Two of Special Forces‘ toughest recruits are headed home—and not by choice.
Christie Pearce Rampone and Mark Estes were forced to exit season four early during the Fox reality competition series’ Nov. 6 episode amid separate health problems.
On day seven of the physically and mentally taxing experience, Christie woke up in the Moroccan desert barely able to breathe after coughing all night long. Struggling badly with the respiratory issues, the retired Olympic soccer champion asked to see a doctor.
“I need something,” the 49-year-old told Special Forces Dr. Andy Brown, “I can’t breathe.”
Following the checkup, the doctor had bad news for the former sports star.
“Your chest sounds really tight and you’ve got lots of crackles in your lungs as well,” Andy told Christie. “I think you’ve probably got a chest infection. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to do anymore exercise.”
That meant a forced medical withdrawal, which caused the World Cup champ to burst into tears. And even though she was disappointed over having to leave the show early, the Special Forces directors commended Christie on her determination and perseverance.
