The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentThe LatestTV

Exclusive: MJ Acosta Talks New Season of ‘Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge’

by Reyna Wang June 4, 2017
by Reyna Wang June 4, 2017 0 comments
3.7K

Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge puts the grit and cooperation of its competitors to the test in an obstacle course designed to challenge the limits of human strength and to require, above all, the ability to work together as a team.

The second season of Spartan presents even more formidable obstacles, which the teams of two men, two women, and a team captain will have to overcome to win $250,000. Reporter and sports anchor MJ Acosta, who is now a course reporter on Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge, speaks about what makes the show interesting, how the bar has been raised for this season’s competing teams, and what she enjoys most about being a reporter on the show.

Q: How you got involved with Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge, and what is the show about?

A: I actually participated in several Spartan races before the opportunity to do the show even came along, so I’m very aware of what it takes and the community around obstacle course racing. Once the opportunity came to actually co-host the show, I was all over it. The show is pretty nuts, in a word. In the typical Spartan race, when you go out there, even if you go with a group, you’re still racing as an individual, but for Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge, there’s actually no physical way that you could complete this on your own. I mean, you would actually have to be the Incredible Hulk to do it, or a bionic man or woman, so that’s what makes it so interesting. You could be an elite OCR athlete and not be able to finish it if you don’t really help your team, or if your team isn’t a cohesive unit. The most interest part is to see so many different team dynamics and people who you maybe wouldn’t peg as obstacle course racers just go out there and absolutely crush these obstacles.

Q: What have you noticed makes a team dynamic work well?

A: Definitely communication, because you can get into almost a panic mode if there is something that will throw you off, and there always is. There’s always a twist, there’s always something you think you can handle, and then you realize, ‘Oh, hold on, my body’s not supposed to do these things.’ The teams that excel are the teams that can kind of talk each other through it, you know, someone that has more of a strategic mindset as opposed to someone who’s just all strength. You need to be able to delegate things for your team in order to push each other to get past it.

Q: How has the bar been raised on this season of Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge, and what sets it apart from other obstacle course racing shows like American Ninja Warrior?

A: It’s interesting because if last season of Spartan and American Ninja Warrior had a baby, this season would be it. It’s really, really cool. It’s set up nights, so that element alone I think changes the atmosphere of racing. It changes the tone and mindset for the racers as well. I think just being in a nightside atmosphere is something that you immediately have to double up for. Like, ‘Oh man, it’s gonna be dark, is that going to help me or hurt me?’ There’s that added element of mystery to be under the cover of darkness, so that was really interesting to me. It’s a different time of day. Many people are used to waking up at 7 A.M., knocking out a race, and they’re good to go. Now, it’s the total opposite, so their circadian clock is off. That alone is really cool. The actual course itself is a bit more condensed, but it’s almost ten times harder I think. It’s a little shorter, but it’s definitely more difficult. I mean some of these obstacles—I looked at it thinking about the obstacle course designer, like ‘Who hurt you, dude, and why are you projecting it onto these people who have to race?’ It was so nuts. That’s definitely part of it. The obstacles are really, really jacked up. They’re just out of control. I don’t even know how I would attack some of these things. And there’s the fact that we’ve already had one season, so this year, people are coming for blood, maybe for redemption. For others that thought and said, ‘I can totally do it,’ and were talking the big game, now is the opportunity and walk the walk now that they’re out there. We’re also on right after Ninja Warrior, which is like our big brother show, so we have to step it up as well.

Q: Are there many contestants who are back from last year’s season?

A: Yeah. The reigning champs, The Comeback Kids, they’re back, so they kind of put the target on their backs because everybody wants to take down the champion team. Of course, the ninjas are back, so that’s always an interesting dynamic when you see people who try to go up against a ninja team because they know them so well from the other show. And then we just have a full new cast of other characters, and every team truly does have their own identity, and they’re all so different across the board.

Q: What’s your favorite part of being a course reporter rather than a racer on the show?

A: Well not getting dirty, that’s fun. Actually, that’s a lie because we still get pretty dirty out there. The course is very intense, very industrial, so there’s not hiding from the mud. I think even the audience members must get a little bit of mud by the end of the show. But what I love about it is being able to meet every single team. The contestants do interact with each other, and even though they’re competing against each other, it’s still very much a tight-knit community. They still help each other out, and they still root for one another, even when they’re competing against one another. For me, I guess I interact a lot with the families and friends of the racers, and that’s really cool because you get all these little tidbits from moms and girlfriends and even children, a side of the athletes nobody else gets to see in the short time that they’re racing, so that’s my favorite part.

The new season of the seven-episode series premieres June 12th on NBC.

Photo by NBC

interviewNBCobstacle course racingSpartan: Ultimate Team ChallengeTV Premiere
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Reyna Wang

previous post
Watch the ‘Comin Out Strong’ Video Snippet
next post
GIFF 2017 Opening Night Party with a Special Concert by Flo Rida

Related Posts

Renowned Restaurant Fresco by Scotto Debuts a New...

October 22, 2025

Cedric the Entertainer Reflects on The Neighborhood’s Final...

October 22, 2025

It: Welcome to Derry Season 1 Non-Spoiler Review

October 22, 2025

New York City Wine & Food Festival Wraps...

October 22, 2025

Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster & Leslie Odom Jr....

October 22, 2025

James Callis, Shaul Metzstein & Nick Mohammed Talks...

October 21, 2025

AIF 2025 Festival Opens with Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet

October 21, 2025

Tea, Treatments, and Tranquility: Naturopathica Hosts Intimate Event...

October 21, 2025

GoingDry.co Celebrates Sober October with Tremble in SoHo

October 21, 2025

New York City Wine & Food Festival Soared...

October 21, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch