Jordan Wiseley is one of the most recognized contestants in The Challenge franchise. In a 2021 interview with the We Are Unstoppable podcast, he opened up about his medical condition.
Jordan is missing four fingers on his left hand. Despite this, he has thrived in challenges that test both mental and physical strength, proving his skills time and again.
Jordan Wiseley first appeared on The Real World: Portland in 2013, where he jokingly told his castmates he lost his fingers in an alligator attack. However, the truth is that he was born with a rare condition called symbrachydactyly.
This congenital condition causes the fingers to develop abnormally, often resulting in shortened or missing fingers. It is not genetic and occurs without a known cause during fetal development.
Over the years, he has won four seasons of the show: Battle of the Exes II (2014), Dirty 30 (2017), War of the Worlds 2 (2019), and The Challenge: World Championship (2023).
“I have never had fingers” — Jordan Wiseley explains his medical condition
Symbrachydactyly is a rare congenital condition that affects the development of fingers, which, according to Boston Children’s Hospital, is “a condition where fingers may be webbed or joined.” Jordan Wiselet has spoken openly about being born with this condition. In the interview, he said:
“I have never had fingers. So this is something that I had to power past.”
This condition occurs randomly during fetal development and is not linked to genetics. For Jordan, it meant growing up with certain physical limitations. However, he never viewed himself as disabled and always strived to compete on the same level as his peers.
From a young age, he excelled in sports, refusing to let his condition hold him back. Before joining The Challenge, Jordan Wiseley had already established himself as a skilled athlete.
He played quarterback at Central Oklahoma State University and was scouted as a pitcher for both Major League and college baseball teams. Additionally, he became a national champion wakeboarder and competed in wrestling and cheerleading.
“You just have to do a little more” — Jordan’s success on
The Challenge
Jordan’s journey on The Challenge began in 2013 with Rivals II. Since then, he has participated in multiple seasons and won four championships. His first win came in Battle of the Exes II in 2014, where he partnered with Sarah Rice. He continued to shine in later seasons, winning Dirty 30 in 2017, War of the Worlds 2 in 2019, and The Challenge: World Championship in 2023.
Despite facing physical challenges, Jordan Wiseley has consistently proven his abilities. He has participated in tasks that demand strength, agility, and endurance, showing that his condition does not limit his performance. Reflecting on his journey, Jordan said:
“You just have to do a little more. It’s not about what you don’t have; it’s about what you do with what you have. ”
Before the Battle of the Eras finale, Jordan Wiseley had earned $1,131,000 on The Challenge. This total includes his four championship wins, two finals appearances, prize money from daily challenges, and an additional $10,000 earned as a mercenary during an elimination on The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion.
Watch the finale of The Challenge: Battle of the eras, currently streaming on Hulu.