Gary Stritesky

Gary 'Papa Smurf' Stritesky was a 55-year-old School Bus Driver from Ramsey, Minnesota when he competed on Survivor: Fiji as the oldest contestant of the season and the only person who applied rather than being recruited. A Vietnam veteran who attended St. Cloud State University and worked various jobs including 14 years as a barber, Gary won 5 challenges with the dominant Moto tribe before his body had a severe allergic reaction to bug bites. He was forced to quit the game on Day 10 due to medical reasons, becoming the first quit of the season. Gary got a Survivor: Fiji tattoo after the show and attended the 10-year anniversary party.