Kriti Mehrotra
With Netflix’s ‘Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser’ exploring the impact of the titular weight loss show on its contestants, we get an insight into the dark side of such programs. It actually comprises not only archival audio-video footage but also exclusive interviews from experts, producers, and former participants, to really underscore what went on behind the scenes. Therefore, of course, season 11 winner Olivia Ward was one such individual to feature here, yet unlike many of her peers across iterations, her experiences were resoundingly positive.
Olivia Ward’s Motivation to Shed Weight Came When She Realized She Had a Lot on the Line
Although born on October 23, 1975, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, as the eldest of four siblings, Olivia Ward primarily grew up surrounded by affection, care, and support in Houston, Texas. It thus comes as no surprise that when she fell in love with the art form of theatre as well as opera, she was encouraged by everyone close to her to follow her passion in any way she deemed fit. So, upon graduating from high school, she earned a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from the University of Alabama and a Master’s in the same from the New England Conservatory.
In between this period, Olivia also found her life partner in a man named Benjamin Ward, so she tied the knot with him in an intimate ceremony in 1998 before later finishing her Master’s. Then, she decided to establish a career in the industry she so loved because it had always made her feel truly at home, no matter what the number was when she stood on a weighing scale. She had the talent, the pitch, as well as the control, yet when she ultimately found herself in front of a renowned music director, they politely asked her to get down to a size 8 in 2 years so that they could really work together.
With this and her dreams of having children one day, which she wasn’t able to owing to her Polycystic Ovary Syndrome diagnosis, she decided it was high time she turned over a new leaf. She subsequently even convinced her younger sister, Hannah Curlee, to apply for NBC’s ‘The Biggest Loser: Couples 4’ (season 11) alongside her, and they fortunately did end up getting cast. At the beginning of the entire experience, the elder sister weighed 261 pounds, but after 21 weeks of abiding by a strict regimen of a low-calorie diet as well as intense exercise, she lost 129 pounds to win the season. Her sister had lost 120.
Olivia Ward Still Maintains a Close Relationship With Bob Harper
During Olivia’s time on the NBC original production, her team’s personal trainer was Los Angeles-based professional Bob Harper, with whom she gradually developed a close friendship. Hence, when she did struggle with maintaining that low weight after filming, she had someone to help guide her through all the ups and downs, resulting in him also becoming her inspiration. She definitely still had the unwavering support of her parents, siblings, as well as husband, but she now had an additional person in her corner, which helped her stick to a healthy lifestyle even more. This continues even today.
In fact, even though nearly 15 years have passed since Olivia first came across Bob, they still share a tight-knit bond that has transcended time, distance, and much more. “What do you say about someone this special?” she penned for his 55th birthday back in August 2020 alongside a photo of them together. “Bob, you have been by my side through thick & thin (literally 😝)… You have never judged me or left me. You have been a teacher, a friend, and become family. You know how much I love & treasure you, but I’ll say it again EVERY year…I’m SO thankful you were born!!”
Olivia Ward is Living Her Dreams Today
In the aftermath of Olivia’s initial weight loss journey, she found herself continuing to work as a singer before realizing her true calling is in the fitness industry, owing to her first-hand experience. Therefore, in 2013, she began operating a website called My Fitspiration before eventually spreading her wings and evolving into a Senior Instructor at a SoulCycle around her then-base of Atlanta, Georgia. By this point, she had finally also become a mother, welcoming a beautiful boy named Harper Ellis Ward on August 14, 2015, followed by another boy, Felix McKay Ward, on January 8, 2020.
As for Olivia’s current standing, the happily married mother of two has since evolved even further as she now serves as the proud co-founder of CounterBalance, alongside her sister Hannah. With a mission to help others achieve their goals while also balancing their careers, parenthood, and social lives, this organization focuses on mind, movement, as well as nourishment. We should also mention that this Mobile, Alabama resident is a DIY enthusiast, especially when it comes to home projects, because she believes no one knows the essence you want in your safe space better than you. Furthermore, it’s imperative to note that while she is no longer a professional opera singer, she still loves singing alongside her pastor/musician husband, with whom she recently celebrated 27 years of marriage.
Read More: Where is Suzanne Mendonca Now? Update on The Biggest Loser Star
