off. I told them I would do it so I'm doing it."
If Love hits the coveted "red button" you can imagine the celebration back home, plus a little reward for the one who gave him the idea in the first place. Landon Love says, "Well, he said if he wins I could have some of the money." Sounds like a pretty good deal!
There will be a sendoff party for Love this Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Kinetic Heights Challenge Center in Charlotte. He will head to Daytona, Fla. to begin production on Wednesday, April 5. We wish him all the best!