Amber, The Challenge: World Championship competitor, made a shocking announcement during this week's episode: she was leaving the game early. But why?
It started with a mysterious illness that tore through the players' house, taking down veteran Amber Borzotra as well as global MVPs Ben Driebergen and Tristan Phipps.
"Tristan, Ben and I haven't been feeling our best. We've been struggling physically," Amber says in a confessional. "I'm feeling nauseous. I have headaches, fever, I'm sweating. But one thing I'm not gonna do is give up on my partner. I'll push through this sickness."
Though her Aussie partner Troy Cullen worried for her health, he said: "I'll take her physically at 80% over a lot of other people at 100%. Amber, just keep trucking along!"
Ben's partner, Kaycee Clark — who herself had to leave last season's The Challenge: Ride or Dies early due to a positive COVID result — was less hopeful about her circumstances: "This is not good. Worst-case scenario. My partner is sick... If you don't have a partner, you're out. I'm not sure what his body is trying to fight right now but I do need him to get better ASAP."
Though Amber and Tristan soldier through their sickness to make it down to the challenge, Ben cannot. After getting checked by the medical team and hooked up to IVs, he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
"Oh my god, we just lost Justine and Bananas, now what's gonna happen to Kaycee? This is just sh*t all around," Tori worries about Team USA.
At the top of the challenge, host T.J. Lavin announced: "Ben is in the hospital. He is medically unable to continue so Kaycee... that means we're losing you as well."
Though everyone else groans in sadness, Kaycee takes the news in stride. "You cannot control injuries, sickness and this game can take a toll on you. But I am bummed having to leave this way," she said in a confessional.
However, her fate in the game changed courtesy of Amber, who makes a shocking announcement: "Can I please say something? I've been so unwell and I've been really fighting and giving my all for my partner. But I want to give him the best chance so I would love to switch places with Kaycee if you would let that happen?"
"I see two people that really, really want to be here," T.J. told her. "That's fine with me. Amber, take care of yourself."
"You're the best partner," Amber told Troy tearfully.
But the real surprise came when Amber discloses to Troy the real reason for her illness: "I'm so happy that I listened to my body and I have some news," she told him privately in a confessional. "I'm pregnant!"
"No way!" Troy exclaimed. "That's the best news ever!"
And even better news for Troy: after being sent into elimination with Kaycee, the "new kids on the block" turn out a win and send Jodi and Benja packing.
Fans react to early exit of Amber on The Challenge: World Championship
Good things will always happen to amber cause she’s a kind soul. Kaycee been dogging her since she got into the challenge. The way EYE am I don’t think that I would offer up my partner to her. But she was looking out for her partner’s game which is admirable #ChallengeWorldChampApril 19, 2023
I’M NOT CRYING YOU ARE!!! Amber B. is one of the most kind hearted humans we have ever had on @TheChallenge and if you can’t see that, that’s a you problem. She is a champ in all aspects of life. Love her. #TheChallenge#TheChallengeWorldChampionshipApril 19, 2023
What is this mystery illness everyone was coming down with on @TheChallenge this week??!! (Minus Amber of course😂)April 19, 2023
Amber was killing it and she was pregnant!So happy for her. And the way she gave KC a chance was so sweet. #thechallengeApril 19, 2023
did I just cry watching @amberborzotra give up her spot for a person that Ive never even seen show her an kindness?The way she & fessy treated her in Spies…Amber is a saint & a QUEEN 👑 she is gonna be a great momma #TheChallengeWorldChamp #TheChallengeWorldChampionshipApril 19, 2023
Awwww Amber that's so nice. 🥹. Happy she did listen to her body #TheChallengeWorldChampApril 19, 2023
Amber's pregnancy reveal episode low key put a tear in my eye. I hope she's doing well. #TheChallengeWorldChampApril 19, 2023
I really respect the way Amber did that. It showed she was being truly unselfish and there for her partner. I’m just really happy it worked out like that because I really like Troy. #TheChallengeWorldChampApril 19, 2023
We need them 3 #TheChallenge next season to avenge amber all together while she’s away pic.twitter.com/u4FnqtZ4LXApril 17, 2023
Watch The Challenge: World Championship on Paramount Plus.
