Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington to replace David ‘Kochie’ Koch at Sunrise

Aussie athletics great Matt Shirvington will be crowned David Koch’s successor at Sunrise on June 5 after a three-year plan to get him ready for the top spot.

Channel 7 insiders have confirmed Shirvington, who has been tipped as Koch’s likely replacement since the Beijing Olympics, will have his new role made official on Monday June 5, four days before Koch films his final show as Sunrise host.

The new appointment follows a carefully-curated training process for the popular ‘Shirvo’ who is widely liked by Seven’s top executives as well as audiences. 

It’s understood Koch himself has given Shirvington his ‘blessing’.

‘David believes Matt is a great fit and thinks he will do a fantastic job,’ an insider told Daily Mail Australia.

‘He’s been filling in for David for a few years now and has earned his stripes. Viewers like him and he is very well regarded internally so it’s a natural step up for him.’

Shirvington has been a long-time fill in for Koch who announced his plans to step down as Sunrise host on May 29

It’s understood  Shirvington was earmarked for the job back in 2020 when he took part in Seven’s Olympic coverage team – a role he carried well in the delayed Games in 2021 and one that inevitably earned him his ‘hosting stripes’.

He also cut his teeth with hosting roles on the the mini-golf games show Holey Moley and Ultimate Tag which, while not a hit in the ratings, provided more evidence he had the ‘chops’ to handle a major format.

Shirvington, who has spent the past two years waiting in the wings as Sydney’s weekend sports presenter, will soon begin the daily 3am wake-up call slog – one of several factors which ultimately led to Koch’s decision to step down after 21 years.

The 67-year-old TV legend shared the news of his decision first with Sunrise viewers and staff during Monday morning’s show.

Koch (with Sunrise guest Katy Perry) has given the former Australian sprint champion his ‘blessing’

Shirvington ended his athletics career in 2006 with five consecutive National Titles in the 100m and five top-three finishes nationally in the 200m

‘I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise,’ Koch said on air.

‘I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people, and to cover so many moments of history in the making.’

Seven West Media Chairman, Kerry Stokes said: ‘I will personally miss David, as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful human being, particularly in the manner he has mentored so many Seven people.’ 

Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer James Warburton added in a statement: ‘All good things come to an end, and I admire and respect his decision to step away from Sunrise while he’s at the top of his game.’