By Quinta Walsh-Cotton and Andrew Prentice, Daily Mail Australia
April 1, 2024 02:13, updated April 1, 2024 02:13
- Sunrise co-anchor Matt Shirvington surprised his colleagues
- Announces retirement at age 45
- Announces participation in track at Paris Olympics
- It was an epic April Fool's prank by “Silbo” on live TV
In one of the great April Fool's pranks, Sunrise anchor Matt Silvington sensationally announced on Monday morning that he would be “coming out of retirement” to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
His co-hosts Natalie Barr and Edwina Bartholomew were stunned by the news, but only Shirvington, 45, ultimately revealed it was a coincidence.
Shortly before that, the television presenter, a former Australian Olympic sprinter who retired from athletics 15 years ago, fooled his colleagues into believing he was making a “big comeback”.
“Before we move on, I have a little announcement to make. I've been taking some time off. I wanted to let you all know,” Silvington began, gaining the attention of his co-stars.
He went on to say that he was approached by prominent track and field coaches Craig Pickering and Andrew Murphy, who persuaded him to “come out of retirement”.
'of course'. So, I will take a short break due to the Paris Olympics. My preparations started several weeks ago.
“I don't know if you've noticed, but I've definitely lost weight and gotten a little faster.
“From now on, I will really do my best to prepare for the next Olympics.”
Co-host Barr seemed completely stunned by the announcement and glanced over at the camera crew for confirmation.
“This is so exciting. This is so, so exciting,” she said, trying to keep calm about the shocking news.
Shirvington continued the joke a little longer, turning to the crew and asking, “Can you survive a few weeks without me?”
When Burr and Bartholomew said they were willing to hold the fort, Shirvington yelled, “It's April Fool's Day, everyone!”
When the crew began applauding Shervington's ruse, Burr and Bartholomew could only laugh.
“I couldn't have rolled down the course right now, much less,” he said, before apologizing to “all the great sprinters in this country.”
“I didn't think they would actually have to ask me to come out of retirement to be part of the team,” he added.
Bartholomew hit back with a cruel comment: “I don't think they were worried for that long.”
