Utahn to compete on new season of 'Survivor'

For the second time in two years, a Utah County resident is a contestant on CBS's hit series "Survivor."

Tyson Apostol, a professional cyclist/bike shop manager who was born in Provo, graduated from Orem High School and lives in Lindon, will be one of the castaways when "Survivor: Tocantins — The Brazilian Highland" begins on Thursday, Feb. 12.

"My (LDS) missionary experience in the Philippines, I think it affected me in a way where I can deal with diverse cultures — food, language," Apostol said in an interview recorded for CBS. "I adapted really easily, actually. I didn't ever get homesick. I mean, a lot of the other missionaries were crying at night and I never understood it.

"I think, in that way, it helped. The extreme heat there was probably similar to what it's going to be here."

Paradoxically, Apostol expressed admiration for former "Survivor" contestant Jonny Fairplay — one of the most hated castaways in the show's history. At one point, Fairplay lied about his own grandmother's death to gain an advantage.

"Physically, I'm stronger than him and I'm better looking," said Apostol, who said that he considers himself "charmingly arrogant," but others can take it as "straight, flat-out arrogance."

He said he tried out because, "I felt like I'd be good at it. Physically, I'm a competitor. I'm smart enough, I feel. I'm good with people. I don't mind roughing it for a million dollars.

"I don't have a problem lying or cheating. I think that's part of the game."

In December 2007, 22-year-old Todd Herzog of Pleasant Grove outwitted, outplayed and outlasted the other contestants on "Survivor: China" to take home the million-dollar prize.

According to the network, Brazil "will prove to be one of the most rugged locations ever visited, and the only relief from these harsh conditions will be a river oasis known as the Rio Novo." The contestants will have to deal with "scorching temperatures, torrential downpours and dangerous wildlife."

E-mail: pierce@desnews.com