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1. What was your reaction when you first learned you had been chosen to be a Viking?
Initially, I was confused because I had originally auditioned to participate in the show about Roman legionnaires. I knew nothing about Vikings and had never really been intrigued by their history before. All I knew was that they ran around with horns in their helmets and fought with giant axes. After doing a bit of research, I became excited about the possibilities and challenges that I might face. And I realized that there are numerous misconceptions and untruths out there about Viking culture and history. I definitely don't believe all that I see in movies and on television.
2. What do you believe was your biggest triumph as a Viking?
Although I am in the military, I am not a very aggressive person by
nature, so actually getting out there and fighting with such crude weapons
was an accomplishment for me. In addition, I can be kind of high maintenance
so going without showers and modern "necessities" for three-four days was
definitely a triumph. Boy, don't I sound like a wimp! Anyway, it was great
to come out on top and win the "competition" despite being outnumbered and
outsized.
3. What was your lowest moment as a Viking?
Not being able to brush my teeth. I was miserable. Oh, and as sexist as
this will come across, being beaten by the lone female in our group, Tara,
during the hand wrestling portion of the competition/training proved
frustrating. Fortunately, I was comforted by the fact that she actually
practices Greco-Roman wrestling as a hobby. Also, gutting a lamb strung up
by its feet to cook for our dinner was pretty low. It is a lot easier to buy
meat at the supermarket and not worry about where it came from than to
actually look into the face of what you are going to eat for dinner and
remove its entrails.
4. Overall, how would you rate your performance as a Viking?
Overall, I'd like to say that I did great. I am not aggressive, but I am
definitely competitive. Throughout the process I became more and more
competitive and determined to do my best and I think I was able to do just
that. Would I have survived as a REAL Viking? Probably not, to be honest.
However, I adapted better the longer we were out there.
5. If you had to choose between daily life as a soldier or as a Viking, which would you choose?
Definitely daily life as a soldier. As a Viking, you are fighting every single day for survival. Life was hard, much harder than the relatively simple things we were put through. Daily life as a soldier might involve fighting from time to time, but it is a more strategic type of fighting that doesn't necessarily have to end up in physical confrontation, as opposed to the daily life of a Viking. Life as a soldier, albeit stressful, is definitely less stressful.
6. Has your experience as a Viking affected or changed any aspect of your career as a soldier?
I have a stronger appreciation for the many luxuries, no matter how simple, I once took for granted. I have always been proud of this great opportunity to serve my country. The Viking experience just further reinforced that pride.
7. Did your experience as a Viking live up to your expectations?
It exceeded my expectations. I had the bruises, sore muscles and cuts
to prove it. Everyone involved with the program was amazing and we (the
Americans) bonded with our British counterparts immediately. It was a truly
amazing experience. Believe it or not, I'd do it again!
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