Former CHS Teacher Abby Rike Contestant On ‘The Biggest Loser’

CEDAR CREEK LAKE–The premier of the NBC hit series, "The Biggest Loser," was Tuesday, September 15. Local teacher, Abby Rike, is one of its participants.

Rike, 35, a Mabank resident, lost her husband and her two children, age 5 and 18 days, in October, 2006, in a tragic car accident on State Highway 198.

She and her husband were both teachers at Canton High School at the time of the accident.

Following the accident, Rike was struggling with the loss and trying to find her way back.

As a teacher, she had encouraged her students to do their personal best, but said she often felt like a hypocrite, since she wasn’t doing the same.

She had received a message from a friend who was a former contestant on the show, encouraging her to apply, she recalled.

"I was having a particularly bad day, doing a lot of crying, and I called my mom, telling her about the show. She said ‘go for it’" Rike said, adding it was Friday, Feb. 13, when she made her decision.

Filming for the fall series began in May, and everyone on this season finished up and went home in August, NBC publicity agent Jill Carmen said.

The participants will continue to diet and exercise in order to lose weight to compete for the grand prize.

Even though there can’t be more than one first place winner, Rike is glad she joined the program.

"That’s the beauty of ‘The Biggest Loser,’ everybody wins. I feel like a new person. I’m a winner, regardless of what (prize) I win," she explained enthusiastically.

"It has been so rewarding. I was just muddling along, until I began taking part in ‘The Biggest Loser.’ It has been so rewarding," Rike explained.

There are definitely no regrets, Rike said, sounding bubbly and excited.

She offered an encouraging piece of advice for those who are also trying to recover from life-altering events.

"When you’re stuck in a rut, it’s never too late or hopeless to change. Basically, wherever you are in life can be your new beginning," Rike said.

Dieting alone is not the end solution, as she did a lot of exercising, she explained

"You have to get up and move," she added..

"The Biggest Loser" offers more than just a weight loss program, she said, adding the exercise and education involved in teaching someone to alter their eating habits and life-style are a part of the changes needed in order to lose weight.

"Of course, the health benefits are the biggest advantage. The increased energy benefits, that truly has been a huge part of my experience," Rike said.

"I am going to finish this journey. I may go back to school and finish my doctorate. I’ve finished my master’s – a year ago in August," she explained.

Rike maintained a 4.0 grade point average while she earned her master of education degree.

Rike has taken a break from teaching this year while participating in the show.

"I do enjoy teaching, and I am thinking about maybe teaching some of the programs for teachers," she added.

Rike is among 16 contestants vying for a chance to compete for the grand prize of $250,000, or the secondary prize of $100,000.

The winner will be determined by the greatest percentage of body weight lost, Carmen explained.

An excited Rike said she will definitely be among the viewers Tuesday. She will be at a premier party with friends in Louisiana that night.

"We are all going to watch it together," she said.

The season finale is set for Tuesday, Dec. 8