Naked and AfraidStar Makes History as Show’s First Double Amputee — and That's 'Pretty Damn Cool' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

After nearly 12 years pushing boundaries,Naked and Afraidwill celebrate a first on its upcoming season.The March 9 premiere kicks off with Mandy, the show’s first double amputee, taking on the survival challenge.“Ten years ago, my life was changed forever,” Mandy says in a PEOPLE exclusive clip. “I have died three times and came back from that.”Mandy was in a horrific accident that severed both of her legs, but since then, she has become the first female bilateral amputee to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.Now, she wants to show “there is life after the unimaginable,” Mandy says in the clip. “My motto is: tell me that I can’t and I will show you that I can. I get to be the first person onNaked and Afraidwith no f—-ing legs, and I think that’s pretty damn cool.”‘Naked and Afraid’ star Mandy.Discovery ChannelOnNaked and Afraid, Mandy will attempt to survive in the remote jungle and dense rainforest of Belize for 21 days, which she calls her “Everest,” with her partner Johnny. They will deal with heavy rains, swarms of mosquitos and little-to-no food and water along the way.Naked and Afraidfollows two survivalists — one male and one female — who meet for the first time when they take on the extreme challenge of enduring with no food, no water, no clothes and just one item of their choosing.‘Naked and Afraid’ stars Mandy and Johnny.Discovery ChannelThe PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!In 2022, Shanika Malcom made history as the first Black female to survive 21 days in the Chiapas rainforest. Her partner gave up after 11 days.“It means everything to me to have made history and to be an inspiration for others,” Malcom toldDiscovery. “My girls are super proud of me and I’m glad to be a living example to them and BIPOC girls everywhere. I’m also very proud of my strength and ability to persevere through this challenge. This might have been the most challenging 21 days of my life and I’m so glad I did it.”The franchise introducedNaked and Afraid: Last One Standingin 2023, which sees all-star contestants compete for $100,000. Dan Link won the second season after previously coming in second in season 1.“Sometimes, you don’t see yourself represented in the survival world if you’re a minority or a queer person,” the Hawaii resident and LGBTQ advocate toldKHON2. “It makes you wonder if you belong. But being able to be an example for others is important.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Naked and Afraidpremieres Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery Channel with two new episodes. It will also be available to stream the next day on Max and Discovery+.

After nearly 12 years pushing boundaries,Naked and Afraidwill celebrate a first on its upcoming season.

The March 9 premiere kicks off with Mandy, the show’s first double amputee, taking on the survival challenge.

“Ten years ago, my life was changed forever,” Mandy says in a PEOPLE exclusive clip. “I have died three times and came back from that.”

Mandy was in a horrific accident that severed both of her legs, but since then, she has become the first female bilateral amputee to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Now, she wants to show “there is life after the unimaginable,” Mandy says in the clip. “My motto is: tell me that I can’t and I will show you that I can. I get to be the first person onNaked and Afraidwith no f—-ing legs, and I think that’s pretty damn cool.”

‘Naked and Afraid’ star Mandy.Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel

OnNaked and Afraid, Mandy will attempt to survive in the remote jungle and dense rainforest of Belize for 21 days, which she calls her “Everest,” with her partner Johnny. They will deal with heavy rains, swarms of mosquitos and little-to-no food and water along the way.

Naked and Afraidfollows two survivalists — one male and one female — who meet for the first time when they take on the extreme challenge of enduring with no food, no water, no clothes and just one item of their choosing.

‘Naked and Afraid’ stars Mandy and Johnny.Discovery Channel

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

In 2022, Shanika Malcom made history as the first Black female to survive 21 days in the Chiapas rainforest. Her partner gave up after 11 days.

“It means everything to me to have made history and to be an inspiration for others,” Malcom toldDiscovery. “My girls are super proud of me and I’m glad to be a living example to them and BIPOC girls everywhere. I’m also very proud of my strength and ability to persevere through this challenge. This might have been the most challenging 21 days of my life and I’m so glad I did it.”

The franchise introducedNaked and Afraid: Last One Standingin 2023, which sees all-star contestants compete for $100,000. Dan Link won the second season after previously coming in second in season 1.

“Sometimes, you don’t see yourself represented in the survival world if you’re a minority or a queer person,” the Hawaii resident and LGBTQ advocate toldKHON2. “It makes you wonder if you belong. But being able to be an example for others is important.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Naked and Afraidpremieres Sunday, March 9, at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery Channel with two new episodes. It will also be available to stream the next day on Max and Discovery+.

source: people.com