“Million Dollar Mile” Introduces Its Cast Of “Defenders,” 10 Of The Most Elite Athletes On The Planet Charged With Stopping Contestants From Winning $1,000,000
From Executive Producer LeBron James, Hosted by Tim Tebow: “Million Dollar Mile” Premieres March 27 (9:00-10:00 PM)
[03.04.2019] CBS today announced the group of elite athletes, known as “Defenders,” whose mission is to chase down contestants and stop them from winning the $1,000,000 prize in the high-stakes physical competition series MILLION DOLLAR MILE, premiering Wednesday, March 27 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
In this unprecedented television series, each contestant will receive a two-minute headstart and have the chance to win $1,000,000 when they run the Million Dollar Mile. Standing in their way is the most challenging course ever designed and the Defenders, whose goal is to defend the million dollar prize.
The Defenders are a group of 10 top-ranked international athletes, including a Green Beret and “Army Athlete of the Year,” the most decorated Obstacle Course Race (OCR) athlete in history, and a two-time Guinness World Record holder for both the farthest and highest wall flips. These exceptional competitors hold titles in some of the toughest races, including: Kona Ironman World Championships, Tough Mudder X, CrossFit Games, Spartan World Championships and more.
“We searched the globe to find the best athletes to defend the Million Dollar Mile. You may not know their names, but you’re about to,” said executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan. “These ‘Defenders’ combine strength and speed with a level of endurance and mental toughness like you’ve never seen before. They are driven…they don’t like to lose, and when they are chasing runners down on the streets of Los Angeles, it’s truly riveting!”
MILLION DOLLAR MILE is hosted by former college football champion, Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow with Matt “Money” Smith and Maria Taylor serving as commentators.
MILLION DOLLAR MILE Defenders:
 EMMA CHAPMAN “The Kiwi Killer” Age 30 |
HOMETOWN: Christchurch, New Zealand
CURRENT CITY: Richmond, Ky. Emma is the reigning Tough Mudder X World Champion and a former member of the New Zealand Women’s soccer national team. She has just qualified on a team for the 2019 CrossFit Games. Mixing uncanny power with speed and endurance, the self-proclaimed Killer Kiwi is a dominant figure in the CrossFit community.
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 MAX FENNELL “The Machine” Age 31 |
HOMETOWN: King of Prussia, Pa.
CURRENT CITY: Menlo Park, Calif.
Max is the first African American professional triathlete, earning his pro card in 2014. The former college soccer star has competed in 54 triathlons and dominates his competition in cycling, swimming and running. |
 REBECCA HAMMOND “The Harvard Hammer” Age 26 |
HOMETOWN: Winters, Calif.
CURRENT CITY: Somerville, Mass.
With brains and brawn, Rebecca is currently a fourth-year Harvard medical student and NCAA 1500 meter Track All American. This OCR prodigy recently took second place at both the Spartan American Championship and Spartan World Championships.
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 VEEJAY JONES “The Young Gun” Age 20 |
HOMETOWN: Lakeview Terrace, Calif.
CURRENT CITY: Los Angeles
Since 2015, Veejay has held the record as the youngest Spartan Race winner in history. This powerhouse, whose six-times-a-week workouts consist of running mountains, weight training and bouldering, can run a sub-five-minute mile and deadlift twice his body weight. He is currently the American OCR 3k Short Course Champion. |
 ROBERT KILLIAN “The Captain” Age 37 |
HOMETOWN: Charleston, S.C.
CURRENT CITY: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Robert is a Green Beret with 13 years of Active-Duty service and currently serves in the California National Guard. He earned the title of “Army Athlete of the Year” in 2010 for winning the military division of the Kona Ironman World Championships. Robert has competed in Ironman triathlons, marathons, winter biathlons, international orienteering, and was part of the 2016 history-making Best Ranger Competition winning team. He holds the record for the most podium finishes in the Spartan Race World Championships.
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 HUNTER MCINTYRE “The Sheriff” Age 29
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HOMETOWN: New York, N.Y.
CURRENT CITY: Malibu, Calif.
Malibu Pro Athlete and model Hunter McIntyre is one of the most dominant athletes in the sport of OCR. He is the reigning Tough Mudder X World Champion (2017 and 2018), holds six world OCR titles and is one of the highest paid obstacle course racers in the world.
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 ERIK MUKHAMETSHIN “The Beast from the East” Age 28 |
HOMETOWN: Saint-Petersburg, Russia
CURRENT CITY: Los Angeles, Calif. Considered one of Russia's leading stuntmen, Erik is one of the world's most renowned free runners. He is celebrated as the Guinness World Record holder for both the furthest and highest wall flips and has podiumed at every event he has competed in since 2017.
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 FAYE STENNING “The Canadian Crusher” Age 29 |
HOMETOWN: Alberta, Canada
CURRENT CITY: Manhattan, N.Y.
Faye is an elite athlete and OCR professional. She was #1 in the Global Ranking for Spartan Racing in 2016 and placed second in 2016 and 2018 in the Spartan U.S. Championships. Her presence is also felt globally, where she consistently podiums at the Spartan World Championships. – placing third in 2016 and fourth in 2017 and 2018. Faye was part of Team Canada who placed first in the 2018 Spartan Team World Championships. |
 ISAIAH VIDAL “The Destroyer” Age 25
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HOMETOWN: Marble Falls, Texas
CURRENT CITY: Colorado Springs, Colo. Isaiah is the most decorated OCR athlete in the world, celebrating the most wins in the history of the sport. He has competed in over 150 races, stood on the podium more than 80 times and holds the title of the youngest competitor ever to be a two-time finisher of the Spartan Death Race. He gained national attention in 2013 when he rode his bike from Austin, Texas to Killington, Vermont to compete in the Spartan World Championship. There, he placed top 10 in the world, and the next day, placed sixth in an Ultra Beast competition. |
 ORLA WALSH “The Vermaniac” Age 32 |
HOMETOWN: St. Albans, Vt.
CURRENT CITY: Burlington, Vt. A Vermont native and self-proclaimed “rough chick,” Orla’s speed, strength and endurance helped earn her the childhood nickname “The Vermaniac” for devouring her competitors. The Spartan Pro and CrossFit enthusiast is also a real-life hero who saves lives and helps others as a flight nurse. |
MILLION DOLLAR MILE comes from executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan with Fly on the Wall Entertainment, along with Lee Metzger, LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson Philip Byron with SpringHill Entertainment, as well as Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television.