Instagram models eliminated from 'Amazing Race' regret helping others
LOS ANGELES -- Food and wine.
Those were the first two things BFFs and Instagram models Jessica Versteeg and Brittany Oldehoff said they asked for after being eliminated from CBS' The Amazing Race. And their one big regret: Being helpful.
The duo, who collectively have about 163,000 followers on Instagram, were the third team to say goodbye to the competition.
You May Also Like
They were among the 11 teams — made up of all social media stars — competing this season.
But they struggled in the latest episode, which aired Friday, when the competitors made their way to Switzerland.
The teams were asked to identify flags of 10 highlighted countries from the United Nations and then find and tear out the flags from a booklet before delivering them to an official.
This was when Versteeg became frustrated with the lack of help from other competitors.
"I feel like I helped everyone. I guess no one wants to share information with the person who comes in last," Versteeg says in Friday's episode (clip above). "They just talk to each other and not me. No one wants to help me. Whatever."
"To see all those women up there and to not help Jessica ... I was pretty upset," Oldehoff adds.
Mashable caught up with Oldehoff over email to talk about the experience.
So now that it's officially over, what was the experience like for you guys as a whole?
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Oldehoff: I got to travel the world with my best friend. We had an absolute blast and it was an incredible experience. I do wish however, that we got to sky dive or do something with an adrenaline rush vs counting the width of a bench with newspapers.
Did you feel like there was a camaraderie among contestants because you guys all hailed from the digital world?
Oldehoff: I do think everyone was helpful and friendly unless you were strong. For instance, had it been a team like Tyler and Korey in last, I think everyone but Jess and I wouldn't have helped them either.
Was it weird being disconnected throughout the entirety and not being able to be on Instagram?
Oldehoff: Not really. I didn't miss social media whatsoever. I missed talking to my mom and friends the most.
What went through your minds after elimination?
Oldehoff: We had an hour train ride to Chamonix to know we were eliminated, so we were prepared already. We just wanted food and our beds.
Looking back, what would you have done differently?
Oldehoff: I wouldn't have helped anyone ever. We would have done everything on our own, and if we do come back for all stars one day, that will all show. We aren't helping anyone unless it is one team we have an agreed alliance with.
What was the first thing you guys did after the Race was over?
Oldehoff: Asked for food and wine.
What was your biggest take-a-way from the experience?
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Oldehoff: Getting to travel the world and experience all these different cultures. The stress on the show was unlike anything I've ever experienced in life. I'll never forget that.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
Topics Instagram
Saba was a Los Angeles-based reporter who covers all things digital entertainment, including YouTube, streaming services and digital influencers. Prior to that, she spent two years at the Los Angeles Times covering entertainment for the Calendar and Company Town sections. Saba grew up in Santa Monica and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in journalism and B.A. in political science. When not reporting, she is usually binge watching shows online or looking for new coffee shops to frequent.
