Chippendales dancers, a double amputee, a champion lumberjack, and the Fabulous Beekman Boys will all be competing in the 21st season of CBS’ The Amazing Race. Premiering on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 8pm, this upcoming season’s contestants might take home the biggest grand prize yet: $2 million. In a special season 21 twist, if the team that wins the first leg ultimately wins the entire race, their prize will be $2 million rather than the usual $1 million award.
CBS says this season’s teams will be faced with challenges that include working as rat collectors in Bangladesh, a 10-story rappel in Los Angeles, and the task of frying an egg on their heads in Indonesia.
Phil Keoghan returns as host.
The Amazing Race Season 21 Cast:
Team 1: Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge (GOAT FARMERS/LIFE PARTNERS)
Name: Josh Kilmer-Purcell
Age: 43
Hometown: I go back and forth weekly between New York City and Sharon Springs, N.Y.
Connection to your teammate: Life partner for the past 15 years.
Previously appeared on their own television series: “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” aired on Planet Green (Discovery) for two seasons (cancelled in 2011).
Current occupation: Goat farmer/advertising executive/author
Describe what you do: During the week, I work as an advertising creative director in New York City. On the weekends, I commute to my goat farm in Sharon Springs, N.Y.
Three words to describe you: Funny, self-deprecating and generous.
Favorite hobbies: Cooking, gardening and traveling.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Reviving the small town where our farm is located by bringing attention to Beekman Farm and rural America through our television show.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Julia Child.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Martha Stewart.
What scares you most about traveling? Falling ill during The Race.
What excites you most about traveling? Partaking in new cuisines.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We are quick to argue and both of us think we are the smartest people in the room.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Brent never admits when he is wrong.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? There are two: Italy, because I can’t believe I have never been, and Russia, because of the history and culture.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? If we win, we could finally be together under the same roof every night for the first time in three years. Being apart during the work week has been a struggle and gone on far too long.
Name: Brent Ridge
Age: 38
Hometown: Sharon Springs, N.Y.
Connection to your teammate: Life partners for 15 years
Previously appeared on their own television series: “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” aired on Planet Green (Discovery) for two seasons (cancelled in 2011).
Current occupation: Chief Executive Officer of Beekman 1802.
Describe what you do: I manage our 60-acre goat farm and run our company, Beekman 1802.
Three words to describe you: Focused, ambitious and open-minded.
Favorite hobbies: Working in my garden, organizing community events and meeting new people.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Working with our small farm community to bring in new business and gather attention for rural America.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Martha Stewart.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Oprah.
What scares you most about traveling? Being unable to resolve a situation because of a language barrier.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing things I have never seen before and probably will never see again.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Communication and the fact we both think we are always in the right.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He is too nice. He can’t always be nice and expect to get ahead when everyone else is playing dirty.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Asia and the Middle East, since I want to know more about these cultures.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? As I get older, I realize life is about making memories, and this will be an experience we both will never forget.
Team 2: Natalie Anderson and Nadiya Anderson (TWIN SISTERS)
Name: Natalie Anderson
Age: 26
Hometown: Edgewater, N.J.
Connection to your teammate: Twin sisters
Current occupation: Physical therapy student
Describe what you do: I am studying to be a physical therapist and in the process of creating a bikini/swimwear line with my twinny!
Three words to describe you: Crazy, tomboy and spontaneous.
Favorite hobbies: Jet-setting, surfing and CrossFit.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Fully recovering from two knee surgeries after tearing my ACL, MCL and menisci playing rugby.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Michelle Rodriquez
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Khloe Kardashian. Nadiya loves to cook and is the caretaker between us. She is always feeding or taking care of somebody.
What scares you most about traveling? Getting kidnapped or going missing.
What excites you most about traveling? Everything excites me about traveling. Exploring a new country and its culture is one of the most exhilarating experiences.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We both have explosive personalities and no boundaries with one another, which could work against us. Fighting with each other is super destructive and can often make us forget about what is important and could be a huge distraction.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Nadiya can be lazy and way too laid-back at times. Also, she never listens to me, even when she knows I’m right.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Hawaii is my dream destination to visit. I have been in love with the ocean since I was little. Surf, sun and sand is all I need!
