The Surprising Challenge Beasts Of Australian Survivor: All Stars
While the Olympians, athletes and Gladiators of the Survivor world are celebrated for their strength and endurance, we don't often sing the praises of the modest challenge beasts.
They're the contestants who might not be bulging with muscles or talking about their favourite workout at the gym but these quiet achievers have summoned the same kind of superhuman strength as their beefier counterparts -- and we've been paying attention.
Just as physical players are often accused of having no strategy, it's assumed that the social players are weak, dead weights and it's time for us all to appreciate that the All Stars don't fit into the pre-made cookie-cutter Survivor stereotypes.
Shonee Fairfax
Shonee copped a bit of flak on the original Mokuta tribe for not pulling her weight in challenges but the Dalmatian-loving social assassin has blossomed in the supportive surrounds of the new Vakama.
After some instruction from Locky to use her hips in the ocean tug-of-war challenge, Shonee gave a shimmy and a smile before she dragged the incredibly jacked Jacqui -- a competition-level bodybuilder -- right into the sea.
Nick Iadanza
While Nick might joke about his Dad Bod or about being the Soccer Mum sitting on the sideline minding everyone's bags -- he's been proving that he's not just an All Star puzzle wizard, he's a formidable challenge threat.
Nick smashed his way through the river's fast-flowing current to grab a flag, and a point, for Mokuta as well as an incredibly proud dad reaction from Lee.
Phoebe Timmins
Social threats can be challenge threats too! Phoebe's official brand is that of a silver-tongued lawyer capable of forging relationships and thinking strategically. But she's proven to be an asset in the pool (the river), behind the tug of war rope, and during that 20 minute-plus wrestling match with former AFLW player, Abbey.
Mark 'Tarzan' Herlaar
It's usually Locky or Zach who are held up as the challenge beasts of All Stars, but we'd like to applaud Tarzan for his spectacular show of strength and gorgeous sledging while pushing that giant crate up against Harry in the hopes of scoring that elusive fish and chips reward.
"You don't need those chips, mate," Tarzan told Harry, as they both held firm in their positions.
"Yeah I do, I'm hungry! " replied Harry with a smile, even though he was dangerously close to his edge of the pontoon.
And without missing a beat, Tarzan delivered his most cutting phrase of the season so far, right before he unleashed his "old-man strength" and charged at Harry until he plopped right into the ocean.
"Well, why don't you start chewing on this?" the lime farmer asked.
Just as JLP noted, age is definitely not a disadvantage in this game and neither is keeping a few of your lights hidden well beneath your Survivor bushel.
