Woman launches campaign to become first Down’s syndrome model featured in Sports Illustrated
A model from Minnesota hopes to become the first woman
with Down’s syndrome to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated – and inspire many
in the process.
Mikayla Holmgren, 26, is taking the modelling world by storm. She has already made history after becoming the first contestant with Down’s syndrome to appear in a Miss USA pageant and now, she’s hoping to do it again by becoming the first model with Down’s syndrome to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s iconic swimsuit issue.
Mikayla’s modelling career took off back in 2017 when she took part in the popular Miss USA pageant, where she took home both the Spirit of Miss USA and the Director’s Awards. Now, she’s ready to prove to the world that being diagnosed with Down’s syndrome shouldn’t stop anyone from reaching their dreams, as she has her sights set on another exciting milestone.
Mikayla posted her audition video onto her Instagram page sharing how inspired she is by the magazine, calling it “a champion in the diversity of beauty" before adding that “now is the time to include someone like me”.
“All women deserve to be celebrated. We need awareness for those with special needs,” she continues. “Everyone is talking about inclusion right now and one of the most underrepresented groups is people with special needs. I would love to be the beacon of hope for so many young girls who can relate to me.”
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Over the past few years, the publication has been focused on showcasing diverse beauty within their world-famous swimsuit issue. Last year, model Valentina Sampaio made history by becoming the very first transgender model to be featured in the issue and plus-sized model Hunter McGrady famously featured in the 2019 shoot. The 2019 issue also broke boundaries by featuring Halima Aden, the first swimsuit model to be photographed wearing a hijab and burkini.
Just last week, the publication continued breaking boundaries by featuring Leyna Bloom, the first trans woman of colour to model for Sports Illustrated.
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Mikayla is still waiting to hear back from the publication regarding her audition, but says she has her “fingers crossed”.
Do you think models with special needs should also be featured in high-profile events like the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue? Let Vic know in the comments section below.
Image courtesy: Instagram