Sam set for triumphant TV return over 40kg lighter

Andrew Mathieson
BY ANDREW MATHIESON
LAST time TV audiences saw Bell Park’s Sam Birrell, she was forced to quit Network Ten’s The Biggest Loser at the end of the first week.
Sam was suffering deep vein thrombosis after discovering a blood clot in one of her legs.
Not to be deterred, the 37yearold joined a gym, hired a personal trainer and got fit.
Now she’s a shadow of her former self and is ready to show the world.
Producers of the weightloss challenge have invited Sam back to reappear in next Wednesday’s episode before the season finale.
She wants to return for the “sake of the competition”.
“Just to prove to myself I can do it,” Sam said.
“I’m physically fitter each week and it’s great to show everyone I’m still in there, still doing it on my own.”
Sam had weighed 128 kilograms but has stripped more than 40 since December slipping down from a size 20 to 14.
Sam still plans to reach 79kg – her target weight – before the program’s end.
“I’m still the same person but I’m just physically and mentally stronger because of the weight loss,” Sam said.
“It just proves I can do it and I’ve accomplished a goal that I’ve always wanted to reach.
“I’m happy in that respect.”
Despite public criticism of The Biggest Loser for its extreme methods, Sam said it provided her with motivation.
She credited her personal trainer, Judy Hewat, at Fernwood Women’s Health Club, for the massive weight loss since leaving the show.
“It just proves you can do it at home and you don’t need to go onto a TV program,” she said.