Last Gasp

Last Gasp is a recurring endurance challenge in Survivor. The challenge debuted in Palau and has since appeared in Micronesia, Caramoan, Survivor 43, and Survivor 44, as well as multiple international franchises.

Rules

The players must swim under a steel grate and stay above the water. As the tide rises, the players will run out of breathing room. If the fear of drowning becomes too much, that person can bail out. The last person remaining under the grate wins the challenge.

History

United States

This challenge debuted in Survivor: Palau as an Immunity Challenge. An additional stipulation noted that the first person to bail out of the challenge would be banished to Exile Island. Six minutes into the challenge, a cold and panicked Janu Tornell opted out of the challenge, and was the first person sent to Exile Island in Survivor history. Tom Westman won immunity, though his immunity had no effect due to Janu quitting the game at Tribal Council.

The challenge reappeared in Survivor: Micronesia as the first Immunity Challenge for the newly merged Dabu tribe. Ultimately, it came down to Jason Siska and Ozzy Lusth. Ozzy bailed out, giving Jason the immunity win.

The challenge appeared a third time in Survivor: Caramoan, it was the second individual Immunity Challenge. After John Cochran, Eddie Fox, and Reynold Toepfer dropped out in succession, only Andrea Boehlke and Brenda Lowe remained. Eventually, Andrea opted out, making Brenda the first woman to win this challenge.

The challenge was brought back in Survivor 43. Around 2 hours and 45 minutes into the challenge, the tides had subsided for a considerable amount of time, therefore the challenge was called off, with the two remaining players, Karla Cruz Godoy and Owen Knight, both declared winners.

The challenge once again appeared as an Immunity Challenge at the final seven of Survivor 44. After over 1 hour and 25 minutes, Yam Yam Arocho outlasted Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt to win his first individual challenge.

Australia

The challenge appeared as the Immunity Challenge at the final eleven of Brains v Brawn II. After an hour and 17 minutes, Kaelan Lockhart outlasted Karin Gunatilake to win his second consecutive individual Immunity challenge.

France

Quebec

Russia (Unofficial)

South Africa

The challenge appeared as the second individual Immunity Challenge of Island of Secrets. Before the challenge, the members of the Manumalo tribe were offered nachos and margaritas in exchange for forfeiting the challenge. Cobus Hugo, Jacques Burger, and Seipei Mashugane took the offer and chowed on nachos while spectating the challenge. Almost immediately, the grates were submerged underwater. After one hour in the challenge, Rob Bentele outlasted Steffi Brink to win his first individual Immunity Challenge.

United Kingdom

Winners

Gallery

Trivia

• This challenge was used in both Fans vs. Favorites seasons: Micronesia and Caramoan.
• Erik Reichenbach is the only contestant to participate in this challenge twice. He lost the challenge both times.
  • Internationally, both Shaun Hampson and Shonee Bowtell have also competed in and lost the challenge twice.

References