Olympian Liz Parnov win Australian Survivor: Heroes vs Villains

Liz Parnov has won Australian Survivor: Heroes vs Villains during Monday night’s grand finale. 

As well as the top honour, the Russian-born athlete walks away with  a whopping $500,000 in prize money.

‘I actually cannot believe it. I can’t believe I’m here. And I can’t believe I won’ she said after her victory. 

‘My strategy to get to the end was to play hard, to take risks and to push myself physically, socially and mentally’ the pole vault champion added. 

‘Honestly, playing in Survivor is 10 times harder than going to the Olympics.’

Liz Parnov (pictured) has won Australian Survivor : Heroes vs Villains during Monday night’s grand finale

Finalists George Mladenov, Liz Parnov, Matt Sharp and Gerry Geltch went head to head at a heated Tribal Council. 

It then came down to just three, with Liz, Matt and Gerry pleading their cases to their co-stars. 

Liz spoke up: ‘I wanted to come into this game and be bold and take risks and just YOLO it. And I did that. 

‘And look at where I am. I have played a far more exciting game sitting next to me’ the sportswoman went on. 

‘I didn’t have time to build shelters, make fires. I was at Tribal Council every second night using that strategy that I had learnt to succeed in this game and get a day in deeper. I’m the last-standing Villain. 

‘I’m the last-standing first-time female player. I took down the game’s biggest villain, and I perfectly balanced being a hero, wearing a purple, glittery Villains cape and that is why I am in pole position to be Sole Survivor’. 

Host Jonathan LaPaglia told the group: ‘Congratulations to the three of you. It is no small feat to get to where you are. You should all be very proud.’

Liz is a decorated athlete who has competed for Australia in the pole vault at the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.