The Champions
Shane Gould, 61, broke 11 swimming world records in six different events between 1971 and 1973. The eldest competitor she’s still playing to win. “I’m a champion,” she says. “I can forage for food, I can fish … and I’m competitive.”
Mat, 42, a former dual code footy legend was the greatest point scorer in the Cronulla and Sutherland Sharks’ history, and he’s not shy about his physical prowess. As the champions meet the contenders, Mat spots 7-ft tall Heath and casually quips, “I’ve taken on bigger and I’ve seen them go to water.”
Qualifying as an elite commando at 24, Damian, 36, lost his legs in Afghanistan in 2009 and after six weeks was up and about, despite medics saying he’d never walk again. This guy has mental and physical strength that’ll be hard to beat. “I’m already a survivor.”
Steve aka Commando, 41, came 4th in the world crossfit games in 2009 beating 71 other competitors and is a force to be reckoned with. Despite his champion status, Steve is playing it cool. “I’m feeling the fear just like everyone else,” he admits. An ex-special forces fitness specialist, Steve is playing the humility card but he is a trained fighter and known for getting what he wants.
The Contenders
Heath, 33, is a builder who stands well above the champs at 7-feet tall, “I can do a lot of things others can’t do”. His height and build put him at a natural advantage, but will also make him stand out as a target. “People see me as a threat,” admits the gentle giant, and the champions will do everything to knock him out as soon as possible.
A sales rep with a big heart and a loud mouth, Anita, 50 is there to prove that anything is possible, especially at 50. But, she won’t necessarily be playing fair; “I will back stab, tell a few lies and align with whoever,” says the QLD-based sales rep. “I already feel like a winner.”
“It’s time for the hero to win,” smiles Robbie, 25 whose strategy is to play fair and win thanks to his “strong morals”. The construction manager from SA is hoping his charm and athletic ability will keep him safe.
The unlikely underdog to watch out for…
Jenna, 28, has NFL and AFL experience under her belt, and has a 2-year-old daughter to fight for. Working in the mines, she’s adept at dealing with all different personality types and by her own admission is “extremely competitive”. We’ve got our eye on this WA FIFO worker.
RELATED: Meet the Australian Survivor 2018 cast
Australian Survivor launches on Channel Ten, this Wednesday Aug 1 at 7.30pm
