NBC.com

April Steiner
Thanksgiving Winner

How did you get on the show?
Through an email casting call hosted by Netzero Internet. I applied through this special casting competition as I thought it would narrow the field and increase my chances getting on the show. It worked!

Who were you expecting to be your toughest competitor? Did that hold true?
I thought Landon and that did not hold true. I think mentally he played a pretty strong game, you couldn't read him that well, but one of his fears came out during the show that I didn't expect. He doesn't like to be under the water for too long and it killed his game. I think he had the most heart, and I was nervous because of this that he would be the hardest to beat.

What stunt was the most challenging for you and why?
The very last stunt was the most challenging. I don't like being under water either, but this last summer I did a lot of swimming and underwater training so I benefited from all the work. But it was the most challenging because we were under there for so long.

Did you have any phobias going into the competition?
Not really. Again, the water challenges are the hardest just being I don't really enjoy swimming even recreationally. If it is for my pole vault training, I'll do it, and if it is for $50,000 I'll also do it!

Other than winning, what was the best part about your Fear Factor experience?
The whole thing was amazing, the process, the behind the scenes, meeting the producers and all the people behind the show that make it happen, it was just fascinating.

What will you do with the $50,000?
It is all going towards my training for the 2008 Summer Olympics. As a pole vaulter, it is too difficult to train properly and to work at the same time. Fear Factor is like my sponsor now.

Did you think being on the Thanksgiving special was more difficult than participating on a regular show?
I think it was more challenging because of all the water. I have never been on the ocean like that before. There were long days at sea. Sea sickness was also a factor, but not a fear for me!