Olympian Leryn Franco’s SI Swim Feature in Banff Was the Idyllic Photoshoot of Our Dreams

The professional javelin thrower put her strength on display in the mountains of Canada.

Leryn Franco was photographed byStephan Wurth in Banff, Canada.Stephan Wurth/Sports Illustrated

Over the years, the pages of the annual issue of SI Swimsuit have been filled with the faces of famous models, athletes and, simply put, impressive and powerful women. Among the talented group have even been some Olympic athletes, who took a brief break from training to make their debuts or pose for their second or third feature. The list includes names like Lindsey Vonn, Michelle Jenneke, Simone Biles and, of course, Leryn Franco.

The now-retired Paraguayan Olympian was an absolute powerhouse on the track, where she learned—and pretty much perfected—her javelin throw abilities. It was a skill that brought her to three separate Olympic Games: 2004, 2008 and 2012. Though she never made the podium, she showed improvement—no doubt the result of hard work—each time she stepped up to the plate.

Between her second and third Olympic appearances, Franco, like some of the other pro athletes who have taken the SI Swimsuit pages, took a brief break from her training regimen to join the team for her fabulous feature. In 2011, she traveled to the scenic town of Banff, Canada, to pose in front of Stephan Wurth’s lens.

Needless to say, the trip was well worth her time. The now 41-year-old posed for some fabulous photos that we won’t soon forget. Rather than convincing you, though, we’ll let you decide for yourselves. Here are just a few of the lovely pics from her beautiful trip to Banff.

Stephan Wurth/Sports Illustrated

Stephan Wurth/Sports Illustrated

Stephan Wurth/Sports Illustrated

Stephan Wurth/Sports Illustrated

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