Former SA swimmer joins Tropika Island of Treasure

Cape Town – 23-year-old sports science student Kelly Gunnell is the sixth contestant to join Tropika Island of Treasure season 8. 

No stranger to competition the Joburger was a former South African swimmer and has won a number of medals. 

However, after double knee operations she’s been out of action, but she’s still training and aiming to get back to her former glory.

We asked her 5-quick fire question to get to know her better:

1. Who is the one person you would get stuck on an island with? 

My boyfriend, Graé - would make the survival aspect easier and the best company!

2. What’s the one thing you could never live without? 

There's no one particular "thing" that I couldn't live without, I couldn't live without my family, friends and my dogs... Oh and then there's oxygen- can't live without that!

3. If you discovered an island and could name it, what would it be?

KAG island, after my initials! 

4. How long do you think you would survive if you were stranded on an island alone? 

If I can survive TIOT8 for 2 weeks with challenges daily, I'm pretty sure chilling on the beach on KAG island will be a breeze. 

5. What will  you do with the prize money if you win?

I strongly believe that you have to back yourself in life and your passions, in order for others to back you, so I would use the money to elevate my passion for health and fitness and start up a business to aid people of all walks of life to implement a healthy lifestyle that actually fits into their lives. Having my Honors in Sport Science has given me the know-how and Tropika and the prize money will help me share that in a dream that reaches further than just me.