Ian, who has been suffering from shin splints for the last few legs of the race, has overcome some very difficult physical challenges. However, in the ninth leg of the race, injuries slowed him and his teammate Christian down significantly, and they were unable to catch up with the other teams.
“As the race progressed, unfortunately Ian’s injury became limiting,” Christian told 10 Play.
As the team traveled across Namibia, they were tasked with climbing giant rocks known as domes. However, the physical burden was too much for both of them.
“Having to move around inside the dome was not something[Ian]could accomplish, and at this point we knew we were running out of time,” Christian admitted.
“As much as we wanted to find a way to get through it. If I could have carried him up there on my back, I would have done it.”
When they finally touched down on the pit stop mat, Ian and Christian knew their time in the race had sadly come to an end, but that didn’t soften the shock of it coming to an end.
“I was shocked to see Bo at the pit stop and realize that my time in the race was up,” Christian said. “I was proud to have gotten this far, but sad to know I missed out on the rest of the experience.”
Looking back on their time overall, Christian said it was the best time of his life. “It’s truly an experience that money can’t buy,” he added.
“You’ll have the chance to travel the world with your best friends, play games and complete challenges in some of the most unique places on Earth, in cities that feel like they’re locked down just for you. I feel so lucky to have been able to do this and now have the friendships that we have with the other contestants and memories that will last a lifetime. ”
With much of Ian’s upbringing centered around swimming training and Christian developing his business as well, the pair decided to take on ‘The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition’ without hesitation.
“I would love to do it again in a heartbeat,” Christian added. “We knew this experience would add to the special memories we have shared over the years, and it certainly did not disappoint.”
Ian and Christian’s racing time was spent supporting ReachOut Australia, a mental health organization specifically designed for young people that provides a wide range of support.
“Reach Out Australia is a cause close to both of our hearts and we have supported each other through mental health challenges over the years,” Christian explained.
“Being able to bring awareness to such an impactful charity that makes support more accessible to young people today made me incredibly proud to be involved.”
You can find out more about ReachOut Australia and all the charities that celebrities are involved with here.
The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition airs Sundays at 7pm and Mondays at 7.30am and 10pm.
