San Jose Firefighter Competes on American Gladiator

SAN JOSE, Calif. --

This season's premier of the NBC show American Gladiator will feature San Jose Firefighter Elena Maskalik as a contestant.

Maskalik was one of 20 women and the only person from the Bay Area of the 35,000 entries selected to compete, show officials said.

American Gladiator challenges contestants to perform various physical trials that demonstrate athleticism and determination against action stars and stunt professionals.

During one American Gladiator competition Maskalik broke her finger but continued and completed the TV segment.

Maskalik has been a San Jose firefighter since 2006 and is committed to public service and lifelong wellness.

She embraces "fitness as a way of life" as a personal trainer and a first-degree black belt in the martial art, Shaolin Kenpo.

In high school she went to the state championships in wrestling and also participated in the Central Coast Section (CCS) championships in track and cross country.

Her weekly training includes cardio and weight lifting; but Maskalik also enjoys playing tennis, rock climbing, wake-boarding, snow skiing and bike riding in her spare time, show officials said.

For fire and life safety tips go to SJFD.org.

Copyright 2008 by NBC11.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.