320 lb Teen Wins ‘The Biggest Loser’ - 10 Years Later, He’s a Smokin' Hot Firefighter

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From the archives: This story was last updated in June 2019.

After winning “The Biggest Loser” more than a decade ago by shedding a whopping 157 pounds (approx. 71 kg), this firefighter has transformed himself yet again. From “chunk to hunk,” he’s proud to share his before-and-after photos, testifying to his major milestones in life, and hopes to encourage others who’re trying to lose weight too.

Sam Rouen was 320 pounds (approx. 154 kg) when he first appeared on the Australian reality TV show at age 19. He became the winner of The Biggest Loser in 2008 and was awarded a cash prize for having lost the highest percentage of weight. Moreover, he was the youngest-ever winner to lose the most fat, by shedding more than 45 percent of his body weight.

A decade later in 2017, Rouen, a Sydney-based firefighter, shared his amazing before-and-after pictures on his Facebook page to mark the milestone in his life.

“Wasn’t sure if I was going to do this post,” Rouen wrote. “However, 10 years hey. What a time. So much has happened, good, bad, everything between. Highest highs and lowest lows.”

“All I know is I’ve got some amazing people in my corner and I’m unconditionally appreciative of that,” he continued.

In an Instagram post, the 30-year-old Rouen again shared an inspirational message. He wrote: “Eleven years ago today, I stood on a stage and realized that I committed to something. It was one of the first times in my life that I put my mind to something, gave it my all and achieved what I wanted.”

“I still face demons and challenges, but this day empowered me realizing my worth and self empowerment. I hope that everyone has that opportunity to reflect on themself, and realize how amazing they are, what they can achieve, and what they are worth,” he added.

Over the past decade, Rouen has appeared in several New South Wales firefighter calendars. Apart from firefighting, he works as a motivational speaker in the health and fitness fields. He also returned to The Biggest Loser as a guest.

He said he can’t go a day without working out in the gym, which is a habit that has transformed him since his early teenage years.

“I’m addicted to working out now, I definitely love running and working out with my brother,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “I play a bit of sport to stay in shape and also work out in the gym.” He added, however, that he’s still “extremely self-conscious” despite the fine physique he’s built for himself. “I still don’t like taking my shirt off, even at the beach,” he said.

We did, however, find these photos of a bare-chested Rouen wielding a chainsaw and an ax ... perhaps shots for the 2016 Firefighters Calendar. After his change in diet, he posted a picture of himself on Instagram, saying he was quitting ice-cream.

“I keep saying no ice cream, however....” he wrote with the hashtags “no will power, firefighter calendar, calendar season, not another selfie, icecream addict.”

The success of losing weight, building his masculine shape, and enjoying a healthy life gives Rouen much self-confidence and happiness. He wants to inspire others who want to lose weight to try hard and don’t give up; everyone can achieve the goal of weight loss.

“You can be at your lowest point and, with a bit of hard work and persistence, you can turn it around and fulfill your dreams,” said Rouen.

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