by Gina Scarpa and David McAlpine

 

Sam Poueu may have been eliminated from The Biggest Loser this week, just a few weeks shy of the finale, but in his mind, he already won. Not only is a big time contender to win the at home prize on finale night, but he fell in love on the ranch with fellow contestant Stephanie Anderson. Sam spoke to RealityWanted this week in an exclusive interview about his experiences on the show, his relationship with his brother, and whether or not he's ready for the upcoming live finale.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What motivated you to go on The Biggest Loser?
A. Sam: Koli. To tell you the truth, I really had never seen The Biggest Loser before. Koli had watched a few episodes of season 7 and was truly inspired by Filipe's makeover. When he found out that there was an open casting for the show in San Jose, he approached me about going with him. For us, it's ride or die. So of course I went; and next thing, we were stepping foot on the ranch.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How hard was the initial transition to the ranch?
A. Sam: I didn't really think the transition was that hard at all. I mean, I was ready and fully committed to making the change. Mentally, I was all in. The hardest part I think was just trying to figure out what the hell is going on. There's cameras everywhere. You have sound crew, mics on, grips and electric, and so on. Day one was absolute mayhem, never mind the fact that you're living with 16 strangers.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You and your brother were the last pair standing. Do you think that helped at all with your progress?
A. Sam: I believed it definitely helped with my progress. I loved being on the ranch and I wanted to make my stay as long as possible. I formed great friendships and relationships there. Imagine being in a great environment that is extremely goal supportive as well as it's residents. It was my vacation and I wasn't paying for anything. Each day of being there was another day of my progression.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you feel standing in front of that mirror having been made over?
A. Sam: I took my own breath away. To see the results of pure and true hard work displayed before myself was unforgettable. It was easily one of my life's greatest moments.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Had you seen what you looked like beforehand?
A. Sam: Yeah, I peeked. I'm not going to lie to you. I love the mirror. Especially when it loves you back!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Why do you think you lost less weight than anyone else this week?
A. Sam: My body was just slowing down and I really didn't have much work left to do. I had killed it so fast for so long but it was just too early on in the show. So in my final weeks, I kind of ran out if weight to lose. It's definitely not a bad problem to have but as far as competing for a grand prize it's not very conducive either.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the best thing you learned while on the ranch?
A. Sam: The best thing would have to be learning about myself and who I truly was. Hands down. Non arguable.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: We saw last night that you moved in with Stephanie. How are you guys doing?
A. Sam: We're doing great. Seriously, we really are. Every day is a learning experience. And trust me, with life after The Biggest Loser, I'm learning a lot. I love Stephanie and I couldn't have asked for a better roommate, and who knows? Maybe a life mate!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you have a goal for the finale? What are you going to do to reach it?
A. Sam: I am at goal. Just maintain for now.

 

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

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