The Gold Coast Bulletin

MATT ONLY HAS SURVIVAL ON HIS MIND

- ASHLEIGH JANSEN

FROM the sparkling shorelines of Surfers Paradise to the serene surrounds of Samoa, this local Gold Coast hero is set to take on one of the world’s toughest TV shows – Australian Survivor.

Having applied for the show pre-Covid, Matt Sharp’s time has finally come, making his TV debut with the very fitting season, Heroes V Villains.

The 29-year-old has worked as one of the Gold Coast’s profession­al lifeguards since 18, starting out as a nipper and volunteer in his younger years in South Australia.

Now calling the Gold Coast his forever home, Matt is set to represent “one of the best teams in the world” – the Gold Coast lifeguards.

He will join the heroes team which includes co-founder of mental health and suicide prevention organisati­on LIVIN Sam Webb and last season’s winner chronic pain researcher Hayley Leake.

“As a lifeguard, we’re always watching and looking for different things in the water, whether it’s someone in trouble or something that’s happening out of the normal,” Matt said.

“On the show I try and use those skills to see things before they may happen and try to pre-empt what other people may do.

“The skills I’ve learnt lifeguardi­ng helped me build my game and made me proud to be part of the heroes tribe.

“Heroes are people that are full of trust and loyalty, people who try and do the best by others, be selfless in their actions and help others above themselves.

“A villain, well they’re just out for themselves,” he laughed.

With his first baby on the way, Matt’s ready to take on his next hero role as a dad.

The new season of Australian Survivor airs January 30 on 10.

 ?? Picture: Glenn Hampson ?? Gold Coast lifeguard Matt Sharp takes on Survivor as part of the heroes team.
Picture: Glenn Hampson Gold Coast lifeguard Matt Sharp takes on Survivor as part of the heroes team.

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