The hit NBC reality show The Biggest Loser is nearing the end of the season, with only four contestants still vying for the grand prize after last night’s elimination.
The challenge this week had the remaining five contestants, Filipe, Ron, Mike, Tara and Helen toting canvas bags weighted down to mimic the amount of pounds shed by each player. The group had to climb 16 hills, each representing a week on the Biggest Loser campus. They were able to drop the corresponding weight that they lost each week as they made it to the top of each numbered hill.
Mike started out strong, even though he was lugging the most weight at 153 pounds. But in the end Tara, who carried 117, breezed by him and was able to choose between $10,000 or a one pound weight advantage. Mike, coming in second, would receive her cast-off prize.
Tara took the one pound advantage, giving Mike the cash. She had raked in $10,000 after winning a different challenge last week and decided that she had to guarantee her place in the final four. It turned out she lost 8 pounds (5.08 percent), giving her the greatest percentage of weight loss after the extra pound was added. That put her at the top of the leader board and secured her place in the finals.
Mike lost 11 pounds (4.68 percent), which put him in second place. Helen dropped 7 (4.35 percent) for third spot. Ron lost 9 (3.02 percent) and Filipe 10 (4.10 percent), both ended up below the yellow line and up for elimination. In the end, Mike and Helen voted to send Filipe home, making Tara’s vote unnecessary.
Filipe Fa is a 26 year old lube technician from Hawaii. He started out at 364 pounds and dropped 130 on campus and an additional 13 pounds since he has been home. He set out to inspire an entire culture of people and has been gathering friends and neighbors for an exercise program since returning to the islands. His father recently suffered a stroke but is reported to be recovering.
The remaining four players will now return home for 30 days before coming back to The Biggest Loser campus for a final weigh-in next week. Then it will be on to the season finale on May 12.
Kristin Steede was eliminated last week and appeared this week on the cover of Life & Style Weekly.
Photo below.