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You may remember Zavion Kotze as the blonde, full-of-life wedding planner on Survivor: Champions. Well, we chatted to Zavion about his athletic achievements and life after the show.
Most South Africans who have seen you on Survivor don't know you as an athlete. How and why did you get into athletics?
I started doing athletics at a very young age. It has always been my passion, but I'm an all-rounder. I can't do one thing. I get bored.
Is that why you entered Survivor, because you like doing different things?
Yes, I love adventure. Besides athletics and other things, I also like the pole vault and javelin. I'm a busy boy. I love everything.
We also love adventure! Tell us more about your Decathlon achievement. We sensed you weren't very happy about it.
I participated in the Decathlon at the South African Senior Athletics Championships. I was very disappointed coming in 3rd place. I under-performed as I'm still getting my body back. Survivor knocked my body back, but I've got fantastic trainers who are helping me. They're amazing!
Third place is still good though! You want to qualify for the Commonwealth Games. Tell us how you're feeling
I'm so excited but also very nervous! It would be an honour to qualify, and it would be my first major championship!
We're rooting for you! The Commonwealth Games are not the only thing you've got your eye on. You want to compete in the Gay Games. What is that about?
The Gay Games are quite fun. I want to do it because people need to realise that just because you're gay doesn't mean you're less of a contestant. There shouldn't be any discrimination. I want to go out there and show that people need to be proud of who they are! I want to prove a point.
That's the spirit! Being the all-rounder that you are, we heard that you also used to play rugby for The Sharks. That's a huge achievement. Why did you leave?
Yes, when I was younger I played for the Sharks' Sevens under 21 team. I didn't carry on with it because there were a lot of opinions and politics. I don't like that.
Focusing now on less athletic activities, you have a wedding events company. Tell us about that.
I was always exposed to wedding planning because my parents have a wedding venue in Muldersdrift. I love the industry!
Any other big plans for this year?
I can't reveal much but I'm in talks with all types of different things and might go into TV
You said that there's quite a few things you're getting into- do you think that being on Survivor has helped you gain recognition?
The main reason I entered Survivor was to change people's opinions about gay people. It was never a popularity contest for me. It has helped, though.
