Balil & Sa'eed

Balil & Sa'eed Best Friends Balil: Medical Supply Technician, 37 Cleveland, OH Sa'eed: Power Lineman, 39 Cleveland, OH The Hook: Two best friends, that happen to be Muslim. They're traveling in a race around the world, at a time when folks are more likely to judge some books by their covers. Teamwork: aaa These two seem to have a good camaraderie, but definitely different personalities. Sa'eed is more calm and relaxed, while Balil is more excitable and fearful. Hopefully the differences will compliment one another, as opposed to pull them apart during the stress of the race! Strength: aaa There wasn't much mention of physical activity or training on the part of either of these two. So I'll have to go middle of the road here. We'll have to see how they do! Experience: aaaa They both have military backgrounds, and both have done quite a bit of international traveling both together and separately. That should help them over the inexperienced travelers. These two seem like easy-going, likeable guys. I think they're both wondering if the fact that they're Muslim will flavor how they are viewed by the other racers and the other people they will be interacting with. Both expressed a desire to represent a different side of the Islamic faith than what is portrayed in the media. I think that's a fine goal, but I honestly hope these type of pre-race concerns are all behind them by the first leg or so... and they can just concentrate on, and enjoy, the race. That's one of the reasons I like this show so much. It's not so much about where people come from before the race, it's about how they handle themselves during the race. The Amazing Race is a great equalizer, and it tends to separate people by character... as opposed to gender, race, or religion. Balil & Sa'eed are both family guys, in it for the sake of their families. If they keep that in mind, I think they should do fine. If you'd like to learn more, view their official pre-show interview.