Kournikova Joins The Biggest Loser
Published May 26, 2011 06:20
Russian trailblazer Anna Kournikova's post-WTA career has taken another interesting turn - in the direction of Hollywood - with the news the former doubles world No.1 will be the new celebrity trainer on hit American reality TV show The Biggest Loser.
An excited Kournikova - who celebrates her 30th birthday on June 7 - was on hand when her appointment was confirmed during the Tuesday night finale of the weight loss and well-being show, which is being overhauled ahead of its twelfth season.
Todd Lubin, an executive producer of the show, has been quoted as saying the program was "getting slightly away from just the tape measure, and getting into overall well-being and health. That's where Loser needs to go."
Though not a direct replacement, Kournikova will help the void left by the departure of Jillian Michaels, who announced late last year that the eleventh season would be her last, as she wished to start a family.
"I can't wait to get started on the show and to share everything that I have learned throughout my years as a professional athlete," Kournikova wrote on her website. "I really feel like this is going to be the perfect fit! Living a healthy lifestyle has always been such a huge part of me, and I am beyond excited to get to work!
"I will have so much more to share with you guys once we get started on this really cool adventure," she added.
During her time on tour Kournikova won 16 doubles titles, including the Australian Open twice and WTA Championships twice, her biggest successes coming with Martina Hingis. She spent 10 weeks at the top of the doubles rankings, and peaked at No.8 in singles in 2000.
She played her last tour matches in 2003, but continues to play exhibitions and charity events. Though now a US citizen, she can be credited with helping spark the boom that saw Russian women become the single most dominant force in tennis over the past decade.
Check out Anna's official website at www.kournikova.com.
An excited Kournikova - who celebrates her 30th birthday on June 7 - was on hand when her appointment was confirmed during the Tuesday night finale of the weight loss and well-being show, which is being overhauled ahead of its twelfth season.
Todd Lubin, an executive producer of the show, has been quoted as saying the program was "getting slightly away from just the tape measure, and getting into overall well-being and health. That's where Loser needs to go."
Though not a direct replacement, Kournikova will help the void left by the departure of Jillian Michaels, who announced late last year that the eleventh season would be her last, as she wished to start a family.
"I can't wait to get started on the show and to share everything that I have learned throughout my years as a professional athlete," Kournikova wrote on her website. "I really feel like this is going to be the perfect fit! Living a healthy lifestyle has always been such a huge part of me, and I am beyond excited to get to work!
"I will have so much more to share with you guys once we get started on this really cool adventure," she added.
During her time on tour Kournikova won 16 doubles titles, including the Australian Open twice and WTA Championships twice, her biggest successes coming with Martina Hingis. She spent 10 weeks at the top of the doubles rankings, and peaked at No.8 in singles in 2000.
She played her last tour matches in 2003, but continues to play exhibitions and charity events. Though now a US citizen, she can be credited with helping spark the boom that saw Russian women become the single most dominant force in tennis over the past decade.
Check out Anna's official website at www.kournikova.com.
Topics: anna kournikova
