America’s Next Top Model Roundup: McKey Wins

By: Jen Smith
Fancast.com

Congratulations to McKey Sullivan, the big winner of America’s Next Top Model! McKey combined intelligence and acceptance with beauty and fierceness to be liked by her fellow contestants– as well as the judges. Hailing from her home state of Illinois, McKey started modeling late in life, but quickly discovered her passion for it. Now with the Top Model title under her belt, McKey is taking a step back from her tom boy ways to walk the fashion line from here on out. Fancast had the chance to talk to McKey about her rise to the top, how she controlled her nerves, and how she really feels about the other girls in the house.

Why do you think you were chosen to be the winner of ANTM?

I think I was chosen as Top Model because I represent a very unique kind of girl. I think I was able to take a different perspective for the ideas of the photo shoot and turn them into pictures. I have a more high fashion edge which helped me out. When I came to the Cover Girl shoot, where all the girls thought I would struggle, I ended up doing well. I think that helped me out that I was able to do multiple forms of modeling.

What was going through your mind at the final panel?

I have a nervous habit where I feel like I have to pee when I get nervous. I’d never really been nervous before this competition so I’m just sitting there in my designer gown with my legs crossed under my dress thinking “please don’t pee in front of the judges.” As the judging went on I got more comfortable. They had a very hard decision to make between me and Sam.

What did you think your chances of winning were after the runway show?

Coming in to panel, I thought pretty confident. Before the panel, Sam and I hugged each other and we realized that it was all done. We put forth our best effort there was nothing left to do. All the pictures were taken, the runway was done. It was in the judges’ hands. I was feeling pretty confident but as soon as they started going through those pictures I got nervous real quick.

How much time did you have to practice on the runway?

We did not get very much time on the runway. Just a couple minutes. It was very scary walking out on that runway because I was so scared of slipping. What terrified me, especially when Sam and I walked the runway together, I thought I would run up the hill and my momentum would push me off the side of it! I did not want to fall off the hill. That would have been a disaster.

Did not being in the bottom two help your confidence?

I think it really helped my confidence because it was one of my major goals in the house. I’m very ambitious and I set high goals for myself. Not being in the bottom two is a huge thing, but I kept pulling it off. Even after the Cover Girl commercial, which was really frustrating for me.

What led to your interest in modeling?

When I was 15, I had a really bad injury in soccer which caused me to have knee surgery. That put me out for 6 months. For someone whose life revolved around competing, I was extremely unhappy and depressed and I didn’t know what to do. When I got wind of a modeling competition, I’m like, “I can do that. I can put on heels and walk in them and be fine.” And I went and did it and did really well in that competition.

Do you think that being in good shape helped you in the competition?

It gave me a confidence boost that I had something going behind me that was pushing me forward. I’ve had the drive in the past and the competitiveness and I’ve pushed myself to the limits. I think that was what really helped me get so far.

Who you closest with in the house? And who was your biggest competition?

It started out my closest friend was Isis, but she wasn’t around for very long. I lost my roommate and my best friend in the house! Throughout the competition I was pretty close with Joslyn, Sheena and Sam. Out of everybody I am still closest to Sheena. We all supported each other and understood that we had differences. As soon as casting week was over, I saw Sheena and I thought there’s no way I can compete with that girl. She has this spark of fire within her. She walks into the room and you look at her because there’s something glowing from within her. As the competition went on I thought Lauren Brie was my completion, then towards the end I thought Marjorie was my competition because she just looks like magic in front of the camera.

How did you feel when you found out that Tyra Banks was giving Isis her gender reassignment surgery?

I was so happy. Words cannot express it. Isis has had a really tough. To think that she’s the same age is unbelievable because she seems wise beyond her years. She’s going to get to be exactly who she wants to be and enjoy life however she wants to. She really deserves it more than anyone I’ve ever known! I’m so happy for her. Go Isis!

What’s in your future?

I still have the same goals ultimately. I still want to finish both my majors. Ideally I want to make it into medical school. If I do end up taking time off I’d like to pursue modeling.