Survivor: The Evacuees - Russell Swan

Russell Swan
Survivor: Samoa
Spent 15 days in the game.
Finished in 14th Place

Russel Swan, the dreadlock attorney from Pennsylvania, was elected 'Leader' of the Galu by his tribemates in an earlier twist of Survivor Samoa. Despite harsh weather conditions and although he is reluctant to accept the role as leader, Russell manages motivate and encourages his team to win in challenge after challenge.

He is also a workhorse around camp. During a torrential downpour, as his tribemates seek shelter Russell is out fishing and collecting firewood. Russell is pushing himself hard to provide for his tribe.

Russell is Tired

Taking the early lead in the game led to a relaxed atmosphere back at the Galu camp. There wasn't much need for scheming and making alliances. Russell's tribe didn't have to visit tribal council until day 11.

When they finally did have to vote someone out Russell tried to convince his tribe to eliminate Monica because of her poor performance in challenges. But the rest of his tribe wants to vote off Yasmine. This infuriated Russell, as he sees this as a sign that the tribe doesn't trust him. Russell concludes that they basically already have an alliance which he is not part of. This is the only tribal council that Russell would ever visit.

At the next reward/immunity challenge, blindfolded and pushing a large sphere through the course, Russell quickly becomes winded and out breath during the competition. He is disoriented when he arrives at the table maze and is actually at the opposing tribes table. His teammate has to help guide him to the correct table. However Russell has now collapsed onto the table and is unresponsive to the calls of his tribemates. Jeff approaches as he sees something is wrong. Russell collapses further, almost falling to the ground. Jeff shouts, “Hold up!, Hold up!” “Everybody hold up! Medical!” Everyone stops.

The Survivor Medical Team rushes in to assist Russell who is now back on his feet. “I'm good”, says Russell. “He was out”, replies Jeff. Russell then collapses a second time onto the ground. The medics begin blood pressure tests as Russell continues to insist that he is fine. Probst reminds him that he passed out twice now and should relax as the medics check him out. Jeff then instructs the others to remove their blindfolds the challenge is over and sends them back to camp. He adds that they will receive further information at tonight’s tribal council. This is the first time is Survivor history that a challenge was canceled while underway with no declared winner.

Meanwhile, the medics are monitoring Russell's blood pressure, which is very low, and have now administered oxygen. The medics decide to sit Russell up to determine if he becomes lightheaded, within seconds he passes out for a third time. They reveal that his heart rate has dropped considerably. “I don't feel comfortable keeping him in, not with his heart doing what it's doing,” says the medic.

Jeff relays the message to Russell that they are pulling him from the game. “Come on, Come on,” he says through his oxygen mask. Jeff explains, “You're not doing well, I just watched your heart rate plummet.” “My family depends on me to be the strong one," said Russell. through tears. "Is this how you want this to end? " No," responds Jeff. "It's frustrating to be pulled out of a game you wanted to be part of for so long. You were in great shape, you were the leader of a tribe that was dominating, there were no signs you were going home anytime soon. You pushed and pushed your body until your body said, 'Enough.' There's nothing about that that is a quitter." Russell breaks down in tears. Russell is now the 8th contestant to leave the game due to medical reasons.

Reward/Immunity Challenge

Russell the Day After

Russell sure was a fighter and determined. Had he stayed in the game I think he could have done well. His tribe would have continued dominating in the challenges. Go into the merge with large numbers (as they did even after Russell exited the game). But difference would have been that Russell would have been able to hold his tribe together against the evil Russell Hantz. I believe he could have made the final 3

Back | Next