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AUSTRALIA ROCKS

April 01, 11:57 PM

Ali Opera LR small.jpg

I can’t begin to describe how fantastic Australia is. Not only is it a beautiful country, the people are SO nice, everything about it … just blew me away. I can’t wait to go back, it was the most spectacular place, there are so many things to say about our trip, I don’t even know where to begin.
The Bridge Climb was just incredible. In the gift shop, they have a wall of photos of celebrities who have climbed the bridge: Robert DiNero, John Travolta… Drake Hogestyn, Deidre Hall!! So I knew I was in good hands. I talked to Dee, Drake and Thaao about traveling to Sydney – they went to promote Days last fall – and they couldn’t stop raving about it. Thaao grew up there, so he had many recommendations for us, including suggesting that I call (flashback to 2002) Justin Melvey (he played Colin on Days). Justin spent an hour on the phone with me, recommending places, and offering all sorts of advice. He was so nice about everything and it was the perfect way to get ready for our trip.
Ali Jil Bob LR small.jpg

Okay, so 15 hours later, we arrived in Sydney. We all traveled together – the contestants, the crew, and me and Dave. We got there early Friday morning and spent the day just getting acclimated. Dave and I decided to walk around for a bit, do some sightseeing, stretch our legs, immediately behind us out of the hotel come Ali and Mark. Out for a jog. We ran into Jay and Roger doing visiting the Sydney Opera House. Every time Dave and I were coming or going from the hotel we ran into one of them on their way to or from the gym. They all worked SO hard in Sydney. I can only begin to imagine how heartbreaking it was for all of them – to bust their @sses so hard all week and see such low numbers on the scale.
But before we get to the weigh-in/elim … how CRAZY intense was the challenge this week??!!! I mean, seriously. Walking up to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge was amazing. Beautiful, and even though I’m not really afraid of heights, it is intimidating. I think something about looking down and seeing 6 lanes of flying traffic beneath your feet makes you feel very fragile. But that’s nothing compared to what Mark was going through. And to watch him face his fear like that – confront it head on – I think we were all impressed. And then the triathlon was incredible to watch. Truly epic. The way they all just dove into the harbor water… I was frustrated because it was the first challenge I couldn’t really watch. I had to get a move on back to the shore, so I could get up to the top of that building before they got there. Ha. It was so sweet to see Mark wait for Ali like that. For such a competitive person, it said a lot about how much he’s grown – that he was able to achieve his goal – he had asked the challenge producer what his time was on the course, and set that as his personal goal – he beat that time, but that was all he needed, he wanted to cross that finish line with Ali, his friend, and work-out partner. They have been through so much together and it was a very fitting finish. You didn’t get the chance to see in the episode how much Ali was touched by his decision to wait for her, but she was.
BL5 Syd LR small.jpg

Okay, I’ve had like 5 people email me tonight to say they were bawling during the elimination. Of course they were – seriously, it was a tear-jerker. I was totally choked up. Seeing the bond between Mark and Jay, and hearing Jay talk about his decision to ask to be voted, it’s a tribute to the man he is. Not to mention the impact he’s had on Roger, Ali and Kelly. He is a great guy, and it was really hard to say goodbye.
It’s great to see Kelly’s attitude change over the last couple weeks. She has constantly been on the chopping block – since she started the show she’s felt that if she fell below she’ would be the one to go – and finally her successes have given her the confidence she deserves. I loved hearing her say she knew she was a threat, so what? Just gonna work that much harder.
Only 4 people left. 3 finalists. Who’s it gonna be??

XO
ali

p.s. For more about my trip to Australia, please visit alisonsweeney.com, I'm going to post more photos and stories about my expereince in Sydney on the message boards there. xo

Permalink | Posted by Ali Sweeney

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Alison, I just have to say that it´s so fun to read your blog! I also have to say that I´m a very big fan of you in "Days of our lives"!
Have a great day! =)

Anonymous (04:48 AM)

Alison, I just have to say that it´s so fun to read your blog! I also have to say that I´m a very big fan of you in "Days of our lives"!
Have a great day! =)

Anonymous (04:50 AM)

I LOVED this last episode of TBL!! It's amazing how emotionally involved I've gotten with these people I've never met. I can't even imagine how hard it is for you to say goodbye to someone week after week.

