Bio
Michael Skupin was a contestant on Survivor: The Australian Outback, and the first of only two contestants in the American show's history to be MEDEVACed from the show due to a medical emergency (the other was Bruce Kanegai in Season 12).
His medical-related departure on Day 17 happened when he was stoking a fire at the Kucha camp after a Reward Challenge victory. He inhaled smoke and passed out, falling forward into the fire pit.
As a result, he suffered second and third degree burns on his face, hands and chest which necessitated his evacuation and removal from the game.
Eventual winner Tina Wesson later went on to say that had this not happened, she would have lost the season. Skupin never received a single vote against himself.
Skupin co-founded a software publishing and distribution company in 1992 called Rhinosoft Interactive, where he currently serves as president. He also founded the CCA, which is a motivational speaking company.
Raised Catholic, Skupin is a born again Christian. He created the charity Victory Over Addiction in 2001 to help combat drug addiction among children.
In 2001 he appeared as a cameo on the Late Show With David Letterman.
He attended Western Michigan University where he earned a bachelor of business management in 1984. His previous employment includes office equipment sales, surgical and operating room equipment sales, and a water-ski instructor.
He is most proud of his wife Peni and his three children, Michael (12), Kalyn (9) and Emily (3).
Skupin describes himself as adventurous, a thrill-seeker, and a risk taker. His favourite television shows are ESPN's SportsCenter / Primetime (to compare notes with his son) and Seinfeld, while his favourite motion picture is Meet Joe Black.
Although he's a big fan of Faith Hill, he listens to a variety of music including Top 40, Country, Christian and has a soft spot for Oldies.
His favourite sports teams are any team from Michigan, especially the University of Michigan Wolverines.
Amid his hectic schedule, Skupin finds time to hunt, barefoot water-ski and play ice hockey. He'll also play a good game of Scattegories if time permits.
Originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Skupin currently lives in White Lake, Michigan with his wife and three children. They have 2 Black Labradors, Thor and Simeon and lots of wild fish and wild birds.