The Biggest Losers: Meet The Biggest Losers
Compiled by RTVC Staff Writer Donna Emery
September 11, 2009
About The Show:
NBC's hit series "The Biggest Loser" returns for season eight with a special theme of "second chances" - and a must-see premiere on Tuesday, September 15 (8-10 p.m. ET). Alison Sweeney ("Days of our Lives") hosts the popular series, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels return to train 16 contestants eager to get their second chances at a new lease on life.
Their individual stories are compelling, from a firefighter (Allen Smith) whose health and job are at risk because of his weight to a military wife and mother of four (Tracey Yukich) who has always put others first. Viewers will also meet a remarkable woman (Abby Rike) who endured the worst tragedy imaginable - losing her husband and two children in a deadly car crash - and who now gets a second chance to restart her life.
Last season's heaviest contestant and fan favorite Daniel Wright will also return for a second chance to finish the weight loss journey he started in season seven, going from 454 lbs. to 312 lbs. He'll inspire a female social worker (Shay Sorrells) that has taken his place as the heaviest contestant in the history of "The Biggest Loser," weighing in at 476 lbs. Also included in the new season of players is Amanda Arlauskas, a 19-year old who was voted in by America during the season 7 finale of the show in May, and hopes to get a second chance to live the life she always dreamed of living. They'll all come together for a second chance to transform their bodies, their health and ultimately their lives.
"The Biggest Loser" has become a worldwide hit airing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, "The Biggest Loser" has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub.com, The Biggest Loser Meal Plan, The New York Times best-selling books series, best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and countless other health and lifestyle based products, The Biggest Loser consumer products program has generated over $50 million in spending with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. Check out www.biggestloser.com for more information.
The new contestants competing for the $250,000 grand prize are:
Abby
Abby – a 35-year old high school teacher from Mabank, Texas who loves life and wants to avoid conflict. She’s trying to get her life back to normal after losing her family in a tragic car crash. She enjoys inspiring her students to achieve their personal bests and now it’s her turn to achieve her own goals.
Alexandra
Alexandra – a 20-year old college student from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania who is studying accounting. Obesity runs in her family and wants to enjoy her life as a student and to ensure herself a healthier future and to inspire her Mom to lose weight, too.
Allen
Allen – a 44-year old firefighter/EMT from Columbus, Indiana who has gained 100 pounds since his college days. His coworkers are pressuring him to lose weight and he wants to make the changes that can ensure he will pass the next company physical and live a healthier life.
Amanda
Amanda – a 19-year old patient care technician from Butler, New Jersey who missed her prom because she didn’t want to be seen in a dress. She’s studying to become a Registered Nurse and feels that losing weight will help her promote a healthy lifestyle to her patients.
Antoine
Antoine – a 23-year old health insurance agent from Dudley, North Carolina who helped raise his younger brother when his Dad passed away from heart disease. Antoine wants to be sure he doesn’t meet the same fate and also wants to use determination and dedication to meet his goals.
Daniel
Daniel – a 20-year old student from Willow Spring, North Carolina who is making his second appearance on the show. Daniel is a sweet and caring person with a positive attitude. He hopes one day to be a youth pastor.
Danny
Danny – a 39-year old land surveyor and musician from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma who coaches his son’s football team but wishes he could do more to be active with his kids. He fears his children are following in his footsteps and wants to lose weight in order to be a better example for them.
Dina
Dina – a 28-year old custodian from Commerce, California who grew up with a family who made food a big part of their culture. She wants to lose weight so she can have another child. She knows she will have to find a way to include more exercise in her daily life.
Julio
Julio – a 40-year old mortgage loan officer from Algonquin, Illinois who always has a smile on his face. His Cuban heritage is very important to him and he wants to be a good example for his family and to acquire a more professional appearance.
Liz
Liz – a 49-year old salesperson from Chapel Hill, Tennessee. This cheerful grandma grew up on a country farm and wants to gain more energy to play with her grandchildren.
Mo
Mo – a 56-year old youth mentor from Louisville, Kentucky whose big frame and deep voice are deceiving, since he’s just “ a big teddy bear”. An inspiration to the youth of his community, Mo now wants to set a healthy example for those youth and for his family.
Rebecca
Rebecca – a 25-year old student and nanny from Des Moines, Iowa who has been struggling with her weight for the last 14 years. She wanted a military career but could not pass the physical. She now plans to be a good sport but to win every challenge.
Rudy
Rudy – a 31-year old engineer from Brooklyn, Connecticut who works at a power station but wants to lose weight to better perform his job duties. He wants to lose weight in order to be active with his children.
Sean
Sean – a 29-year old youth pastor from Tulsa, Oklahoma who is finding it hard to keep up with his children. His weight issues began at an early age and wants to gain enough confidence to perform his music.
Shay
Shay – a 30-year old social worker from Newport Beach, California who overcame a difficult childhood in the foster care system. Her family loves food and she wants to be able to make healthier choices and live a long life with her husband.
Tracey
Tracey – a 37-year old homemaker from Allen, Texas whose outgoing personality makes her the life of the party. She buried her feelings in food while her Marine husband was overseas, but now that he’s home she’d like to run with him and to support the family while he starts his own business.
Donna is a nurse and teacher, and a mother of 5. She lives in Pennsylvania and is admittedly addicted to many reality shows. You can reach her at mrsed4ever@yahoo.com.
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