Possible Clues:

• Rider in elimination stage
• Preliminary match level after lead's lost? Uncertainty that is right
• Question a long-term prisoner about one person becoming fit?
• Adjective maybe for one who's come up the hard way
• What are you doing as long term prisoner, holding one?
• Contestant who meets the basic requirements
• A survivor in the heat
• As prisoner for a long time one's kept in heat
• Finalist, perhaps