Kayla Nicole, the ex-girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce, faced intense challenges during her appearance on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 3. The competition, which puts celebrities through grueling physical and mental tests, pushed Nicole to her limits in several high-stakes moments.
One of the most dramatic challenges, featured in an exclusive sneak peek from December 20, 2024, involved a water survival exercise where Nicole struggled to breathe while submerged in a locked boat compartment. The task tested her ability to stay calm and find a way out, leaving her gasping for air as she attempted to escape.
What Kayla Nicole experienced on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 3
Kayla Nicole’s struggled in a water survival challenge
One of the most intense moments from Nicole’s time on the show occurred during a water survival exercise where the recruits were submerged in a locked boat compartment as part of their training. In the exclusive sneak peek, Nicole was seen struggling to breathe as she attempted to escape the submerged cage.
With her hard hat marked with the number “8” the only visible part of her, Nicole was shown gasping for air along with the other recruits as they faced the life-threatening challenge. Nicole underscored the difficulty of the task by reflecting on her experience. She explained to Page Six in a December 16 interview:
“I would say I’m the opposite of being afraid of what people are going to see. I’m actually excited for people to see us stripped down, raw, vulnerable.”
She expressed that she appreciated the opportunity to showcase her vulnerability in such an intense and challenging environment, allowing viewers to see her human side.
Kayla Nicole’s motivation for joining Special Forces
Nicole's choice of joining Special Forces: World's Toughest Test was an inspiration for growth and the desire to get out of the "cruise control mode" of her life. She revealed during the exclusive Page Six interview that after seeing all the seasons before, what excited her the most was when she saw that JoJo Siwa was going to join. She said:
“I actually watched the first season with my sisters. I turned it off and I looked at them and I’m like, ‘So what do you guys think? Like, should I do this?’ They’re like, ‘First of all, this is insanity. But also, you’re the most insane person that I know. And if anybody could do this, you could do it.’”
Nicole's family initially viewed her decision as unconventional but eventually supported her, confident in her ability to handle the demanding challenges ahead. She shared that her motivation for joining the show stemmed from a desire to break out of a monotonous routine and seek a transformative experience.
Kayla Nicole’s reflections on the challenge
Nicole reflected that difficult circumstances prove that, deep within her, lies an inner strength she had not, until then, fully realized. She realized that it helped her understand just how resilient she is.
Furthermore, Nicole explained how the public backlash she received after her breakup with Travis Kelce had prepared her mentally for the challenges on the show. She told Page Six in a December 16 exclusive:
“God, I think that put things in full perspective, that social media is literally just that. Social media, words on the internet and experiences like this put life into perspective.”
She emphasized that the intense physical and mental challenges of Special Forces provided her with a clearer perspective, enabling her to view social media opinions and criticisms more objectively.
Don’t miss the season 3 premiere of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, featuring Denise Richards, Carey Hart, Stephen Baldwin, and more! Tune in on January 8, 2025, on Fox to see how Kayla Nicole and other celebrities tackle the world’s toughest challenges.