Biggest Loser: Utah Contestant

We have another Utah contestant on the new season of “The Biggest Loser.” The show will also have two new trainers, and a new role for Bob Harper.

It seems that Utah has averaged at least one contestant nearly every season, and this time, it’s Scott Mitchell of Mapleton.  The theme is “Glory Days,” with former athletes competing. Mitchell, who weighs in at 366 pounds, had a career in the NFL playing 12 seasons for the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. In 2010, Mitchell was inducted into the University of Utah Hall of Fame.

Now 46 years old, Mitchell has sleep apnea and high blood pressure. With five kids ranging in age from 11 to 21, he wants to be there for his family.

Since I’m into tennis, I recognized another contestant — Zina Garrison, an Olympic gold medalist who made it to the Wimbledon final in 1990 (losing to superstar Martina Navratilova).

It seems ironic that athletes who were once in world-class condition are now obese and out of shape.  But they already know how to work hard, and they will have some “muscle memory” to help them get back into shape. My guess is that they will also be very competitive during the physical challenges. TThis should be a very interesting season to watch.