8 Stunning and Sporty Photos of Pro Surfer Caroline Marks in Turks and Caicos
Several influential athletes have graced the pages of the SI Swimsuit issue over the years. Among that group of athletic and powerful women is professional surfer Caroline Marks, who made her debut in 2020.
The 21-year-old was thrilled by the chance to pose for the publication in Turks and Caicos, but she was particularly excited by the potential to serve as a role model to a younger generation through her feature in the magazine.
“Sports Illustrated has done such a good job with ... celebrating every different body figure,” she said while on set. Her inclusion in the 2020 issue was a means of “showing girls you can embrace your body and be sexy and feminine, but also go out there and rip.”
And Marks certainly is all of the above. The professional surfer was the youngest athlete to compete in the World Championship Tour, which had been a lifelong goal of hers. But in top of that, she qualified and participated in the 2020 Olympics. To “win a gold medal and representing my country—that’s such a huge goal of mine,” she said during her photoshoot. She was eventually able to compete in the Olympic games, which were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marks will be following up her first Olympic surfing appearance with another at the 2024 Paris Olympics next year. According to NBC Sports, she qualified for the American squad alongside Carissa Moore and Caity Simmers, each earning their spot on Aug. 11 during a competition in Tahiti, the location of the Olympic surfing contest. After missing a portion of the last surfing season, the athlete is making a comeback and is currently ranked No. 3 in the world.
Ultimately, the Florida native does it all for the love of her sport, and we’re so glad we had the chance to see her in action on set. Below are eight photos of Marks surfing and smiling in Turks and Caicos.
Caroline Marks was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by ROXY. Watch by Freestyle Watches.
Caroline Marks was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Versace. Watch by Freestyle Watches.
Caroline Marks was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by ROXY.
Caroline Marks was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by ROXY.
Caroline Marks was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by ROXY. Watch by Freestyle Watches.
Caroline Marks was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Agent Provocateur.
Caroline Marks was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Versace.
Caroline Marks was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by ROXY.