From Heat Stroke to Hotter'N Hell Hundred

Former "Biggest Loser" contestant takes on new challenge

After nearly dying of heat stroke during "The Biggest Loser," a North Texas mother is taking on her biggest challenge yet -- the Hotter'N Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls.

Tracey Yukich will join 17,000 other cyclists for the 31st annual 100-mile bike race this weekend.

Yukich collapsed during a one-mile run on the beach, one of the early challenges during season eight of "The Biggest Loser." Heat stroke nearly ended her life and landed her in the hospital for 16 days.

In the time since, Yukich has run two marathons and completed a triathlon.

Her doctor initially warned her against competing in the Hotter'N Hell Hundred. But Yukich is not easily deterred and spent the last year training for the race.

"Whether it's sprint-jogging or lifting sandbags, it's an endurance workout, and it really prepares you for being outside," Yukich said of her training regime.

"You can look at me -- clearly, I'm sweating now," she said. "Heat stroke victims that have heat stroke -- that's what our hardest challenge is, is sweating again."

As she gets ready to leave for the race, she reflected on how far she's come.

"I get teared up thinking about all the wonderful things that have happened over the last two and half years after being on the show and losing weight," Yukich said. "It's just another thing. It's just another accomplishment."

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