Olympia’s Sage Ahrens-Nichols is headed to Fiji, and she’s bringing her persistence—and her quirky sense of humor—with her.
CBS revealed the cast of Survivor season 49, and among the 18 players set to battle for $1 million is the 30-year-old clinical social worker, who now calls Olympia home.
In her cast introduction, Ahrens-Nichols leaned into what makes her memorable: people often describe her as “wacky.” Why? Because she collects pimples. Yes, really.
“Very specifically, blackheads,” she said.
Originally from Roxboro, North Carolina, Ahrens-Nichols said her resting face and “a lot of botox in my forehead” sometimes make her seem unapproachable at first.
“And then they get to know me and they’re like ‘you’re kind of weird,’ and I’m like ‘I know, you just gotta get to know me.'”
From Afghanistan to Fiji
Ahrens-Nichols joined the Army right out of high school and deployed to Afghanistan, an experience that shaped her approach to life’s toughest challenges.
“One thing the military did teach me is embrace the suck. So when things are extra sucky I’m extra happy,” she quipped.
That outlook may serve her well in Fiji, where contestants must survive with limited food, compete in punishing challenges, and vote each other out until only one remains.
Determined to Outwit, Outplay, Outlast
Persistence is another quality Ahrens-Nichols says defines her.
“Once I set my mind to something I don’t give up,” she said. “And I’ve already set my mind to winning a million dollars, so I’m feeling pretty confident I’m gonna find a way to make it happen.”
Season 49 of Survivor was filmed against the backdrop of Fiji’s turquoise waters and jungle terrain, where the long-running series has set up camp for years.
For those new to the game, the format is simple but brutal: survive the elements, outlast 17 other castaways, and avoid getting your torch snuffed at Tribal Council.
The new season premieres Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. on CBS and will also stream on Paramount+.
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