Anonymous (06:40 AM)

Ali, I'm trying to figure out how this audience elimination and live finale will work with a taped show. Won't there be some lag time (more than one week) between next week's show and the finale? Is it possible to explain how that will work?

(like:
- Next week's show was taped x/x and airs 4/8
- Audience elimination will occur x days after the show airs
- The finale is live, and will take place x weeks after the previous show)

Also, how will the audience be voting - for the two below the yellow line, or for anyone?

Thanks!!

Anonymous (06:47 AM)

I loved and enjoyed this episode so much. To see how anyone can keep healthy even when on vacation. I am very happy this episode was aired because I learned plenty of information when on vacation. Also how special the bond of brotherhood between Mark and Jay. This episode sent out so much positive messages. Family love, loyal friendship bonds, courage, and trust. It was also a very emotional scene when Jay was eliminated. I LOVE THIS SHOW....

marisella (06:59 AM)

Hi Ali, I've been reading your Biggest Loser blogs for a while now but this is the first time I really wanted to post. I really enjoy your blogs and reading about some of the behind the scenes aspects of the show. I'm so annoyed about last night though, I was tired and fell asleep during the trialthlon part of the show! I'm so happy for Ali and so proud of Mark for doing that though. I disliked him and his attitude in the first few episodes, but as we got to know more about him and see the amazing changes he's undergone throughout the show, he has far and away become my favorite. He is awesome... :)

Anonymous (08:27 AM)

Ali,

Australia looked amazing. I so want to go and after seeing the bridge and how you can climb it, I'm putting it on my list of things to do...After raising the kids and all the other pressing matters in life (ha ha). I was really excited to see the girls pull thorugh again and leave two boys at the bottm. I think that is awesome. I can not wait to find out how the audience will have an influence ob the finale and you can bet I'll vote. I LOVE Days and I love BL. You have made one of my favorite shows that much better you are an amazing host! Keep up the good work.

Anonymous (10:20 AM)

That trialthon was just freaking amazing. I was so so so proud to see all of them working their butts off to complete it. I just knew it was going to come down to Ali and Mark, and I loved that for a long time there? Kelly wasn't last. You're right, her confidence is growing so much. She really has become a great inspiration. How cool was that whole eppie?? It was very sad to see Jay and Mark below the line but a small part of me was kinda glad it wasn't one of the girls. I want a girl to win SO bad.

Anonymous (10:23 AM)

Hi, Ali,

I freely admit, Mark totally touched me last night. His gesture to Ali was so classy and showed that he has done some serious growing and changing inside as well as out. I also loved Roger's words about Jay stepping out from the shadow of his brother. So true. I only wish Kelly had another month to spend with Jillian. Despite all her successes, she still doesn't seem to believe how strong she is-both physically and mentally. It truly was an emotional and inspiring episode.

Chellie B (11:39 AM)

Thank you for the BIGGEST LOSER. I watch the show every week no matter what is going on. I wish I could be there with them on the show. It really helps working out at the gym and watching real people feeling the same way as many over weight people do. THE BIGGEST LOSER changed many lives. Thank for the support. I look forward to the next show. Ps If I wanted to get on the show how do you go about it?

Jen

jen (12:26 PM)

Why is the audience getting to eliminate anyone? This doesn't seem fair to the contestants. It shouldn't be by popularity, but by weight loss only. Does this mean someone could lose the larger amount of weight and still get voted off by the audience. If so, that seems like it would discourage the contestants. Or did I misunderstand about the voting?

