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Fearless Females
To kick off International Women’s Day,Sports Illustrated Swimsuitannounced its powerhouse group of women who have made it to the next round of the brand’s annual Swim Search. Out of the thousands of submissions, this year’s finalists were selected to be flown down to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana for a photo shoot with acclaimed industry photographer YuTsai. The winner will be featured in the 2023 issue.
02of 14Manju BangaloreOccupation: Actor, Nonprofit Executive Director PhysicistHow many bathing suits do you own?Growing up in Oregon and not having a proper beach, I didn’t have many — but I’m now finally building out my collection! I’d say I have around 6 now.What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search?It’s such an immense honor. In my callback, I talked about my “why” for submitting toSI Swimsuit: to make my 12-year-old self proud and to inspire other young girls and women to pursue their wildest dreams. As a kid, I was often left out because of the color of my skin, my sexual orientation, and my gender. Being a part of Swim Search means I get to fully embrace the parts of me I was rejected for — and inspire others to do the same.First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit: My first memory ofSI Swimsuitmust have been seeing Kate Upton in the early 2010s!SI Swimsuithas created such a beautiful community of diverse, multifaceted women that really remind us that we as women are limitless.
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Manju Bangalore
Occupation: Actor, Nonprofit Executive Director Physicist
How many bathing suits do you own?Growing up in Oregon and not having a proper beach, I didn’t have many — but I’m now finally building out my collection! I’d say I have around 6 now.
What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search?It’s such an immense honor. In my callback, I talked about my “why” for submitting toSI Swimsuit: to make my 12-year-old self proud and to inspire other young girls and women to pursue their wildest dreams. As a kid, I was often left out because of the color of my skin, my sexual orientation, and my gender. Being a part of Swim Search means I get to fully embrace the parts of me I was rejected for — and inspire others to do the same.
First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit: My first memory ofSI Swimsuitmust have been seeing Kate Upton in the early 2010s!SI Swimsuithas created such a beautiful community of diverse, multifaceted women that really remind us that we as women are limitless.
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Hillory Fields
Ernesto Lopez
Occupation: Travel ICU Nurse
How many bathing suits do you own?I own 42 bikinis!
First memory of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit:I remember when I was 12 years old and the first season of America’s Next Top Model aired. My cousin and I watched the first few episodes together and that’s when I had my first look at Tyra Banks’Sports Illustrated SwimsuitCover. From there, anywhere I went, I noticed anSI Swimsuitmagazine either on a coffee table or a newsstand. It somehow solidified that modeling would become a part of my future. Full circle moment here guys.
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Victoria DeHart Vesce
courtesy of Victoria Vesce
Occupation: Law School Graduate, Grief Support Advocate and National Brain Tumor Society Spokesperson
How many bathing suits do you own?A gazillion!
First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit:Ever since I was in middle school, I was OBSESSED withSports Illustrated Swimsuit. I remember when I got older and got into modeling that I would be in the mirror mimicking and practicing poses from the greats like Tyra Banks, Christie Brinkley and so many more! The waySI Swimsuithas celebrated women and shown that you can be sexy, smart, career oriented, that you can have it all and don’t have to choose really has inspired the way I live life now!
