NBC.com

Emmy Stamatelatos
NY vs LA Winner

Who were you expecting to be your toughest competitor? Did that hold true?
Honestly, myself. I am extremely competitive, and I push myself to the limit. If I didn't feel that way, I wouldn't have won.

Did you think the New Yorkers represented New York accurately? and those from Los Angeles?
I am the only one who represented New York accurately. Just kidding. New York as a whole represented themselves great. LA just couldn't hang. They should just stick to making burgers at "In and Out".

What stunt was the most challenging for you and why?
The second stunt with the lard. The smell was intense, and it was thick, and it sucked you down. It literally took your breath away. And then when I went onto the ice, my hands went numb instantaneously. It is so much harder than it looks. When you watch it on TV you think it's so easy, but actually being there and doing it is completely different.

Did you have any phobias going into the competition?
Yes, I can't stand heights. Two of the three stunts happened to involve heights, and during my last stunt, to be honest, I was feeling a little uncomfortable with the heights...but I didn't let on because my gut instinct told me I had this in the bag.

What was better: competing against your fellow New Yorkers in the first stunt or teaming up with a fellow New Yorker later in the show?
I actually liked being teamed up with a New Yorker versus LA. It set off more adrenaline for me. Felt like family somehow, and it encouraged me to win.

Did winning a custom-made Metropolitan Chopper encourage you to go the distance and win the show?
Absolutely. The bikes are great and knowing there was a gift at the end makes you want to fight harder to win. Getting a small taste of victory in the middle of the show added more fuel my fire. Plus, I was impressed with the Metropolitan Choppers, they were definitely custom-made.

Other than winning, what was the best part about your Fear Factor experience?
I know my dad's presence was with me, and it gave me a complete sense of security. Not only did that have everything to do with winning, it made me feel safe doing these extremely difficult stunts. I can't explain it, but it was pretty powerful. Right before each stunt I held my dad's Mass card. I liked that part of the experience.

What will you do with the $50,000?
What money? I blew it in Vegas on red, I was trying to double up.