ARARAT - 'It was just one of the best things I've ever done' those are the words Jane Jantzen has used to describe her time on The Biggest Loser.
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Jane was evicted from the house during last week's episode of the weight loss program in what was an emotional elimination for all the 'Ararat Champions'.
In recent weeks Jane had formed a close bond with the three other remaining female contestants, Sharon Basset, Katrina Pianta and Toni Stockwell.
The 42-year-old AME Systems' employee denied the 'Awesome Foursome' as the group of girls became known was an alliance out to pick off the other contestants.
"I wouldn't call it an alliance, it was just a deep seeded friendship that was brought about by four females having the same goals," Jane said.
"Being up for elimination alongside Sharon certainly wasn't one of the finest moments of the show, it was close to home. I was just hoping it didn't ruin the friendship, which it definitely hasn't."
Jane was one of The Biggest Loser's strongest participants, having lost 26.7kg during almost three months in the Sydney house.
Despite falling just short of making it to the final four, Jane wasn't upset to be sent home and said she just enjoyed to rollercoaster ride that the experience brought.
"I wasn't disappointed because I went on the show to change my life and the way I felt about myself," she said.
"I felt I had done that, so I was quite happy to leave. I never went on there because I wanted to make the finale.
"Pretty much each week it was a struggle to lose a decent number, so one of my proudest moments was when I lost 5.7kg at the weigh-in. I had gone from Commando's diet over to Shannan and just that jolt gave me a new life in the house.
"Walking on fire was one of the hardest moments for me, because last year one of my nieces' house caught fire and her two kids were home with their dad at the time so it could have been devastating. I've also got a friend that was badly burnt by fire, so I just associated it with pain.
"To overcome that and actually walk on fire was one of the toughest things to do.
"I didn't realise it was going to be such a mental journey as well. It is just as much about learning to accept what you've done in the past and to appreciate yourself as it is about losing weight."
Jane, who first weighed in at 121.7kg, said family was the motivating factor behind her decision to apply for The Biggest Loser.
"I have a lot of young nieces and nephews and I just wanted to have the energy to do the simple things in life with them, whether it was riding bikes or going to the park and not just sitting on the sidelines," she said.
"My goal was always to lose between 30-40kg and I just have to work hard to try and get there."
With Kerry Stockwell eliminated on Friday night Jane said she would be happy to see Katrina, Toni, Sharon or Craig Booby take out The Biggest Loser title at next Sunday's finale.
"Anyone of those four would be worthy," she said.
"They have all done the hard work and I am friends with all of them."
With life now returning to normal for Jane, she said she wanted to take an opportunity to thank everyone involved for the support the contestants have been given.
"There were a lot of people who wanted to have a go so to be one of the 14 selected was pretty special," she said.
"To walk down the street and be stopped by strangers who tell me that I've inspired them because they didn't think they were capable either, it is very touching."
See Friday's edition of The Ararat Advertiser where Kerry Stockwell will share his experiences on The Biggest Loser as well as a recap before the two-hour finale.