Physical: 100’s Singaporean Contestant Elaine Wong Shares Her Experience, Says She Wasn’t Set Up to Fail

When facing off against national athletes double her size, Elaine Wong knew her chances were slim in Netflix’s Physical: 100, but she still gave it her best shot. Speaking with AsiaOne on Feb 6, Wong, a 34-year-old Singaporean actress, shared her experience competing against some of South Korea’s strongest athletes.

“Most of them were hunky and chunky,” she said with a laugh. “Even the girl in front of me was, too. I thought, ‘Oh my god, should I just quit?’” Wong, weighing only 42kg, admitted that compared to these muscle-bound opponents, she wasn’t on the same level.

Physical: 100 pits athletes and individuals from all walks of life against each other in extreme physical challenges. With national athletes, MMA fighters, and bodybuilders competing, Wong — who keeps fit with pilates and regular gym workouts but doesn’t train for heavy lifting — found herself outmatched.

During the first challenge, contestants had to hang from metal bars over a pool, with the objective being to hold on the longest. Despite having a fear of heights and water, Wong managed to hang on for several minutes, finishing around 80th out of 100 participants. “I’m proud of what I did, even though I was scared,” she said.

In the second challenge, participants who placed higher could choose their opponents. With her smaller size, Wong became a target. She jokingly told her stronger opponents, “Please don’t hurt me, we’re all friends!” She ultimately faced off against fitness YouTuber Shim Eu-ddeum in a one-on-one battle and, despite her best efforts, was eliminated.

Though she didn’t advance, Wong doesn’t view her time on the show as a failure. “I don’t think I was cast to fail,” she said. “I still believe I won. Every opportunity is something you have to grab. It shows that hard work pays off, and it’s pushed me to work even harder.”

Now gaining recognition from the show, Wong feels even more motivated. “It’s like buying a lottery ticket. You don’t know when you’ll win, but this is my consolation prize. I still want more, and I’ll work for it.”

Through her journey on Physical: 100, Wong has proven that even in the face of insurmountable odds, giving your best effort is a win in itself.