Race Against Time

When Francesca von Etzdorf and Sandy Sydney signed up for Amazing Race Asia, the reality based show that runs on AXN across the continent, they were new to the game; both the one on TV and their relationship. In unexpected twists and turns, they've met challenges head on and - fans can breath a sigh of relief - they are indeed still together. So what made them sign up? No, it wasn't just the money (thought that didn't hurt!).




By the time you read this feature, you'll be aware of who wont The Amazing Race Asia and the US$100,000 (HK$ 779, 708.38) cash prize that went along with it. Sure, the money was a great incentive to sign up for an express ride across the vast continent, but by looking at the show's American counterpart, surely each contestant is aware of the toils and turmoil that lead to break-ups, pain and suffering, not to mention the personal humiliation that is telecast around the world with uncensored musings, reactions, expletives, flaws and foibles included for all to see, again and again. The nitty-gritty, dirty laundry on air makes for great television viewing, while the contestants' respective 45 minutes of fame (the duration of each episode) leads to a lasting postcard of personal degradation.

Fortunately, for the two individuals representing Hong Kong, model Francesca von Etzdorf and personal trainer Sandy Sydney, there hasn't been too much on screen to make them squirm while watching the telecast of the show at home with friends. "It's still fantastic to watch. I find myself yelling at myself - 'No, don't take that one, pick the other option'!" laughs Sydney, who by his sheer size and gym-toned physique seemed to have an advantage over the 18 other competitors. But the physical prowess proved somehwhat worthless in the beginning. "When we came in almost last in the first show, we really pulled our socks up. Not for a second did we take this race up for a laugh. We were dead serious and focused."

Agreeing with her partner, von Etzdorf says, "It's hard to believe, but in our deepest fears, when it was a life or death situation, not for a moment did we think we're not going to do the challenge. It wasn't for the camera, it wasn't for our families or friends watching, it became really personal. Both of us were totally committed."

Chosen fromn amongst 200 applicants in Hong Kong, the pair sent a tape to AXN that demonstrated their skills and how they were the perfect match to represent the city in the race. "We were not really sure that we would be selected but when we got the call, we were excited," says Sydney. "We didn't tell anyohne what we were up to, though our very close friends had a hint as we had told them months ago about auditioning for the show. Then we dropped off the planet for about two months! Francesca's lucky that in her profession (as a model), she doesn't really have fixed hours so it was fine, and my employers were great and it all worked out."


TBC...







Feature for Kee magazine. All pics by William Furniss.

First time I met the divine Ms Francesca who I adore 'cause she's brilliant and beautiful. A combo unique to m'self I used to think! ;o)