Three Days in the Wilderness: My Defender Trophy Journey

Last weekend, I traveled to British Columbia, Canada with a duffel bag and a lot of hope.

120 competitors from across the U.S. and Canada. Three days in the wilderness. Off-road driving, physical challenges, navigation, and problem-solving in some of the most beautiful terrain I’ve ever seen.

Yesterday, JLR Land Rover announced I’m one of six U.S. finalists for the 2026 Defender Trophy.

Next month, at Destination Defender in New York, they’ll announce which two Americans advance to the Global Final in Africa this October to represent the USA.

I’m grateful for the opportunity — and ready for what comes next.