The Biggest Loser
The Biggest Loser runner up Mike Morelli spoke with journalism students Monday at Michigan State. Morelli’s speech was not only good practice for covering a press conference, but proved to be a source of inspiration for the young journalists. Though Morelli was not exactly at home speaking in front of a large crowd. “Talking in front of a big crowd is pretty intimidating, getting in front of everybody, kinda sharing your story, it gets easier overtime, with more people its just different. Talking in front of people its just different. Talking in front of people my own age is a lot easier than if I had to talk to a bunch of adults,” said Morelli.
A sticking point in people’s minds after the conference was Morelli’s strong bond with his father. Assistant Director of MIPA, Chad Sanders, spoke of this relationship. “It’s beautiful, maybe that is a weird word to use. To me it is beautiful because you can see his father loved them so much and wants to see him succeed. To take that on and he felt responsible (Father) for what he had done to his boys, and say this isn’t going to happen, you’re not going to be where I’m at and make the change. Amazing. Inspiring.”
At age 18, Mike Morelli was the youngest contestant on The Biggest Loser ever, struggling with obesity all of his life. At age nine Mike’s dad weighed 200 pounds, and Mike’s adoration of his dad fueled the similar struggle by him. Mike’s drastic change has not only inspired this MIPA crowd, but also his immediate relatives, such as his brother, who also is severely overweight. Morelli hopes to pursue a career in athletic trainer and is attending Michigan State in the fall.
