Alecia Holden, a Dallas resident competing this season on Survivor: Kaoh Rong, is an adrenaline junkie.
If it involves flying, free-falling or facing her fears, she's eager to give it a try.
"I have made bucket lists for myself," says Holden, 24, who's a real estate agent when not chasing the latest thrill. "I've gone out and done a bunch of crazy things."
The list includes hang-gliding in Brazil, bungee-jumping in Indonesia and shark-cage diving in Australia.
"I was like, 'What's next on my list? What is a new challenge I can test myself with?'"
Holden's answer was Survivor. The popular reality show returns for its 32nd season at 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (Channel 11).
Eighteen castaways traveled to an island off the coast of Cambodia last spring and were divided into three tribes: Brains, Brawn and Beauty. The sole survivor who outwits, outplays and outlasts all the others will pocket $1 million.
Holden acknowledges she might not look like the brawny type -- "people might think, 'Oh, Malibu Barbie'" -- but she warns that it's a mistake to underestimate her.
Although she isn't allowed to disclose many details yet, she talked about competing on the show.
Are you as passionate about world travel as you are about extreme thrills?
I have been to 16 countries and I lived in Australia for a year. I actually just went to Rio de Janeiro on New Year's Eve to go hang-gliding; next I'm going back to Australia. So I'm very passionate about traveling and seeing the world and experiencing different cultures.
How are you able to get enough free time from work to go gallivanting all over the world?
Well, I am a real estate agent, so I do have a flexible schedule. But I was willing to put aside whatever I needed to put aside to do this because I didn't want to pass it up. I saw it as an opportunity, and anytime I see an opportunity arise, I'm not going to pass it up. I'm going to go for it.
How long have you lived in Dallas?
I've been in Dallas for about four years. I'm an Oklahoma girl. I grew up in Tulsa and went to high school there. After high school, I came to Dallas. I was here for about a year. Then I lived in Sydney, Australia, for a year on a working holiday visa. Then I did some traveling before I came back to Dallas.
After it was announced that you're on Survivor, did friends and family start pumping you for spoilers? In those situations, is it hard or easy to keep secrets?
Sometimes it is hard when people ask questions. But I am all about a good surprise. So I just tell them they'll have to wait and watch the show to see what happens.
What do you think of being placed in the Brawn tribe? As opposed to labeled as the Brains or Beauty type?
I'm definitely glad to be placed in the Brawn tribe, because the Brawn tribe is tough. We're also very strong-minded. If we want something, we go out and get it. We make things happen. I think it fits me very well.
What's the most important quality a contestant on Survivor must have?
I would say fearlessness. Just never be scared to go out and challenge yourself and do things that most people wouldn't do. Because life is all about the experiences.
By David Martindale/Special Contributor
Survivor: Kaoh Rong
7 p.m. Wednesday, CBS (Channel 11). 90 mins.
