by Gina Scarpa

Dolvett may have questioned Kimmy's competitive spirit on The Biggest Loser this season but there's no denying the weight that she lost and the fears that she overcame while on the ranch. She came onto the show not only to support her daughter, but to change her life as well, and she did just that. When she and Megan fell below the yellow line last week, Kimmy sacrificed herself so that her daughter could get another shot at making it to the finale. Today, we talked to Kimmy in an exclusive interview about her journey on The Biggest Loser, as well as back at home.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: There were questions this season about whether or not you really wanted to be on The Biggest Loser or whether you went for your daughter. Can you clear that up and tell us why you wanted to be on the show?
A. Kimmy: It is true that I had never seen the show prior to being a contestant. However, I would like to make it very clear. If I hadn't wanted to be there, you would have never seen me there in the first place. I love my daughter, but not to the point that I would put myself through all of this just for her sake alone. I went to the show with Megan and worked extremely hard to regain my own health and fitness while I was there. I wanted to change my own life and I did. I truly feel like I have already won.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was it difficult to be separated from Megan and compete on two different teams?
A. Kimmy: It was extremely difficult at first. I had expected to be a team together. However, we both adjusted and in the long run, I think it turned out well for both of us. I will say I was grateful to room with her because, at the end of the day, we were still able to be together, share our adventures, and support one another. It was an experience that helped us bond even closer than we already were.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: There was certainly a lot of drama this season on the show. How did you deal with that?
A. Kimmy: As expected, I think it is always going to be a bit difficult to throw together complete strangers and place them in a situation where they are with each other 24/7. I was never really directly involved in any of the drama myself. I just tried to focus on my own issues and be supportive of Megan and the others. I was there for myself first, but I certainly was there for all of the other contestants if they needed me. For the most part, we got along. I'm a good listener and nurturing is part of who I am. I do try very hard to be a non-judgemental person. This is something I have to do every day at work as a nurse, so it carries over to my personal life too. I prefer to look at life as "the whole picture". When you deal with life and death on a daily basis, like I do at the hospital, it tends to put a different perspective on all things. When an issue comes up, I find myself asking how important or relevant is this really? Is this life and death or just more drama. Look at the big picture...

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: One really awesome thing to see on the show was that you conquered a few of your fears. Tell us a little bit about what that was like for you, to conquer heights and open water.
A. Kimmy: Obviously, fear is a very personal thing. I don't hesitate at dealing with a 1200 lb. horse, large farm animals, or experiences in the operating room as a nurse. However, I definitely have a fear of heights. Climbing the 40 ft. wall was one of the harder things I ever made myself do, for sure. I certainly did feel panicky and I really thought I would just pass out from my heart pounding in my chest so hard. Once I made it to the top, though, I felt a huge sense of pride, exhilaration, and accomplishment. When I was waiting on the beach in Hawaii for my turn to attempt to surf, I kept thinking about how I felt at the top of the 40 ft. wall, and I wanted to feel it again. I also kept thinking about Bethany, who is the ultimate NO EXCUSES girl. She was out there in the ocean facing her fear head on. I knew that Dolvett was really afraid to go out in the ocean, so I kept teasing him to pass the time as we waited. I had been practicing swimming in the pool at the ranch, so while I knew I wasn't a strong swimmer, I was ready to see how I did in the ocean. When I went out into the water, I had the support of all the contestants and both trainers cheering me on. It was a wonderful moment that I will never forget. I often think about what I said, fear is just a feeling, and you can get over it.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you and Megan fell below the yellow line, was there any doubt in your mind about going home or were you set on giving up your place in the competition for her?
A. Kimmy: Of course I wanted to stay longer, but not at her expense. As a parent, I have sacrificed for my children many, many, times over the years. I know that I will continue to make sacrifices for my kids in the future, because that is what a good parent does. I felt she needed to be there more than I did at that point, and I wanted her to have the opportunity to continue to work on her goals. I was in a good place myself and was only 11 lbs away from my weight goal. I have no regrets about asking the other contestants to send me home instead of Megan.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You've been very successful at home and you look great! Can you talk a little more about the therapeutic work you are doing with horses?
A. Kimmy: My passion for horses started when I was a little girl. I have been fortunate to have had them almost all my life. I love to help people and that is why I became a nurse. Therapeutic horsemanship is the perfect blend of my love for horses and my sense of satisfaction I get from helping others. It is amazing to see the progress that persons with disabilities can make with an equine partner. The majority of clients are mostly persons under the age of 18 who have conditions that range from Autism and Cerebral Palsy to Muscular Dystrophy, MS, Downs Syndrome, ADHD and many others. I love the feeling of serenity and hope that is found at the Therapeutic horsemanship center. The program makes a significant difference in the lives of individuals who truly benefit from equestrian therapy. The environment there is so uplifting and I have so much respect for the people who keep the program running. It is a non-profit organization and they rely on donations, which can be challenging in times of economic downturn. Someday, I hope to start my own therapeutic horsemanship program close to my home.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What advice do you have for people who want to try out for The Biggest Loser?
A. Kimmy: Go for it. Be prepared to endure hardship like you have never experienced before. Be strong, it's not easy to expose your entire self and family to the scrutiny of America. Everyone knows the old saying about nothing worth having is ever easy, so true. The first step is always the hardest, and so are all the following steps, but it is worth it in the end.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Have you reached your weight loss goal yet or are you still working towards the live finale?
A. Kimmy: I am currently 1 lb. away from my goal of 150 lbs. I feel really confident that I will meet my goal by finale. Right now, I feel fantastic, and I feel like I am a winner!

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

(Image courtesy of NBC)

Follow Gina @ginascarpa and "Like" her on Facebook!