Milwaukie woman headed to 'American Gladiators' semifinals

Monica Carlson notched the fastest time on the show’s obstacle course, ensuring her a spot among this season’s eight semi-finalists

By Ellen Spitaleri

The Clackamas Review, Jan 22, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Monica Carlson

submitted photo / Clackamas Review

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Those who tuned in to watch Milwaukie resident Monica Carlson compete in “American Gladiators” on Jan. 14 saw a local gal do well. Very well.

In fact, the fleet-of-foot lass blew the others out of the water, and guaranteed herself a spot in the top eight.

Here’s how it went down.

First up, Carlson and bull rider Belinda Gavin took on American Gladiators Stealth, Venom and Crush in a sort of grab the ball, run and stuff it in a bin contest. Score: Carlson 6, Gavin 4.

Then came the joust — competitors could score one point, just by staying on their feet for 30 seconds, but Carlson went one better and pushed Venom in the drink. 10 points! Gavin got herself disqualified. Score: Carlson, 16, Gavin, 4.

Carlson earned one point but was beaned in the tennis ball turret competition, while Gavin sent Helga flying. Score: Carlson 17, Gavin 14.

It was in the climb-the-pyramid contest that Carlson first distinguished herself. She evaded Stealth and became the first contestant all season to make it all the way to the top. Score: Carlson 27, Gavin 14.

Carlson earned enough points to get a 6.5 second lead over Gavin at the start of the final competition — the dreaded Eliminator.

She ran, swam, climbed and fought her way through the course, crashing through to the finish line in two minutes flat, and guaranteeing herself a place in the semi-finals.

“You have the fastest time of anyone in the contest, male or female,” Hulk Hogan told her.

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