'Teamwork makes the dream work.' Underdog team snaps up a stunning victory on Canada's Ultimate Challenge
Newly-formed Team Wildcard beats Team Red on the final epic obstacle course in Comox, B.C.
It was the cut heard around the country when Whitney Beers, Shasily Matowe and Brandon Rodwell were voted off (or more truthfully, removed themselves) from their teams on CBC competition show Canada's Ultimate Challenge.
"Being 'cut' from the competition was utterly heartbreaking," remembers Shasily. "There was a lot of confusion around why a player cut was happening at this point in the game. Quite frankly, it did not make any sense."
In Canada's Ultimate Challenge, now streaming free on CBC Gem, 20 athletic players (10 men and 10 women) are placed in teams. Together they travel across Canada to complete in spectacular physical and mental challenges.
Surprising reveal of Team Wildcard
The master plan was clear when partway through Episode 6, it was announced that the cut players would be back — as the newly formed Team Wildcard.
"I came to win," said Whitney after the reveal. "Once I realized I had a second chance to do that, then it was game on." "There was definitely a fire inside me that really wanted to beat my old team," added Brandon.
But how would the new underdogs stand up against three teams of formidable competitors who had weeks to work together? "Being the underdog either galvanizes you or it can tear you apart," said Executive Producer Jeff Thrasher. "And in this case, it galvanized that team. They did really, really well."
"They were a powerful team. They were a smart team," agreed showrunner Erin Brock. "They worked together great. They believed in each other."
Watch | Team Wildcard highlights from the show
Team Wildcard finds the fire to compete
In a shocking turn of events, the new Wildcard team outlasted Team Orange in a gruelling canoe tug-of-war on B.C.'s Lake Revelstoke to make it to the final episode.
"We just had instant chemistry," explained Brandon, "we had seen what didn't work in previous competitions with each player. We adapted to those faults."
"We were immediately bonded because of the position we were all left in after the player cut," said Shasily, "coming back into the competition knowing what we had sacrificed fueled a different kind of fight from within."
"I do think their desire for revenge fed them," said showrunner Erin Brock. "We set the course. We plan the game. But then we let the chips fall where they may," adds producer Jeff who helped design the epic challenges.
An epic showdown between Team Red and Team Wildcard
In the final episode, they brought the fire, beating Team Blue in a climbing challenge and then gearing up for a showdown with the season-long dominant Team Red in an epic obstacle course on Upper Campbell Lake.
Brandon came roaring off the starting line using his motorcross skills in a punishing race in and out of the water. "With such large personalities on Team Red, it definitely felt good to have the opportunity to shine on Team Wildcard," he says.
Shasily was right behind while Whitney fought hard to stay in the game, "my vision is blurred, my head is spinning. I feel like my body's just giving up on me."
Team Red put up an admirable fight. "Team Wildcard is right there and I want them to know that I'm right beside them and we're not giving up," said Team Red coach Courtney about the race.
Team Wildcard races to victory
Against all odds and after being voted out by their former teams, Team Wildcard pulled off the ultimate upset and solidly defeated Team Red for the win.
Team Wildcard will head to Paris along with the winners of Season 1 of Canada's Ultimate Challenge on an epic VIP trip to the Summer Olympics. Says Brandon, who will be visiting Europe for the first time, "I feel so blessed to get to go to a place I would love to see but for someone like me seemed so far out of reach."
"I didn't even come for the prize, I came for the experience, to show other parents that they can still do things like this and kick ass, and most importantly to show my kids that their momma fights hard, does what's right and pushes through no matter what," said a jubilant Whitney.
"Teamwork makes the dream work," explained Brandon, "you do not need to be the biggest, strongest, smartest or most talented person but if you work hard and don't give up, it can pay off!"
"On day one, I looked around the room and someone said that the winners are standing here. Not a chance did I think it would be me," he reflected, "you never know where you'll end up or how far you can go so believe anything is possible."
Canada's Ultimate Challenge has been renewed for a third season and Canadians will have another chance to apply to participate on the show.
Shasily shares some advice for the next round of players, "never forget to enjoy every moment of the journey. Have fun, be a good sport, and remember what you are doing this for!"
