LI twins win "Biggest Loser"
They lost big, so they won big.
Bill Germanakos of Lynbrook worked off 164 pounds to take “The Biggest Loser” title on NBC’s Tuesday night competition, while his 40-year-old twin, Jim, won the weigh-in among previously eliminated contestants after dropping 186 pounds. [NBC photo above: Bill Germanakos, center, with brother Jim and family.]
Bill, a medical salesman who stands 5-feet-8, took home the $250,000 grand prize by going from 334 pounds to 170 over the eight-month production schedule for the 15-week series. Twin brother Jim, a Freeport police officer from Massapequa, earned $100,000 for dropping from 361 to 175, and losing 132 of those pounds at home after his fifth-episode elimination.
The Germanakos brothers, the first set of twins on “The Biggest Loser,” made a triumphant appearance on Wednesday’s “Today” show, saying they were inspired by their father passing away young at 57, as well by as the recent death of “a friend that was in our age group,” Bill told Ann Curry. “He left a houseful of kids, and it’s very upsetting. And then to know that we were on the path for an early death as well. It’s something, when we had an opportunity to go ahead and do this, it’s something that we jumped at.”
Both were members of the “underdog” black team, a surprise in-progress addition to the series, which normally features red and blue teams of six persons each. The competition’s final four contenders all came from the same team, another first. “We were the throwaways,” Bill said in celebratory video clips posted after his win at NBC.com, where he had become a favorite in viewer comments expressing support for his can-do attitude.
But it was that “throwaway” sting of rejection that prompted Bill to describe “the defining moment of my life as an obese person.” With daughter Adrienne standing beside him after his win, he told NBC.com about taking her to an amusement park and waiting in line an hour to ride the front car of a roller coaster. “And I didn’t fit. They tried so hard, it was painful, when I got up and we had to walk away with everyone looking at me.” He said that after the show’s “reveal” party, “We went right back to the amusement park, we got right on the roller coaster, and I proceeded to bring her on every roller coaster. Listen, I’ve been waiting 20 years for this.”
Bill used his “Today” appearance to thank his wife, Stephanie, and his kids, Adrienne, Luke and Hope, for all their support. Jim thanked his wife and three kids, too. Both encouraged other obese people to do whatever it takes to lose weight. “We needed help,” said Bill, “and we found the help.”
Not to mention reality TV fame. And a nice chunk of change, too.
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Comments (45)
Congratulations to Bill & Jim,
You both did a wonderful job & boy you look sooooooooo handsome. Keep up the good work & be happy & enjoy your great success.
God Bless,
Kathy Balsan
Elmont, NY
Way to go guys!!
Congrat's to the Jim and Bill.
My husband and I were rooting for the both of you from the beginning. Hope your weight loss will encourage fellow Long Islanders.
Congrats again and keep up the good work
You guys are AWESOME!!
They'll be back up to about 250 in couple months
Great job guys, with that can do attitude I would expect nothing less from you two. You gentlemen are an inspiration for those that think it can't be done. You guys deserve the rewards for all your hard work, enjoy your new life with your families.
Mr Quimby:
My guess is that you are jealous. These two guys have worked hard and made so much progress, I doubt they'll let that go to waste. Why don't you give it a try?
With every day that passes our society becomes more cruel and classless. Quimby's comment living proof of that.
I think everyone on the show looked amazing last night. Some of the weight loss numbers were jaw dropping. Especially since they did all of this in only seven months.
I
On my own, eating a healthy diet and with moderate exercise, I lost more than 120 pounds between Oct 2005 and Oct 2006. I've kept it off for more than a year now. It is possible to change your life permanently--and for the better. I commend all the participants and encourage everyone out there struggling with weight issues. It takes more mental stamina than physical to succeed and it is a daily commitment.
Great job, guys! Watching the show was like going back to high school one more time. You were great guys back then and still are today!