05of 14Gigi Robinsoncourtesy of Gigi RobinsonOccupation: Founder of It’s Gigi LLC, Podcast Host of “Everything You Need Is Within"How Many Bathing Suits Do You Own?Probably close to 30!What does it mean to be a part of the Swim Search?Being a part of Swim Search means so much to me, because I never dreamed I would be here! Being chosen as a finalist for this role means I get the opportunity to show other people just how true going after whatever you want, despite adversity you face, is possible. When I was 11, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which is a connective tissue disorder leaving bruises all over and braces to seemingly hold my body together. This invisible illness has challenged my own mental endurance, friendship and academic relationships so much that I had nothing else to do but speak out. My experiences have taught me that when you use your voice and stay true to yourself, there is nothing you can’t accomplish, which is why I wanted to represent chronically ill women in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. There is strength in being different and SI Swimsuit owns that fully!First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit: I grew up looking at photography in magazines more than anything. As an artist, I have spent YEARS studying different posing, lighting and images that have been featured inSports Illustrated Swimsuit. I have admired Yu Tsai’s work and it has always been my goal to shoot beside him one day as an assistant. I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to be on the other side of the camera! Aside from that, I have always admired the supermodels who graced the cover. Looking at Hunter McGrady and Emily DiDonato in the issues, I couldn’t help but admire their beauty and confidence. It has inspired me to find my own version of beauty despite standards; which has encouraged me to achieve the most and go after it even when people don’t believe in you.
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Gigi Robinson
courtesy of Gigi Robinson
Occupation: Founder of It’s Gigi LLC, Podcast Host of “Everything You Need Is Within”
How Many Bathing Suits Do You Own?Probably close to 30!
What does it mean to be a part of the Swim Search?Being a part of Swim Search means so much to me, because I never dreamed I would be here! Being chosen as a finalist for this role means I get the opportunity to show other people just how true going after whatever you want, despite adversity you face, is possible. When I was 11, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which is a connective tissue disorder leaving bruises all over and braces to seemingly hold my body together. This invisible illness has challenged my own mental endurance, friendship and academic relationships so much that I had nothing else to do but speak out. My experiences have taught me that when you use your voice and stay true to yourself, there is nothing you can’t accomplish, which is why I wanted to represent chronically ill women in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. There is strength in being different and SI Swimsuit owns that fully!
First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit: I grew up looking at photography in magazines more than anything. As an artist, I have spent YEARS studying different posing, lighting and images that have been featured inSports Illustrated Swimsuit. I have admired Yu Tsai’s work and it has always been my goal to shoot beside him one day as an assistant. I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to be on the other side of the camera! Aside from that, I have always admired the supermodels who graced the cover. Looking at Hunter McGrady and Emily DiDonato in the issues, I couldn’t help but admire their beauty and confidence. It has inspired me to find my own version of beauty despite standards; which has encouraged me to achieve the most and go after it even when people don’t believe in you.
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Sarafina El-Badry Nance
courtesy of Sarafina Nance
Occupation:Astrophysicist, Analog Astronaut and author
How many bathing suits do you own?This is so embarrassing but I only own one!
What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search?As an astrophysicist and a BRCA2+ breast cancer previvor, being a finalist forSports Illustrated SwimSearch is an absolute dream that I still can’t believe has come true. So much of my life has been about breaking into spaces that I never felt like were meant for me, and to be that source of representation in Swim Search is an unbelievable privilege and gift. I honestly can’t believe it. When I was a kid, I fell in love with astrophysics, but as an Egyptian-American woman, I rarely saw scientists who looked like me. I had to fight through feelings of non-belonging and learn to advocate for myself in order to pursue my dreams of studying the stars. I’m so proud to joinSI Swimsuit’s group of powerful, driven women who are changing the world, and to be the multi-hyphenate woman that young Sarafina would have wanted to see when she was a kid.SI Swimsuitshows that women can pursue our dreams, defy stereotypes, and be anything we want to be.
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Drew Dorsey
How many bathing suits do you own?Somewhere in between too many and I need another one.
What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search?Being a part of Swim Search is such a dream and has been on my vision board for years. To see it come to fruition feels unreal. This was my second year auditioning which goes to show that you should never give up on your dreams because the craziest thing that could happen is they’ll come true! I feel so honored that there’s a whole generation of Black women now who will get to see themselves represented in me.
First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit:Of course Tyra and my queen/religion Beyoncé. Kate Upton’s 2013 cover also changed my life because she looked incredible and I was like omg yes having Double D’s won’t stop me from being able to model!
