Congrats, Danni! See the Evolution of The Biggest Loser's Season 14 Winner

Welcome to Jillian's Jungle

Trae Patton/NBC

In the first two weeks on the ranch, we saw something we hadn’t seen since Biggest Loser's fourth season -- Jillian Michaels' team was the underdog. The white team started with five contestants. But one walked off and two were eliminated in each of the first two episodes. It wouldn't be long before Danni and Jillian would be all that was left of the team.

And Then There Were Two -- Immediately

Trae Patton/NBC

It was two versus ten in every challenge -- pop quiz, and weigh in -- which meant Danni and Pam had to work harder than most to maintain their positions on the ranch.

The First 5K

Trae Patton/NBC

After only one month on the ranch, the contestants completed their first 5K as part of Biggest Loser Walk/Run. The winning team would take home a split of $15,000 cash, and Danni and Pam made sure it was all theirs. "I was nervous and fearful I couldn’t finish, but I didn’t stop running," said Danni. "Not only did I finish, but I finished first!" The athlete had returned!

Beast Mode

Trae Patton/NBC

Not since Tara Costa in season seven have we watched one contestant dominate so many challenges. She only lost two challenges this season, and each win ensured she'd stay on the ranch at least one more week. With a background in swimming and playing water polo, the Wishing Fountain challenge in week five was custom made for Danni.

One For All

Trae Patton/NBC

By week six, Danni's weight would represent the entire team at the weigh in. An obstacle course with pendulums and balance beams pushed Danni in to an early lead, and then a one-on-one run with Jillian through a Parkour course would ensure she wasn't going home yet. The bond between contestant and trainer grew deeper as Jillian called Danni her "workout buddy."

Share the Love

Trae Patton/NBC

Cupid visited the ranch for a Valentine's-themed episode where the contestants were faced with chocolate-covered treats. By not eating the desserts in the pop challenge, Danni gave up a two-pound advantage. She was thrown for a loop when she worked out with Bob Harper for the first time and drew much motivation from the experience. During the challenge, we got to see just how big Danni's pink heart was, when she gave her prize of overnight visits from loved ones to Mike and Gina.

Biggest Loser's Newest Couple

Trae Patton/NBC

While the contestants had their heads and hands buried in the sand for an intense physical challenge, two contestants were making eyes. Francelina and Jeff are in love, and the couple is strong and happy, according to Danni. Everybody at the ranch even nicknamed them Dulce de Leche! Meanwhile, Danni kept shedding the pounds.

First for Everything

Trae Patton/NBC

All good things must come to an end, and this week, as the contestants faced their biggest fears, Danni lost her first challenge to Gina. Not only did she lose immunity, but she lost her fear of singing in public. We were all stunned when Danni stepped up to a mic at a bar and belted out the National Anthem. She had always loved singing but avoided doing it in front of others because of her weight. But after nine weeks on the ranch, Danni was finding a more confident version of herself.

Golden Touch

Trae Patton/NBC

Danni and her fellow contestants made it to the most coveted week on the ranch -- makeovers! That meant head-to-toe new looks by Tim Gunn and Ken Paves. Danni shocked herself and fans as she slipped in to a pair of gold skinny jeans that hugged her new, fitter curves and made her feel "like a movie star." She got to reveal her new look and 2.5 months' worth of weight loss at home in front of family.

Last Chance Workout

Trae Patton/NBC

It was the bittersweet end of a very intense journey, as Danni and her fellow final five contestants wrapped up their last week on the ranch. Danni and Jillian bonded one more time while viewing a montage of her journey on the ranch, which helped her lose just shy of 100 pounds in 11 weeks! Alicia Keyes' "This Girl is on Fire" had become Danni's anthem and it is what fueled her straight to the finale. She lost 11 pounds during her last week and secured a position in the final three.

Brand New Danni

Trae Patton/NBC

Before heading home, Danni had this to say: "I am more excited than words can express. I am so humbled by all the support I have received and I can’t wait for next week’s live finale! I will give it everything I’ve got to try and become Season 14’s Biggest Loser! I cannot wait to bust through my old picture and show America what hard work can do! If I can do it, you can, too!"

And the Winner is...

Trae Patton/NBC

...Danni rocked a form-fitting cocktail dress during the finale, showing off her incredible 121-pound weight loss. Before the final weigh-in of the season, she said: "I feel amazing. No one can take this away from me. I've worked so hard, and at the end of the day ... look at me!"

 

 

Read an exclusive Interview w/ Jillian Michaels About Her 35-City Tour and New Book