Nina Acosta

 was a contestant on

Profile
Name (Age): Nina Acosta (51) Tribe Designation: Salani Current Residence: Clovis, Calif. Occupation: Retired LAPD Officer Personal Claim to Fame: Receiving a full ride basketball scholarship to Santa Clara University, finding the perfect husband and, of course, my kids. 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. Hobbies: Working out, cooking, gardening and target shooting. Pet Peeves: I hate whining, being called a “girl” and rude drivers. 3 Words to Describe You: Tenacious, competitive and confident. SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Stephenie LaGrossa, because she was tough and stood up for herself, and Sue Hawk, because she spoke her mind. Reason for Being on SURVIVOR: 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. Why You Think You'll "Survive" SURVIVOR: I thrive on being a team player; I have a never-quit attitude and I can deal with pain and discomfort. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole SURVIVOR: 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.

Survivor: One World
As the oldest member of the all-female Salani tribe, Acost was not seen as a person that was wanted by the majority alliance, created by Alicia Rosa, Kim Spradlin, Kat Edorsson, Chelsea Meissner and Sabrina Thompson.

She recieved a severely brused face after the first Immunity Challenge where they had to jump off a high structure and land on a rope net. They lost this challenge due to the injury of Kourtney Moon who broke her wrist and because of this, the Salani tribe was sent to Tribal Council but was not required to vote anyone when Kourtney's injury required longer medical attention.

At the second Immunity Challenge, Salani miserably lost in large part to Kat's unnecessary jumping off the balance beam, to Nina's chagrin. Nina was displeased by Kat's dismal performance and apparent immaturity, and called their tribe "witless." At Tribal Council, Nina told the tribe she was physically apt for the challenges, and called Kat out for her lack of life experiences. Depsite her attempt to sway the vote to her cause, Nina became the second Salani member to leave the game after a 6-1-1 vote.

Trivia

 * Nina is the oldest female contestant of the season, and second oldest overall behind Tarzan Smith.