"America's Next Top Model" Cycle 22 wrapped up last week and crowned Nyle DiMarco as its winner beating Mamé Adjei.
In the Cycle 22 finale, DiMarco became the show's first deaf winner and only its second male winner since its inception in 2003.
"Being a Deaf person on a television show alone is pretty groundbreaking, so it felt incredible just to be on the show - but to win it was amazing!" he told People.
The 26-year-old told the publication that he hopes his success in "ANTM" would inspire the deaf community.
"I hope that my win inspires the Deaf community to start pursuing their desired careers," he said. "There are so many talented Deaf people that the world needs and can benefit from."
Elsewhere in the interview, DiMarco revealed he found it challenging to interact with other models.
"The inability to use my language, American Sign Language, and the lack of communication, information access and the general connection to the world was difficult."
"It truly did take a toll on me mentally," he added. "I even cringe now when I watch myself on 'ANTM' being all alone."
The good thing about this though is that the Washington D.C. native was able to avoid "all the drama," as he told Us Magazine.
Despite the difficulties, Nyle DiMarco wanted to stay on "America's Next Top Model" cycle 22 to "prove to the world what Deaf people are capable of."
"So I kept a smile on my face and had positive thoughts."
Host Tyra Banks took to Twitter to congratulate DiMarco on his win and called him "the last 'America's Next Top Model.'" Or is he?
After it was reported that "ANTM" had been cancelled by The CW, Franchise Herald picked up on a report that alleges executive producer Ken Mok is pitching a reboot of the show to cable and online streaming platforms.
As for life after "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 22, Nyle DiMarco reportedly wants to continue modeling and appear in commercials and movies.
