Millionaire musher?
In her biography on the Yukon Quest Web site, Wasilla veteran Kelley Griffin listed “game-show contestant” as her occupation. Kelley was sitting at my table during the Start Banquet, so I asked her about it.
It’s true.
Last fall, Kelley appeared on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” She flew to New York, at her own expense (she said she used frequent flier miles and stayed with a friend in New Jersey.) Contestants on the show have to pass an exam before they’re considered to appear on the show. Kelley made four consecutive appointments to pass the exam, which she did on the third try. Then, she said the magic words, “Alaska” and “Iditarod,” (she’s an Iditarod veteran) and was accepted to appear on the syndicated show.
Although she said it only takes answering 15 questions correctly to win $1 million, she didn’t get quite that far during her appearance in October 2005. The show aired in December. However, she brought home $25,000 after answering questions about the moon’s gravitational pull and the origin of the term ‘jodphurs,’ among others, and was very pleased with her showing.