Matty's Closing Statement

[Jeff Probst]

Here is where MATTY and MATTY only will post his closing thoughts.

[Matty Whitmore]

Hey Everyone…

At this point, I feel like I have said everything that really needs to be said, so I will keep my Closing Statements as short as possible.

When I think of what it takes to be a Survivor, a few ideas come to mind:

A Survivor is someone who is able to overcome difficulties and pull through adversity…

A Survivor is someone who adapts to their changing environment, and overcomes the odds…

And as the game suggests in its motto,

A Survivor is someone who outwits, outplays and outlasts their competition…

After reading Crystal’s answers to your questions, something that she has emphasized a few times is how she was able to outwit, outplay and outlast everyone. I am not going to argue the fact that Crystal was a very strong player. She made a lot of smart decisions, and along with her alliances, she was in control for most of the game.

However, I don’t believe she outwitted, outplayed or outlasted me. In fact, I was the only player that was able to crack the core alliance of Crystal, Ace, Marcus and Paloma. And most of the strategic decisions she made (like backstabbing her alliance members) benefited me a lot more than it benefited her. So I don’t believe she ever outwitted me. In terms of challenges, I won three individual challenges in this game -- two based on skill, and one based on determination and endurance. Crystal on the other hand won one challenge, based on luck. So she definitely didn't outplay me. And As I’ve mentioned all along, Crystal had a very easy ride through this game. She easily cruised her way into the merge, and even then she had the Hidden Idol to protect herself. And being a part of that core alliance kept her out of harm’s way for a while after that. So I don't think she outlasted me either.

Ultimately, though, the outlast element is in the hands of the jury members. The eight of you get to decide who is most deserving of the title of Sole Survivor, and hopefully by now I have been able to convince you that that person is me.

With that said, I would like to say thanks to everyone once more for making this game such a memorable one. I really had an amazing time playing Survivor: Gabon X, and the game wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without each of you!

And thanks again to the host for such awesome dedication. This game was so well organized, and I am honoured that I got to be a part of it.

Thanks everyone!

- Matty