The Biggest Loser: Winner Daniel wants to compete in the Ironman

Daniel (31) is the winner of the 11th season of the Sat.1 weight loss show "The Biggest Loser". In the last and all-important step on the scales, he again surpassed the record of last year's winner Mario. With an initial weight of 203.8 kg, Daniel finally weighed 99 kg. He lost almost 104 kilos – 51.03 percent of his starting weight. His next goal is to participate in the Ironman in Frankfurt in June. And he trains hard for that. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he reveals whether he has given up on giving up in the meantime and whether he is afraid of gaining weight again.

Congratulations on winning the final! How was the last weigh in for you?

Daniel: Thank you very much, thank you! I entered the scales with mixed feelings. My personal goal was to break the 100 kilos. I wanted to see the 99 kilos once in my life. What felt the last time I was born. I could hardly believe it when I saw that I really did it, an indescribable feeling. For me, the victory was irrelevant at this moment, I mainly wanted to achieve my goal in order to complete the chapter "The Biggest Loser" for me positively.

How did you manage to lose so much in a short amount of time? Was it training or nutrition?

Daniel: I would say a healthy mix of the two. I have changed my diet very much. I used to eat fast food a lot, now only healthy things are served. In order to lose more pounds, I always aimed for a calorie deficit. I also tried to be active most of the day, just be on the move and do a lot of sport. This then led to good declines at home and ultimately to victory. Never change a running system.

What was your biggest motivation?

Daniel: My biggest motivation for losing weight was clearly the recurring thoughts about my health. I am 31 years old, but my joints are already very worn due to being overweight. Also, there are not really old people who are very fat, since most overweight people die from heart attacks, as I had to see in my time in the emergency medical service myself.

Have you ever thought about giving up?

Daniel: I would be lying if I answered 'No' to this question. It is a very demanding and hard time. There are often days when you would prefer to stay in bed and just order pizza. But we learned that at the camp, never losing sight of the goal.

How satisfied are you with your body now?

Daniel: I'm more than satisfied. I can do everything again without pain, can buy normal clothes in size XL and no longer have any restrictions that I used to have due to my overweight. A whole new way of life.

How did your surroundings react to your new figure?

Daniel: Like me, they can't quite realize everything. For example, my sister drove past me when she wanted to pick me up by car because she was looking for a "fat giant". I think that explains it quite well. The highlight now is with every greeting that everyone comes around me with their arms – it didn't work before.

What was the first piece of clothing that you bought for your "new figure"?

Daniel: A suit. I saw the series "The Mentalist" some time ago and always said to myself that when I am of normal weight, I buy exactly the suit. I thought he was so beautiful, and that's what I did. This feeling of being able to buy a normal suit in a normal shop is priceless.

How big is the fear of gaining weight? What are you doing about it?

Daniel: I'm not afraid, but respect. I know myself and know that I have to be careful not to fall into old patterns. But I have become a very reflective person, which makes it easier for me to structure my day, to be more aware of my diet and to integrate sport into my everyday life. I also set myself sporting goals so that I have to train.

You want to take part in the Ironman – how long do you need before you are ready?

Daniel: From a sporting point of view, I'm more fit than ever before. I have also reached my dream weight. The prerequisites for creating the Ironman are very good, but you shouldn't underestimate it: 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling and 42 km running – that is no easy task, that's why I train every day to get the most out of the Ironman which will take place on June 28th in Frankfurt.

What is currently on your menu?

Daniel: Mainly a protein-rich diet. I still try to cut out sugar, eat low carbohydrates and only eat healthy fats like B. olives, nuts or fish. I report daily about my food and show photos on my Instagram account daniel_thebiggestloser2020.

What do you want to do with the profit?

Daniel: I will use it to pay off a loan that I had to take out because of my self-paid driving instructor training. I also want to expand my T4 Bulli to travel a little. I will do something good for the rest of the people.

What can you advise other overweight people?

Daniel: Never give up, don't pull yourself down from others and don't let yourself be reduced to the outside. Everyone is valuable, deserves respect and recognition! No matter how you look. Follow your goals because they are your goals! Don't let others destroy you. God loves you.