Swimsuit

8 Stunning Photos of Polynesian Model Veronica Pome’e in the Bahamas

The Model Search finalist was the first-ever Tongan to appear in the magazine.

Cara O’Bleness

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

Veronica Pome’e was featured in the 2019 SI Swimsuit Issue after posing for photographer Yu Tsai in Nassau, Bahamas. The Model Search finalist and climate change activist made history as the first-ever Polynesian model to grace the magazine’s pages.

“I used to joke around about being the first Polynesian to be featured in Sports Illustrated,” Pome’e said. “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.”

Pome’e added that her parents and friends were proud of her accomplishment and that she surrounds herself with those who help her appreciate her greatness. Being a Model Search finalist also allowed her to use her platform to uplift others.

“I’m not surprised, but it is a humbling feeling to be able to ignite that fire of confidence in other women,” Pome’e told SI Swimsuit. “It’s all about having that positive reinforcement and understanding how we’ve internalized our insecurities. I think most girls just need to be reminded that it's O.K. to not be perfect.”

Today, the model continues to work in the industry and regularly shares fashion and lifestyle content on Instagram with her 47,700 followers.

Below are eight of our favorite images Yu Tsai captured of Pome’e in the Bahamas.

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Published
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.