MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Let’s Talk About Tom Swartz – PE’s Survivor Philippines Contestant

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Imagine this: You are a seriously lightweight short person that finds himself in the company of a number of brawny, gigantic, muscle laden, testorone filled, tattoo adorned, beer swilling brutes.

Tom Swartz
Tom Swartz

Said brutes are in an area NOT assigned to them for their personal use and everyone is looking at you to inform these severely intimidating gentlemen that their presence is not particularly welcome…

So, off I went to ‘evict’ these brutes, Tom Swartz being one of them…..

Long story short, my interaction with Tom and his fellow weight chuckers was a revelation in politeness and bonhomie leading to more than a few of the golden frothy things gurgling down our throats.

The occasion: The 60th SAP 5O5 World Championship Sailing Event at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club during 2015. Tom went on to become the darling of the media and sailors.

A solid guy Tom Swartz – one of those who will, at the drop of a hat (or clothes in his case – watch the application video below for naked Tom!) come to your assistance.

Fast forward to 2018 and Tom Swartz (41) is now an Adventure Camp Manager in Port Elizabeth chosen as one of the 18 South Africans contestants on Survivor Philippinnes. Who, for 39 days, on a cluster of remote islands in the Philippines, will be given their chance to outwit, outplay and outlast their countrymen.

Who is Tom? Tom says he has no airs and graces. “I am who I am tough and sensitive.”

How he prepared: He focused on a healthier diet and did plenty of cardio.

Packing essential: His hat. “I don’t go anywhere without it.”

His strategy: Tom loves the outdoors and is determined to be a provider. “I was born for this. I was raised wild and I live wild.”

What he thinks he’ll miss most: Not being able to trust anyone. “You can’t afford to [trust anyone] in the game of Survivor.”

Survivor Philippines airs on MNet from 3 May 2018 at 19h00.

Tom Swart’s Survivor Application Video:

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.