After weeks of difficult challenges, three local girls were eliminated Aug. 11 from ABC’s new reality show, “Expedition Impossible.”

The team was the longest lasting all-girls team on the show.

The California Girls team included Brittany Smith, 24, of Rancho Murieta, an aspiring pro golfer; Christina Chin, 24, Davis, in corporate PR at Intel in Folsom; and Natalie Smith, 25, Woodland, a teacher and coach.

“The saddest moment for us was saying goodbye to all the teams before our helicopter ride,” said Chin. “On TV you see the send off ceremony, but we had a chance to give everyone a hug and wish them luck.”

She explained her last memories.

“The night before our shelter blew away on the island, and No Limits (another team on the show) was kind enough to share their tent with us,” Chin said. “Injured Ike actually talked about how he was going to propose to his girlfriend Sarah once he got home so it’s been wonderful to celebrate their engagement as the show airs. This experience was far more than just another game or epic adventure. Expedition Impossible taught us how to conquer our fears and limits through teamwork and community.

“I’ve said it many times, but we were honored to get beat by No Limits,” she said. “It’s all too easy to torture yourself over losing a two hour lead on an evacuation day. We always have to remind each other that we exceeded our original goal of being the last all-female team, and I could not have asked for better people to race ahead. We are their biggest fans.”

The athletic friends met at UC Davis, where they were all recruited to compete for the school. So when an adventurous opportunity opened for the three friends, they were up for the challenge.

“It’s a brand new show so we didn’t know what to expect,” Brittany said.

Christina Chin started working at Intel in Folsom in 2008.

“The most difficult thing about the show was the level of endurance it required,” Chin said. “It was like running a half marathon everyday.”

Brittany said it was definitely a difficult experience; however her competitive personality is what kept driving her.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but I was up for it,” Brittany said. “If something is deemed impossible, I’m up for it.”

Friends of the teammates were disappointed to see the girls leave the show. Julie Marshall-Handley, 25, and Janie Marshall, 29, grew up with Brittany.

They had regular “Expedition Impossible” parities to watch and support their friend.

“I was so sad to see Brittany and the California Girls get kicked off the show,” Marshall-Handley said. “But, I am just so proud of Brittany for all her hard work and being so courageous and such a great person.”

Brittany is now in Arizona pursuing her dreams of being a professional golfer.

“She’s such as great friend and inspiration to so many and me,” Marshall-Handley said.

Chin hopes the show encourages others to become more adventurous.

“I hope the show inspires families to acquire new skills together such as orienteering or rock climbing,” Chin said. “The girls and I trained with Doug Huffman’s Sierra School of Survival in Placerville, and we could not stop smiling the entire day. There is nothing more fun than learning something new with the people you love most.”