Melissa Baker turns 26

Andy Gray | Oct 6, 2013

Move over, LeBron. The Miami Heat star may have won two NBA championships and four MVP Awards, but he's not the true pride of Akron, Ohio. That title belongs to former SI Swimsuit model Melissa Baker, who celebrated her 26th birthday on Sunday. Baker was born in Akron and raised in nearby Cuyahoga Falls where she hoped to be a professional gymnast. She spent six years competing in gymnastics before turning to modeling at age 17. In addition to her 2008 SI Swimsuit spread, Baker has posed for Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, McDonald's, Ralph Lauren and appeared in V and Maxim. For her birthday, Baker enjoyed a nice day of horseback riding and some downtime with her dog.

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI

Melissa Baker :: Raphael Mazzucco/SI