Despite coming in second, Linsay has never been more proud of herself

Linsay Willier is not going to be Canada’s Next Top Model but the 22-year-old who hails from Sucker Creek, Alberta has never been more proud of herself.

“It stings. I’m not going to lie. I hoped of course (it would go differently),” said Linsay, shortly after finding out Meaghan was named the winner.

“I wanted to win, but making it here, I’m still going to be known all throughout Canada and it’s not the end by any means. I just have to wait and see what happens.”

The Final 2 girls went head to head at a runway challenge featuring celebrity designers The Blonds and even though Nolé Marin told Linsay she was one of the top girls on the runway, it wasn’t enough to take home the top title.

The judges commended Linsay in recent weeks for stepping off the plateau she was on and progressing in the competition. She left a good impression on New York City designers during her go-sees and got photo of the week for her rooftop photo shoot. The following week, Miss J praised Linsay’s runway walk and she won the challenge involving designer dresses made out of bathroom tissue. Her photo for a FASHION Magazine cover-try was also the first one to be called by the judges during deliberations.

Linsay agrees with the judges that she has experienced a progression in the competition.

“I guess I was just believing in myself more and my confidence, that’s the main thing that grew.”

Even though Linsay had some previous modeling experience, which included walking the runway for Edmonton Fashion Week and modeling for local designers, she still finds it hard to believe she was picked to compete out of thousands of girls who auditioned across Canada, let alone finishing as runner-up.

Linsay says she’ll never forget all the things she’s been able to experience on CNTM, in particular the traveling. Before coming to the competition, she’d never even been on a plane. She says the traveling alone made the whole experience worth it.

“When I came here I wasn’t like, ‘I’m winning, I’m winning.’ I just wanted to enjoy this experience and do the best I possibly could and getting to go travel was my dream,” said Linsay. “Going on the trips was by far the biggest highlight of this competition.”

Linsay plans to finish her Child and Youth Care degree at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton and would like to continue modeling as well.

“I’ll finish my degree … (and) I’ll just wait and see. I don’t like to plan out anything too specific so if a great opportunity comes from this of course I’ll hop on board.”

“She made it this far in the competition so there’s no denying that she has really, honest to God, true potential … I know she’s going to do well,” said judge Mike Ruiz.

“She’s got such an incredible look and face and a beautiful body that the fact that she was head to head and it was a very difficult choice for us should be a clear indication that Linsay has nothing to worry about when it comes to modeling. I wish her all the luck. She’s just a beautiful stunning person all around,” said judge Yasmin Warsame.

“Linsay is very capable, extremely beautiful. I think she could work as a model, no question,” concurred judge Jeanne Beker.

Linsay wants to wish the new Canada’s Next Top Model all the best.

“Congratulations Meaghan. You’re amazing. Take this experience and run with it,” said Linsay.

Meaghan also had some kind words for the runner-up.

“I wish Linsay all the best. She knows I love her … I think she’s absolutely gorgeous, absolutely amazing and I love the girl to death. She’s the wisest 22-year-old I have ever met,” said Meaghan.

And even though she didn’t take home the top prize, Linsay has no regrets.

“None whatsoever. No hard feelings,” said Linsay. “I made amazing friends and did even more amazing things so as much as it sucks (not to win) it was worth it all.”