Bio
Marlon Alister Ried is 26 years old and is from Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. He is a student at the University of Stellenbosch where he is studying for a certificate in fitness training.
He already holds a certificate in Swedish and Indian Head massage and in 2007 will be studying for a diploma in fitness training at ETA in Stellenbosch.
He has a girlfriend named Fredeline, who is doing international studies, also at the University of Stellenbosch. Marlon lives with his parents and brother.
He is also a tennis coach and played in the Metropolitan cup for Santos in 1999. He is a Christian and says that he enjoys everything that life has to throw at him and particularly enjoys a physical challenge.
He dislikes indecisiveness, washing dishes and smoking. His philosophy in life is "live day to day because you never know what will happen".
The most physical thing Marlon has ever done was pre-season training with Hellenic in 1997.
Between 1999 and 2002 he had three knee operations - two to repair a damaged ligament and one arthroscopy.
He says that the one thing he would want most to bring with him to boot camp would be his comfy pants, ones with huge Hawaiian-type flowers on them.
He says that the last season of Fear Factor was too emotional for him, all the crying and camaraderie was a little too much.
Quote
"In my recreational time I love to cook, read, watch movies, be with my friends and play with my Jack Russell Spotty, who is only six months old.
"I entered Fear Factor II for the experience and to be able to say that I have done it and have faced my fears. I would describe myself as a natural leader and a very 'take charge' person. I have an edge over the other contestants because I'm confident, driven and extremely focused.
"I'd say that my worst fear would be drowning and that the bravest thing that I've ever done was to travel alone to the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and to Europe.
"When I need to relax I just take a time out and do some physical activity, go for a run or something.
"My greatest achievement in life is being independent, working for myself since the age of 13. The most ridiculous experience of my life was to sleep in a cemetery in the States after I had indulged a bit too much.
"My favourite film is the Lion King, my favourite TV show is CSI and my favourite food is sushi.
"I would regard the show as dangerous, but then again life itself is dangerous as you never know what can happen."