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? To prove to myself that Nadiya and I can work together and complete every challenge on The Race. To be the most dominant team despite the fact that we are an all-girl team. Also, to get even closer with my best friend and twinny!
Name: Nadiya Anderson
Age: 26
Hometown: Edgewater, N.J.
Connection to your teammate: Twin sisters
Current occupation: Project coordinator at Bridge2Peace
Describe what you do: I coordinate fundraising special events for Bridge2Peace both in Sri Lanka and the U.S. I also bake cupcakes for friends and family events.
Three words to describe you: Tough, crazy and reckless.
Favorite hobbies: Traveling, CrossFit, cooking and baking.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Staying true to myself and where I come from.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Khloe Kardashian.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Kim Kardashian.
What scares you most about traveling? Shark attacks and snake bites. Yikes!
What excites you most about traveling? Everything! What’s not exciting about traveling?
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: The ability to listen to one another without it turning into a screaming match.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Natalie is too pushy and always thinks she is right.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Ethiopia, in Africa. With such rich culture, people and history, it would be awesome to experience such a diverse country.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to show each other, our family and friends how tough we are, and represent for Sri Lanka – aka Brownie girls everywhere!
Team 3: Rob French and Kelley Carrington-French (MARRIED MONSTER TRUCKERS)
Name: Rob French
Age: 46
Hometown: Boston, Ga.
Connection to your teammate: Spouse
Current occupation: Married monster truckers
Describe what you do: I entertain three million people each year by winning races and making people smile all over the world.
Three words to describe you: Outgoing, aggressive and honest.
Favorite hobbies: Monster trucks, motorcycles and boating.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being a world champion monster truck driver.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? John Force.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Jackie O.
What scares you most about traveling? Running out of money.
What excites you most about traveling? The opportunity to see other cultures.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Getting Kelley to speak her mind in the moment and not wait for me to make a mistake and only then give me a solution.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Kelley lacks confidence for no reason.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? South Africa, to see the African jungle, and Japan, to experience the unique culture.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? My hope is that this experience will bring Kelley and me closer and teach us how to communicate better with one another.
Name: Kelley Carrington-French
Age: 50
Hometown: Boston, Ga.
Connection to your teammate: Spouse
Current occupation: Married monster truckers
Three words to describe you: Shy, friendly and honest.
Favorite hobbies: Riding horses, boating and monster trucks
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? APRA Barrel Racing World Champion and APRA All Around Cowgirl Champion.
What scares you most about traveling? Getting separated from Rob in a foreign country.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing new places and meeting new people.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: I don’t always voice my opinion and when I do it tends to come out the wrong way.
Pet peeve about your teammate: I don’t like when Rob farts in public.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Africa – to see the wild animals.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to find my voice and learn to vocalize my opinions more often.
Team 4: Trey Wier and Lexi Beerman (DATING)
Name: Trey Wier
Age: 23
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Connection to your teammate: Dating
Current occupation: Land consultant/former college athlete (Played football for the University of Texas)
Describe what you do: I sell acreage communities in the hill country of Texas.
Favorite hobbies: Hunting, fishing, sports and cooking.
Three words to describe you: Spontaneous, happy and positive.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Graduating from the University of Texas.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? A physically fit Chris Farley.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Reese Witherspoon.
What scares you most about traveling? Getting lost and left alone.
What excites you most about traveling? Experiencing new cultures and seeing new things.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Sometimes I am too blunt when I am talking to Lexi. I don’t realize that she is not one of my guy friends, but my girlfriend. I need to be better about realizing that she is a woman and need better communication when talking to her.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She talks too loud on the phone and she never puts things back where they belong.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Czech Republic, because my ancestors are from Czechoslovakia.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I want to experience different cultures and see how other people live. Lexi and I have lived pretty sheltered lives and I know we both have so much to learn.
Name: Alexis “Lexi” Beerman
Age: 22
Hometown: Dripping Springs, Texas
Connection to your teammate: Dating
Current occupation: Clothing designer
Describe what you do: I am the clothing designer and head of sales for ATX Mafia, an Austin-based clothing company. We sell everything from tees, hats and handbags.
