Surviving Isn’t Easy For One Outbacker

Posted Friday, June 15, 2001 at 3:24 PM Central

by Heather Koehler

Thirty-eight days on a deserted island or in the outback seems to be a decent trade for some of the contestants, who have shot straight to fame. Roles in movies, commercial, Playboy spreads, dolls and book deals are just a few of the perks those rice-loving campers came home to.

But poor Michael Skupin hasn’t faired as well.

This guy had to leave the show early after falling into the fire and severely burning his hands. Now that he is back amongst the real world, the pig-killing Survivor was maced and attacked by an animal rights activist. Michael was speaking at a state’s workplace safety promotion in Missouri. Police arrested a 30-year-old man, but no charges were cited yet. The pepper-spray found its’ way into the face of other on-lookers, including some children.

And this was the guy the tribes feared to win, eh?