"Retired after working as a registered nurse for 41
years, Gillian Larson has never satisfied her appetite for
adventure and travel despite her wide array of experiences
throughout her 61 years. She has traveled through 46
countries and all but a few U.S. states, much of it
backpacking. This adventurous "granny" can climb and rappel
4,000 foot mountains and swim with the Great Whites. Not
only is she versatile, but she is competitive by nature and
feels as though she is an perfect fit for the game of Survivor,
having applied 15 times, always believing she would one day
be selected.
Married 37 years to her husband, Ron, Gillian has three
married daughters and four grandchildren. Born and raised in
Johannesburg, South Africa, she was awarded several academic
and athletic honors. Gillian met her husband in Germany and
moved to the United States. The couple has relocated 18
times and currently resides in Temecula, Calif. since 2001.
Her proudest achievement is her awesome family.
When she isn't scuba diving or hiking through the
mountains, Gillian enjoys travel, writing, photography,
gardening, spending time with her family and her eclectic
group of friends who range from 2 to 92.
For her 60th birthday, she got a purple butterfly tattoo on
her left hip. A very good swimmer, this Survivor
addict feels that she has what is takes to be the oldest
winner yet.