Veteran competitor Cara Maria Sorbello was eliminated from The Challenge Season 40, in a grueling water-based elimination that lasted over two and a half hours, falling just short of the final.
For the uninitiated, The Challenge brings together reality TV personalities to compete in extreme physical and mental competitions for a shot at substantial prize money.
This season, dubbed "Battle of the Eras," has been particularly intense, pitting contestants from different eras of the show against each other.
The elimination between Cara Maria and Tori Deal proved to be one of the most demanding of the season, with both women treading water in the ocean while battling not just exhaustion but also some unwelcome marine visitors – including a snake and flesh-nibbling plankton.
What happened in the final elimination of The Challenge 40?
The episode kicked off with big news as TJ announced the coveted location change to the Philippines, a sure sign that the competition is reaching its climax. Before the finals could begin, however, there was one more challenge to determine who would make the cut.
The men – Bananas, Derek, Jordan, and Kyland – were already guaranteed spots in the final, though they still competed to avoid starting with a penalty.
The challenge, aptly named "Fortress Bricks," was a brutal test of endurance and puzzle-solving skills. Competitors had to race up a Spanish fortress, haul 40 heavy bricks down two at a time, then carry 10 planks back up to complete a puzzle.
Jenny West showcased her physical prowess and puzzle skills to secure her spot in the final, while Tori found herself in last place, leading to her automatic placement in elimination.
The elimination, simply called "The Final Elimination" (points for creativity there!), took place from TJ's ominously named ship "Sinister." Cara Maria and Tori had to tread water for as long as possible, with the last woman floating securing their spot in the final.
What started as a test of endurance turned into a battle against nature itself, as contestants dealt with curious sea creatures and painful plankton bites.
As if treading water wasn't challenging enough, TJ added extra elements of difficulty, requiring the women to raise their hands and then their elbows above water. After an incredible two and a half hours, Cara Maria finally succumbed to exhaustion, ending her journey just shy of the final.
Who are the Final 8 left on The Challenge 40?
With Cara Maria's elimination, eight competitors remain to battle it out in the final:
- Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio
- Derek Chavez (starting with a penalty)
- Jenny West
- Jordan Wiseley
- Kyland Young
- Michele Fitzgerald
- Rachel Robinson
- Tori Deal
Cara Maria's elimination marks the end of a remarkable redemption arc this season. Starting as an immediate target and losing her closest ally Paulie early on, she managed to transform her game and social relationships.
She went from having her "back against the wall" to forming genuine friendships with former rivals, including Tori, against whom she fought her final battle.
The episode also featured strong performances from Jordan and Jenny, who won the daily challenge, while Derek's last-place finish earned him a penalty for the final.
It's worth noting that Rachel, the sole survivor from Era 1, made a compelling case to Jordan about deserving representation in the final, though it wasn't enough to save her from potentially facing elimination.
As the show moves into its final phase in the Philippines, the remaining contestants face what promises to be one of the most challenging finals yet. With penalties already assigned and alliances tested to their limits, it's anyone's game as these eight competitors prepare to battle it out for the championship title.
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Cara Maria Sorbello was eliminated from The Challenge Season 40
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