11 years on: What Biggest Loser winner Sam looks like now
It’s been 11 years since Sam Rouen went on the Biggest Loser and left with a whopping 71kg of body fat gone.
The then 19-year-old star won the show's third season in 2008 and since then has managed to maintain his incredible physique.
The 30-year-old took to Instagram last week to open up to his followers on how he works on strong mental health and keeps on track with his health journey.
“Eleven years ago today, I stood on a stage and realised that I committed to something. It was one of the first times in my life that I put my mind to something, gave it my all and achieved what I wanted,” Sam wrote in a heartfelt message to his supporters.
When he first went on the show, Sam’s weight started at 154kg, and in the last episode wowed the trainers, contestants and the public sitting at home when it was revealed he had lost a staggering 71kg.
“In the weeks leading up to 29.04.08, I was running up to 60km a day and eating to a timetabled schedule. I was disciplined,” he said in his post.
“I proved to myself that I COULD do what I put my mind to.”
He admitted that although he faced challenges throughout his time on the show, he left feeling empowered after he took out the win.
“I hope that everyone has that opportunity to reflect on themselves (sic), and realise how amazing they are, what they can achieve, and what they are worth.”
Just over 11 years later, Sam has proven how far hard work and dedication can get you as he has gone on to become a firefighter – even appearing twice in the annual fireman’s calendar to show off his washboard abs and toned body.
“The shoot went extremely well but stripping down and jumping in front of a camera isn’t second nature to me,” Sam explained to The Daily Telegraph on his 2017 photoshoot.
“The photographers and entire team at the calendar went above and beyond to make the experience as painless as possible and helped to overcome insecurities and confidence issues.”
Sam said he has developed an addiction towards training.
“I definitely love running and working out with my brother. I play a bit of sport to stay in shape and also work out in the gym.”