Anonymous (05:33 PM)

helloalison,
what up i am fine
when the biggestloser changed hahahah cool ?
tell melissa stonecipher say alison hi nice meet you
please write now
i to talk you soon.
love ,
teresa

Anonymous (08:46 PM)

Hi Alison
Just want to say that I'm a big fan (which you probably hear alot). My friend and I watch TBL every week for the last few seasons. We were quite excited to see a BL Australia, and we were wondering if a BL Canada was in the works in the future. We would love to get a heads up if something came along as we would like to become contestants. Thanks.
Christine

Christine Walker (11:13 PM)

Ali,I'm a long-time fan of Days and just started watching BL when you joined as host. It is truly an awesome show! I tape it weekly and watch over the weekend. What an inspiration all of the contestants have been! I really felt sad to see Dan go. He captured my heart, and I hope he is continuing to do well. The final four are simply awesome. I already am looking forward to next season.

Carol B (04:44 AM)

Great blog!

Australia sounds like it was a great time and I loved the episode! I can't wait to see your pics, but I'm afraid I won't be able to reply to you if you post on your message board because the overzealous Celebrity Loop mods have banned most of your Days fans :(

Anonymous (08:07 AM)

ali just wanted to say i would love an email from you. i am a follower and u look so amazing. you beat the guys in the wi. i went up this wk so i think of you and this show which i love so much, please email me,debbiespunky@aol.com
love debbie

Anonymous (05:11 PM)

australia was a great episode to watch and happy to see all so fit , ali made to the top again, great job
love to hear from you ali pink is my favorite color, thanks debbie
debbiespunky@aol.com

Anonymous (05:16 PM)

Hey alison! I love your blog! you are such a cute person! did ben go to Australia with you? the last episode was SO sad! I was sitting on my couch crying my eyes out. I LOVE the brothers and wish them the best of luck! Good luck to you too alison! I'm a huge fan! :)
-bobbi

bobbi (04:10 PM)

Allison...you are absolutely adorable. I love your outfits. Can you tell me where you purchased the black and white dress that you had on during the Australia 2008 weigh in and elimination.

Lindsay (05:34 PM)

Ms. Sweeny, I don't usually respond to these type of things, but I was wondering if you could congratulate the contestants for me. I know that you do it every week, but my husband and I have been watching since week 2 and are just amazed and continue to be inspired by them week after week. My husband and I never watch reality TV, but this show is different. Cat-fights and selling someone up the river for someone else's benefit are just not what we are interested in watching (TBL is not like this). This show is about personal achievements and watching the Biggest Loser inspires us and gives me hope that losing weight is an achievable goal, and effects someone down to their soul. My husband and I watch and continue to see improvements in each of the contestants character, personality, and overall their sense of being. Congrats and thank you.

Crista (06:57 AM)

Hi Alison,

Australia was fantastic. And watching Mark wait for Ali knowing that they had competed practically neck and neck was wonderful. He has grown in so many ways as well as lost. I remember when Ali came on with her Mom. She wanted to be there so bad and her Mom wasn't the most cooperative at first. My vote is for Ali with Mark on her back. I wish there could be a tie.

Just over 3 years ago I lost over 100 pounds on my own by cutting down my meals and walking 3 miles a day. I have gained 15 back right now as my back in injured and it is frustrating. I am anxious for my back to heal - Spring to come and walking to be back on my menu. It felt so good. My kids liked it too. I am still not eating a lot - it's just that I can't walk a lot and spend most of my day in bed for now. I will soon find out what the plan is from the other doctor. BL is so inspiring.

Thanks!

BK (08:29 AM)

Ali,
sorry if calling you Ali is so impersonal since we don't know each other. I have watched you on days since i was 10 and it's been 19 years of shows. I love your outfits on the show and what you wear on day. You always look beautiful and amazing and I hope the biggest loser keeps you as the shows Hostess for all biggest loser shows. If you have the time and would like to please contact me via email or instant messanger with millsjennifer1023@yahoo.com or on aol instant messanger with slicksbaby69. Have a great finale as I will be tuning in on the edge of my seat to see who takes this years 250,000.

Anonymous (08:12 PM)

It was great reading about Australia. I was just there in February and climbed the bridge. What date was episode #514 filmed? I'm wondering if I was in Sidney at the same time. I am a huge fan of Biggest Loser.

Andrea (06:18 PM)

I enjoyed reading about your trip to Australia. I was just there in February and I climbed the bridge! I'm a big fan of Biggest Loser. When was episode #514 filmed? I was wondering if I was in Sidney at the same time that you were visiting.