Favorite hobbies: Crafting, dancing, riding wave runners on the lake and going on runs with my pups!
Three words to describe you: Happy, giving and driven.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Accomplishing my dream since the age of 5 to attend the University of Texas and be a UT cheerleader.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Carrie Underwood.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Kevin James from “King of Queens.”
What scares you most about traveling? Getting lost in a foreign country where no one speaks English.
What excites you most about traveling? Growing closer to Trey and having the experience to travel the world together.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We are both very stubborn and I know this race will give us the opportunity to work on letting some of the stubbornness go.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He is more stubborn in his ways than me. Also, he is the slowest eater ever.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Africa – I have always wanted to go there. I would love to experience their culture and spend some time there.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Becoming more cultured and having the opportunity to experience a very unique journey with my best friend.
Team 5: James LoMenzo and Mark “Abba” Abbattista (FRIENDS)
Name: James LoMenzo
Age: 53
Hometown: Burbank, Calif.
Connection to your teammate: Friends
Current occupation: Professional musician – former band member of White Lion and Megadeth.
Describe what you do: For the past 30-plus years, I’ve been a professional touring musician. I’ve toured and recorded with some of the most popular, iconic artists, such as White Lion, Ozzy Osborne, Slash, David Lee Roth, Black Label Society, Megadeth, Bobby Brown and DMC (to name more than a few). I’m also founder of Monster House Productions, a video production company geared mostly towards the musical instrument manufacturing sector. We do product demos, instructional videos and just about everything else to help companies promote their products and services.
Favorite hobby: Photography
Three Words to describe you: Gregarious and reliable.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? My career as a professional musician.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Me.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Jack Sparrow.
What scares you most about traveling? Not much scares me about traveling. I’ve gotten accustomed to it over the years.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing new places and meeting new people.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: I don’t think we will have too many challenges. We work pretty well together.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He’s too handsome.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Africa, because I have never been.
Name: Mark “Abba” Abbattista
Age: 45
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Connection to your teammate: Friends
Current occupation: Entertainment lawyer
Describe what you do: I negotiate and draft various music-related contracts and licenses. I help create and develop business strategies and touring opportunities for music and entertainment clients.
Favorite hobbies: Baseball, traveling and photography.
Three words to describe you: Charming, funny and sarcastic.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being with my wife since we were 14 years old, and my children.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? I look like John Lennon or Jesus, but I have the personality of Scarecrow from “The Wizard of Oz.”
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? James LoMenzo.
What scares you most about traveling? Foreign medical care being subpar.
What excites you most about traveling? New sights, sounds, smells and meeting new people. Plus, I like getting my passport stamped!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: I don’t foresee any.
Pet peeve about your teammate: His pink suitcase! (He swears its salmon.)
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Antarctica and the Himalayas – I can’t think of anything more spectacular.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to make my children proud of me.
Team 6: Abbie Ginsberg and Ryan Danz (DATING DIVORCEES)
Name: Abbie Ginsberg
Age: 31
Hometown: Encinitas, Calif.
Connection to your teammate: Dating divorcees
Current occupation: Dance instructor/choreographer
Describe what you do: I technically train competitive students which includes tap, jazz, turning/jumping and condition classes. I also choreograph dance routines and design costumes/props for competitive dance groups and soloists on a regional/national level.
Favorite hobbies: Dance, design and exercise.
Three words to describe you: Creative, athletic and thoughtful.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I am most proud of the training and growth that I have provided for the past eight years at my dance studio as well as the accomplishments that I have helped my students to achieve. It is so rewarding to see students achieve their goals and grow as dancers and human beings.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Katniss.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Mike Tyson for his shit-talking techniques and Hugh Jackman for his stellar good looks (not for the song and dance talent, though).
What scares you most about traveling? Getting lost and not having the ability to communicate.
