Tina Wesson (born December 26, 1960 in Knoxville, Tennessee) won $1,000,000 as the winner of the second season of Survivor, on Survivor: The Australian Outback in 2001. Wesson returned in 2004 for Survivor: All-Stars, where she was the first person voted off the show. After her appearances on the show, Wesson began teaching occasional outdoor survival classes. Wesson returned as a contestant on the show's 27th season, Survivor: Blood vs. Water with her daughter, Katie Collins. Her daughter finished in 8th place while Wesson ended the season in 4th place.
(When she cast her vote for Mitchell, ending the Jerri, Mitchell, and Amber alliance on "Survivor") "As they say in the Olympics, let the games begin!"
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Fact
1
Used part of her million dollars from winning Survivor: The Australian Outback, to buy a large, ranch-style home in the mountains.
2
Was first person voted off in "Survivor: All-stars" (2004).
3
Won "Survivor: Australian Outback" (2001), with no votes cast against her until Jury vote, winning no Immunity Challenges.
4
Was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1995.
5
Loves games, particularly backgammon, which is what she brought as her luxury item on "Survivor."
6
She was originally an alternate for Survivor II, and only found out that she was going to Australia two weeks prior to the scheduled start date.
7
Adopted at birth by parents Jim and Carolyn McClain, along with her brother Joe.
8
Formerly, she worked as a community education director, flight attendant, substitute teacher and a swimming instructor.
9
Currently works as a private duty C.N.A. nurse while also working as a full-time mom.
10
An avid athlete, she is most proud of having completed the Dublin, Ireland Marathon, placed first in the Tennessee State Racquetball Tournament and placed first in her age division in her hometown mini-triathlon, all in the same year (1998).
11
Wesson obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of Tennessee in 1983.
12
Wesson describes herself as happy, content, adventurous, outgoing, and very much in love. Her favorite hobbies are racquetball, paddleball , running, swimming, and motorcycling. Her favorite television show is Rosie, while her favorite feature films are Out of Africa and Shadowlands. She prefers classic, contemporary Christian, and pop rock music, citing Match Box 20 as her favorite band. While rooting for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, she's always game for a round of Balderdash.
$17 Million
