Nine hours is a long time to be driving and an even longer time to be lost. Still, I imagine Gary and Mallory made it fun. They proved that a good attitude and a warm smile can take you far; I still can’t believe they’re gone. I miss them already! The upside of Gary and Mallory leaving The Amazing Race is that I got to talk to them and now we have the inside scoop on the team that surprised everyone.
We’re very sad to see you go, you were definitely a fan favorite. Who should we root for now that you’re gone? Any teams you formed friendships with and/or are rooting for now?
Mallory: Thank you so much. That makes it all worth it. Gosh, every team left is good … and we loved Michael and Kevin (but I guess you can’t root for them). We loved them all.
It seemed like it was a very close race between you two and Nat and Kat for that final spot, was it really that tight?
Mallory: It was really as close as it looked. We had one of the longest legs, close to 16 hours we think, then we’re minutes apart in those final moments. It was great to be full on racing until the last second though…we were glad it was so close.
Whose idea was it to be on the show and what made you want to do The Amazing Race?
Mallory: My dad has been sitting on our couch in the living room watching The Amazing Race for almost 10 years now, but never dreamed he would be on he show. When the idea began bouncing around I knew I had to give this shot everything so that we (especially he) could do this. I’m one of 4 siblings and it’s rare that my dad and I get time with just us two, so that prompted us to want to do it.
What was your strategy going into the Race? Do you think other teams underestimated you?
Mallory: We wanted to enjoy every second…to not forget that we we’re getting to run The Amazing Race! We also wanted to really try and be a positive example throughout. That was really important to us as well, probably more than the money really. Other teams underestimated us for sure…but like we said in our first interview, “Don’t let the blonde and grey hair fool you!” I think they thought that my dad or I would give up at any moment even through the first few legs. It worked to our advantage until they finally realized that we were competition. After we placed 2nd three times in a row we were a threat, I think.
What was your favorite experience and/or challenge on The Amazing Race?
Gary: I liked the sledding in the Arctic Circle and the Gorodki game in St. Petersburg Russia.
Mallory: My favorite moment was standing on the mat during leg 2 in Ghana. We thought we were in last and may be eliminated. When Phil told us that we were still in the race was my favorite moment…we couldn’t let ourselves go out that early. My favorite place was Sweden. We were burning up hot in Ghana so to dive into those snow challenges was perfect. I really love dog sledding now!
What from the show are you most proud of? Any regrets?
Gary: Mal’s endurance. Her ability to stay so tough. I always knew she was tough, but the race is extremely hard and she made me proud toughing it out. We wish we’d never picked up that map in Oman, but we wouldn’t change anything really.
Mallory: I was so proud of my dad’s heart, I always am. He ran that race like he was 20 years old and he was the only reason we got as far as we did. he is the best dad, and now partner I could ever ask for and I really don’t have a single regret. I still can’t believe I got to do this with my dad.
Anything you were surprised to see watching the show back?
Mallory: Well, we never really remember everything that went on, so we’re always surprised. Also, we didn’t see the other teams race a lot of the time. We were surprised to see Nick and Vicki fighting so much because they were always nice to each other from what we saw. I’m always surprised at the things we say too.
How was being in The Amazing Race different from what you would expect watching it on TV?
Gary: I think it’s much harder. The parts you don’t see as much, the long drives and navigating, the airports, the lack of food and sleep, this is what makes the race so tough. And, it’s a lot better being on the race than watching it on your couch…I never thought I would be one of the ones running it.
Mallory: It’s so much better! I think what my dad said it so true. Those long drives, like the one in Oman where we got lost and I said it was 9 hours, it really was 9 hours. It really takes a toll on your mind and makes it tough. I think we’re a lot closer than we may appear on tv too. We really enjoyed the time together. It’s probably one of the best things I’ll ever do, and to get to do it with my dad was one of the best things I could have ever asked for. We’re so thankful for it.
(image courtesy of CBS)
Writer, BuddyTV
Originally from Seattle, Carla recently took a husband and moved to Austin, Texas, where she is finally using her television “problem” to her advantage. It’s sort of like Dexter, but boring and less murdering. Carla’s favorite shows include 30 Rock, The Amazing Race, Project Runway, Modern Family, anything with murder, and pretty much anything gross and weird (CSI, The Bachelor, Toddlers & Tiaras, etc.). Favorite canceled shows include: Arrested Development, Veronica Mars and Average Joe. In her spare time, Carla leads tours of downtown Austin on a Segway (don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!), blogs about Netflix Instant, and visits elementary schools telling children they don’t need math to succeed (just kidding, stay in school, kids).
