Tackling the jaw-dropping obstacles of Australian Spartan isn’t the only challenge contestant Carrie is hoping to overcome this year.
The primary school teacher from Queensland is hoping her appearance on the reality series will inspire young kids to get off the computer and enjoy the outdoors.
“Being a teacher in the digital age, kids are so sedentary,” the 37-year-old tells TV WEEK.
“They’re not active or going outside. I’ve noticed that you can tell them something a million times and they don’t listen. But if you show them, it’s easier to understand it.”
Australian Spartan sees teams of three tackle tough obstacle courses.
And with the added fanfare of Spartan, her goal is in sight. However, Carrie jokes not all parents are enjoying their children’s new zest for life.
“Sometimes they want to thank me, but other times I can get in trouble because their kids are clocking how many hours they’re in front of the TV, or whether they’ve gone for a run,” she laughs.
“Of course it’s a fine line with what you teach kids, but if I can help young girls to think more about what their body can do, rather than what it looks like, I’ll feel very privileged.”
Carrie hopes to inspire kids to be active again.
At home, the mum-of-two and former semi-pro basketballer is a hero in the eyes of her 12-year-old daughter Amali, and 10-year-old son, Mason. In fact, the youngsters are also enjoying their time in the spotlight.
“They go to the same school I work at, so they’re mini celebrities and enjoying being shown on TV,” she smiles. “They’re very proud of me.”
As for Spartan, Carrie says she and her VP Vanguard teammates, 41-year-old Phil and Stacey,34, are still shocked at what they achieved. As one of the older groups, the trio are chuffed to be in the race.
“It was nice to stick with some of the young guns,” she enthuses.
“But we had never done anything like that before. I had no idea I could – and we often convince ourselves that we can’t – but it just goes to show that we really can do anything.”
