Words by Lisa Hollinshead, Editor-in-Chief, Social 101 Group
A quaint café in Freshwater is the ideal spot for a lunch catch up on a sunny Sunday in Sydney. The Bent Fork is a cool little venue with fab food, great coffee and friendly service – the perfect setting for Sydney Social 101’s Editor, Lisa to chat with one of Cleo’s Bachelor of the Year Top 30 finalists; Michael Sparrow.
From Michael’s profile on Cleo’s voting site, I already know that Michael is a PT, he’s 25 and that he shares the same life motto as me: “Live every day like it’s your last”.
A self-proclaimed “all-rounder” and someone who is “active and smart” (he studied medicine at University- impressive), Michael comes across as someone who is very confident in his own skin. I also noted that he is quite the romantic soul as he admits that he asked his last girlfriend out with a song, cute!
I also find that Michael’s idea of a great date is skydiving (tick!) or kayaking (double tick) – just as a heads up, you know, if the chance ever presents itself…
Upon meeting with Michael, it is clear to see why he has made it to the final of Cleo’s Top 30 Bachelors and currently sits in the Top 3 according to Sportsbet.com.au, he is not only very handsome (which I guess is a pre-requisite), he also is very friendly, has great manners and a fun sense of humour (great banter).
After chatting for a short time, it quickly becomes clear that Michael’s profession of being an ‘all-rounder’ on his Cleo profile isn’t his ego talking – it’s an absolute solid fact!
I am intrigued to learn that Michael, who originally hails from New Zealand and has lived in Sydney for 18 months, studied to be a doctor and completed his degree in Zoology. It’s also interesting to find out that Michael was one year ahead of his peers at high school, which worked out really well for him as he was able to transfer to a school in the Denmark to study for a year. During that time Michael explored Europe and had some amazing life experiences.
Our conversation reveals that Michael suffers from ‘itchy feet’ syndrome (the same as me) and an innate love of travel, which has seen him travel all over the US, Europe, Australia and NZ.
It’s not hard to see Michael’s love of life and his aim to really embrace it; in fact it’s practically infectious. I hear of his plans to go to Africa next year for a three month adventure that will involve (but is not limited to): volunteering at an orphanage and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro… I KNOW! Could this guy be more impressive? That is of course a rhetorical question: We think not… Oh wait, yes he can! Michael has also just recently enrolled on a course to study astronomy! A self-confessed ‘nerd’ Michael just loves to learn – Michael really takes ‘geek chic’ to a whole new level.
What strikes us most about Michael is his genuine nature and modesty about all he has achieved by only 25, and what he plans to achieve over the next few years.
As a fully qualified and practicing PT (where do I sign?!), Michael is no stranger to the importance of fitness and nutrition and a balanced lifestyle. We almost forgot to mention, Michael will also be running in the Blackmore’s Sydney Marathon next week! (Is there no end to this guy’s skills, seriously?)
Just for you guys (because I’m dead nice like that) I asked Michael to share some tips with you guys about getting fit for the summer:
It was great to meet Michael and hear his story. If you’re equally as impressed as I was, I encourage you to head to this link to case your vote. You can vote up to 30 times a day and each time you do, you go in a draw to win a brand new car! #Winning
You only have to put your details in the first time!
http://www.cleo.com.au/bachelors/top-30/michael-sparrow/
Go on, you know you want to!