Eleven new teams of Aussie racers are ready to tackle the challenge of a lifetime in the big new series of The Amazing Race Australia, returning Wednesday May 30 at 9pm to Seven.
This year’s Race will be longer, tougher and even more challenging as teams vie for the $250,000 prize. Teams will travel more than 65,000 kilometres across 4 continents. The route includes a mix of iconic sites and some very surprising destinations never before seen on any version of the Race.
A truly diverse group of Aussie racers will circumnavigate the globe, unsure of what challenges lie ahead. The Race will be fast-paced, unrelenting, and test their stamina and personal relationships.
This year The Amazing Race Australia features several Race firsts – including Must Vote U-Turns and a controversial new Salvage Pass that promises to shake up the first leg of the Race.
The contestants this year are -
Adam and Dane
Relationship – Cousins
State – NSW & QLD
These fun-loving cousins grew up together in Tweed Heads and are determined to make their mark as the first indigenous team in the Race. Dane says, “We’re as close as brothers and we want to live every day like it’s our last. And that’s the approach we’re bringing to the Race. We’re going to try to enjoy every moment.”
James and Sarah
Relationship – Dating
State – VIC
The 9 year age difference between James, 23, and Sarah, 32, is something their friends and family sometimes find hard to overlook. Sarah’s Race preparation involved testing her makeup in the sauna and finding the right hair gel for James to withstand the gruelling conditions they are expecting, at least James hit the gym to try to improve his fitness levels. “We might fail all the challenges but at least we’ll try to look good while we’re doing it,” laughs James.
Joseph and Grace
Relationship – Brother and Sister
State – NSW
Sydney siblings Joseph, 22 and Grace, 21 still live together under the same roof, but these days they rarely spend much time together. Expecting some potential tension between them when it comes to making decisions, Joseph says he’ll be taking control. “I’m the driver and decision maker and she’s the information feeder slash secretary,” says Joseph.
Kym and Donna
Relationship – Engaged
State – QLD
Describing themselves as “a couple of old knuckleheads in love”, recently-engaged Kym and Donna have only been together for just over a year and are still finding it hard to keep their hands off each other. On their rare days off, Kym and Donna like to get out into the great outdoors. “Kayaking would be number one,” says Kym. “Just getting out on the bay, cruising along the clear blue water and talking in silly accents.”
Lucy and Emilia
Relationship – Sisters
State – NSW
Larger-than-life Sydney sisters with a strong Italian heritage, Lucy and Emilia do everything together. They live together at home with their mum, work together as teachers at the same school, and have recently taken up training together at the gym.
Michelle and Jo
Relationship – Twins
State – NSW
They may be bubbly, blonde cheerleaders, but these identical twins from Sydney are out to prove there’s more to them than meets the eye. Michelle and Jo not only look alike, they also drive the same type of car, work in the same job as ground staff for an airline and more often than not finish each other’s sentences.
Paul and Steve
Relationship – Workmates
State – VIC
These workmates from Victoria spend their days together and share a ruthless competitive edge, but that’s where the similarities end. “We are here to be number one and if that involves burning another team then so be it,” says Steve, the more laidback half of this partnership. Paul adds, “I’m not preparing a departure speech because I’m going to be winning this Race.”
Ross and Tarryn
Relationship – Father and Daughter
State – VIC
This father and daughter duo from Melbourne have experienced their share of sporting triumph, but will their competitive instincts be enough to help them win The Amazing Race Australia? Ross is a former Fitzroy footballer turned successful businessman. His daughter Tarryn was a Victorian representative basketball player who now works as a dietician and personal trainer.
Shane and Andrew
Relationship – Policemen
State – VIC
These policemen from Melbourne may have very serious jobs as crime scene officers, but they love nothing more than having a laugh. “We entered the Race because we think we’ve got the perfect blend,” says Shane. “We’ve got the skills and the fitness. But mainly we want to have fun, because if you’re having fun the big one will take care of itself – the big two fiddy!”
Sticky and Sam
Relationship – Flatmates
State – TAS
Geoff, or “Sticky” to his mates, and Sam met at school in Launceston 12 years ago and have been best friends ever since. These flatmates also compete together in the same cricket and football clubs – no mean feat given Sticky was born without a left forearm. “Sticky’s just an inspirational bloke. He’s better than me at just about anything, including with the ladies!” says Sam.
Sue and Teresa
Relationship – Hairdressers
State – WA
These hairdressers from Geraldton, Western Australia, think they may become the Earth mothers of the Race. Working in a customer-focused industry, these excitable hairdressers believe they have excellent people skills which will hopefully bode well for them on the Race.