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'Loser' explains why he quit the show

Olympic gold medalist and (until recently) presumed “Biggest Loser” frontrunner Rulon Gardner has something to say about his sudden and shocking voluntary exit from the show.On Tuesday night’s “Loser,” Gardner announced that he was leaving the weight loss competition due to “personal reasons – that’s it.” Now the wrestler attributes his early end to a desire to simply get back to

Olympic gold medalist and (until recently) presumed “Biggest Loser” frontrunner Rulon Gardner has something to say about his sudden and shocking voluntary exit from the show.

On Tuesday night’s “Loser,” Gardner announced that he was leaving the weight loss competition due to “personal reasons – that’s it.” Now the wrestler attributes his early end to a desire to simply get back to his old life.

“Participating on ‘The Biggest Loser’ was a fantastic experience,” Gardner began in a recent statement. “I went on the show to get my life and my health back and I have accomplished that goal. I want to thank the trainers and all those connected with the show who helped me in that endeavor.”

Over the course of his 17-week stay in the game, Gardner dropped 188 pounds, going from 474 to 286.

“Once I reached my goal and started feeling like my old self, I felt compelled to return home and support my wife, Kamie, in the ongoing management of our personal and professional affairs,” Gardner said. “The real prize for me in participating on the show was regaining my life back and thanks to the show I have accomplished that. Another exciting outcome is that I am strongly considering a return to competitive wrestling.”

Gardner’s “Loser” walkout marked a first in the history of the show.

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