What excites you most about traveling? I hate how generic this is, but it is true… exploring new places that I have never been to before.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: I would have to say it’s a tie between learning to communicate and not piss each other off at the same time. We can be juvenile and sarcastic with one another. The other would be our battle for control/power over each other. We are both Type A and can be bull-headed.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He’s addicted to his phone and can’t disconnect easily. Also, his impulsivity can cause problems.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I would love to visit Paris, France and go back to the 1920s. Can we make that happen? Last time I went I was 21 and broke. I could barely afford a baguette. I’m hoping this time will be a step up from that.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I’m hoping to gain some clarity on what I mean to Ryan. I feel lately that our relationship has become a rollercoaster. The highs are high but the lows are low. I am trying to be patient, but I know what I want and right now he can’t give that to me.
Name: Ryan Danz
Age: 35
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Connection to your teammate: Dating divorcees
Current occupation: Financial service company owner and start-up company entrepreneur
Describe what you do: Creating, communicating and implementing.
Favorite hobbies: Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Three words to describe you: Positive, unfiltered and danger-seeking.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Forming, developing and branding an ever-lasting, internationally recognized and reputable financial services firm with over $6.5 billion in assets under service/management.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Oprah, because she is giving, smart and successful.
What scares you most about traveling? Being taken and held hostage.
What excites you most about traveling? Immersing myself in new environments and new people. Absorbing a new culture.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: When we fight I spit venom and don’t tend to converse like a normal human being.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She is over-analytical, doesn’t compromise and plays the victim.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Thailand – it looks beautiful and is close to other counties. I hate traveling to just one place; I’d prefer to have access to nearby countries.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to gain clarity about this relationship. Can it work at a time when I want to be boyfriend/girlfriend and she wants something more?
Team 7: Jaymes Vaughan and James Davis (CHIPPENDALES DANCERS/BEST FRIENDS)
Name: Jaymes Vaughan
Age: 30
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
Connection to your teammate: Chippendales/best friend
Current occupation: Chippendales MC
Describe what you do: I am the host and singer for the Las Vegas show “Chippendales.”
Favorite hobbies: Singing, making money and bargain shopping.
Three words to describe you: Motivated, bossy and resourceful.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Graduating from college with honors after changing my major six times.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Ryan Seacrest, because he is also a hustler.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? The Incredible Hulk.
What scares you most about traveling? Getting stuck next to smelly people or really big people (cause I’m super tall) on really long plane rides.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing the world! It is so big and I want to see it all!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We don’t have any, that’s why we are going to win!
Pet peeve about your teammate: He has a very short fuse.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I want to see the pyramids in Egypt. I’ve wanted to go ever since I was a kid.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? We always complain that we don’t get to hang out enough so we will finally get some quality time.
Name: James Davis
Age: 27
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
Connection to your teammate: Chippendales/best friend
Current occupation: Chippendale dancer
Describe what you do: I dance and play guitar for the #1 male revue in the world.
Favorite hobbies: Playing guitar, weight training and reading.
Three words to describe you: Resourceful, creative and ambitious.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Beating out thousands of other potential lead dancers for Chippendales.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Jim Morrison, because he is a party animal.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Paul Walker and Martha Stewart.
What scares you most about traveling? Being stuck in excessive turbulence. I’m a little bit of a nervous flyer.
What excites you most about traveling? Getting to explore a new place and meet interesting people.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Sometimes he can be a control freak.
Pet peeve about your teammate: It can be hard to get a word in a conversation when Jaymes is on a roll!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Greece! There is beautiful architecture and tons of history.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to take away some incredible memories from this experience, but let’s be real, I want that fat stack of cash!
Team 8: Rob Scheer and Sheila Castle (ENGAGED)
Name: Rob Scheer
Age: 52
Hometown: Ketchikan, Alaska
Connection to your teammate: Engaged
Current occupation: Lumberjack and entrepreneur
Describe what you do: Promote, produce and participate in all things pertaining to lumberjack sports.
Favorite hobbies: Boating, wilderness hunting and ranching.
Three words to describe you: Strong, deep and responsive.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Building and living a life my son is proud of.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Teddy Roosevelt or Clint Eastwood.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? A cross between Martha Stewart and a Victoria’s Secret model.
What scares you most about traveling? Cultural and language barriers.
