Swimsuit

6 Astounding Photos of Swim Search Winner Kathy Jacobs in Turks and Caicos

The following year, the model-actress became SI Swimsuit’s oldest rookie.

Cara O’Bleness

Kathy Jacobs

Kathy Jacobs was photographed by Yu Tsai in Turks and Caicos.

When model Kathy Jacobs won the 2020 Swim Search at the age of 56, she initially couldn’t believe her good fortune. 

“I honestly feel like I’m dreaming,” Jacobs said while on location in Turks and Caicos. “It’s like I want to pinch myself and wake up, because it’s like the most beautiful dream I’ve ever had.”

After being declared the open casting call winner, Jacobs returned to the fold for her rookie year in 2021. She traveled to Tampa, Fla., where she was photographed by Yu Tsai, and officially became the publication’s oldest rookie in history. 

Not only did the model and actress fulfill a lifelong goal of her own by participating in two photoshoots with the brand, she also hoped to use the opportunity to inspire other women to chase their own aspirations.

“I hope that other women take a look at me and say, ‘Hey, if she did this at 56 years old, I can do this, no matter how old I am,” Jacobs shared. “Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, no matter what.”

While Jacobs worked with Ford Models during the 1980s, today she is represented by Natural Model Management and NTA Talent Agency, both based in Los Angeles. She regularly uses her Instagram platform to advocate for beauty at every age.

“... you can’t even imagine the people, the women, the ladies my age, who direct message me and leave comments and say, ‘Oh my God, thank you so much for representing us,” Jacobs told TODAY. “Or the young girls who say, ‘I don’t care about getting older because of you. Thank you for doing this.’”

Below are six of our favorite pics from the model’s photoshoot with Yu Tsai in Turks and Caicos.

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Cara O’Bleness
CARA O’BLENESS

Cara O’Bleness is a writer and editor on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Prior to joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, O’Bleness loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Journalism.

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