Mental toughness is Rajko's calling card. Learn more about this fierce competitor.
What edge do you think you have over the other competitors?
I know my mind is my strongest weapon, and I think sometimes that's what gives me an edge. I think the toughest part for me is the physical side. Because of how hard all the contests are and because of how hard it is actually to live in a completely different environment, different food, different sleep — everything's different. And you only realize how difficult that is when you do it, because it can be as simple as you just can't sleep at night and then the whole next day, you've got to wrestle with some intense wrestlers.
What has been your favorite experience?
The best moments were in the Trobriand Islands. I fell in love with that place and the people. And I had one moment that was sort of unconnected with our official competition. But I played for their soccer team and they were playing against another village and it meant a great deal to them. And because I was English, they assumed I must be good. And they said, "Give us advice. Give us tactics." So I played for them and it was coming to the end of the match, and then I got this pass and I scored the best goal I've ever scored in my life in this tribal village match. By the time I got back to the village that night, everyone was running up to me like I was the hero of the village.
What have you learned about yourself in this competition?
I've learned that I'm extremely competitive, much more than I ever realized.
Who do you think will win?
Regardless of who wins, it will have been worthwhile. The relationships, the cultures, everything we've been through, that's way up here. The competition's a bit below. When we're in the competition, I treat it like it's the most important thing, but if I don't win, that's OK. And because I know I can look back and think, "Even when I was injured and I had every excuse not to try, I tried my best." And if I didn't win, that's OK.
