Having suffered from shin splints for the past few legs of the race, Ian had battled through some seriously difficult physical challenges. But during the ninth leg of the race, his injuries had slowed him and his teammate Christian down too much to catch up to the other teams.
“As the race went on, unfortunately, Ian's injuries were becoming more limiting,” Christian told 10 Play.
As teams travelled around Namibia, they were tasked with climbing a massive boulder known as The Dome. But the physical toll was too much for the duo.
“Having to navigate The Dome just wasn't something [Ian] was going to be able to accomplish and it was at this point that we knew our time was up,” Christian admitted.
“As much as we would have loved to have found a way to get through it. If I were able to have piggybacked him up there I would have.”
Landing on the Pit Stop mat for the final time, Ian and Christian knew their time in the race had sadly come to an end, but that still didn’t soften the blow of being so close to the end.
“Seeing Beau at the Pit Stop, realising our time on the race was over, was shattering,” Christian said. “Whilst proud of what we'd achieved to get as far as we did, knowing we were missing out on the rest of the experience was disappointing.”
Looking back at their time as a whole Christian said he had the time of his life. “It truly is a money can’t buy experience,” he added.
“To have the opportunity to travel the world with your best mate, play games, and complete challenges in cities that feel as though they've been locked down just for you, in some of the most unique places on earth – I feel very lucky to have been able to do this and to now have friendships with the other contestants like we have, it's provided memories that will last a lifetime.”
With so much of Ian’s upbringing being focused on his swimming training, and Christian similarly developing his businesses – the pair didn’t hesitate to tackle The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.
“We would do it again in a heartbeat,” Christian added. “we knew this experience would just be another thing to add to the special memories we've shared over the years and it certainly didn't disappoint.”
Ian and Christian’s time in the race was in support of ReachOut Australia, a mental health organisation designed with and specifically for young people offering a wide range of support.
“ReachOut Australia is a cause that is close to both of our hearts, having both navigated and supported one another through mental health issues over the years,” Christian explained.
“To bring awareness to such an impactful charity that is making support much more accessible to today's youth is something I was very proud to be a part of!”
You can find out more about ReachOut Australia as well as all the charities our celebs are competing for here.
The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition continues on Sundays at 7 and Mondays at 7.30 on 10 and 10 Play
