Australian Survivor: Everything you need to know about model David Genat

International model David Genat is firming up as a favourite to win Survivor: Champions v Contenders. Here’s everything you need to know about him.

David Genat has certainly been playing a strategic game on Survivor: Champions v Contenders.

The successful New York-based model, 39, has established a solid position for himself this season, bolstered by his close alliance with Luke Toki — who’s also not afraid to pull out all the stops to get ahead.

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Together, the pair have gone from strength to strength using some sneaky tricks — like swapping Shaun Hampson a fake Contenders idol in exchange for a real Champions idol.

David Genat holds a solid position on the show. Picture: Ten

Going into Survivor, Genat revealed one of his major assets was his ability to forge bonds with other people — a skill he’s already used plenty of times, like managing to convince AFLW player Abbey Holmes to join his alliance and break away from the other athletes.

Basically, he’s one to watch — and we’ve loved watching him scheme his way forward so far.

Here’s everything you need to know about him:

BIG BREAK

Genat’s forged a strong career in modelling over the years, and it’s all off the back of his big win on reality show Search For A Supermodel back in 2002.

Since then, Genat’s shot campaigns all over the globe for a number of well-known luxury brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Mont Blanc and for publications including Vogue and Vanity Fair.

FAMILY

Genat is married to personal trainer Pearl Christensen, and they have three kids — Hugo, Winston and Rei.

He’s credited his wife with helping him get ahead on Survivor, explaining that she gave him solid advice before he entered the Fijian camp.

“I really got into this Wim Hof breathing technique,” he told 10 Daily. “My wife introduced me to it about six weeks before we went into this Wim Hof seminar.”

Wim Hof — also known as The Iceman — is an extreme athlete from the Netherlands who trained himself to withstand freezing temperatures and holds Guinness world records for swimming under ice.

HOMETOWN

Genat was born in Perth — and while he’s had to relocate to the US for work, he’s often spoken of how much he misses his hometown.

In a recent interview with the Claremont Quarter blog, he admitted he always felt “so healthy” being back in WA.

“I love the beaches, the food and the fresh air — I always feel so healthy being home,” he explained.

“I can definitely see myself returning permanently one day.”

HOBBIES

Genat loves jiu jitsu and Muay Thai boxing — along with vintage motorcycles.

His love for motorcycles has led him to give a helping hand to global charity The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which raises money for mental health and prostate cancer. The charity event spans 72 countries and the combined rides have raised almost $5 million for the Movember foundation.

Australian Survivor airs 7.30pm Sundays to Tuesdays on Ten.