Jennifer Atilemile is one of the sports illustrated swimsuit’s rookies for its 2023 issue, making a splash with a stunning spread photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico.
The Australian model was first scouted at age 15, but she opted to put her modeling career on hold until after she received her double master’s degree in international affairs and journalism. She made history in 2020, becoming the first Australian Victoria’s Secret curve model, which she described as a “very big win” for herself.
When she was selected to join SI, Atilémile was thrilled: “I was just so excited to just do my best and show why [the SI Swim team] chose me to be a rookie in the first place.”
As someone who’s dedicated her platform to championing body positivity, Atilémile is appreciative of SI‘s dedication to diversity in its selection.
“What I’m proud of is that I am uniquely myself and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit really shows diversity in that way,” she explained. “I think there’s so much pressure on young women, young girls, just anyone these days, to conform to a certain ideal of beauty.”
“Jennifer is an inspiration to us all as she becomes one of the most prominent leaders of the body positivity movement,” said SI‘s editor-in-chief MJ Day. “On top of that, she’s taking the fashion industry by storm, landing global campaigns, gracing the runways, and using her platform to share her personal journey as she navigates the industry. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jennifer as a rookie for the 2023 issue!”
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