Olivia Culpo Offers Inspiring Words and Poses for These 7 Incredible Photos in Florida

When model and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo made her debut with SI Swimsuit in 2018, she was fulfilling a big dream that her younger self had harbored. After her rookie year, she went on to make three more appearances in the publication in just as many years. In 2021, for her fourth appearance in the magazine, the model traveled to Hollywood, Fla., with photographer Ben Watts.

While there, we took the chance to talk to Culpo, who had graced the cover of the issue in 2020, about her experience with the brand. “I always wanted to kind of break out, and I needed a platform to do that. I think from a young age, I looked at Sports Illustrated and what it represented and the platform they gave women as something that could really change my life,” she said of her perception of the brand and the opportunity that she anticipated it bringing.

For her, as for many others, the women who graced the pages of the annual issue were an inspiration. “They represented to me the women who could do it all,” she explained. “I thought even if it didn’t work out for me, I know going on this path and trying to be, in any way, shape or form, like these other women, I could be better.”

In the end, Culpo herself became the inspiration for other girls to look up to. Today, we’re taking a look back at that Florida feature and reminiscing on her powerful words, as well. Here are some of our favorite photos from the trip.

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