Who is player 287 Mai Whelan? ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ finalist recalls being held at gunpoint at age 8
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: On the show 'Squid Game: The Challenge', Mai Whelan shared an emotional chapter from her past, recounting her childhood in Vietnam during the fall of Saigon in 1975.
"I was born in Vietnam, and I left during the fall of Vietnam in 1975. I was eight years old," Mai reflected. "And I can remember that, you know, going to the airfield where everybody, you know, all the refugees are laying down on the airfield. And being eight years old, I was, like, curious, so I had my head up, trying to see where’s the bombing coming from, or where the guns, you know, were shooting at."
“I just, a split second, I lift my head up. A soldier automatically, so quick, put the gun to my temple,” Mai revealed.
“And he was about to shoot me because, you know, he thought I was a threat. So my mother yanked me so hard to the ground. And in that split second, my life was, like, almost over. That is a moment where I would never, never forget. And that moment is like, you know, a driving moment for me to be strong.”
TJ believes Mai has the potential to win the game
During a candid discussion among the players, TJ openly expressed his belief in Mai's potential to win the game.
He confidently stated that Mai is incredibly strong, referring to her as the most formidable contestant in the competition.
TJ's admiration for Mai's strength was evident as the players deliberated on the challenges ahead, setting the stage for what could be a significant turning point in the game.
Mai betrays 'women group' after picking Chad
After the intense marble game, Amanda took the initiative to form a female alliance, recognizing that only nine female contestants remained in the competition.
She believed that women coming together, forming an alliance, and supporting each other until the end would be a strategic move. Initially, Mai was supportive of this idea, acknowledging the benefits of being part of an alliance.
However, when Mai had to choose an ally for the next challenge, the women expected her to stick to the alliance plan and select a fellow female player.
To their surprise, Mai chose Chad, expressing that she was very close to him. This decision left the other women, especially Amanda, feeling disappointed and betrayed.
Mai wants to 'comfortably retire' with the cash prize
After serving in the military, Mai transitioned to work as an Immigration Adjudicator. In this role, she assesses the immigration status of individuals aspiring to relocate to the USA. Currently residing in Fairfax County, Virginia, Mai cherishes moments spent with her family.
She expressed her desire to utilize the prize money to find a comfortable home for her retirement.
Forging meaningful friendships on the show not only propelled her progress in the competition but also garnered her widespread respect.