What excites you most about traveling? Newness, intrigue, culture and beauty.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Sheila is stubborn and she will have to learn to listen well and not be so stubborn.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Sheila procrastinates when she is busy or frustrated.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? India – it is vast and the culture is so varied.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? To start our life together with a life changing experience which will redefine us as a couple.
Name: Sheila Castle
Age: 44
Hometown: Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Connection to your teammate: Engaged
Current occupation: Retail manager
Describe what you do: I manage retail, guest relations, as well as meet with vendors and select products for our gift shop.
Favorite hobbies: Water sports, fishing and cooking.
Three words to describe you: Determined, loving and protective.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I have a strong-willed, smart and beautiful daughter attending Washington State University.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Sharon Osborne.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? John Wayne.
What scares you most about traveling? Language barriers
What excites you most about traveling? The adventure, history and getting to meet new people.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Rob lacks tact and can be very insensitive. He also constantly interrupts me when I am talking.
Pet peeve about your teammate: When Rob thinks he is right about something… that’s it, he’s right! No one can tell him different.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Italy and Greece. Both have interesting cultures, history and gorgeous water.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Our goal is to spend a loving, fun, active and adventurous life together so I think THE AMAZING RACE is a perfect way to launch it.
Team 9: Caitlin King and Brittany Fletcher (BEST FRIENDS)
Name: Caitlin King
Age: 24
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Connection to your teammate: Best friends
Current occupation: Early childhood special education teacher
Describe what you do: I teach special education to children with mild to severe learning disabilities.
Favorite hobbies: Working out, traveling, going out with my friends and anything outdoors.
Three words to describe you: Competitive, loyal and fun.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Earning a full soccer scholarship to Auburn University and having a successful four-year career as a player.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? No one famous reminds me of myself, but my siblings and I all have a lot in common.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Kelly Ripa, because she is super-fit, energetic and always a crowd-pleaser.
What scares you most about traveling? The airline losing my bags.
What excites you most about traveling? Exploring, discovering and learning about the new places we are about to travel to!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Brittany is more outspoken and quicker to make decisions, while I am more reserved and take the time to look at the big picture before coming to a conclusion. We will have to learn to combine these traits to be an effective team.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Love Brittany’s laugh, but sometimes the snort just has to go!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I would love to go to South Africa on Safari. I love exploring the outdoors and new, exciting adventures.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? To prove that blonde girls can also have brains, strength and be mentally tough.
Name: Brittany Fletcher
Age: 25
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Connection to your teammate: Best friends
Current occupation: Medical device sales
Describe what you do: I educate and sell medical device equipment to doctors.
Favorite hobbies: Working out, traveling and shopping.
Three words to describe you: Competitive, driven and outgoing.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? On my 18th birthday winning the Suitcase Showdown on THE PRICE IS RIGHT!
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Taylor Swift.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Gisele Bündchen.
What scares you most about traveling? Not being able to communicate in a foreign country or losing my passport.
What excites you most about traveling? The adrenaline rush of always trying to make my flight! It’s somehow always a challenge.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: To combine Caitlin’s knowledgeable thought process and my quick decision-making skills.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She’s dating my brother and sometimes she gives me too much information about him… enough said!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Australia, because I have always wanted to see the Sydney Opera House and immerse myself in their culture.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? We both hope to prove to everyone that no matter what situation we are in, our competitive spirit and mental toughness will never be altered.
Team 10: Gary Wojnar and Will Chiola (BEST FRIENDS/ SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS)
Name: Gary Wojnar
Age: 52
Hometown: Livonia, Mich.
Connection to your teammate: Best friends/substitute teachers
Current occupation: Substitute teacher
Describe what you do: I try to instill my students with a love of learning and prepare them for a satisfying life, encouraging them to help those less fortunate than themselves, and impress upon them it is not always what a person has for themselves, but what a person gives of themselves that’s important.
Favorite hobbies: Biking, playing guitar and working around the house.
