Everything you need to know about new Sunrise host Matt ...

From Australian sprinter to co-host of the country’s most successful breakfast show, Matt Shirvington has had a career like no other.

The athlete-turned-journalist has been announced as the replacement for David ‘Kochie’ Koch, who stepped down from Sunrise after 21 years as co-host.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Who is Matt Shirvington? Meet the new Sunrise host.

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Shirvington confirmed the news live on air Monday morning alongside presenters Natalie Barr, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta.

“A very big welcome ... and congratulations ... to Matt Shirvington,” Nat announced Monday morning.

“Shirvo ... you’re no stranger to the desk ... after joining us regularly for the last 18 months.”

Natalie Barr and David Koch announce the news. Credit: Seven

“Mixed emotions just amazing, daunted, so excited, happy, cannot tell you the honour and privilege this is Kochie, particularly,” Shirvington said.

“You are absolutely perfect for us,” Kochie said.

“What we do always is when you’re a member of the family, you stay a member of the family, don’t you.

“And you come through.

Matt Shirvington has been announced as the new co-host of Sunrise. Credit: SevenMatt Shirvington. Credit: Seven

“You’ve been fantastic filling in and every Friday, it’s been sensational. You are going to be sensational. You are going to be the perfect fit.”

“You touched on it there. It’s such a family. It’s a family show,” Shirvington said.

Shirvington laughed as he shared that he was “more nervous than I have ever been, including the Olympics”.

“Having the chance to fill in for you (Kochie) on a regular Friday has given me the chance to do my training and to be prepared for this.”

Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington on the Sunrise desk. Credit: Seven

Born and raised in Sydney’s northeast, Shirvington first gained prominence in the athletics world for his speed in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay races.

Of the events, Shirvington was a standout in the 100m – going on to become the country’s third-greatest sprinter of all time.

He competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2006 and seven world championships.

Matt Shirvington represents Australia at the Goodwill Games in Brisbane. Credit: Stuart Hannagan/Getty Images

During his time as an athlete, Shirvington appeared on Seven shows – competing in the dancing competition, Dancing with the Stars in 2004.

A year later, he presented Beyond Tomorrow, a news program that delved into the world of technological innovations.

After gaining his stripes as a seasoned sports commentator and reporter, he joined the Seven Network officially in July 2020 as a weekend sport presenter for 7NEWS Sydney.

Shirvington proved he had seasoned presenter skills with his work on the Tokyo Olympic Games, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.

The journalist then began to dip his toes into morning TV as a fill-in host on Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise and The Morning Show.

Matt Shirvington and Kylie Gillies present The Morning Show. Credit: Instagram

After David Koch requested a four-day Sunrise working week, Shirvington proved he had what it took, filling in as co-host every Friday morning.

He also became the go-to fill-in when a presenter was absent, becoming a beloved TV personality among Sunrise’s viewers.

Outside of his Seven commitments, Shirvington also sits on the board of the NSW Institute of Sport and is the national ambassador for CanTeen, an Australian support organisation for young children living with cancer.

He and wife, Jessica, have three children, Sienna, Winter and Lincoln.

The new Sunrise host officially starts his duties beside Natalie Barr on Monday June 12.

Ahead of the announcement, Shirvington shared some words of advice from Kochie ahead of taking on the role.

Edwina Bartholomew, Natalie Barr, David Koch and Matt Shirvington. Credit: Sunrise

“He basically said, ‘You’re going to have the time of your life,’” Shirvington tells 7Life.

“It’s such a fun show to work on and I think the thing that really choked me up was the fact that he said that I was the perfect fit for it. It was lovely.”

Juggling the role with his family life, Shirvington says he is fortunate to have been able to fill in for Kochie for the last 18 months when required - helping him adapt to the early alarms and schedule.

“The great thing is that I know the team really well and they do an amazing job and the timing of it I kind of understand - which is a big part of it.

“I’m lucky because I’m a morning person anyway.

Jessica and Matt Shirvington. Credit: Mark Sullivan/WireImage

“The preparation has been being on the show previously.”

Shirvington also shares his kids’ reaction to the news, revealing that they “have been so supportive”.

“They’re really good kids they’re really supportive of both mum and dad and what we choose to do in life. There’ll be a bit of juggling at home no doubt.

“They’re proud, very proud.”

Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington at the Sunrise desk. Credit: SevenA new chapter for Sunrise

Following the exciting news, Shirvington’s viewers took to social media to respond.

“Congrats to Shirvo, well deserved,” one viewer wrote on social media.

“Love Shervo (sic). Good luck to him in his new role!” a second said.

“Couldn’t love him more, so deserved,” a viewer said.

“Good choice! Shirvo will do a brilliant job!” another added.

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