Chris, age 11, is one of the six participants on ABC’s Shaq’s Big Challenge. When he first began the program, Chris weighed 206 pounds. He has been put through a rigorous program to improve his overall health through diet and exercise. BuddyTV sat down with Chris to talk about his time on the show so far and his major league dreams.

How would you describe yourself?

Well, I’m really nice. I like to play sports and my favorite sport is baseball. I’ve always wanted to play for the New York Yankees. I’m a very big fanatic!

What made you want to be part of Shaq’s Big Challenge?

I needed to lose weight. The thought of being overweight and unhealthy really started to get to me.

Can you talk a little bit about your food issues going into the challenge?

My mom does a lot of Cuban cooking and we use a lot of fat. In our family, the cooking is very big and there would always be Cuban bread at the table. You could eat as much as you want and nobody would tell you to stop.

Are there any foods you really miss having?

I miss having everything but our nutritionist has given us different ways to enjoy the things we like, just healthier choices.

How did you feel when you first met Shaq?

I was a little nervous but I was pretty excited because I got to meet someone famous. It was really cool

In the beginning, when everyone was slacking off at their workouts, did you think about the fact that you were being filmed and Shaq was probably watching?

We were just having a lot of fun. We knew our producer was filming us but we didn’t know they were going to use that! We all got what we deserved.

How do all the kids get along in Shaq’s program? Are you all friends because you’re going through similar things?

I guess so! A lot of people didn’t get along with James though.

What is the physical education program like at your school currently? How many days per week do you have gym?

I don’t take gym, I take band. It’s an elective so you have to take one or the other and I chose band.

Many kids and parents want to know how they can change their life and get into shape. What would you say to them?

It’s easy! You don’t have to have a trainer or go to a gym. You can eat healthier, a lot of fruits and vegetables. You have to exercise a lot. You can just go outside, run around with your friends, things like that.

What does it mean to you to be a role model to other kids?

Well, being a role model is like being an adult. It feels like being older. You have control and a lot of influence on kids’ lives.

What are you hoping to be when you grow up and why is it important to be healthy to achieve that goal?

I’m hoping to be a New York Yankee. It’s important to be healthy because what’s the point of trying to make it to the major leagues if you can’t even run to first base?

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

It’s not worth eating all the bad food. It’s not worth eating so much because you’re just going to be unhealthy.


-Interview conducted by Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of ABC)