Posted on 05/13/2009 by Gina and Cast Interviews
by Gina Scarpa
By far, one of the toughest competitors this season, on The Biggest Loser: Couples, was Tara Costa. The former model started the show at 294 pounds but quickly found the drive to drop the pounds. She won challenges and weigh-ins, which catapulted her into the finals. On last night’s live finale, Tara finished the season in third place, losing 155 pounds and 52.72% of her total body weight. Today, she spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Whose idea was it to try out for The Biggest Loser?
A. Tara: It was both my idea and Laura's idea to try to get on the biggest loser. I went to the open call in NY, while Laura was in Miami doing the same thing and we both had no idea the other had gained that amount and that we could audition for the show! Once I got a call back, I started looking for a partner and got in touch with Laura!
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you look back at your weight gain, prior to going on the show, what do you attribute it to?
A. Tara: I was so unhappy with who I was. I only cared about working, because it was something that I was good at. My work overcame my life and I didn't make time for me!
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You had such a competitive spirit and a drive to succeed this season on The Biggest Loser. Has that always been in your nature?
A. Tara: I have always been a competitive person, but did not realize just how competitive I was until the challenges.
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the biggest challenge you faced at the ranch?
A. Tara: Losing my partner Laura, I never realized how close we became until she was gone! Once she was gone, I knew I could only rely upon myself!
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: If you could pick your lowest point during the show, what do you think it
would be and why?
A. Tara: My lowest point was when everyone started adding the weight to my car, I took it personally even though it was a joke! I never felt so ganged up on, but it made me stronger looking back on it.
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What did you to prepare for the live finale?
A. Tara: I ran a lot!
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Going into the finale, did you feel you had won? Were you worried about the numbers that Helen and Mike
(or Ron) would put up?
A. Tara: Of course I was worried about everyone else, but I knew stepping on that scale that I did everything I could. No matter what the outcome, I felt good with what I had accomplished.
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How do you feel about what you were able to accomplish on and off the show?
A. Tara: Knowing that I have inspired people across America is an amazing feeling! Now, I have a new life and I can continue to help others and share my weight loss knowledge with the world! I couldn't be happier - today is the beginning of a new life for me.
(Image courtesy of NBC)
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