Andrea (06:26 PM)

Alison, it's great watching you on the Biggest Loser. I remember when you were a 'chubby' teen as I watched you grow up on Days of Our Lives. I lost 30 lbs about 12 years ago when I also quit smoking and came out of the closet as a gay man. Watching the Biggest Loser's helped me now to remember just why I needed to lose that weight and has even helped me shed about 8 lbs that I've put back on over the past few years. You're the best!

Joe (06:48 PM)

I am so in love with "The Biggest Loser"!!!...I catch it every Tuesday...I get so emotionally involved...I can't stand not watching it...It's like I've met all these people!...well if you ever get a chance tell Ali and Kelly I am their fan...I love them both...and i can't decide between them...P.S. You are so BEAUTIFUL!!!...I hope you read this!!!

Makayla (07:09 PM)

Love all the new photos! Link to the Aussie recap: http://wadeonbirmingham.com/2008/04/08/weight-and-see-hybrid-test-drive/#comments

Ginny (09:41 PM)

Alison, Oh my gosh I'm such an emotional person I practically cry watching every episode of the Biggest Loser. And I'm one of your hugest fans, I love "Days" some days I think me and your character, Sami, are so much a like. Ha-ha. I sure wish I could be a contestant on the Biggest Loser. I don't know how I would do it though- I'm a single mother of 2 wonderful children. My family helps me raise them but being the only one in my house to work and bring home the pay check I don't think I can take off at least 4 months to be a contestant. I would love it if I could though. Every time I watch the show I just know I would be one of the girls to break a record. I think I could even beat Ali's 99 pounds.
Take Care- Can't wait to see the Finale next week.

Elizabeth From Tyonek, Alaska (12:32 AM)

Alison,
I have to say the contestants are amazing and the show is life changing.
I also want to say that i have watched you go through your very own transformation of sorts since you were very young.
You also are a major inspiration.
I am in Ontario Canada and dream of having that kind of chance.
I'd give anything for that chance

Ty for all you and the show do every day.
Please tell Jillian i absolutel a love and adore her and her approach to her training. Sorry Bob your great but got a soft spot being a woman myself lol

Thanks
love and respect
Cindy
Ontario Canada

Anonymous (12:42 AM)

Alison, you are very beautiful and I am a long time fan of Days. By the way, I love the Austrailian accent! I would love to travel to Austrailia someday but I have a fear of heights. A big fan, Tammy.

Anonymous (11:21 AM)

Alison, you are very beautiful and I am a long time fan of Days. By the way, I love the Austrailian accent! I would love to travel to Austrailia someday but I have a fear of heights. A big fan, Tammy.

Anonymous (11:22 AM)

Alison, you are very beautiful and I am a long time fan of Days. By the way, I love the Austrailian accent! I would love to travel to Austrailia someday but I have a fear of heights. A big fan, Tammy.

Anonymous (11:22 AM)

I am trying to vote for the Biggest Loser for next week April 15, but haven't found the link on the web. Can you tell me where it is? I would like to eliminate Roger and keep Mark on.

Thank you

Merredith Wills (12:31 PM)

YOU LOOK VERY GOOD. TAKE CARE

Anonymous (03:46 PM)

YOU LOOK VERY GOOD. TAKE CARE

Anonymous (03:46 PM)

I am so sick of seeing the four amigos crying!!! for pete sake, get a life.....the whining that goes back and forth between Jay and mark and now roger is disgusting!!!! Your losing weight and your on a GAME for chrissake....Get over yourselves. also, on another note: Your "pride" tats didn't get any of you very far, did they? And you all have them for the rest of your lives. Go Girls!!!!!

Anonymous (12:26 PM)

hi Ali i'm a big fan of DOOL and ofcourse i love u and lucas i hope that you guys get back together you guys are the cutest couple on DOOL enjoy your work and i will be watching to see if you and lucas get back together i wont miss anything with tivo lol bye Ali

denise (11:44 AM)

Nice site you have http://nicksfishmarket.com/swf/sesso/

Jeryyms (11:03 PM)

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