by Gina Scarpa

 

This week, on The Biggest Loser, O'Neal found himself below the yellow line, along with his daughter, SunShine. The father and daughter team have had their share of ups and downs, having been sent home in the first week of the competition, only to return a month later. During this week's episode, O'Neal learned of his brother's death and returned to the ranch from the funeral just in time for the weigh in. When he realized he was up against his daughter, he asked his fellow players to vote him out so that SunShine could continue on. His request was granted and today, O'Neal spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about his Biggest Loser experience.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to go on The Biggest Loser this season?
A. O'Neal: My daughter SunShine always talked about going on this show and went to an open audition in Phoenix without my knowledge at the time and it went from there.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How were you feeling, being sent home so early in the competition?
A. O'Neal: I felt horrible. I had let myself, SunShine, and all my family and friends down. They all knew we were on the show and we get kicked off the first day! You don't get many second chances in life so when Bob stoppped the limo and told us we had a chance to get back, I knew I would not let anyone down this time.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you returned to the ranch for a second time, and earned your spot back in the game, did you feel like you and SunShine had to prove anything to the other contestants?
A. O'Neal: I felt like I had more to prove to myself that I deserved to be there. My toughest competition was myself.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which trainer did you relate to more?
A. O'Neal: Both had special qualities. I guess I was closer to Bob because he was my trainer when we were on the blue team and he worked well with my injuries.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When did you feel like you were starting to become an athlete?
A. O'Neal: I was always an athlete but I think about week 10, I felt a change to my old athletic self.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did having to deal with your brother's death affect your weight loss during that week? How did you cope with that, while still staying focused on the competition?
A. O'Neal: I think all of my life experiences helped me deal with my brother's death. I do think it affected our weight loss because we missed a high intensity work out with Bob and Jillian.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you give a second thought to sacrificing yourself so that Sunshine could stay?
A. O'Neal: Never a doubt! I always said if we fell below the line, I would want to go before SunShine.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What has The Biggest Loser done for your relationship with your daughter and the rest of your family?
A. O'Neal: The Biggest Loser allowed me to set her free. I have three sons that were much easier to let go but she was my baby girl! My wife and family have always been supportive.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How is your weight loss journey going at home? Do you have a goal for finale night?
A. O'Neal: My journey at home has been a little bit of a roller coaster ride, although I believe there are more peaks than valleys. It is what I expected. Being home for that first month helped because I knew what to expect when I got home. My goal for the finale is to look great but let's all be surprised! Stay tuned!

 

The Biggest Loser airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more Biggest Loser links, visit SirLinksALot.net