4 Phenomenal Photos From Kelly Crump’s Historic SI Swim Photoshoot in the Dominican Republic

The 2022 Swim Search finalist became the first woman to display a visible mastectomy scar in the magazine.

Ananya Panchal | Dec 14, 2023

Kelly Crump was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Dominican Republic.

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Swim Search finalist Kelly Crump made history with the SI Swimsuit Issue last year. The open casting call finalist, who was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Dominican Republic, became the first model to ever pose for the magazine while visibly displaying her mastectomy scar.

The Stage 4 breast cancer survivor, who prefers to use the word “thriver,” was diagnosed at the age of 38. She made the rapid decision to have the tumor removed and began chemotherapy all within 10 days.

“I started modeling after I was diagnosed. I had a traditional role in corporate America with big companies and back when I was growing up, models were all 5' 10" and up and really, really small because it was the ’90s. Since the body positivity movement and people looking at different shapes, sizes and standards of beauty—that’s when I started modeling,” she told the Evening Standard. “I want to show people that you don’t have to always give up. You can do the things that you’ve dreamed about doing and keep going. As we have new drugs and treatments, people are living longer so it’s important to live your life and find joy.”

Today, the 44-year-old, who lives in London, has built her platform as a positive space, re-writing the narrative of what it means to be a survivor. She serves as inspiration that cancer doesn’t define you and she’s adamant about not letting her diagnosis dictate the way she lives her life.

Below are four truly powerful photos of Crump in the Dominican Republic.

Kelly Crump was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus.

Kelly Crump was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Asherah Swim.

Kelly Crump was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by HAUS OF PINKLEMONAID.

Kelly Crump was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Ola Vida.

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Published Dec 14, 2023

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.