O’Fallon gym owner says being on ‘Survivor’ was the ‘ride of a lifetime’

He may not be competing on “Survivor” any longer, but Nicolas “Sifu” Alsup feels like he is just getting started.

The tribe spoke on the seventh episode ending his 15-day journey on 45th season of the CBS reality TV series. He was the seventh person out of 18 to be voted off, but particularly gut-wrenching was that his ouster was pre-jury, meaning he won’t be a factor in the finale vote.

There are two episodes left, on Dec. 13 and 20, along with the reunion show. He is not able to say whether he will be there, so stay tuned.

The O’Fallon resident, local gym owner and Tai Chi master described the experience trying to “outwit, outlast, outplay” as “the ride of a lifetime.”

“It was phenomenal, and I’m taking time to process it. I feel very fortunate to have competed in the biggest season (so far) of the new era, to be a part of that – I love that,” said Alsup, 30.

If thousands of supporters across the country are any indication, he represented himself well. Gaining a vast number of followers, he said the high-profile exposure has led to public appearances, national outlet interviews, and local fans showering him with goodwill and admiration. He is expressing gratitude.

“This show was an incredible opportunity, where I got to represent O’Fallon, Illinois, and compete for a million dollars in stunning Fiji, halfway across the world, alongside 18 strangers. It was an honor and I’m eternally grateful,” he said.

He recently spoke to the student body at Carriel Junior High School, where he attended, on the subject of following your dreams.

For this interview, he shared what he posted on his social media:

“Your love, support, and encouragement have been my guiding light to keep my head up and keep aiming for the stars! Here’s to new beginnings, to taking risks, to being bold, and to being authentic. Here’s to living a life that is true to who we are,” Alsup said.

When first interviewed for an article earlier this fall, said he had hoped to come across as a genuine person “without a façade,” someone with positive energy who understands the human condition.

Embracing his inner warrior was no problem, but dealing with starvation and exhaustion was mentally and physically challenging. To watch it back now as a fan has been interesting, he said.

“The game tests every aspect of the human spirit, from social skills to physical strength, and so much more. I had to leave everything behind — my business, my family, my fiancée, with no communication. It was a true test of resilience, as we battled hunger and havoc to find or earn our own food when we were running on empty,” he said.

He talked about spending hours just trying to light a fire, and how sleeping on bamboo was quite uncomfortable.

“You’re sleeping around strangers. You never felt refreshed. It’s pretty rough. Not much pampering. The game is not just physical, but mental. On top of that you’re starving. You have a lack of nutrients. You have to boil water to drink it,” he said.

And don’t even think about deodorant, toothpaste, and other hygiene items. He lost about 30 pounds, he said.

So, inquiring minds want to know? What was his first meal back at home?

“I got Five Guys – a double cheeseburger with everything on it, fries and a shake,” he said, grinning.

Because of the way the game is played, after his ouster he was allowed to communicate with some castmates, but not others – until the game is finished. How does editing affect our perceptions of contestants?

“You see people’s true colors,” Sifu said.

Adjusting to the newfound fame has been exciting, and he points to his martial arts training as helping him endure what has come his way.

He posted this the day after his ouster: “As I opened my eyes today, a new day, I was immediately hit with a sense of love and gratitude. The love that I feel from my community, my family, my friends — it’s a love that is immeasurable, a love that is priceless and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

“This is the kind of challenge that fuels my spirit, the kind of challenge that pushes me to explore the depths of my potential. It was a journey of self-discovery, a journey to see what I’m truly made of and how far I can push my boundaries,” he said.

Alsup wanted to single out his fiancée, Courtnie Johnson, for her devotion and commitment.

“None of this would have been remotely possible without the unwavering support of Courtnie. She is the unsung hero of this story,” he said. “She rose to the occasion. She stepped in and took over everything at my gym and home. I knew my business and home was in safe hands.”

She wanted him to focus and give it his all, which allowed him to “play hard.”

Throughout his life, as a musician, fitness trainer and entrepreneur, he has accomplished many of the goals he set for himself. Being one of 680 contestants to compete on “Survivor” since 2000 is an honor.

Alsup hadn’t been familiar with the show until he and Johnson were looking for something to binge watch during the early days of the COVID pandemic, and came across Season 40’s all-stars, “Winners at War,” where two tribes of 20 past winners competed. Immediately hooked, they went back to the beginning.

He applied and as a first-timer, was selected through an extensive vetting process. He had never traveled outside the U.S. before when he arrived in Fiji, where “Survivor” has been set since 2016. The show is now filmed over 26 days, and the fall and spring seasons include 13-14 episodes.

The castaways were divided into three teams of six, and he was part of the Reba tribe. The contestants, strangers from different walks of life and cities, are tasked with building society with bare necessities. As competitors, they battle each other strategically, physically, and socially for rewards, immunity, and supremacy.

One of the most enduring reality series, “Survivor” was among the 10 most-watched shows in the U.S. for its first 11 seasons. It has amassed 63 Emmy nominations, and Jeff Probst has won four consecutive Emmys as outstanding host.

As for his impression of the host, Alsup summed it up: “Jeff Probst is exactly who you think he is. He’s articulate, professional – knows what to do, and has the energy to do it, and feels comfortable in his role.”

A 2011 graduate of O’Fallon Township High School, Alsup talked about his rocky path as a child in a deleted scene that he shared from “Survivor” Day 11, highlighting the strength and resiliency that comes from overcoming adversity.

“This was a day when I hit a wall. I was missing my fiancée deeply, extremely hungry and starving, dehydrated and found myself reflecting heavily on my past. But even in the midst of struggle, this scene brings a smile to my face. It reminds me of how I leaned on my Tai Chi training to push past my limitations and self-doubt in life.

“Through adversity, I became stronger — mentally, physically, and spiritually. I learned the importance of not blaming the past, as it’s something we can’t control. Sometimes, surrendering to the flow of life is the best thing we can do,” he said.

Post- “Survivor,” he is busier than ever. His new album, “Heal Now,” is available on Apple Music. Not to mention, he becomes a father in April.

Of the principles that guided him during this experience, he narrowed it to three:

1. Never shy away from taking risks. It’s only when we step out of our comfort zones that we truly grow and evolve.

2. Be bold. Have the courage to chase your dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.

3. Always stay true to yourself. Authenticity is a powerful tool that can help you navigate through life’s ups and downs.

Alsup has a large presence on social media, and links to his accounts are at: https://linktr.ee/5elementsfit

His websites are www.5elementsfitness.com and www.Sifumusic.com.