Nina Acosta from "Survivor: One World" is one of the contestants on Season 24 of the CBS reality competition series. She is a 51-year-old retired LAPD officer from Clovis, California. She starts off the season as part of the Salani tribe.
Nina Acosta ("Survivor 2012") describes herself as tenacious, competitive and confident. She is proud of receiving a full ride basketball scholarship to Santa Clara University, finding the perfect husband and, of course, her kids. She enjoys working out, cooking, gardening and target shooting. Her pet peeves include whining, being called a "girl" and rude drivers.
Who is her inspiration in life? "My mom — she was a feminist before it was acceptable. She taught me to be confident and encouraged me to pick sports over cheerleading."
Which "Survivor" contestant does she consider herself to be most like? "Stephenie LaGrossa, because she was tough and stood up for herself, and Sue Hawk, because she spoke her mind."
Acosta applied to be a contestants because, "I want to prove that a 50+ year-old woman can compete. I love challenges, both physical and mental. The money would also be a great help to my kids with college."
She thinks she'll survive on the show because, "I thrive on being a team player; I have a never-quit attitude and I can deal with pain and discomfort." She believes she will ultimately win because, "In 1991 and 1993, I competed for the S.W.A.T. Team. Both times the two week tryouts took place in Camp Pendleton and I was the only woman competing against 19 men. There were 40 S.W.A.T. officers judging the process. Neither the competitors nor the S.W.A.T. members wanted me there. I had to mentally, emotionally and physically challenge myself everyday."
Nina Acosta ("Survivor 2012") describes herself as tenacious, competitive and confident. She is proud of receiving a full ride basketball scholarship to Santa Clara University, finding the perfect husband and, of course, her kids. She enjoys working out, cooking, gardening and target shooting. Her pet peeves include whining, being called a "girl" and rude drivers.
Who is her inspiration in life? "My mom — she was a feminist before it was acceptable. She taught me to be confident and encouraged me to pick sports over cheerleading."
Which "Survivor" contestant does she consider herself to be most like? "Stephenie LaGrossa, because she was tough and stood up for herself, and Sue Hawk, because she spoke her mind."
Acosta applied to be a contestants because, "I want to prove that a 50+ year-old woman can compete. I love challenges, both physical and mental. The money would also be a great help to my kids with college."
She thinks she'll survive on the show because, "I thrive on being a team player; I have a never-quit attitude and I can deal with pain and discomfort." She believes she will ultimately win because, "In 1991 and 1993, I competed for the S.W.A.T. Team. Both times the two week tryouts took place in Camp Pendleton and I was the only woman competing against 19 men. There were 40 S.W.A.T. officers judging the process. Neither the competitors nor the S.W.A.T. members wanted me there. I had to mentally, emotionally and physically challenge myself everyday."