Hall of Fame Moment – Shii Ann Huang: A Triumph of the Will

It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Shii Ann Huang would be the 12th person voted out on Survivor: All-Stars and the third member of the jury. After all, since the two tribes merged, Shii Ann saw the other two members of her tribe, Lex and Kathy, sent home. And the week before, when she and Kathy tried to get one of the ex-Chabogas to switch sides, they didn’t even get a nibble of interest.

Her strategy to stay in the game was a simple one: she needed to win immunity.

Her lowly position in the tribe was reinforced over and over again. During the reward challenge, Shii Ann learned that she was deemed (tied with Alicia) the least deserving of a slot on All-Stars. Did Shii Ann get mad like Alicia did? No, she just strengthened her resolve to play harder. When the tribe went on their reward, she watched Rupert down a steak, Boston Rob devour a cheeseburger… even Big Tom at least got a potato. Shii Ann was stuck with a bowl of rice and a glass of water from camp. She still did not complain. She just joked that, of course, the Asian girl got stuck with the rice, and that it tasted better thanks to the romantic lighting.

Once the immunity challenge rolled around, everyone in camp knew their strategy. Shii Ann’s strategy was to win immunity. Everyone else’s strategy? To make sure she didn’t win immunity. The former Chaperans were confident, even cocky, on the way to the challenge. Rob said it was a great day because they’d finally be rid of Shii Ann. Rob started to talk to Big Tom about it and said, “If Shii Ann wins immunity – “ and Tom interrupted, “It’ll be a miracle.”

The rules of the immunity challenge were simple, but by no means was it an easy challenge to win. The players each stood on a log with one arm over their heads. The raised arm was chained to a bucket of water overhead. The slightest movement would send the bucket cascading down and put a player out of the game.

Sound easy? Then go ahead and stand with your arm raised over your head, and don’t move it. You’ll be surprised at how soon it starts to ache. Then factor in the fact that the contestants were tired, hadn’t had much to eat (especially not Shii Ann), that they were surrounded by bugs, and that it was raining.

That was the challenge that Shii Ann faced. And look at her competition! She was up against Alicia, an incredibly buff physical trainer, not to mention powerhouses Rupert and Rob. But one by one, the other players dropped their arms until Shii Ann was left standing next to Rupert. On the sidelines, Jenna actively rooted against Shii Ann, telling Rupert to hold steady and noting that Shii Ann’s arm seemed to be moving. Was Shii Ann discouraged? Did she quit? No, she held her position.

Shii Ann and Rupert battled it out for over two hours. Finally, Rupert faltered, and Shii Ann won her much needed immunity!

By winning that immunity, Shii Ann richly deserves a Hall of Fame Moment. Shii Ann knew she was in trouble. It could not have been more obvious that the rest of the tribe wanted to send her packing and that her only hope of survival was to win immunity. The immunity challenge was tough, but Shii Ann hung in there to win it. She beat out three players who were unquestionably physically stronger than she was. How did Shii Ann come out on top? Without a doubt, it was almost all willpower. Shii Ann knew what she had to do, kept her concentration, and used her guts and determination to win.

It’s entirely possible that Shii Ann only delayed the inevitable, and that she’ll be voted out at the next tribal council. But in that one moment, Shii Ann showed such strength – both inner and outer – that there is no question that this moment deserves a place in the Reality TV Hall of Fame.

Betsy is the Associate Editor of RealityNewsOnline and can be reached with any comments at betsyw42@hotmail.com.

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