Amazing Race’s Bridget and Ernest Cato Recall Getting Caught Up With Trying to ‘Pass’ Other Teams (Exclusive)

A Thrilling Start and an Unexpected Setback

Bridget and Ernest Cato, a father-daughter duo, kicked off their journey on The Amazing Race in Japan with a strong lead, securing the first flight from Hong Kong to Osaka alongside two other teams. Despite being in first place, they remained unaware of their position, believing other teams like Carson, Jack, Brett, and Mark were ahead. Upon arriving in Osaka, they were surprised to find themselves at the front of the pack at the starting challenge. However, their excitement was short-lived, as the return of the Intersection twist threw a wrench in their momentum.

The Intersection, a challenge that hadn’t appeared on the show since 2010, required teams to pair up to complete a task. Bridget and Ernest were thrilled to partner with Brett and Mark, but the collaboration quickly turned into a stumble. Ernest, who admitted to lacking rhythm, struggled with the taiko drum routine, a task that came naturally to Mark, a performer from Las Vegas. While Ernest and Mark managed to finish, their performance was far from flawless, causing both teams to fall behind.

The Uphill Battle After the Intersection

Despite the setback, the group didn’t let their spirits sink. Bridget, Ernest, Brett, and Mark realized they weren’t too far behind the leading teams as they left the drum challenge. Their next task was a Detour, where they had to choose between making mochi or wrapping a sumo wrestler’s mawashi uniform. Both teams opted for the sumo task, hoping to make up lost time.

While Brett and Mark managed to push ahead, Ernest and Bridget found themselves stuck. The pressure of being in last place weighed heavily on them, and their focus on catching up may have been their undoing. Ernest reflected that had it been a foot race, they might have fared better, but the demands of the challenge left them struggling to keep up.

Regrets and Reflections on the Detour

In hindsight, both Bridget and Ernest wished they had chosen the mochi task instead of the sumo uniform. Bridget admitted that they were so excited to see other teams still working on the sumo challenge that they didn’t stop to consider how difficult it might be. “If only we had realized that the other teams were stuck, we might have switched tasks,” she mused.

Bridget also shared that after watching the episode back, she believed they could have completed the mochi task much faster. “It’s easy to second-guess in hindsight, but at the time, we were so caught up in trying to catch up that we didn’t step back to reassess,” she said. Ernest echoed her sentiments, adding that zoning in on the task at hand may have clouded their judgment.

A Bittersweet Elimination and Lasting Memories

Despite their struggles, Bridget remained remarkably positive, even as they faced elimination. “At the end of the day, I’m in Osaka, Japan, competing in The Amazing Race with my dad,” she said with a smile. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and yes, it was stressful, but I tried to remind myself how lucky we were to be there.”

The elimination was undeniably emotional, but Bridget and Ernest left the race with no regrets. They cherished the quality time they spent together and the unforgettable experiences they shared. As Bridget put it, “Not everyone gets to travel the world and compete in a game like this with their parent. It was an incredible journey, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

The Legacy of the Race and a Look Ahead

Bridget and Ernest’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of The Amazing Race and the resilience required to compete. Their journey may have ended earlier than they hoped, but their positive outlook and bonding experience left a lasting impression on fans. As Bridget said, “It’s just a game, but it’s one that taught us so much about ourselves and each other.”

For fans of The Amazing Race, the Catos’ elimination served as a reminder of how quickly the tides can turn in the competition. The show continues to air on CBS every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET and is available to stream on Paramount+ the following day. Each episode brings new challenges, twists, and emotional moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, rooting for their favorite teams.

Final Thoughts on the Race and Life Beyond

Looking back on their experience, Bridget and Ernest Cato prove that The Amazing Race is about more than just winning. It’s about the connections you make, the lessons you learn, and the memories you create along the way. While they may not have been crowned champions, their journey was one of love, laughter, and growth.

As the race continues, fans can expect more high-stakes challenges, heartwarming moments, and unpredictable twists. For Bridget and Ernest, their time on the show may be over, but the bonds they strengthened and the memories they made will stay with them forever.