Despite a valiant effort, Simi & Ope were the ninth team to be eliminated from The Amazing Race Canada. I caught up with the team to discuss what went wrong and to discuss Ope’s passionate speech at the pit stop.
Murtz Jaffer: That was quite a moment you had at the pit stop Ope. Can you tell me more about what being a Canadian means to you?
Ope Fagbongbe: I’m so proud to be a Canadian and thankful for what Canada has given me and my children – it encourages you to be the best you can be.
MJ: Simi, something that was completely un-Canadian was the way Nick and Matt stole your cab. Can you tell me more about that and if their actions shocked you?
Simi Fagbongbe: Well it certainly shocked us especially since Gino and Jesse did the same thing to them, but it’s a race and you have to do what you need to in order to win. No hard feelings!
MJ: Ope, the curling face-off seemed to give you some trouble. How did you get past it?
OF: It’s was extremely difficult for me, I’ve never curled before and it was definitely was out of my comfort zone. I got past it by not letting it get me down – mind over matter!
MJ: Simi, you and your dad definitely seemed like you wanted to run your own Race and not align with any of the other teams. Why was that important to you?
SF: We wanted to run an honest race to the best of our own abilities.
MJ: Ope, did you try and learn how to swim prior to getting on the show?
OF: I familiarized myself with water, but that just wasn’t enough. I have enrolled in swimming lesson this fall and I look forward to be a good swimmer soon.
MJ: Simi, are you surprised by the teams that are left?
SF: Not surprised at all. I expected Nick and Matt and Gino and Jesse to win. However, Brent and Sean have made some very smart and calculated decisions.
MJ: Ope, are you rooting for any of the teams?
OF: I’m rooting for Brent and Sean. They are defiantly the underdogs but should not be underestimated.
MJ: Simi, what was it like to run the Race with your dad?
SF: It was a great experience! We had the chance to travel to some really amazing places that not many people get the opportunity to do so. It also allowed us to walk away with an even better relationship.
MJ: Thanks guys.
The season finale of The Amazing Race Canada airs this Wednesday at 9 p.m. on CTV