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Kelly Crump
How many bathing suits do you own?Honestly I do not know the actual number which means I have more than I should have given I live in a cold country! I am the person that tends to take between 15-20 suits on holiday because I need ones to snorkel in, lay out in, ones that I can play paddle ball in. I like variety!
First memory of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit:I remember when I first saw the magazine come through the letterbox as a young girl. It was the 25th anniversary edition with Kathy Ireland on the cover in this yellow bikini which was the beginning of my love for swimwear, beautiful travel locations and the beautiful women! Each year I would watch the behind the scenes shows on the making of the magazine and dream about visiting all these exotic locations. It gave this small town girl from NC inspiration in regards to fashion, beauty and travel. I have seen every issue each year since then! I love how the magazine has evolved over the years and how it now focuses on empowering and supporting strong beautiful women from all backgrounds.
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Michelle F. Steffen
Christian Beliera
Occupation:Fashion Law Lawyer and Model
How many bathing suits do you own?I’m not really sure but more than I can think of! I go crazy about just a couple of them and I end up wearing two or three per season. This last summer it was a black one.
First memory ofSports IllustratedSwimsuit:Ashley Graham’s 2016 cover. I couldn’t believe my eyes because I wasn’t used to seeing curvy models in my home country or pretty much anywhere.
10of 14Nicole Petrierichard baron rodriguezOccupation:Model/CaregiverHow many bathing suits do you own?25What does it mean to be apart of Swim Search?There are a handful of companies that I’ve dreamed of working with since I first started modeling. Companies that would make me feel like I’d “made it” in the industry, andSI Swimsuitis definitely at the top of that list.Sports Illustrated Swimsuithas made so many models who they are today and they work with the most amazing people. That’s why I am so honored to be a part of this year’s finalists and even more so because I get to represent and be a voice for caregivers all over the world, spread awareness for Frontotemporal dementia, and show anyone going through a similar situation that they are not alone.First memory of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit:Probably seeing the cover on the magazine racks when I went grocery shopping with my mom as a little girl. I remember always being fascinated with the magazines and the covers have always been so beautiful and well done. I think a lot of young girls look up to the women in theSI SwimsuitEdition and I was no exception to that. Now, to be able to shoot with them and hopefully take one of those magazines home to show my mom that her daughter grew up and accomplished that goal of being in the issue. It’s a real dream come true.
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Nicole Petrie
richard baron rodriguez
Occupation:Model/Caregiver
How many bathing suits do you own?25
What does it mean to be apart of Swim Search?There are a handful of companies that I’ve dreamed of working with since I first started modeling. Companies that would make me feel like I’d “made it” in the industry, andSI Swimsuitis definitely at the top of that list.Sports Illustrated Swimsuithas made so many models who they are today and they work with the most amazing people. That’s why I am so honored to be a part of this year’s finalists and even more so because I get to represent and be a voice for caregivers all over the world, spread awareness for Frontotemporal dementia, and show anyone going through a similar situation that they are not alone.
First memory of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit:Probably seeing the cover on the magazine racks when I went grocery shopping with my mom as a little girl. I remember always being fascinated with the magazines and the covers have always been so beautiful and well done. I think a lot of young girls look up to the women in theSI SwimsuitEdition and I was no exception to that. Now, to be able to shoot with them and hopefully take one of those magazines home to show my mom that her daughter grew up and accomplished that goal of being in the issue. It’s a real dream come true.
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Ashley Byrd
Occupation:Model
How many swimsuits you own:As much as I love bikinis, you would think that I have plenty, but in reality, I think I only own about 10.
What does it mean to be part of Swim Search?Being part of this search is such a tremendous honor.SI Swimsuit, and all the other beautiful women that are also part of this journey, allow me to show up in these spaces as my authentic self and let me know that that is enough. This is about more than just modeling and it is bigger than just me. Having the opportunity to experience this process is not only a win for me, but a win for my entire community. It serves as a real life example of the beauty and talent that exists in even the smallest town AND it helps remind all the other little girls and boys that they can manifest their wildest dreams into reality.
