Jake Latimer - Survivor 49 SnakeBit

Jake Latimer - Doesn't Like Snakes

In conversation with Jake Latimer, the only Albertan to ever appear on Survivor, we explore his extraordinary journey from a small-town hockey player to a reality TV star. Jake shares his unique experiences, challenges, and the vibrant life he has built in Canada after living in Australia for a decade.

Jake's story begins in Ontario, where he was born before moving to Regina, Saskatchewan. Growing up, he immersed himself in hockey, a sport that shaped much of his youth. "I played hockey there, and then I actually moved to Australia at a very young age," Jake recalls. At 18, he took a leap of faith to pursue hockey semi-professionally in Australia, comparing the league to Canada’s WHL in terms of skill level. Although Jake didn’t make it to the NHL, his passion for the sport led him on a thrilling adventure.

Jake's move to Australia was not just about hockey; it was also a chance to connect with family. He had half-sisters living there, whom he described as his best friends. After a decade in Australia, Jake faced injuries that cut his hockey career short. "I had a pretty bad concussion and a shoulder injury," he explained. Despite the challenges, he found a new passion—dancing. He joined Australia’s Got Talent in 2012, embracing his role as part of the Sydney Hotshots, a choreographed dance show.

In 2017, Jake returned to Canada, bringing his Australian wife, Louise, along. Their love story is both charming and humorous, with Jake joking about how she initially doubted the existence of Regina, especially in the context of its frigid winters. "She found out pretty quickly," he laughs. They settled in Regina for a few years before moving to St. Albert in 2021, where they enjoy the community and the convenience of nearby parks for their dogs.

Jake's life took another turn when he decided to audition for Survivor. He expressed the thrill of stepping off that curb and into the spotlight. Although the journey was daunting, his past experiences—whether on the ice, stage, or in the corrections field—prepared him for the challenges ahead. He stated, "I mean, it’s not a very good place to work... but I’m such a positive person."

Jake Latimer's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From honing his skills as a hockey player to captivating audiences as a dancer, and now navigating the trials of reality television, Jake's story inspires us to embrace life's uncertainties. As he puts it, everything is kind of up in the air right now, but with his positive outlook and determination, the future looks bright for this Canadian star.

Tags: Jake Latimer, Survivor, hockey, Australia, Canada, personal journey, resilience, reality TV, family connections, positivity.