On the intense reality series Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, celebrities face rigorous military-style challenges designed to push them to their physical and mental breaking points. In the latest episode of Season 4, the demanding course proved too challenging for two participants, leading them to make the difficult decision to withdraw.

By the fourth or fifth day of the competition, fatigue had taken a significant toll on the remaining contestants. The instructors, known as the Directing Staff, urged anyone not fully committed to the grueling journey ahead to surrender their armbands—a clear sign of quitting. With several participants having already exited on the first day, the question arose: who would be the next to leave?

In this challenging episode of World’s Toughest Test, two contestants decided to call it quits. Former NBA player Nick Young was the first to make the tough choice. The show’s punishing challenges often result in injuries, and Nick was no exception. His knee had become severely swollen, causing him significant pain. Acknowledging his inability to continue, Nick removed his armband, signaling his departure from the competition.

A Former NBA Player Had Enough

On the most recent episode of World’s Toughest Test, not one, but two contestants chose to throw in the towel. It was former NBA star Nick Young who was the first to step forward. Given how grueling the show’s challenges are, it’s not uncommon that some participants become injured, and Nick’s knee had swollen badly. He said he was simply in too much pain to keep going, and he removed his arm band, the show’s symbol of a contestant giving up.

Prior to the moment, Rudy Reyes, part of the show’s directing staff, gave the cast a rousing speech, where he asked them if they were really up to the test:

This was apparently the turning point for Nick, who, on top of being in pain, told the cameras he was also thinking about his family back home. His wife was currently in the middle of moving homes, and that he’d learned one of his kids was also sick. “I’m ready to go,” Nick emphasized before he was released from the series.

Ravi Patel Also Packed His Bags

It seems that Nick’s exit also inspired another participant to call it quits too. One Nick announced that he was leaving, actor Ravi Patel was right behind him. Ravi gave less of an explanation for his exit, keeping his remarks relatively simple:

Ravi also left the show before entering what was going to be a five-day obstacle course. Though some thought that Ravi’s leaving was particularly abrupt, Nick later divulged that leaving together was something they had discussed privately, and once one of them made the decision, it was easy for the other to follow suit.

As of this article’s writing, there are still several celebrities still undergoing the grueling training:

• Gia Giudice (from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, daughter of Teresa Giudice)
• Kody Brown (from Sister Wives)
• Randall Cobb (NFL wide receiver, known for playing with the Green Bay Packers)
• Jessie James Decker (country singer and reality star from Eric & Jessie: Game On)
• Eric Decker (former NFL player, also from Eric & Jessie: Game On)
• Shawn Johnson East (Olympic gymnast, from Dancing with the Stars and YouTube’s The East Family)
• Andrew East (former NFL long snapper, from The East Family YouTube channel)
• Mark Estes (TikTok personality and member of the Montana Boyz)
• Chanel Iman (fashion model, known for work with Victoria’s Secret)
• Brianna LaPaglia (Barstool Sports personality, known as “Brianna Chickenfry”)
• Christie Pearce Rampone (former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team captain)

Release Date

January 4, 2023

Network

FOX