Inside Secrets: Tyler Cameron and Tom Sandoval's Divergent Strategies Revealed on 'Special Forces'
Kelly Rizzo reveals the contrasting strategies of Tyler Cameron and Tom Sandoval as they tackle the challenging trials of Special Forces Explore their divergent approaches in the world's toughest test
Kelly Rizzo. Ben Cope
Kelly Rizzo, aged 44, had contrasting experiences with Tyler Cameron and Tom Sandoval during Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, as per her account. On the October 16th episode, Rizzo faced bodily injuries which forced her to withdraw from the Fox reality show. As part of a challenge, the recruits were instructed to divide into teams and transport a boat across difficult terrain, eventually sailing it across a lake. When Rizzo encountered difficulty during the mission, her team leader, Tyler Cameron, aged 30, extended assistance.
"At the end, all I can recall is feeling completely defeated," Rizzo exclusively revealed to We about her final challenge. "I was a complete mess on the floor, and he kindly lifted me up and embraced me tightly. I couldn't help but cry into his chest, overwhelmed by my emotions. In that moment, I thought to myself, 'Tyler, you're truly incredible. Thank you for everything.'"
Rizzo, who was previously married to Bob Saget for six years until his passing in January 2022, divulged that Cameron, 30, embraced her in an attempt to calm her trembling and encouraged her to persevere forward.
“I cried into his embrace, grateful for this act of compassion between teammates,” she recounted. “He genuinely wanted to provide support and encouraged me to persevere. He didn't want me to surrender.”
Reflecting on Cameron's unwavering support, Rizzo observed that Sandoval, aged 40, adopted a contrasting approach. “Tom raised his voice at me,” she remembered. “He said, ‘If you give up now, you're betraying your team.’ And I responded, ‘Tom, just be quiet.’”
The Special Forces star acknowledged that despite having contrasting approaches, it was an incredibly intense moment for everyone involved. Sandoval, in particular, bore the brunt of the criticism from the directing staff. According to her, they were extremely tough on Tom Sandoval, showing him no emotional support. This treatment towards the Vanderpump Rules star was not unexpected, as he had previously confessed that he joined the series to face the consequences of his infidelity with Raquel Leviss, which occurred earlier this year while he was still in a relationship with Ariana Madix.
Tyler Cameron. Theo Wargo/Getty Images
However, Rizzo felt that the DS team supported her unconditionally, even if their approach may have seemed overwhelming. In a vulnerable moment on Monday's episode, DS Jovon "Q" Quarles came to her aid after she fell to her knees.
"I could sense that, despite their tough exterior, their hearts were with me," she revealed. "DS Q showed great kindness in that moment. It was a human moment when he specifically said, 'Your husband is watching over you.' And he added, 'He's cheering for you,' or 'He's supporting you.' Of course, they were referring to Bob [Saget]."
While Rizzo ultimately couldn't proceed with Monday's mission, opting out before her team launched their boat, she believes both the staff and recruits would concur that she "gave it her all." The lifestyle blogger mentioned that if she had been aware of "the final goal" of their challenge, she might have been able to persevere until the end.
"I kept wondering, 'Where is the elusive finish line?' If only I had a clear objective, I could persist and keep pushing forward," she expressed. However, the finish line continuously eluded her, prompting her to make a resolute decision, saying, "Fine, I'll make it my mission to complete this particular phase of the challenge." Despite her inclination to give up and walk away, she determinedly added, "I refuse to surrender in the middle of the field."
Rizzo is among the 14 celebrities whose abilities were challenged on season 2 of Special Forces, which aired in September. Reflecting on her experience, Rizzo shared with Us that she formed strong connections with her fellow castmates Savannah Chrisley and JoJo Siwa. Additionally, she emphasized that she did not encounter any conflicts with anyone.
"I didn't have any conflicts with anyone, but I also don't seek out drama," Rizzo stated. "I enjoy pleasing others and fostering a harmonious atmosphere where everyone is happy and gets along."
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 2 airs on Fox Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.
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Kelly Rizzo
Tom Sandoval
