Deaf model wins last cycle of America's Next Top Model

MANILA, Philippines - Nyle DiMarco was hailed as the winner of the recently concluded final cycle of America's Next Top Model.

Despite being hearing-impaired and teased in his childhood days, DiMarco did not give up on his dreams. 

"Being deaf did not give me any hesitation to be a part of the show," he told PEOPLE. 

The 26-year-old DiMarco is the first deaf contestant of the show, and he actually thinks that being that way gives him an advantage as it sets him apart from the other contestants.

On Sunday, DiMarco proudly shared a photo of him with model-host Tyra Banks, sharing how the experience meant a lot to him.

 

I am still at a loss for words. I won! I WON!! I am AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL! AND THE LAST WINNER AND WHO HAPPENS TO BE DEAF! I remember this photoshoot with Tyra like it was yesterday. I was extremely nervous as @tyrabanks 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, Kelly, and Yu Tsai for believing in me and giving me the voice! I will never disappoint you all and I will keep thriving! I LOVE YOU ALL.

A photo posted by Nyle DiMarco - Official - NYC (@nyledimarco) on

Dec 4, 2015 at 10:14pm PST

DiMarco was born into a multi-generational deaf family and studied at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., which is the only university that caters to hearing-impaired students.