Swimsuit

6 Dazzling Photos of Swim Search Finalist Veronica Pome’e in Paradise Island

The model was featured in the 2019 SI Swimsuit Issue.

Cara O’Bleness

Veronica Pome’e was photographed by Yu Tsai in Paradise Island, Bahamas. 

When she was a featured finalist in the 2019 Swim Search open casting call, Veronica Pome’e became the first model of Polynesian descent to be featured in the SI Swimsuit Issue. The Southern California native was photographed by Yu Tsai in the Bahamas. 

“I used to joke around about being the first Polynesian to be featured in Sports Illustrated,” Pome’e admitted while on location. “Initially, I just thought that it would be super cool and fun. But now that I’m here, it feels like there’s so much more to it than just being in a bikini on the beach taking beautiful photos. I represent so much more than that and have become the face for great hopes and big dreams.”

The model and body positivity activist noted that participating in the brand’s Swim Search boosted her confidence, while she also had a great support system in her friends and family.

“People view me differently, and I even view myself differently,” she shared. “I walk with more confidence now. The impact that this experience has blessed me with has allowed me to turn around and share the same blessing by impacting little girls at home who never believed they could do it.”

Pome’e regularly shares work and lifestyle updates on Instagram with her 47,900 followers. Whether she’s at work walking the runway or at play showing off her street style, Pome’e never misses. We’re throwing it back to a few of our favorite snaps from her 2019 SI Swimsuit Issue feature, below.

Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuit’s portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires.

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Cara O’Bleness

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara 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, Cara 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.