As you might imagine for a show called “Survivor,” it can be a challenging experience for those taking part. Players have to survive harsh conditions, battle with extreme hunger, and struggle through the various tasks set by the producers. Health issues can also play a part and finalist Sophi Balerdi thinks women have a particular disadvantage in the game, thanks to a bodily function that only females have to contend with while living as a castaway.
Sophi Balerdi Says That Periods Put Women at a Disadvantage on ‘Survivor’
Speaking in a video she posted to her Instagram account, Balerdi explained that having to manage their menstrual cycle while competing on the show makes it harder for women to succeed. The “Survivor” season 49 finalist detailed the challenges getting a period on the island can cause and how the behind-the-scenes team help players cope.
“Here’s the deal with the periods on Survivor,” she said. “It is a TV show where we’re actually starving. We’re actually pooping in the ocean, and I think for this reason, the women have it a lot harder. The game’s a lot harder because we have to deal with our menstrual cycle.”
“Luckily, the people behind the scenes on Survivor really care about their players,” she continued. “You’re gonna be in good hands if you ever apply. There’s a doctor on standby. There are feminine products if you need [them].”
According to Balerdi, the various symptoms associated with periods can make it more difficult for female contestants to perform at their best and to get comfortable on the island.
She added, “A lot of women get lucky in that because we’re starving, they don’t get their period at all. I was unlucky and got my period two times in the entire time that I played, so I had it in the first six days of the game, and I had it in the last six days of the game. It was very uncomfortable.”
“If you’ve got cloudy judgment, you might not take someone’s advantage, and you might lose the game,” she concluded.
Sophi Balerdi Reveals Why She Didn’t Steal Rizo’s Immunity Idol
Following criticism from some fans that she missed an opportunity to steal Rizo Velovic’s hidden immunity idol and improve her odds at winning, Balerdi took to social media to defend her actions.
“It was a planned [unanimous] vote,” Balerdi revealed. “Before tribal, Kristina told me about Steven’s Block a Vote but she didn’t know the specifics of it.”
The fact that Steven Ramm had to play his Block-a-Vote before Tribal Council due to the unique rules surrounding its use, it was effectively canceled out when Sophi tried to steal it using her own Knowledge as Power advantage. She continued, “Had I felt unsafe before tribal, I would’ve taken the idol. Had [Savannah] not won immunity, I would’ve taken the idol.”