Three words to describe you: Intelligent, funny and excitable.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Riding in the Make-A-Wish 300-mile bike ride. I was 275 pounds and out of shape, but I worked very hard to do the ride and was able to meet my “wish child” at the end. It was truly amazing.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? John Lennon
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Napoleon. Will has his complex…
What scares you most about traveling? Bad taxi drivers.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing how other people live.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Will needs to slow down his speech and clearly state his opinions and ideas. He tends to interrupt and lose his focus.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Will and his iPhone – I believe he thinks he invented it! Also, he is very cocky.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Russia – I would love to experience the culture. They were once our bitter enemies, and now they are our friends.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I want Will to learn how to work 100% in a partnership instead of being a lone wolf.
Name: Will Chiola
Age: 53
Hometown: Dearborn Heights, Mich.
Connection to your teammate: Best friends/substitute teachers
Current occupation: Substitute teacher
Describe what you do: I am currently finishing my master’s degree in secondary education and a substitute teacher in the Wayne County School District.
Favorite hobbies: Biking, running and swimming.
Three words to describe you: Exciting, tireless and entertaining.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Finishing a marathon in less than four hours and riding 300 miles for Make-A-Wish.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? John Stamos.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Kramer from Seinfeld.
What scares you most about traveling? Delays at airports because I hate missing appointments.
What excites you most about traveling? Meeting new people, the ocean and warm weather.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Gary needs to learn to talk to me in a calmer manner because he sometimes gets overly excited and loud without him realizing it.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Gary is very emotional and can be bossy.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Australia, because I love the ocean and want to visit the Great Barrier Reef.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? To experience new adventures I would not be able to if I wasn’t competing in THE AMAZING RACE.
Team 11: Amy Purdy and Daniel Gale (DATING ON AND OFF)
Name: Amy Purdy (Amy is a double amputee)
Age: 32
Hometown: Summit County, Colo.
Connection to your teammate: Dating
Current occupation: Motivational speaker/snowboarder
Describe what you do: I co-founded an action sports organization called Adaptive Action Sports with Daniel for people with physical disabilities. I’m a competitive snowboarder and recently have taken on a career as a motivational speaker.
Favorite hobbies: Snowboarding, road trips with Daniel and camping with friends.
Three words to describe you: Motivated, fun and adventurous.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Learning to walk again comfortably! It was not an easy feat, but now I don’t think twice. Everything else is just a bonus!
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Amelia Earhart, because she was strong, adventurous and took risks.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Daniel has had random people confuse him with pro FMX racer Todd Potter. I think he looks like him, too, but Daniel’s cuter. Really, Daniel has a heart and personality all his own.
What scares you most about traveling? Being so far away from home and something happens to me or a family member and we can’t reach each other in time.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing all the world has to offer, experiencing other cultures and having stories to tell!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Communication is our biggest challenge at times. If we argue, sometimes it can be about how we are arguing instead of the actual problem.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He likes to walk around the house wearing one sock on his foot and one sock off! I don’t know why he does it but he seems to love it and it always makes me laugh.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? There are so many! Japan, Nepal, Austria. All have amazing cultures, and I would love to snowboard in Japan!
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Our work with our organization can take over at times. I think The Race will give us the opportunity for just the two of us to work together outside of the organization and it may even give us the opportunity to communicate and support each other better!
Name: Daniel Gale
Age: 36
Hometown: Summit County, Colo.
Connection to your teammate: Dating
Current occupation: Executive Director of our Adaptive Action Sports organization
Describe what you do: I fundraise, event coordinate, coach and instruct for adaptive action sports.
Favorite hobbies: Snowboarding, skateboarding and photography.
Three words to describe you: Fun, creative and giving.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Creating our Adaptive Action Sports organization.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Cheech Marin, mixed with a shorter version of Hugh Jackman.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Amy P. reminds me of Amy P. She is famous in her own right.
What scares you most about traveling? Language barriers.
What excites you most about traveling? Stepping out of the box, learning new cultures and meeting new people.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Managing time and money.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She made her legs taller so now she is taller than me.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Africa, Thailand, Greece and Japan. I want to witness their unique cultures.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? It will truly give us a chance to experience each other completely and hopefully learn how to communicate and how to support one another better.
Source: CBS
