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: Hartshorne has detailed the restrictive NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) contestants signed and the "cultish" filming rules that limited communication with the outside world. Career Post-ANTM

Cycle 9 was a critical phase of her training, where she would push herself to new limits and fine-tune her skills. Sarah had been preparing for months, and she was ready to take on the challenge. With her trusty bike by her side, she set out on a grueling ride through the countryside, feeling the wind in her hair and the sun on her face.

When auditioned for Cycle 9 of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) in 2007, she entered a reality television machine at the height of its cultural power . Cast as the cycle's sole "plus-size" representative , the then-20-year-old from Heath, Massachusetts, expected a fierce modeling competition. Instead, her journey became a case study in the toxic body standards of the early 2000s, producer manipulation, and the psychological warfare of reality TV.

: She describes the show's environment as "psychological warfare" and "cult-like," alleging that producers used isolation and manipulation to create drama.

: Despite being considered "pretty thin" by real-world standards, she faced intense judging that fueled a "raging demon" of body dysmorphia.

But little did Sarah know, her biggest challenge was yet to come. A sudden storm rolled in, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Her bike skidded on the wet road, and Sarah found herself struggling to stay upright. Just when she thought all was lost, she remembered the words of her coach: "The strongest riders are those who can weather the storm."

Sarah Hartshorne , a contestant from Cycle 9 of America's Next Top Model (2007), has recently transitioned from her modeling career to becoming a prominent voice in the "body neutrality" movement and an author.

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