Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models
Almost all big names of the industry have modeled for Sports Illustrated. A shot in one of the most widely read sports magazine in the world (i.e. Sports Illustrated) can boast your career unexpectedly (potentially) leading to other photo shoots, fashion shows and television commercials and movie roles. Many Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit models have launched their own clothing collections. However, the rewards associated with being a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model are not without competition. Although most Sports illustrated Magazine’ swimsuit models are chosen by Sports Illustrated staff, modeling agents lobby fiercely to get a spot for their agencies’ top models.
Being featured in Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue adds to the credentials of both the model and the model agency with which she is working. This competition is fiercer than ever because Sports Illustrated has launched a reality television show to choose an undiscovered model who wins a featured spot in Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue along with a modeling contract with NEXT Model Management. Contestants are rated on the following criteria: personality, beauty and athleticism. Contestants have to participate in a number of photo shoots designed to size their potential.
As mentioned above, although models of Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue get a major career boast, the most prestigious honor is to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue. Some of the most popular models to have appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue include Veronica Varekova, Elle Macpherson, Rebecca Romijn, Rachel Hunter, Daniela Pestova, Elsa Benitez, Carolyn Murphy, Yamila Diaz, Elle Macpherson, Rachel Hunter, Kathy Ireland and Christie Brinkley. Despite being glamorous, Sports Illustrated is in essence a sports magazine. Therefore, it features professional athletes in its swimsuit issue from time to time. Some of the most popular professional athletes to have appeared in Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue include:
1. Steffi Graf – Tennis legend Steffi Graf modeled for Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue in 1994.
2. Gabrielle Reece – Volleyball star Gabrielle Reece graced the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated Magazine wearing a golden bikini in 1997.
3. Annika Sorenstam – Expert golfer Annika Sorenstam appeared in Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue with husband David Esch in 1999.
4. Serena Williams – Tennis super star Serena Williams posed for Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue in 2003 and 2004 sporting a white string bikini. The world saw William’s purely feminine (And sexy) side for the first time.
5. Anna Kournikova – Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova appeared in Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue in a satin bikini setting off her perfect tan in 2004.
6. Maria Sharapova – Upcoming fireball Maria Sharapova added to the popularity of Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue. She wore various bikinis including a sexy polka dotted bikini from Pompei Beach.
Most people (incorrectly) presume that Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit models will be included in the list of highest paid models in the world. However, the reality could not be more different. Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit models earn average pay checks because of the fierce competition they have to face to secure a spot in the magazine’s swimsuit issue. This is because the chance to shoot with some of the most popular photographers in exotic locations around the world is along with prestige associated with appearing in Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit issue is worth ten times more than the pay check. In addition to appearing in the magazine, Sports Illustrated Magazine’s swimsuit models are featured in posters and calendars. This is a life time opportunity for any (swim suit) model from any part of the world.
