Mad Dogs savage Aussies

They were mocked for their tiedye uniforms, but Nelson’s Spartan warriors have had the last laugh in a gruelling trans-Tasman obstacle battle.

Kiwi Mad Dogs Reid Carnegie, Ben Bolitho and Ethan Helliwell completed a come-from-behind effort to win the final of the TV show Australian Spartan, which screened in New Zealand last weekend.

After running, jumping, swinging and crawling their way through the heats and semifinals, the trio found themselves in the final against Australian team Smoke On The Water – much to the surprise of the show’s hosts, who included former Australian rugby league and union international Wendell Sailor.

‘‘I don’t think they expected very much from us,’’ Bolitho said.

After being singled out for their colourful attire by the show’s hosts in previous episodes, it was the clothing itself that proved the difference for the Kiwis as both teams struggled to overcome the final obstacle of the course.

Both teams were forced to think outside the box as their stamina wore down during the climb on a steep, slippery wall. The Kiwis went to the clothing that had drawn ridicule throughout the competition, to make a rope attached to Carnegie’s leg.

It was a masterstroke that allowed Helliwell and Bolitho to lift themselves past the stranded Aussies and across the finish line to victory.

The show aired in Australia late last year, almost 12 months after filming took place in Brisbane, meaning the trio had been sworn to secrecy about the result for some time.

Carnegie said there had been a massive response to the win from friends and strangers alike.

‘‘Social media’s been going a bit crazy, and all my work colleagues are giving me a bit of grief now, telling me I can’t use the elevator at work any more – I have to use the outside of the building.’’

Bolitho put the win up with Carnegie and himself representing New Zealand at the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships.

The pair also paid tribute to Helliwell’s contribution to the win. ‘‘He kept our spirits up – he was just non-stop,’’ Bolitho said.

MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF Reid Carnegie, left, and Ben Bolitho teamed up with Ethan Helliwell, inset, to form the Kiwi Mad Dogs, who triumphed in the final of Australian Spartan thanks to some sartorial ingenuity.