It was Chris Burke who said, “it’s not our disabilities, it’s our abilities that count.” I absolutely agree! In fact, in the last cycle of America’s Next Top Model, the grand winner happens to be deaf, however, equally awesome as other models. Everyone, please say hi and congratulations to Nyle DiMarco!
According to his personal website, Nyle is an alumni of Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts University in the world for the Deaf. He is also a signer and creative collaborator of an App created by native Deaf signers to teach conversational American Sign Language (ASL).
On his Facebook account, he also expressed his gratitude and awesome opportunity to be the last winner of the said competition.
Here’s the caption to his inspiring journey:
I am… AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL! AND THE LAST WINNER AND WHO HAPPENS TO BE DEAF!
I still can’t believe it. I still am at a loss for words. I am on Cloud 9 all over again.I remember this photoshoot with Tyra like it was yesterday. I was extremely nervous as Tyra Banks prepped up for the shoot with me. However as soon as we worked together, our energy quickly formed and multiplied. We kept moving and moving in perfect synchronicity that not even advanced calculus could solve. It was amazing. I’m keeping this photo and experience forever in my heart.Thank you Tyra…. Thank you #ANTM…. Thank you Miss J Alexander. Kelly Cutrone, and Yu Tsai Photo for believing in me and giving me voice!I will never disappoint you all and I will keep thriving!I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!
Tyra Banks: “So, Nyle, you won America’s Next Top Model because you are an amazing model. You have it. You just so happen to be Deaf.But that is NOT WHY you are #ANTM. You kick ass. So congratulations!”
