"I did everything I could do" — Cara Maria Sorbello reflects on her elimination in The Challenge: Battle of the Eras

In episode 17 of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras, titled Location Change Era, Cara Maria Sorbello faced her final elimination of the season in an endurance challenge against Tori Deal. The task required the competitors to tread water at night in open water, testing their physical and mental stamina.

As the elimination continued for nearly three hours, host TJ Lavin introduced an additional rule, requiring them to tread water without using their arms. Despite Cara Maria’s refusal to quit, she ultimately went under, leading to her elimination just before the final began.

Reflecting on her experience, Cara Maria noted in an interview with Entertainment Weekly on December 18, 2024,

"That elimination, I did very well until the very end. I did everything I could do. And I think at the end of the day I won in so many ways, especially not having to do that final because I feel like it's going to be a lot of swimming."

This elimination marked the second time Cara Maria was voted into a crucial battle during season 40 of The Challenge. Previously, she had faced KellyAnne Judd in the first elimination of the season, successfully securing her spot. However, her journey ended when Jordan Wiseley’s vote sent her into the final elimination against Tori.

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Cara's elimination in The Challenge: Battle of the Eras

The elimination occurred in open water at night. Cara Maria and Tori were tasked with treading water under these conditions, with no set time limit. Cara Maria described the experience in the Entertainment Weekly interview as a test of both physical and mental strength.

"There’s snakes, there’s things biting at me...’I’m not wearing a life vest," she recalled.

After nearly three hours of competing, TJ Lavin added a new challenge, requiring them to tread water without using their arms. Cara Maria explained that this rule change was necessary to bring the elimination to a conclusion.

"TJ had to find a way to make it end because I was not giving up," she noted.

Tori maintained her composure throughout the challenge, while Cara Maria pushed herself to her limits. As the elimination stretched on, both competitors tried their best. Ultimately, Cara Maria went under water, resulting in her elimination. Despite the outcome, she reflected positively on her effort.

"I promise you, I would've been there until the sun came up," she stated.

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Cara Maria’s reflections on season 40 of The Challenge

Although Cara Maria’s season ended just before the final, she expressed satisfaction with her overall experience.

"I feel like I gave my best effort. I did really, really, really well in the challenge— I came in second even with the time disadvantage," she said.

Cara Maria also shared her appreciation for the connections she built with other competitors, noting that she was able to let her guard down for the first time in her Challenge career.

"It was the first chance that I really had to let my guard down and truly be me," she explained.

Cara Maria also spoke about memorable moments from the season, including a birthday celebration organized by her castmates shortly before her elimination. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the growth and friendships she gained during the competition.

While she fell short of reaching the final, she felt a sense of accomplishment in her performance.

"I should have come in first, so it's my fault, but I did well. I made a lot of friends," she concluded.

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Watch the finale of The Challenge 40, which will air on January 1, 2025, at 8/7c on MTV.