Swimsuit

SI Swimsuit Rookie Ellie Thumann Opens Up About Her Mental Health Journey in Candid Vlog

The model offered a personal BTS look at the “Be You Women’s Empowerment Series” stop in Cincinnati in partnership with the Big 12.

Cara O’Bleness

Ellie Thumann

Ellie Thumann.

Ellie Thumann, a rookie in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, is known for her YouTube channel, where she vlogs about everything from her travels to her work. So, it’s only fitting that the 21-year-old documented her experience at the University of Cincinnati for SI Swimsuit’s “Be You Women’s Empowerment Series” in partnership with the Big 12. 

Thumann began her filmed footage at home in Charleston S.C., before heading to the airport and arriving in Cincinnati. She noted that the trip was a particularly special one because not only is her family from Ohio, but she was also looking forward to speaking on the Sept. 21 panel about mental health. The influencer was accompanied by fellow SI Swimsuit models Christen Harper and Sixtine for the occasion—read more about the full event here. 

While prepping to meet her family for dinner the evening before the main event, Thumann revealed that she’s been struggling with her anxiety recently. “In theory, I want to offer good advice tomorrow to these college students and athletes that are going to come and listen to me talk about mental health,” she stated. “In reality, I still struggle with it a lot and I’m going through a pretty bumpy route with it right now, and I think I’m on the come-up.”

Thumann included a full “get ready with me” routine in her vlog, which culminated in her showing off her outfit for the event—the perfect Sports Illustrated sweatshirt fashioned into a crop top—and arriving at Nippert Stadium. The Arizona native offered up footage from the event, in which she provided a makeover to a lucky student attendee, before the SI Swimsuit panel began.

Tune in to the full vlog above to hear Thumann discuss the ups and downs of her mental health journey alongside Harper and Sixtine.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!

Published
Cara O’Bleness
CARA O’BLENESS

Cara O’Bleness is a writer and editor on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Prior to joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, O’Bleness loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Journalism.

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