by Gina Scarpa

 

John Rhode entered The Biggest Loser ranch weighing 445 pounds. From the very beginning, he was focused, determined, and would stop at nothing to make it to finale night. Last week, he stepped out on the stage at the live finale, weighed in at 220 pounds, and defeated Antone Davis and Ramon Medeiros for the $250,000 grand prize. Today, we talked to John in an exclusive interview to find out more about his journey to become The Biggest Loser.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Everyone said it on the finale - you came onto The Biggest Loser to win. You also went there, though, to change your life. What made you decide you needed a change?
A. John: I was scared that I would die early and leave my family before I was ready. I was desperate for a change.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You didn't hit it off with Sunny and it seemed like you were targeting her to get her out of the game. Is that an accurate assessment or was it misinterpreted on tv?
A. John: I love Sunny! I have no hard feelings towards anyone. I always voted my heart. If I would have given the pound disadvantage to anyone else, I would have fallen below the yellow line and been eliminated. I knew that I was such a threat that any mistakes would have gotten me sent home. I made a savvy move and it completely paid off.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It must have been tough to go from having Bob as a trainer to Dolvett but you ended up finding out that the two of you had so much in common. How did Dolvett's story help your emotional and personal growth?
A. John: Dolvett showed me that he was willing to share personal things with me. He modeled behaviors that were very impressive. He led the way to an emotional break through and I followed.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You dropped huge numbers on the ranch! How were you able to maintain that success when you went home?
A. John: I have redefined myself. I went from couch potato to a calorie punishing beast. I transformed over time. I like working out at an insanely intense level.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your reaction to Bob and others saying that they were concerned you would gain all of the weight back?
A. John: Bob and Dolvett both expressed fears that I will put the weight back on. It is a fear that I share. I know that I must stay focused. I am on the Biggest Loser Meal Plan so I can give myself an advantage in maintaining my goal weight.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the most difficult challenge that you faced while on the show - the marathon?
A. John: The most difficult challenge was Jacob's Ladder. No doubt!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you came out onto the stage at the finale, you looked confident that you would win. Was there any doubt in your mind when you saw Antone and Ramon?
A. John: I freaked out when I saw Ramon and Antone. I was sure one of those two beat me. I was wrong.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What do you want to do from here and what advice do you have for people who were in your situation just a few months ago?
A. John: From here, I want to use my time at the ranch to inspire others. I will be speaking across the country to help others find personal success. The best peace of advice I can give people is to never give up hope. Learn to trust and believe in yourself.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

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