“I’m thankful to be back, for sure,” Driebergen tells EW.
How have you gotten yourself into yet another one of these situations?'
I’m a small fish in the big pond."
‘The Challenge: World Championship’.Paramount+
Was it really at the starting line or did you suspect that your injury was too severe before that?
It was a big bummer.
My shoulder was messed up, I had to get a screw put in it.
They made the right call I probably would’ve tore it up even more.
It was unfortunate though.
I’m still pretty bummed about it, to be honest.
And onions and garlic I use on a daily basis, so yeah, it would’ve been fun.
I definitely think I would’ve won it.
[Laughs] Yeah, good on Danny.
It was hard to watch, but I just wanted to stay positive with it.
Do I think I could have won?
Even under the conditions I was in.
But I’m not going to sit there and dwell on that.
I was so happy for him, and Sarah as well.
But watching it, I felt like I got cheated, you know what I mean?
Not by anyone in particular, but just by karma.
I made it through the whole season and it was bad luck.
Did you know immediately that you wanted to return toThe Challengeagain, or did that decision come later?
How bad were your injuries?
What exactly was the issue that held you back from competing?
With my knee, I messed up the meniscus.
I was in a chair for probably two weeks straight, in a lot of pain.
And then four months later I got to go to South Africa [forThe Challenge: World Championship].
That sounds like an extremely accelerated timeline after multiple surgeries.
I just really wanted to go.
I had more to prove.
What was your reaction when you did get the call to return forThe Challenge: World Championship?
There was no hesitation.
My bag’s packed, what do I have to do?
Get the doc’s clearance?
What x-rays do you guys need?
What physical tests can I do to prove that I’m worthy?
I was just blessed to be asked, honestly, even beaten up like that.
When we show up there, we get put through a ringer very early.
From that point forward I was like, let’s settle in, let’s get to it.
God, it’s so different.
It’s a lot less cagey.
WhereasSurvivor, it’s all votes and you don’t have an opportunity to save yourself.
What can you tease about how this season goes for you?
[Laughs] Buckle up.
Hopefully the luck will change.
Friends turn to foes, and there might even be a beard battle.
My partner ends up being someone who I think I have a lot in common with.
She’s probably one of the best competitors inChallengehistory.
