FULL INTERVIEW: Tara Lipinski Gets Real About 'The Traitors,' Secret Alliances, and Life After the Castle

A first-time reality star reflects on pressure and purpose.

Since stepping into The Traitors castle, Tara Lipinski has watched herself navigate an entirely different kind of competition – one driven by trust, strategy, and emotional stakes rather than scores or medals.

In this uncut, unfiltered Q&A, OK! Editor-in-Chief JACLYN ROTH sits down with the Olympic skater-turned-analyst to talk about entering reality TV for the first time, hiding a real-life friendship with Johnny, and forming unexpected bonds that made the experience hit deeper than she ever anticipated.

And as the conversation unfolds, Tara also opens up about confidence off-camera – from embracing a lighter makeup approach to the skincare routine that keeps her glowing long after the game ends.

JACLYN: I’m watching The Traitors this season and I’m obsessed. I’d love to hear about your experience, because this was obviously a whole new world for you.

TARA: It was wild. I mean, I’ve never done reality before. Johnny had a little experience with it, so this was my first time. But at this age, I really wanted to go into the game, into the castle, and promise myself I was going to stay true to who I am. Johnny and I are not reality stars – we don’t have personas we put on. We’re athletes and analysts.

For me, it was important to play the game with integrity and values, even though some of the situations are crazy. But I’m also a competitor, so I love a game and strategy. Watching it back, I’m proud of how under the radar I stayed. There’s a fine balance, because if you’re too under the radar, you’re suspicious or just someone people vote off.