Channel 7 is gearing up to air the fiercest season of SAS Australia on Monday, 9 October.
Set against the arduous backdrop of the Middle East, an environment synonymous with the trials of Special Forces operatives, a fresh batch of Australian celebrities are set to be tested in unimaginable ways.
Among the 14 brave hearts, viewers will witness the mettle of former world boxing prodigy, Anthony Mundine, the controversial ‘Cocaine Cassie’, and a trio of Olympians: Stephanie Rice, Peter Bol, and Matthew Mitcham. Adding to this eclectic mix are Lindy Klim, the Balinese princess; Dr Craig Challen, celebrated for the Thai cave rescue; and Jason Akermanis, the distinguished Brownlow medallist.
Each participant enters the fray bearing their unique story, aiming to push their limits and solidify their resolve.
In a groundbreaking move for the series, this season will witness the participants journeying outside Australia to a clandestine facility nestled in the Jordanian desert. Here, in unyielding conditions, celebrity privileges fade, and each individual, irrespective of their background or gender, is evaluated on a level playing field.
The formidable Ant Middleton resumes his role as Chief Instructor, flanked by Ollie Ollerton. This year, they’re bolstered by two fresh faces, Jamie “Jay” Morton and Anthony “Staz” Stazicker.
Boasting over 50 years of combined Special Forces expertise, this seasoned quartet will rigorously dissect each participant’s abilities, aiming to not only push them but to mould them into their best selves. Their ultimate quest? Identifying potential recruits fit for the esteemed SAS ranks.
Describing the living conditions, the recruits will grapple with rudimentary amenities: basic drop toilets, daily bucket showers, sparse rations, and rudimentary stretchers placed on sandy terrains. As they tackle these harsh conditions, the taxing days filled with searing heat will transition into bitterly cold nights. Sleep, a precious commodity, will be scarce, amplifying the strain of their daily tasks.
Each sunrise and sunset in the desert will usher in duo-challenges that promise to test their physical prowess and mental fortitude, often blurring the boundaries of their perceived capabilities. While the daunting tasks might compel some to voluntarily exit, others might find themselves facing medical disqualifications. A select few, however, will endure the full 10-day trial.
Integral to this season is the personal storytelling segment, allowing each participant to unveil the tales beneath the media’s portrayal. This space will serve as a confessional, letting them confront and potentially heal from past emotional traumas.
Anticipation runs high as Australia gears up for what promises to be the most intense season of SAS Australia.
Meet the Cast of SAS Australia 2023
Abbey Holmes
Age: 32
Profession: AFL Field Commentator from Melbourne
Holmes seeks to push her boundaries and face her fears. Trained extensively for New Zealand’s 30km mountain ride, Holmes recognises the immense mental battles that lie ahead. Speaking of her introduction to the course, she remembers, “The DS made it real from the first minute, taking us deep into the experience without any preamble.”
Anthony Mundine
Age: 47
Profession: World Champion Boxer from Sydney
The boxing champion acknowledges the revelations the course offered about his mental resilience. While he hints at some regrets, Mundine’s overall experience is positive, emphasising the strong bonds forged with fellow participants.
Boyd Cornder
Age: 30
Profession: Retired NRL Star from Sydney
Seeking a new challenge post his NRL retirement, Cornder’s training amalgamated gym routines with dune runs and hikes. Despite his rigorous training, the reality of the course sunk in during his journey to the airport, highlighting the unpredictable nature of what lay ahead.
Cassie Sainsbury
Age: 28
Profession: Convicted Drug Smuggler from Adelaide
Sainsbury’s journey is uniquely poignant, her past shadows echoing in the intense drills of the course. Battling unforeseen asthma flare-ups, she admits the desert environment amplified the physical and mental challenges, especially triggering traumatic prison memories.
Dr. Craig Challen
Age: 57
Profession: Thai Cave Rescue Hero from Perth
Drawing parallels between his famed Thai Cave rescue mission and the SAS course, Challen found familiarity in the desert conditions. While his future participation remains uncertain, his advice to potential candidates is unequivocally optimistic.
Craig McLachlan
Age: 57
Profession: Actor from Sydney
Despite abdominal surgery hampering his pre-course preparation, McLachlan’s determination remained unshaken. His harrowing account of the first day epitomises the raw intensity of the SAS experience.
Jason Akermanis
Age: 46
Profession: AFL Hall of Famer from Brisbane
Akermanis’s perspective reaffirms the show’s unparalleled toughness. His vivid descriptions of the desert climate underline the physical strains, and while he acknowledges the show’s intensity, his advice for prospective participants is surprisingly stark.
Lindy Klim
Age: 45
Profession: Balinese Princess from Bali
Klim’s preparations encompassed a blend of training styles, but the real challenges were unexpected. The Balinese Princess recalls her sudden introduction to the course’s rigours, a jarring experience she hadn’t anticipated.
Mahalia Murphy
Age: 29
Profession: International Rugby Star from Sydney
Murphy, already an international sensation, faced personal demons related to her childhood during the course. The punishing desert climate, particularly the taxing sand dunes, only elevated the gruelling experience. However, her spirit remains undefeated.
Matthew Mitcham
Age: 35
Profession: Olympic Gold Diver from London
While familiar with cold and wet conditions due to his diving background, Mitcham emphasises the compounded misery of enduring both simultaneously. Despite the physical torment, he passionately endorses the show for its profound mental and emotional challenges.
Peter Bol
Age: 29
Profession: Olympic Runner from Melbourne
Bol’s experience is underscored by a newfound appreciation for life’s simplicities, away from technology and time constraints. His rigorous training, including rock climbing and sand running, still couldn’t fully prep him for the course’s unforeseen challenges.
Stephanie Rice
Age: 34
Profession: Olympic Champion from Brisbane
Rice, with her seasoned athletic background, found the terrain both awe-inspiring and challenging. Stressing the mental ordeal, she comments on the show’s unique ability to peel back layers, revealing participants’ core character.
Tim Robards
Age: 40
Profession: OG Bachelor from Sydney
Robards entered the course grappling with his physical limitations due to ageing and injuries. His account underlines the relentless anxiety that permeates every moment, emphasising the course’s focus on mental strength as much as physical endurance.
Zima Anderson
Age: 25
Profession: Actress from Melbourne
Anderson’s journey was transformative. The young actress emerged with a renewed sense of self-worth and strength, realising the vast reserves of her inner potential. Her experience underscores the profound personal growth possible on the course.
