The Shocking Truth About America's Next Top Model Cycle 10: Where Are The Fiercest Models Now?

America's Next Top Model Cycle 10, which aired in 2008, remains one of the most talked-about seasons in the franchise's history, primarily for its groundbreaking winner and the intense drama that unfolded both on and off the runway. As of December 2025, the legacy of this cycle, marked by the iconic move to New York City and the international trip to Rome, continues to resonate with fans, especially as the careers and lives of its top contestants have evolved dramatically since their time under the scrutiny of Tyra Banks and the judging panel. This deep dive uncovers the current status of the most memorable contestants and revisits the controversies that made the cycle unforgettable. The season's central theme was "New York City," emphasizing high-fashion stakes and a more demanding professional environment. The panel of judges, including photographer Nigel Barker, runway coach J. Alexander, and the legendary supermodel Paulina Porizkova, set a high bar, making the competition fierce and the critiques brutal.

The Groundbreaking Winner: Whitney Thompson's Post-ANTM Life

Whitney Thompson’s victory was a monumental moment for the modeling industry and the *America's Next Top Model* franchise. She was the first-ever plus-size model to win the competition, a feat that sparked both celebration and controversy among viewers and critics.

Whitney Thompson: Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Whitney Lee Thompson Forrester
• Born: September 26, 1987 (Age 38 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Atlantic Beach, Florida
• Cycle Placement: Winner of Cycle 10
• ANTM Prize: Contract with Elite Model Management, a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics, and a cover/six-page spread in *Seventeen* magazine.
• Post-Show Career Highlights: Modeling for CoverGirl, appearing in *Seventeen*, *Plus Model Magazine*, *Jacksonville Magazine*; walking for designer Michael Costello; brand ambassador for HSN.
• Current Endeavors: Thompson has focused on advocating for body positivity and has been involved in business ventures, including a jewelry line and a restaurant in her hometown. Her updates in 2024 and 2025 show her continuing to champion the plus-size modeling movement.

Since her win, Whitney Thompson has consistently used her platform to advocate for body diversity and self-acceptance. Her CoverGirl contract was a significant step, leading to national campaigns that pushed the boundaries of traditional beauty standards.

The Impact of the Plus-Size Win: Thompson's triumph remains a pivotal moment in reality television. While celebrated for promoting body diversity, the win was also a hot topic of debate, with some critics suggesting the runner-up, Anya Kop, was the stronger high-fashion model. Despite the noise, Thompson leveraged her success to build a lasting career, including walking in Michael Costello’s Fall/Winter 2015 fashion show and serving as a brand ambassador for HSN, proving her longevity beyond the show.

Where Are The Fierce Finalists Now? Anya, Fatima, and Katarzyna

Cycle 10 was defined not just by its winner, but by a powerhouse top four whose post-show careers have been arguably more successful in high fashion than many other contestants in the show’s history. The competitive energy between Anya, Fatima, and Katarzyna pushed the boundaries of the competition.

Anya Kop (Runner-Up)

Anya Kop, who was known as Anya Rozova on the show, was a fan favorite due to her unique look and consistent photo performance, earning her four first call-outs—the highest in the cycle. After the show, Anya did not fade away. She signed with top agencies like Elite Model Management and Wilhelmina Models in New York, as well as Style International Management in Hong Kong.

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Her work includes a cover for *Hong Kong Tatler* magazine and numerous editorials. While she has stepped away from the intense spotlight of the modeling world in recent years, updates suggest she is focusing on her personal life, including getting married in 2021. Her early career success cemented her status as one of the most booked models to come out of the *ANTM* franchise.

Fatima Siad (Third Place)

Fatima Siad's compelling personal story and striking beauty made her one of the most memorable contestants. Born in Somalia, she bravely shared her history of FGM (female genital mutilation) and fleeing a civil war, which resonated deeply with the audience.

Fatima has built an impressive high-fashion career, signing with One Model Management in New York City and Munich Models in Germany. Her portfolio is extensive, including appearances in *W Magazine*, *Elle*, *Marie Claire*, and campaigns for major brands. Siad is also a powerful speaker, using her platform to discuss her experiences and advocate for women's rights, proving that her impact extends far beyond the runway.

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Katarzyna Dolinska (Fourth Place)

Katarzyna Dolinska, the stunning Ivy League graduate from Cornell University, was a victim of one of the cycle's most uncomfortable moments. Tyra Banks repeatedly and intentionally mispronounced her name, a moment that is now frequently cited in discussions about the show’s problematic treatment of contestants.

Despite the on-screen drama, Katarzyna’s intellect and beauty propelled her post-show. She continued modeling, at one point still signed with Elite NY, though she transitioned to the Direct division. More notably, she pivoted her career, using her Cornell education to work for a prestigious law firm in New York City, demonstrating a successful shift from the fashion world to a professional career in law.

The Controversies and Key Takeaways of Cycle 10

Beyond the modeling challenges, *America's Next Top Model Cycle 10* is frequently revisited by fans and critics for several key controversies that highlight the show's complex and often exploitative dynamics.

The Tyra Banks Name Incident

The treatment of Katarzyna Dolinska remains a significant point of contention. During a panel, when Katarzyna politely tried to correct Tyra Banks on the pronunciation of her name, Tyra dismissively waved her hand and told her to "Go away." This moment is widely seen as an example of Tyra's tendency to prioritize her own narrative and control over a contestant's dignity.

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The Plus-Size Modeling Debate

While Whitney Thompson's win was a landmark moment, the continuous discussion around her size and the judges' commentary on her body fueled the long-standing debate about the fashion industry's stringent standards. The cycle brought the term "plus-size" into the mainstream reality TV conversation, forcing a public reckoning with size diversity in modeling. The judges, including Nigel Barker, J. Alexander, and Paulina Porizkova, often had intense discussions about the marketability of Thompson's look.

The High-Fashion vs. Commercial Divide

The final showdown between the high-fashion, editorial darling Anya Kop and the commercial, plus-size model Whitney Thompson perfectly encapsulated the tension within the modeling world. The ultimate decision to crown Whitney was a clear signal of the show's desire to make a statement about commercial appeal and marketability, a choice that many purists felt overlooked Anya's superior body of work throughout the competition. This decision continues to be debated in online forums and fan communities, even in 2025.

In conclusion, *ANTM Cycle 10* left an indelible mark on reality television and the modeling industry. The success of its top four—Whitney Thompson, Anya Kop, Fatima Siad, and Katarzyna Dolinska—in their respective post-show careers, whether in high fashion, commercial modeling, or professional fields like law, proves that the show was a powerful launchpad, despite the often-harsh environment created by the judges and the production team. Their continued relevance, even over a decade later, is a testament to the cycle's lasting impact.