Netflix's Physical 100: Italy eliminations – Who's out, who's still in and what are the challenges?

From Olympic athletes to professional athletes and celebrities, 100 participants entered the arena of Physical 100: Italy, aiming to showcase their ultimate physique and endurance through challenging fitness tasks. The Italian adaptation of Netflix's hit show Physical: 100 premiered on September 11, with the initial three episodes quickly reducing the field from 100 participants to 40.

Among the contestants are revered figures such as swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Olympic diver Tania Cagnotto, former international rugby player Mirco Bergamasco, Olympic gymnastics champion Jury Chechi, kickboxer and TV personality Elisabetta Canalis, and former rugby player Alvise Rigo, alongside content creator Luis Sal. However, even the most renowned athletes face elimination as the challenges intensify.

"Physical 100" operates as a single competition with no distinction between male and female categories. Contestants are diverse in age, ranging from 22 to 60, and hail from various sports backgrounds. Approximately 1,000 potential participants were interviewed before the final 100 were chosen. The group includes Olympians, MMA fighters, bodybuilders, CrossFit and Hyrox athletes, individuals from swimming, rugby, gymnastics, kickboxing, triathlon, wrestling, and American football.

The competition begins with all 100 contestants standing in the Hall of Busts, each represented by a statue of their torsos. The first challenge tests one of the central themes of "Physical 100": different body types possess distinct advantages depending on the task. Contestants are suspended above a swimming pool and must remain on a structure for as long as possible, showcasing their grip, upper-body strength, and stamina.

Gymnast Jury Chechi excels in this endurance test, dominating the competition with his prowess in the still rings discipline. Breakdancer Mattia Schinco and CrossFit athlete Elisa Fuliano also perform admirably, while strongman Andrea Invernizzi, powerlifter Mauro Oldani, bodybuilder Gabriele Di Via, and skeleton racer Valentina Margaglio struggle to survive the challenging conditions.

The low-scoring 20 contestants are immediately eliminated, leaving 80 competitors to continue. The next challenge features 80 contestants divided into two groups, with the top 40 contestants selecting opponents for a one-on-one duel in one of two arenas. One arena tests speed and agility, while the other focuses on strength and endurance.

Contestants have three minutes to fight for possession of a ball, and the loser is out of the competition. Notable eliminations include Olympic champion Chechi, who is outmatched by MMA fighter Ivano Salerno in the agility arena, and gymnast Andrea Cingolani, who surprisingly defeats bodybuilder Beatrice Beni in a one-on-one duel.

As the competition progresses, the remaining 40 contestants must adapt to teamwork and strategy, as team selection and cooperation become increasingly important. New episodes of "Physical 100: Italy" are released across eight episodes, with episodes one to three airing on September 11, episodes four and five on September 18, episodes six and seven on September 25, and the finale on the following episode.