Matthew "Matt" Blankinship is a contestant from Survivor 44.
Entering Survivor after a recent breakup, Matt formed a romantic bond with Frannie Marin, with the pair integrating themselves into the Soka Alliance, which carried them to the merge. However, Matt and Frannie's relationship proved to be a liability once the Va Va tribe was spilt in half in a twist at the final eleven, leaving Matt at the mercy of the Ratu Alliance, who promptly seized the opportunity to split up the showmance and send Matt to the jury.
Profile[]
Retrieved from Parade.com
Age: 27
Hometown: Albany, Calif.
Current Residence: San Francisco, Calif.
Occupation: Security Software Engineer
3 Words to Describe You: Joyful, empathetic, persistent
Why do you want to be part of SURVIVOR? Ten years ago (wow!), I told everyone that would listen I was made for SURVIVOR. When it came to applying though, I chickened out. Now I want to close the loop on this unfinished business and I'm excited for the opportunity!
What's one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game? Honestly? Failing at stuff. Failing to get a job, into college, into SURVIVOR (the first time). In all those cases, I had to pick myself up and try again, and I think the best Survivors are defined by how they respond to setbacks.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like? I aspire to combine the listening and consensus-building strengths of Yul with some goofiness and youthful energy, a la Maryanne.
What will you value in an alliance partner? I think the days of riding coattails are over; everyone is too good at the game. So what I want is someone I genuinely connect with, who I can frankly and openly discuss ways to mutually benefit.
Favorite Hobbies: Taiko, music, running
Pet Peeves: People who interrupt other people
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Running a marathon. No other time in my life has so much time, sweat, and willpower coalesced into one awesome event. At least...not yet.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? Not a fan of peanut butter.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why? Both my parents have inspired and continue to inspire me. No matter what personal issue they had, they always prioritized my brother and I, which I'll always be grateful for.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor? I've got the 1-2 punch of a goofy grin and a strategic brain, with an ultra-competitive hot streak. I'll be the last one standing.[2]
Survivor[]
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| Episode | Tribe Affiliation |
Challenge | Challenge Type | Sit-Out? | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soka | Crate Wide Open | Reward | No | Won |
| Paradise Lost | Immunity | No | 1st | ||
| 2 | A Bridge You Must Cross | Reward/Immunity | No | 2nd | |
| 3 | Box Car Blues | Reward/Immunity | No | Lost | |
| 4 | Air Raid | Reward | No | 1st | |
| Leap of Faith | Immunity | No | 1st | ||
| 5 | EOC | Reward/Immunity | No | 2nd | |
| Tribes Disbanded, Day 12 | |||||
| 6 | None | No Quarter | Reward/Immunity | Won | |
| Tribes Merged, Night 13 | |||||
| 7 | Va Va | Audio Slave | Reward/Immunity | No | Lost |
| Voted Out, Day 14 | |||||
| Episode | Matt's Votes |
Voted Against Matt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soka Tribe Immune | |
| 2 | Soka Tribe Immune | |
| 3 | Ineligible1 | - |
| 4 | Soka Tribe Immune | |
| 5 | Soka Tribe Immune | |
| 6 | Ineligible1 | Individual Immunity |
| 7 | Yam Yam | Brandon, Jaime, Yam Yam |
| Voted Out, Day 14 | ||
| Voted for Sole Survivor |
Yam Yam | |
^1 In "I Can't Wait to See Jeff", Matt lost his vote at the summit, making him ineligible to vote at the next two Tribal Councils he attended.
Post-Survivor[]
- After the season, Matt and Frannie continued dating.[3]
Trivia[]
- Matt is the first contestant to be ineligible to vote at multiple consecutive Tribal Councils.
References[]
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