‘Race to Survive: New Zealand’ Recap – ‘The Golden Medallion’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

RACE TO SURVIVE: NEW ZEALAND -- "The Golden Medallion" Episode 210 -- Pictured: (l-r) Tyrie Mann Merrill, Creighton Baird, Ethan Greenberg, Nikola Milutinovic, Kennedy Taylor, Paulina Pena -- (Photo by: Daniel Allen/USA Network)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘Race to Survive: New Zealand’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of Race to Survive: New Zealand on USA Network, were eagerly awaiting last night’s episode of the show. Simply because, the competition was mired in a three way tie, with Kennedy and Nik, Ethan and Tyrie, and Paulina and Creighton all vying for a chance to win that $500,000 prize they set out for some ten weeks ago, and well… the fact that three teams made it to the finish line, spoke deeply to how badly all three wanted it and that meant for us at home, we would be treated to a competition for the ages. One that would see this trio leave their all out there in New Zealand and ‘The Golden Medallion’ did not disappoint in the slightest.

In part because… the final three teams were plunged into one wild and amazing final race. One that started with a brutal creek run for them to traverse, followed by an epic cavern to explore, and after that an eleven-mile trek awaited the trio of competitors before they would scale a rock face known as ‘The Dome.’ And once that was done, the final push awaited and well, all of these challenges gave rise to one intense battle royale for the grand prize. The kind that saw lead changes take place often. For there were setbacks and mistakes, that allowed for others to surge ahead and make that run for the Summit and a win that was truly up in the air, early on. 

All of which showcased exactly why each and every team deserved to be here. Because there was no quit in any of them, there was only fight and determination and that was both inspiring and incredible to watch play out. Because this final course really did test the teams like never before and the final leg of the journey did indeed begin to showcase how difficult this final race was. For this was when we really saw the teams begin to struggle and have to dig deep in unique ways. For Nik and Kennedy, that involved heading for the food cache that every other team opted to skip. To find that boost and hopefully get enough juice to cross the finish line, first. But alas, after forty days of battling… Nik simply hit that wall and did his best to finish alongside Kennedy, who he saw grow into a leader before his eyes and well… they made it to the end, but sadly arrived in third place. 

As for Paulina and Creighton, well their dig deep moment involved being there for one another. For they too were spent, but more so mentally. Which was why both of them pushed one another with encouragement and positivity and that helped a great deal to keep them moving and to get them to the finish line as well. But alas, they were just a little bit behind and that meant a second-place finish for this driven duo. Which meant that the true champions of this race, were Ethan and Tyrie. Who went from a delay in the caves to rushing past everyone. In fact, it is safe to say their dig deep moment was the cave, because that prompted them to push like never before and use every ounce of energy to climb to the top of the Summit and get that Golden Medallion and that prize money and well, they earned their win.  

Because the relentless nature of these smokejumpers did the trick and netted them an epic and satisfying win. One that brings to a close an amazing season for certain. One that surprised us at every turn and introduced us to some fascinating and lovely competitors that truly gave their all to win. Not to mention, explored unique reasons as to why each of them wanted to cross that finish line, since it became more than about money by the end of this journey. And well… Mondays will definitely be a little strange without this show on the air. Because it really did capture our attention and draw us into the adventure and well, to properly bid farewell to this season of adventure stay tuned to Nerds That Geek today, as we share our interviews with Nik, Paulina, Creighton and Tyrie, to hear their thoughts on the final race and an incredible journey through New Zealand. 

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