The Amazing Race has revealed the cast of 13 pairs competing for $1 million on season 39 of the CBS reality show, premiering Sept. 30.
Among the teams of globe-trotting hopefuls is one face that might look familiar to some fans: Soccer star Ali Krieger.
The two-time World Cup champion and Olympian is entering the race alongside fellow pro athlete Joanna Lohman. And the soccer pros couldn't be more excited for the adventure of a lifetime.
"SURPRISE!! WE’RE GOING ON THE AMAZING RACE!" Krieger wrote on Instagram Aug. 12. "One of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most incredible and unforgettable experiences of my life. We laughed, pushed ourselves outside our comfort zones, and made memories together that I’ll cherish forever."
The 42-year-old noted that having Lohman as her teammate made the experience "much more special," adding, "Two former pro footballers, two queer women, two moms, two Penn Staters getting the opportunity to take on this crazy adventure together. I’m so proud of what we represent and that we get to show up exactly as we are on a stage like this."
And Krieger had nothing but nice things to say about her fellow competitors.
"We were also surrounded by a cast of genuinely wonderful people who made the entire experience even more special," she concluded. "So grateful we said YES to this adventure. WHAT A RIDE!!! And I can’t wait for you all to come along with us!"
As for who Krieger and Lohman will be facing off against as they travel 25,000 miles across the globe through nine countries and five continents?
The season 39 cast also includes pairs of siblings, married couples, childhood best friends and even a grandfather-grandson duo from San Diego, among others.
And, of course, host Phil Keoghan returns at the show's helm.
Plus, this season features an exciting twist. For the first time in Amazing Race history, there are 13 Express Passes in play, forcing each team to strategize when best to use their pass by the end of leg six.
Keep reading to learn more about the 13 teams competing on season 39.
Dafina, 52, and Saran, 51, are best friends from Chicago.
Doug, 73, is the grandfather of 19-year-old college student Dylan. Both live in San Diego.
Katie (26, esthetician) and Charlotte (20, esthetician) are sisters who hail from Murray, Ky.
Mom Ann-Marie, 56, is a healthcare executive and daughter Riley, 29, works as a marine officer.
Daisha, 28, and Dalton, 27, are Alabama-based videographics who are dating.
Krieger, 42, is a two-time World Cup champion (2015 and 2019), as well as an Olympian (2016).
Meanwhile, Lohman, 44, played professional football for the US Women’s National Team, Washington Freedom, Philadelphia Independence, Boston Breakers and the Washington Spirit.
Michelle (31) and Matthew (36) are married parents from Rutherford, N.J.
Jody, a 44-year-old history teacher, and Jenn, a 44-year-old forensic scientist, are best friends and moms from New England.
Zach (30, car salesman) and Nate (27, director of sales) are brothers from Dallas.
Father Anuar, 58, makes a living as a developer while daughter Andrea, 25, is a medical student.
Conner and Garrett, both 27, are childhood friends.
Erin, 28, and Javi, 30, are a husband-wife duo from Fort Lauderdale.