Matt Shirvington 'daunted' and 'excited' about replacing David ...

Former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington will be the new co-host of Channel Seven's morning news program Sunrise following the departure of veteran presenter David Koch. 

Koch announced his departure from the show last week, saying it "seemed right" to step away after more than 20 years on the show.

"I think it's time to bring through the next generation," he said. 

This morning, the network announced Shirvington would be replacing Koch as co-host of the program with Natalie Barr. 

Shirvington said he had "mixed emotions" about taking on the role.

"Daunted. So excited. Happy. Cannot tell you the honour and privilege this is," he said. 

"I think I'm more nervous than I have ever been, including the Olympics."

But he said his experience as a regular presenter on the show meant he was ready for the job. 

"Having the chance to fill in for you on a regular Friday has given me the chance to do my training and to be prepared for this," Shirvington said.  

Who is Matt Shirvington?

Shirvington first rose to fame as a track and field athlete, representing Australia in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. 

He competed in the 100 metres and 200 metres sprints and the 100 metres relay, earning him a top-10 world ranking. 

He is still considered the second-fastest Australian sprinter of all time, according to the  Australian Olympic Committee.

Shirvington, pictured sprinting against Bernard Williams and Christian Malcolm in the 2001 World Championships in Athletics. (Retuers: MMR/HB)

Outside of his sporting career, he has been a regular on the Sunrise couch and on Channel Seven sports coverage. 

He started on the network in 2005 as host of a program called Beyond Tomorrow.

He is also presented on Sky News and Fox Sports's NRL coverage, hosting NRL Tonight. 

In 2020, Shirvington went back to Channel Seven as a sports presenter, working on the network's Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games coverage.

He has also been filling in for presenters on Sunrise and The Morning Show. 

Why did Kochie quit Sunrise?

"It's time to work business hours and have a bit of flexibility to focus more on Libby, our very big family, our family business Pinstripe Media and my footy club," Koch said last week. 

Koch had been on the show since 2002, hosting alongside Melissa Doyle, Samantha Armytage and, in recent years, Barr. 

"I know I'm going to miss it enormously but Sunrise has always been bigger than any one person," he said.

"It just seems right to exit stage left on Friday next week.

"I will do so with enormous pride and gratitude."