Gavin Whitson Biography
Gavin Whitson is an American YMCA Program Director who was a finalist on the May 15 2019 finale of Survivor: Edge of Extinction.
Whitson was one of the five finalists of the game along with Rick Devens, Lauren O’Connell, Julie Rosenberg and Victoria Baamonde and Chris Underwood who joined the five on the season finale and went ahead to win the prize.
Whitson said that his work as a YMCA program director in Erwin had helped him prepare for “Survivor” by giving him problem-solving skills.
Gavin Whitson Age
Gavin is 23 years old as of 2019. He was born and raised in Erwin.
Gavin Whitson Wife
Whitson married his wife Carly on May 10, 2019. When Whitson and his wife were busy with wedding plans, he got the call to be on “Survivor: Edge of Extinction.” He then found out that the date he was to leave was two days before his wedding.
Gavin Whitson Photo
The couple decided to move their wedding, and they scrambled to change their plans. Despite the headache involved, he said all worked out and they got married.
Gavin Whitson Survivor
Gavin joined 17 other castaways to compete for the title of sole survivor and the grand prize of $1 million.
Gavin was a survivor superfan who had been applying to the show since he turned 18. He was inspired to compete in the show by other East Tennessee “Survivor” castaways who competed in the show, they included Tina Wesson, who won the show’s second season.
Other castaways from East Tennessee included Knoxville model Michael Yerger, who competed on “Survivor: Ghost Island” in 2018.
In addition to Wesson’s win in 2001, she and her daughter Katie Collins further competed on “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” in 2013.
Benjamin “Coach” Wade went on the show three times: 2009’s “Survivor: Tocantins,” 2010’s “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” and 2011’s “Survivor: South Pacific,” where he then finished as first runner-up.
Hali Ford took part in two seasons of the show — 2014’s “Survivor: Worlds Apart” and 2017’s “Survivor: Game Changers.”
Will Gavin Whitson Make It To The Final Tribal Council?
Gavin believed that that his Southern roots and accent as a part of his “Survivor” strategy would help him win the show.
If Whitson go on an immunity run, that could see him getting more respect from the jury and potentially earn a victory. His paths for him to win involved slim chances, miraculous runs and fortunate circumstances.
Gavin Whitson Survivor Season Finale
Gavin emerged runner up in the Season finale on 15th May 2019 with Julie as the 2nd runner-up. Chris Underwood who had been on the Edge of Extinction since Day 8, won the final reentry challenge and returned to the game and making it to win by a vote of 9–4–0.
Gavin Whitson Interview
Adopted from: cbs.com
Interviewer: What is your personal claim to fame?
Gavin Whitson: Five years ago I asked a girl to go out with me and she said no. One year later I asked again and she said yes. Now we are engaged and I couldn’t be happier. She is also lucky because I am a catch! It’s really an accomplishment for both of us.
Interviewer: Who or what is your inspiration in life?
Gavin Whitson: My mom and dad. They have been my support system for the past 23 years and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. They have taught me to always show kindness, no matter the situation. They have also taught me that if you truly want something in this life, you will do everything you can to get it, no matter what it takes. I am going to use the values and lessons they have taught me to play this game.
Interviewer: If you could have three things on the island, what would they be and why?
Gavin Whitson: Xbox: I can pass the time watching Netflix or playing Fortnite.
A mirror: gotta make sure I am looking sharp for everyone at home.
Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream: do I really need to explain?
Interviewer: Which Survivor contestant are you the most like?
Gavin Whitson: Keith Nale. Everyone loves Keith! I would just play more socially aware. He’s the only guy that could compete with Joe Anglim. I want to be the guy everyone is pulling for back home.
Interviewer: What’s your reason for being on Survivor?
Gavin Whitson: I have this internal drive to win the show. I listen to the theme song when I shower and I dream of winning Immunity. It’s just a burning desire I have always had. I love this show. Also, to prove to my mom I won’t be voted out first. She about died when I showed her the application. She said I would embarrass myself or pass out when I got hungry. You just wait, Mom…
Interviewer: Why do you think you’ll “survive” Survivor?
Gavin Whitson:First off, if I can survive running a summer camp with 100 crazy kids, I know I can survive on an island with 20 crazy people. That’s 80 less crazies to deal with! I’m from the south, so being outdoors is in my blood. I also bring the mindset where if you want something, you get off your ass and go get it. Nothing will be handed to you. I will earn my spot in the group.