Berkleigh Wright Sizzles in Sultry Beachside Bikini Shoot, Flaunting Toned Abs

The SI Swimsuit model flaunted her flawless face card and slim, sculpted figure.
Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Bolero by Free People.
Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Bolero by Free People. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Berkleigh Wright’s latest post was the best Friday afternoon blessing on our Instagram feeds. The model shared a series of moody, ethereal beachside photos that showcased her sculpted physique and glowing confidence.

The former Denver Broncos cheerleader posed against a dramatic, bright gray sky, captured by photographer Willie Kessel in striking low-angle shots. She stunned in a blue and beige patterned crochet sweater with voluminous balloon sleeves by Elexiay, styled by Amy Brubaker, and paired the textured top with classic black string-tie bikini bottoms, emphasizing her slim, sculpted figure, tiny waist and long, lean legs.

Wright, who moved to Los Angeles last year to focus on her modeling career while continuing her role as a technical account manager at Oracle, reminded fans of her SI Swimsuit model status. She was discovered through and co-won the Swim Search open casting call in 2023, securing her official rookie spot in last year‘s milestone 60th anniversary issue. The 30-year-old traveled to Belize with photographer Derek Kettela for her debut, and the photos are truly unforgettable.

In this new Southern California beach shoot, Wright’s glowing glam was crafted by makeup artist Christina Lee Adams, while hairstylist Brian James Borg styled her signature blonde locks into tousled bouncy waves, complementing the moody, mysterious ambiance.

“Have a bluetiful day !! 💙🦋🐟🌀🔹,” she playfully captioned the breathtaking carousel.

“Oh my GOD,” fellow 2024 SI Swim star Jena Sims commented.

“Soooo gorgeous 😍,” Penny Lane, who was one of seven Swim Search co-winners alongside Wright, added.

“Stunning 🥹🥹🥹,” two-time brand star and newly engaged model Lauren Chan added.

“These are beautiful,” Nikki Rozen chimed.

Berkleigh Wright
Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Wright has previously opened up to the brand about her self-love journey, noting that being part of the SI Swimsuit sisterhood and franchise has helped her come out of her “shell” and positively shaped the way she sees herself. She believes true beauty comes from being unapologetically yourself.

“One of the hardest things ... for women everywhere is to just love ourselves like we love other people,” she shared. Once you embrace self-love, “you can embrace your inner beauty and be able to let that shine.”

She admitted that her confidence is a work in progress. “I used to feel like I had to have fake lashes, a spray tan, and my hair and makeup done to feel beautiful,” Wright added. “But now my favorite version of myself is waking up with my hair tied up, glasses on, no makeup, and in my sweatpants. When I’m most relaxed and feeling like myself, that’s when I feel the most confident.”

Berkleigh Wright
Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Published
Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.