WOW!!! I just lost 40 lbs myself and watching you on the show has been a big inspiration for me. I got up when I didn't feel like it and worked out and ate different even though I wanted the junk! I have kept it off and I believe you will too. Keep up with the great work. Thanks for your hard work! I am at 130 and I feel great about myself again. Again, WOW!!!!!!
WOW!!! I just lost 40 lbs myself and watching you on the show has been a big inspiration for me. I got up when I didn't feel like it and worked out and ate different even though I wanted the junk! I have kept it off and I believe you will too. Keep up with the great work. Thanks for your hard work! I am at 130 and I feel great about myself again. Again, WOW!!!!!!
I really thought that julie and hollie lost the most weight
Good job Shannon
You guys are such an encouragement to those who are struggling with weight. To see what you look like now is so amazing. It took alot of hard work and you perservered and you made it. ALL of you look so awesome. WOW !!!
Jim,,, You still playing the sax???? Lets Jam??? Good Job..
Great job guys im doing a report on both u guys 4 college tom.
Congratulations Bill and Jim!
I grew up on LI's south shore and it was nice to see someone from "home" win the big prizes!
Many people can relate to your concerns and struggles of being overweight.
Watching the show has inspired my husband and I to lose weight...
Seeing what you have both have accomplished, makes us realize that it is possible!
Keep up with your continued dedication of a healthy lifestyle!
Wishing you both, all the best!
Bill and Jim:
Isn't the world lucky to have two handsome, determined and wonderful brothers like you. You not only inspire people because of your weight loss, but also the closeness of the two of you as brothers. You both are a pure and beautiful example of sibling love and dedication to each other. Love you both for being such good people.
Dorothy Constantino
Jim and Bill,
Way to go! Gods blessings for you and your family! Please don't let people like Mr. Quinby bring you down! He sure must be a miserable person! Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Diane L
You guys were great in every way. You played the game with class and integrity. I am very proud of both of you. West End School is especially proud of Bill. Class gentleman all the way. You deserve the best!!
Good Job Guys! You did a great job on the show and I wish you continued success. Have fun with you new lifestyles. Best wishes always!!
both brothers did sooooooogood at losing that access weight and I was rooting for them; but we cannot forget the effort neil made and lost 211lbs. They all looked amazing. I'm happy for them all
congrat jim and bill you are an inspiration to me to get up and lose weight i also need to lose because of medical reasons i want to see my children grow up great job
Congratulations to all, but especially to Bill, Jim, Neil, Kae, Julie & Amy who did amazing jobs and looked fantastic! I wish them all the best in maintaining their new lifestyles.
you both did AMAZING!! I lost 185 pds my self aswell by watching this show and working w/ my personal trainer i am now 119 pounds weel enough about me you guys are amazing WOW!!
I am a twin and a dad and a proud gay grandpa! My daughter and grandson joined me last night to watch the event! WHOOTS! CONGRATS! We all celebrate with you! Bill and James you look great and Bill when you said you had a 32" waist it sent a shudder of hope through me. My daughter and I have been struggling for a while...but we are on track and have lost about sixty pounds between us, but we are all fired up again and want to thank you FOR YOUR EFFORT...you give us hope, you give America hope! Thanks again.
Way to go twins! I am on my way from 226 to 189 currently. You all have inspired me to reach my own personal goals!!!
They'll be back to their their 'original' weight (high 300's) in no time!
Once a blob, ALWAYS a blob!
good job!! I had a great time watching the show.. you both inspired me..
It is amazing to me that so many people let themselves slip into obesity. At what point do you stop and look in the mirror and say, "wow, did I just swallow an entire farm animal?" It was very impressive to workout out with so much weight..... I only hope that I have enough discipline not to eat so much that I have to lose as much weight as if I were carrying a second person!
* Also, that blonde hostess was kind of annoying.
