Inside Netflix's Physical 100: Italy: Who Survived the Gruelling Fitness Challenges?

From Olympic champions to rugby players, fighters and celebrities, 100 contestants entered the arena in Physical 100: Italy, hoping to prove they have the ultimate physique and stamina to face gruelling fitness challenges. The Italian spin-off of Netflix's hit South Korean reality competition Physical: 100 had its premiere on September 11, with the first three episodes immediately cutting the field from 100 contestants to 40.

Among those taking part are swimming great Federica Pellegrini, Olympic diver Tania Cagnotto, former international rugby player Mirco Bergamasco, Olympic gymnastics champion Jury Chechi, kickboxer and television personality Elisabetta Canalis, former rugby player Alvise Rigo and content creator Luis Sal.

But, as with the original series, sporting pedigree and celebrity offer no protection once the challenges begin. In the show, 100 men and women known for their physical prowess compete in a series of challenges testing strength, endurance, speed, agility, strategy and mental resilience. There are no separate men's and women's categories, meaning contestants can compete directly against each other regardless of gender.

For Physical 100: Italy, locally titled Physical Italia: da 100 a 1, the contestants range in age from 22 to 60, and come from a variety of sporting backgrounds. Netflix said more than 1,000 potential contestants were interviewed before the final 100 were selected, competing for a €100,000 prize.

The competition begins in the Hall of Busts with an endurance test where contestants are suspended above a swimming pool to test their grip and stamina. While strongman Andrea Invernizzi, powerlifter Mauro Oldani, bodybuilder Gabriele Di Via and skeleton racer Valentina Margaglio struggle, CrossFit athlete Elisa Fuliano emerges victorious by staying on the bar for over an hour and 27 minutes. The bottom 20 contestants are eliminated.

The second major test is the one-on-one challenge, where the remaining 80 contestants battle for possession of a ball within three minutes. Notable matchups include MMA fighter Ivano Salerno defeating Olympic champion Jury Chechi, and bodybuilder Beatrice Beni beating gymnast Andrea Cingolani. Content creator Luis Sal and TV personality Canalis also lose their duels, bringing total eliminations to 60 and leaving 40 competitors.

Next is the Forgotten Temple challenge, where eight teams of five build a bridge and transport sand bags. Losing teams are eliminated, but a redemption challenge called the Pillars of Hercules allows Alvise Rigo to bring his team back. However, team leaders must then eliminate one member of their own group, leading to the departure of Marco Begalli, Emanuele Bruno, Tommaso Fragassi, Pietro Checchi and Sara Del Prete, with the four rejected contestants forming a new fifth team led by Bruno, leaving 20 contestants remaining.

Physical 100: Italy consists of eight episodes released across four Fridays, with the finale scheduled for October 2.