Natalie and Nadiya Anderson

Natalie and Nadiya Anderson (born April 11, 1986), also commonly known as The Twinnies, are identical twin sisters and American television personalities, known for their appearances on both The Amazing Race and Survivor. After contending in two seasons of The Amazing Race and failing to win both times, Natalie and Nadiya took part in Survivor: San Juan del Sur. Nadiya was the first contestant to be voted out, while Natalie was crowned Sole Survivor, winning the show's one million dollar prize.

Early life

Natalie and Nadiya were born in New York City to a Tamil father and a Sinhalese mother, but grew up in Sri Lanka during the Sri Lankan Civil War.^[2] Before participating in their first season on The Amazing Race, both had moved to Edgewater, New Jersey. Natalie was studying physical therapy while Nadiya was a project coordinator for Bridge2Peace, an American educational charity operating in Sri Lanka.^[3]

Television appearances

The Amazing Race

Natalie and Nadiya first participated in the 21st season of The Amazing Race, where they called each other "Twinnie". The Andersons won two legs during the season, but were eliminated in 4th place in the second-to-last leg. They returned in the 24th season All-Stars competition, but were eliminated in the first leg of the race. ^[1]

Survivor

Natalie and Nadiya appeared as contestants on Survivor: San Juan del Sur. Natalie was placed on the Hunahpu tribe, while Nadiya was on the Coyopa tribe, as the season's theme was pairs of loved ones competing against each other on opposing tribes. Nadiya was the first contestant eliminated from the competition.^[4] Natalie remained in the game, making it into the merged Huyopa tribe, and won three reward challenges, one individual immunity, and was exiled twice. Natalie ultimately made it into the final three and was voted by the jury in a 5-2-1 vote as the Sole Survivor, winning the season's one million dollar grand prize. ^[5]

References