The Beautiful Pro Snowboarder Brenna Huckaby Inspires During Her SI Swim Debut in Aruba

The Paralympic gold medalist made an impression during her 2018 feature.

Brenna Huckaby was photographed by James Macari in Aruba.James Macari/Sports Illustrated

American snowboarder Brenna Huckaby had a mission when she stepped on the set of her 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut. Heading to the beaches of Aruba with photographer James Macari for her first brand photo shoot, she intended to do more than just pose for the camera. As with most things that she does, she intended to inspire.  

That’s exactly what she’s been doing since she was young. When she was only 14, her right leg was amputated above the knee in the fight against osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She took up snowboarding to rehabilitate following the surgery, and the rest is history. Her passion and skill brought her to two Paralympic Games, where she has earned several medals. And, eventually, it brought her to the beaches of Aruba for her SI Swim debut, becoming the first paralympian to pose for a feature.

In the aftermath, she used her photos as a means of inspiration. Alongside a photo from her shoot that she shared on Instagram in honor of international women’s day, Huckaby wrote, “I want to be the strong, empowering woman I see on TV, in offices, or on podiums. I want to inspire young women to stand up for themselves and what they believe.” 

Her goal and her mission to empower is built on a belief in herself. “YOU are STRONG. YOU are POWERFUL. YOU have a VOICE. And YOU are a FORCE. So next time you start to feel belittled by someone tell yourself these words and don’t back down,” she continued in the caption.

Huckaby is a force to be reckoned with. We knew it before her shoot, and we knew it after, too. Here are a few of her incredible photos from the trip.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

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