Matt Shirvington ‘daunted’ and ‘excited’ about replacing David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Sunrise
A new dawn has arrived for Channel Seven’s morning news program “Sunrise” as Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington takes the helm alongside co-host Natalie Barr. Shirvington replaces veteran presenter David Koch who has been a fixture on the show since 2002. Koch announced his departure last week, saying it was time to bring through the next generation.
Who is Matt Shirvington?
Matt Shirvington is a former Australian track and field athlete who represented Australia in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He holds a top-10 world ranking and is considered as the second-fastest Australian sprinter of all time by the Australian Olympic Committee. Apart from his athletic pursuits, Shirvington has worked as a presenter on Channel Seven in the past, hosting a program called “Beyond Tomorrow”. He is also a sports presenter for Sky News and Fox Sports’s NRL coverage, hosting NRL Tonight. He returned to Channel Seven in 2020 as a sports presenter, working on the network’s Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games coverage. In recent years, he has been a regular on the Sunrise couch and has been filling in for presenters on the show and The Morning Show.
Why did Kochie quit Sunrise?
After more than 20 years on Sunrise, David Koch announced his departure, citing his desire to work business hours and have more flexibility. He added that he wanted to focus more on his family, family business Pinstripe Media, and his footy club. Koch also expressed his gratitude for the show, saying that Sunrise has always been bigger than any one person.
Matt Shirvington’s mixed emotions
Shirvington has expressed that he is both daunted and excited to be taking on the role of co-host on Sunrise. He said that having the chance to fill in frequently on the show has given him adequate training to be prepared for the job. Shirvington said that he is more nervous than he ever was, including his time at the Olympics.
Change or New Beginnings
Change can be daunting, but it can also herald new beginnings. Matt Shirvington’s appointment as co-host is indicative of Channel Seven’s commitment to bringing in fresh faces while retaining some continuity. Sunrise has always been bigger than any one person, as David Koch put it, and this goes beyond the personalities on the show. It is about the values that it espouses and the role that it plays in the Australian media landscape.
New Challenges
Matt Shirvington’s appointment brings with it new challenges for him, as well as for the show. While he has extensive experience as a presenter, hosting Sunrise is a different type of challenge altogether. It is live, unpredictable, and requires extensive research and preparation. Shirvington’s appointment is also a chance for him to showcase his versatility as a broadcaster, not just as a sports presenter.
A Word of Advice
To Matt Shirvington and all individuals undertaking new challenges and changes, it’s okay to feel daunted. In fact, it’s part of the process. It’s a sign that you’re taking something seriously and being conscientious. The key to success is to embrace the challenge and use the experience to learn and improve. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the moment and be grateful for the opportunity.
Change is inevitable, and it can bring with it new opportunities and discoveries. Sunrise‘s new chapter with Matt Shirvington as the co-host promises an exciting and dynamic show.
<< photo by Karolina Grabowska >>
