Former Olympian’s staggering Survivor weight loss revealed

She won the title of sole Survivor and $500k – but Olympian Liz Parnov paid a price for her 47 days on Survivor.

Former Olympic pole vaulter Liz Parnov won this season of Survivor during Monday night’s episode, after taking out her closest “frenemy” George just before the final three.

Parnov spoke to news.com.au hours before the finale aired – and only shortly after she herself had learned that she actually had won the season.

“I’m still in so much shock, trying to grasp the whole concept of that amount of money,” she said of her instant $500,000 windfall.

Liz is now $500k richer.

She credits her Olympic training with helping her endure Survivor.

“I’d love to use the money to look after my parents and my family, to give back to all those people that have supported me through my whole career as an athlete.”

It’s not all sensible selflessness though – Liz said she was also planning a lush European holiday with her partner Daniel: “I want to go to Paris!”

Liz’s win came after she decimated fellow top three players Gerry and Matt as they made their final pitches to the jury. She said she felt “confident” heading to that final tribal, but “never 100 per cent sure that it was going to be me. The jury was stacked with original heroes, so I knew it would be a challenge to win votes, but I think I executed my pitch perfectly”.

Earlier in the finale, Liz had won the gruelling final immunity challenge, clocking up more than four hours standing in a crucifix pose on a cross, as sharp rods were pushed further and further into her back.

It was the final torture in what had been a punishing 47 days, both physically and mentally. Liz said she shed around 10kg from her already small frame during filming.

Liz early last year, before going on Survivor.

Liz in the final stages of the season.

And during the final challenge.

“I really struggled a lot with the lack of food, and at this point in the game, you can see my body’s quite gaunt and all my bones are showing,” she said.

“But mentally, I was just so blurred by the tactics that it was really difficult to see what’s truth and what’s lies. That took a massive toll on me.”

One key component of Liz’s win was her successful ousting of massive player George earlier in the finale. Pulling him in for a goodbye hug, she whispered in his ear: “I finally got you.”

“It was frustrating nobody took a strike on George earlier in the game, but he was such a big player that I sat behind him and used him as a shield,” she explained.

“Once he turned on Shonee, I knew it was extremely important that I get my revenge, but I had to wait for the right moment. I knew if I didn’t, I’d be screwed.

“I waited until I had George in his most vulnerable position – and then I got rid of him.”

Originally published as Former Olympian’s staggering Survivor weight loss revealed