“The Amazing Race” is returning for Season 39. That's right, 39!
And a certain No. 11 is along for the ride.
Ali Krieger will compete in “The Amazing Race” with former USWNT player and Washington Spirit
teammate Joanna Lohman. The reality competition, which premiers on Wednesday, Sept. 30, features duos of various backgrounds racing around the world performing a variety of challenges that test smarts and strength.
"We're so grateful to be a part of something so incredible," Krieger said in a promotional clip published on social media. "What makes people love to watch it is that excitement of adventure and excitement of newness."
"You really never know what's going to happen," Lohman added. "It's the unpredictability of it. To watch people be so vulnerable on national television, put themselves out there, you have no idea what's going to happen. So you're really, you're committing to greatness with no guarantee of glory."
Krieger and Lohman are two of only 270 athletes to don the stars and stripes for the United States women's national team. In the early 2000s, Lohman helped the U-21 team win three Nordic Cups. As a member of the senior team, Krieger won two World Cups, in 2015 and 2019, alongside Hope Solo, Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe. She also won the 2023 NWSL championship with Gotham FC. The final match was against Rapinoe's OL Reign and served as the swan song for both superstars.
"I'm addicted to winning, so I want that challenge again," Krieger said. "I want that competitiveness again. I want to prove to myself that I still got it."
"We both are retired now, but having spent a living playing at the highest level, it's about getting back in the game," Lohman added, suggesting with a laugh that she is "more of the brains" and Krieger is "more of the beauty."
While Krieger predicts the duo will excel in communication, Lohman points out fans will also appreciate the humor.
"I think people are going to see a different side of us ... the level of joy that we have when we perform, the humor we have, the silliness, the goofiness," she said.
Being a member of the USWNT gave both players experience competing around the world and engaging with different cultures. Krieger started her professional career in Germany with FFC Frankfurt and won the Champions League in 2008. She speaks German, which might come in handy on "The Amazing Race."
Besides their roles as athletes, Krieger and Lohman will be representing the LGBTQ+ community. In sneak peeks of the Season 39 action, the duo is seen wearing rainbow sweatbands. Lohman shared some thoughts on how their mentality reflects the values of the community.
"As celesbians - celebrity lesbians - our motto is 'Slay and play,'" she said. "We give our best, we crush and then we play. We enjoy it. We chase the vibe. We're glow getters."
Athletes who have competed on 'The Amazing Race'
Before Krieger and Lohman's race kicks off, there have been several other professional athletes who previously tried their hand at “The Amazing Race.” Physical fitness and a competitive spirit have boosted them quite deep in the show.
Rod Gardner, who competed on Season 36 of the contest, wasn't just a "former NFL player." He was a first-round draft pick. Washington picked him at No. 15 overall in the 2001 NFL Draft after he starred at Clemson. The wideout only played six seasons in the league, but had a 1,000-yard receiving season in 2002. He ran "The Amazing Race" with his wife, Leticia Marie Gardner, and finished in third place.
Another third-place finisher was professional surfer Bethany Hamilton. She received worldwide attention when she lost her arm in a shark attack at the age of 13 and then went on to compete in the World Surfing League. She participated on Season 25 of "The Amazing Race" with her husband, Adam Dirks.
In 2018, Season 30 featured two teams of athletes. Shawn Marion and Cedric Ceballos were former NBA All-Stars who finished in ninth place. Marion was a four-time All Star and won the 2011 NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks. Ceballos was an All-Star in the 1994-95 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. In a unique scenario where they were on the show while active in their sport, IndyCar drivers Alexander Rossi and Conor Daly impressed with a fourth place finish.
Perhaps the biggest athlete stars of the show are Harlem Globetrotters Herbert "Flight Time" Lang and Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton. They are fan favorites among "The Amazing Race" faithful for their easygoing personalities and smart strategy. The duo competed three times: Season 15, Season 18 “Unfinished Business” and Season 24 “All-Stars.” Their best finish was second place in the “Unfinished Business” season.
How to watch ‘The Amazing Race’ Season 39
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Day: Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 1 (The show then moves to Wednesdays)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USWNT's Ali Krieger, Joanna Lohman to compete on 'The Amazing Race' Season 39
