Rhode Island native, Olivia Culpo, has been a prominent public figure over the past few years. She first hit the scene in 2012 when she won the Miss Rhode Island pageant. That same year she went on to win Miss USA. Following those wins, in December, Culpo was crowned Miss Universe at the 61st Annual Pageant. Since then, she’s been on a roll.
During her time as Miss Universe, Culpo worked with the United Nations Population Fund to host a discussion on HIV prevention amongst youths. She has also worked with the nonprofit organization Best Buddies since her first win as Miss Rhode Island.
Afterward, Culpo focused on her modeling career walking in numerous fashion shows and starring in ads for L’Oréal and Cartier. Additionally, Culpo acted in various television shows and music videos, including the 2014 Nick Jonas video ‘Jealous’. In 2019, She was also named #1 on Maxim’s Hot 100 List.
All this success and hard work has led to her 2020 Sports Illustrated cover.
“It’s been an honor to be surrounded by so many amazing and strong women,” Culpo posted on Instagram.
The cover features Culpo, along with models Kate Bock and Jasmine Sanders. The trio shot the pictures back in November in Bali. There will be three additional issues featuring each model individually.
On Monday, Culpo shared her cover, along with a picture of a vision board she made four years ago. The board featured pictures of former Sports Illustrated swimsuit models along with a shot of Culpo. It represented her desire to one day model for the magazine.
Culpo said, “I just hope this can show anyone out there that their goals, big or small, really can come true and that you deserve it. Thank you to everyone who has helped me achieve this dream.”
This cover now marks the third time the model has featured in the magazine. She was first featured in 2018 and then again in 2019.
MJ Day, the Editor of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition, said of Culpo, “I have never experienced a harder worker in my life.”
Sources:
- Culpo Crowned Miss Universe [Today]
- Culpo Sports Illustrated Cover [Boston]
- Maxim’s Hot 100 2019 [Insider]
- Olivia Culpo Doesn’t Regret Being Public About Her Vulnerability [Access]
- Feature Picture: Screen Shot From US Weekly Interview
