Maiya Tanaka in "Amazing Race 20" with Misa Tanaka (left)
Here is an interview with Maiya Tanaka ("Amazing Race 20"):
Describe what you do: I hit a little white ball around a manicured lawn, toward a small hole in the ground, and try to do this better than everyone else. I compete on the LPGA Symetra Futures Tour.
How will these skills help you win The Race? I'm competitive, have a lot of mental and physical talent and drive — I want to win!
Three words to describe you: Inquisitive, driven and compassionate.
Favorite hobbies: Golfing, hiking and any competitive game or activity.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Danica Patrick — she's competitive in a male-dominated sport.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate? Tia or Tamera Mowry.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Starting the girls golf team with my sister at our high school and overcoming the odds with my golf career.
What scares you most about traveling? Getting a weird disease and the food.
What excites you most about traveling? Learning about new cultures and the way others live. Expanding my perspective on the world.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We communicate very differently. Sometimes I don't understand her stubborn ways. She gets mad but then gets over it, whereas I kind of hold a grudge.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She is stubborn, and likes things to be her way or the highway.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I'd like to go to Japan, because my family is from there and I would like to learn more about our lost culture. I would also like to go to Australia or New Zealand because I love the accents!
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to build a bond with my only sister. We never get the chance to travel together, and I'd like to learn about new cultures while having the adventure of a lifetime.