Model Kelsey Merritt is on a roll. After becoming the first Filipino model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last year, she is now Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2019‘s newest rookie.
The magazine shared a preview of her photo shoot on Instagram today, with a link to a short feature on the 22-year-old.
“@kelseymerritt may be an #SISwim rookie, but her SNEAK PEEK from @larettahouston shows she’s already a STAR,” the caption reads.
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Merritt shared in an interview with Sports Illustrated that modeling for the magazine was her way to impart confidence in other women.
“I really want to be a Sports Illustrated model because I love how confident the models are and I want to show everyone who is looking at these pictures and reading the magazine that they can also be confident in their own skin,” she said.
Sports Illustrated also shared a cheeky boomerang featuring Merritt on their Instagram today.
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The sweetest 💋💋 from the sweetest rookie! • • • @grandisleresort #grandisleresortexuma
Merritt first announced her new rookie status on Instagram yesterday with a short video recorded during a photo shoot in the Bahamas — you know, as models do.
“I’ve been keeping this a secret for a while, and now I’m so excited I get to finally share with you all that I’m the newest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2019 Rookie,” she wrote in the caption.
Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram
Filipinos have been celebrating Merritt’s accomplishments since she walked the Victoria’s Secret runway in November. Although she’s half American, Merritt grew up in Angeles City, Pampanga and graduated from the prestigious Ateneo de Manila University.
A feature in Sports Illustrated‘s annual Swimsuit Issue is celebrated in the modeling industry, especially when one lands on the cover. The magazine has helped launch and cement the careers of top models like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, and Chrissy Teigen.
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