NBC’s Biggest Loser season 11 winner Olivia Ward To Participate In Danskin Triathlon Series

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I have some exciting news to share about the Danskin Triathlon!

NBC’s Biggest Loser season 11 winner Olivia Ward and her sister and season 11 runner-up Hannah Curlee will participate as a team in the season finale of the Danskin Triathlon Series, a sprint distance triathlon consisting of a half mile swim, 12-mile bike and three-mile run, to be held on October 9, 2011 in La Quinta, California.

We are thrilled to have Olivia's and Hannah's debut Xxtra Mile event come at the Danskin Triathlon in La Quinta. Their participation at this event, with a broader involvement in the works for The Xxtra Mile's women's and girl’s 2012 initiatives, will help to demystify what it takes for women to participate in this type of activity, and encourage them to exceed their own expectations.

Olivia, an American mezzo-soprano opera singer, lost 129 pounds to win season 11 of The Biggest Loser, which was the fourth season of couples on the TV reality show. Her motivation for being on The Biggest Loser was the fact that her weight, which had climbed to over 261 pounds, combined with a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, meant she would likely never have children if she didn't lose a significant amount of weight. Her teammate on the show, and for the Danskin Race, is Hannah, who is three years younger than her and lost 120 pounds during the show.

Here is what Olivia had to share when asked about the triathlon - “Hannah and I are so excited to be doing the Danskin triathlon together in La Quinta,” said Ward. “A year ago I thought something like this would be impossible. The message I want to send all women is that no matter what you weigh, or how you look, there is strength inside you. Take the first step today and get active, before you know it, you can do a Danskin triathlon yourself!”

All year we have been telling stories on this blog about women who are not superstar athletes, but who know an athlete is inside them, and they are training to achieve a goal that sets a positive tone for their life and the lives of those around them. Adding Olivia and Hannah to our group just reinforces that message.

There is a reason that “The Danskin,” which is owned by The Xxtra Mile (www.thexxtramilellc.com) has been conducted for more than 20 years AND has provided the opportunity to “TRI” for more than 375,000 women in more than 140 races, since its start in 1990. It is the largest and longest running multi-sport Series in the United States. Participants throughout the years have ranged from 14 - 87 years of age. 

So come check out what the Danskin is all about. Book a ticket for Palm Springs in October, or think about how you can start training for an event next year.

For more information about the Danskin Triathlon Series visit www.danskintriathlon.net, or find us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Danskin-Triathlon-Series/105197429529228?ref=ts) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/TheDanskinTri). 

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