In Tuesday nights episode, the SAS Australia star recruits found themselves in a test of Focus.
Challenges included:
- Work in two teams to complete a competitive time trial task which involved jumping eight metres from a helicopter into icy water, a 500 metre swim to shore and a 3km uphill trek to a rendezvous point, all while carrying their Bergens
- Be bound and blindfolded for a test of initiative in an escape room scenario that simulated a prisoner holding cell
Panic stricken Bachelorette Ali Oetjen froze at the first task, refusing to jump into the near freezing lake and instantly quitting the course “I just couldn’t, I was so scared, fear of getting cold again, jumping out…”
After spending close to 20mins in the numbing lake, the two teams of recruits faced an arduous 3km hike in extremely cold and windy conditions which tested their mental resolve.
Jackson Warne struggled with the trek, compromising his entire team and coming under pressure to quit.
But it was fitness professional Shannan Ponton who found himself in the most dangerous predicament, when he started succumbing to the effects of hypothermia, such as lack of co-ordination and memory loss.
Back at base, Shannan recovered from his close call before being brought in for questioning where Ant reminded him they had to dress him like a child. Shannan said he didn’t feel he’d let himself down and still sees himself as a frontrunner, while the DS said he’s sitting at the rear.
As punishment for failing the first task, Team Bravo – Erin, Jackson, Sabrina, Merrick and James – faced an escape room task. AFLW player Sabrina Frederick was the only recruit who figured out how to escape, but she left her teammates behind – much to the surprise of Merrick (“Sabrina’s a team player, I’ve seen her give and give and give, why would she leave us?!”) and the disappointed DS.
After seeing chinks in her armour, the DS were keen to question Sabrina, who was kicking herself for her actions. As she reflected on the hardships of growing up an outsider in WA, the DS acknowledged her hardship and suffering and how she needs to keep working it to her advantage (“Just keep being you”).
10 recruits remain: Candice Warner, Erin McNaught, Firass Dirani, Jackson Warne, James Magnussen, Merrick Watts, Molly Taylor, Nick Cummins, Sabrina Frederick, Shannan Ponton
In the next episode, Assault rifles in hand, recruits face the pressure of a life and death hostage rescue.
Plus a harrowing drown proofing exercise tests their composure and resolve, before another punishing night beasting. And Merrick Watts enters the interrogation room.