12of 14Mady Deweycourtesy of Mady DeweyOccupation:CEO & Co-Founder, Herd SocialHow many bathing suits do you own?I only have 8…which is honestly shocking considering the beach is my favorite place!What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search:I’m still pinching myself, it’s a dream come true. For so long, I tried to tell myself modeling was not possible for me given my career in tech and my naturally curvy body. So often women are put in a box, told they have to pick which side of themselves is most palatable to the room they are in. It’s an honor to be a part of a community that truly celebrates women for all that they are, and all that they aspire to be.First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit:In 2012 when Kate Upton was on the cover, I remember sitting with my mom (a long-timeSI fan) obsessing over how powerful she looked on the cover. It’s been a dream of mine to be inSIever since!
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Mady Dewey
courtesy of Mady Dewey
Occupation:CEO & Co-Founder, Herd Social
How many bathing suits do you own?I only have 8…which is honestly shocking considering the beach is my favorite place!
What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search:I’m still pinching myself, it’s a dream come true. For so long, I tried to tell myself modeling was not possible for me given my career in tech and my naturally curvy body. So often women are put in a box, told they have to pick which side of themselves is most palatable to the room they are in. It’s an honor to be a part of a community that truly celebrates women for all that they are, and all that they aspire to be.
First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit:In 2012 when Kate Upton was on the cover, I remember sitting with my mom (a long-timeSI fan) obsessing over how powerful she looked on the cover. It’s been a dream of mine to be inSIever since!
13of 14Lotta HintsaOccupation: High altitude climber and endurance athleteHow many bathing suits do you own?I live a life of a nomad, because I go where the mountains are, so all my swimsuits are in multiple locations around the world. I honestly have no idea how many bathing suits I own. But there’s always at least 5 at hand, no matter where I am.What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search: It’s such an honor! I have always seenSI Swimsuitas an advocate for strong women and a brand that is redefining femininity in this world. I hope my authenticity as a woman in extreme sports can help support that messaging.First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit: I visited the United States for the first time in 2009 and bought my firstSI Swimsuitmagazine. My immediate impression was that the magazine celebrated female beauty in a fearless way, and ever since I’ve been a huge fan!
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Lotta Hintsa
Occupation: High altitude climber and endurance athlete
How many bathing suits do you own?I live a life of a nomad, because I go where the mountains are, so all my swimsuits are in multiple locations around the world. I honestly have no idea how many bathing suits I own. But there’s always at least 5 at hand, no matter where I am.
What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search: It’s such an honor! I have always seenSI Swimsuitas an advocate for strong women and a brand that is redefining femininity in this world. I hope my authenticity as a woman in extreme sports can help support that messaging.
First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit: I visited the United States for the first time in 2009 and bought my firstSI Swimsuitmagazine. My immediate impression was that the magazine celebrated female beauty in a fearless way, and ever since I’ve been a huge fan!
14of 14Ashley CallingbullOccupation: Actress, Model, Motivational SpeakerHow many bathing suits do you own?A girl can never have too many!What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search?It means the world to me! Indigenous representation is so important and it’s an honor to be supported and have my voice and work amplified through the sports illustrated swim team.First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit:The ’90s era made me proud to see diverse and strong women gracing the covers of a magazine that shows more than just a face. We are women with a mission, and I’m excited to see the diversity and inclusion continue!
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Ashley Callingbull
Occupation: Actress, Model, Motivational Speaker
How many bathing suits do you own?A girl can never have too many!
What does it mean to be a part of Swim Search?It means the world to me! Indigenous representation is so important and it’s an honor to be supported and have my voice and work amplified through the sports illustrated swim team.
First memory ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit:The ’90s era made me proud to see diverse and strong women gracing the covers of a magazine that shows more than just a face. We are women with a mission, and I’m excited to see the diversity and inclusion continue!
source: people.com
