REGINA — The TV series Survivor has long been a staple in Regina resident Jake Latimer’s home, and now it’s become reality as he competes in the latest season of the American prime-time show.
Growing up in Regina, Latimer and his brother participated in challenges set by his mom after watching the latest episode of the series.
“Whoever won that challenge would get the first piece of dessert or something like that. I always won. I always beat my brother,” Latimer said in an interview with SaskToday.
Despite moving away from Regina, Latimer and his family always talked about Survivor.
Latimer decided to apply for the show online and later got a call saying he would be part of the 49th season.
However, filming for the show was set to take place during the time Latimer’s wife, Louise, was set to give birth to their baby boy.
“[I told her] I can bow out of this, I can be here for the birth. And she said, ‘no, don't be silly, you're going on the show, the baby's going to be here when you get back, you're going to come back with a million bucks.”
Latimer said the birth of his child was on his mind every day, but he didn’t let it distract him.
“I used it as a motivational factor.
“I wanted to be out there as long as possible. Obviously, the goal is to win the million dollars.”
While this season is already special for Latimer’s family, it will be the last time his father can watch Survivor.
Latimer’s dad was diagnosed with glaucoma, a group of eye diseases which can cause loss of vision or blindness.
His dad has until the end of the year before he becomes completely blind, Latimer said.
“So this just makes this new season of Survivor even more special.”
During his time on the show, Latimer said the biggest hurdle was dealing with the heat.
“Jeff Probs (Survivor host), did come off the record saying that it was the hottest season of Survivor in the history of the show. If I could guess, it was plus 40 every single day.”
Latimer also admitted to feeling times of starvation, but not letting that affect him mentally.
In terms of winning Survivor, Latimer said there are many different ways to win.
“You've seen villains when you've seen heroes when you've seen, like to win the show, you just got to outwit, outplay it, outlast.”
The new season of Survivor premieres Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. CST on CBS and Paramount+.