I watched every show with awe struck emotion. the things that the trainers put you through was pure torture the way it looked to me. I think that Jim and Bill are great role models for all the other people in the world that forever battle weight control problems. If they can do it,then so can others. WAY TO YOU GUYS!!!! You inspire me to watch my diet and exercise more.
I can't say enough about both of your determination and willpower. You gave millions of overweight people hope. You have even inspired me to be more active than I am. I commend you both for your hard work and perseverance. I hope you enjoy all the praise and the financial prizes. You deserve every bit of it-you earned it. You have done Long Island proud.
To Hello who posted "Once a blob, always a blob"-you must be either a miserable person, a blob yourself, OR a very heartless person who has never had to deal with the painfulness of being overweight. And I will tell you straight up that people do lose weigh, permanently! Why don't you stop being so negative and find something nice to say? These people worked their butts off and look amazing!!!
Congrats to all, especially Bill and Jim!!! Way to go!
Jill
way to go bill and jim! you all look awesome. you are a true inspiration to myself. i can only hope that i will be as successful as the people on the show. i have to lose at least 80 pounds so that i can be healthy and live long for my daughter and myself.
Congrats guys!! You look great!!!
Congratulations and job well done, Bill and Jim! What an inspiration to all. Do you know how many lives you've touched? I'm normal weight and run marathons...you've inspired me to never give up and that yes, being healthy and looking good doesn't always come easy...there's lots of discipline and work involved. Bottom line...we all have to make good choices! To "Quimby" and "Hello", give it a rest!!!
I always knew you guys would end up on TV...
Congratulations, God Bless, and Merry Christmas.
I LOVE YOU BILL AND JIM!
you guys are amazing and i cried because i was so happy seeing both of you having lost so much weight and being so happy with your life.
although hollie and julie did lose a lot of weight, you guys deserved it! keep it up and follow your dreams!
Dear Bill & Jim: Congratulations on the biggest success of all, learning,making positive changes by taking small steps...and achieving the greatest respect for yourself...and total respect from me & many other people who understand the challenges and medical conditions that obese people face on a daily basis...That said, I am sooooooooooo....proud of both of you.
You are truly an inspiration to me...since seeing you on the show, I have been motivated to go to the gym and work out, as much as possible...I am making small changes in my life, that has made a big difference to my health....Like you and your brother, I have made a choice to never turn back....Thank you for being my inspiration...I have lost eight pounds this last week, and working hard towards double digits next week. I am so proud of you both...Please stay positive, focused, motivated, and inspired...by the endless love & support from all of your biggest loser fans.
BTW...RE: The uneducated brainless, thoughtless people who were insensitive in the previous post, you have had your 15 seconds of shame...YOU DO NOT DESERVE THE ATTENTION THAT YOUR INSULTING POSTS ARE GETTING!
May you always be blessed (x2) with endless volumes of love, multitudes of strength, a wealth of great health, an endless dose of motivation for the days when exercising, may be somewhat tiring...and most of all, may you receive endless inspiration in knowing that you have not only changed your lives forever, but you have now changed mine forever.
Thank you for making a difference in my life,
Always,
Tia
BTW...Bill & Jim...on my previous post, the blessings were for you and your brother, not for the S.**'s that left those clueless posts.
Bill & Jim...You totally ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Always,
Tia
CONGRATULATIONS BILL & JIM!!!! YOU BOTH TRULY DESERVED TO WIN, YOU GUYS KICKED BUTT! THANKS FOR BEING SUCH GREAT INSPIRATION TO ME AND OTHER STRUGGLING WITH THEIR WEIGHT. HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!!!!
Bill & Jim
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOU BOTH ANOTHER LONG ISLAND PERSON'S TO WIN. THERE IS 3 OF YOU NOW FROM LONG ISLAND
Συνχαριτιρια Μπιλ και Τζιμ! ! ! !
Bill & Jim
Best Of Luck
you both work hard to lose the weight . Whatever you do don't go back to your old weight . You both look great
. kathy