New Amazing Racers Include Deaf Contestant, Hollywood Screenwriter

CBS' The Amazing Race heads into its 14th season next month, which will feature the show's first hearing-impaired contestant.

Luke Adams, 23, who's been deaf since age 2, will team with his mother, Margie, to take on the world — and 10 other teams — in pursuit of $1 million. Their competition includes pairs of 4-foot-9-inch-tall brothers who are also stuntmen, former NFL cheerleaders, flight attendants, and screenwriter Mike White (Nacho Libre, School of Rock) and his father, Mel. At 68, Mel is the oldest contestant, while Luke and Amanda Blackledge, half of a dating couple, are the youngest.

The teams' 22-day global trek will span 40,000 miles and nine countries, including Romania and Siberia (both firsts for the show) and India, an Amazing Race favorite destination.

"Heading into our 14th season, I wanted to pull out all the stops," said Bertram van Munster, the show's executive producer. "We have extreme climates, intense roadblocks and less time in airports, which adds up to an exhausting course for the Racers. Whether you're a screenwriter, a Harvard graduate, a jockey or a carpenter, this Race will test your stamina, your heart and your will to win."

The Amazing Race 14 premieres Feb. 15 at 8 pm/ET.
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