Matt Shirvington was proud as punch on Saturday morning when he supported his son Lincoln during his soccer game in North Manly.
The legendary sprinter-turned-television presenter, who is set to replace David Koch as the new co-host of Sunrise, stood on the sidelines and watched his five-year-old kick the ball across the field.
Shirvo, 44, kept warm on the misty morning, wearing beige chinos and a white T-shirt that was covered with a navy jumper.
He layered his look with a black hooded coat and stood in a pair of white sneakers while carrying his son’s jumper during play.
The current fill-in host and sports presenter was incredibly supportive of Lincoln as he crouched down to share some coaching tips, give him a hug of appreciation as well as a high-five.
Matt Shirvington was proud as punch on Saturday morning when he supported his son, Lincoln, during his soccer game in North Manly
The sprinter-turned-television presenter, who is set to replace David Koch as the new co-host of Sunrise , stood on the sidelines and watched his five-year-old kick the ball across the field
The doting dad directed little Lincoln on the field
Shirvo was also seen chatting with a number of the other proud parents on the sideline.
The father-of-three shares daughters Sienna, 16, Winnie, 14, and son Lincoln with his wife Jessica, who he married after meeting when they were just 17 years old.
It comes just a few days after Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed Shirvo will be crowned as Kochie’s successor after a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job.
They revealed he will have his role made official on Monday, June 5, four days before Kochie films his final show as Sunrise host.
The new appointment follows a carefully curated training process for the popular television presenter who is widely liked by Seven’s top executives and viewers.
It’s understood Kochie himself has given Shirvo his ‘blessing’.
Shirvo couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he proudly watched his son’s game
The 44-year-old briefly took his eyes off the game to check his iPhone
The famous athlete looked like any other dad as he strolled around the pitch
‘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.’
Shirvo 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.
Shirvo called out words of support as he watched the game with another dad
The attentive father crouched down to meet Lincoln at eye level so he could offer some words of encouragement
Shirvo, 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 Kochie’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.
‘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.’
Shirvington has what it takes to out-rate rival Karl Stefanovic according to an industry expert who thinks the former Aussie sprint star is more ‘relatable’.
As Kochie readies himself for retirement after an epic 21-year reign, attention has now turned to whether or not ‘Shirvo’ can continue Sunrise’s ratings win over Today.
A former Olympian, network darling and audience favourite – he will take over from Koch and push for a 19th consecutive ratings victory when he assumes the hosting gig in June.
Not surprisingly the industry is abuzz with speculation about whether or not ‘Shirvo’ and co-host Natalie Barr have what it takes to retain Koch’s loyal fanbase and withstand a fresh attack from Today’s hosting combination of Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk