Surprise! SI Swimsuit Legends Samantha Hoopes, Carol Alt, Roshumba Williams, Vendela Kirsebom and Elsa Benitez Close the 2023 Runway Show

Five of the most iconic SI Swimsuit models wowed in the evening’s grand finale.

Samantha Hoopes, Carol Alt, Roshumba, Vendela Kirsebom and Elsa Benitez walk the runway during Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show during Miami Swim WeekJohn Parra/Getty Images

The audience at this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show at the W South Beach for Miami Swim Week was treated to five unexpectedly stunning sights when SI Swimsuit legends Samantha Hoopes, Carol Alt, Roshumba Williams, Vendela Kirsebom and Elsa Benitez made surprise appearances to showcase the evening’s final looks.

Each one of the five SI Swimsuit veterans have been repeatedly celebrated  throughout the years. In total, they have been featured over 30 times. Exquisite as ever, they hit the runway in a range of colorful swimwear while the crowd responded with applause and delight.

Alt has jokingly agreed that, given today’s micro designs, the red one-piece swimsuit she wore for her memorable 1982 cover "would pass for a snowsuit these days." Yet according to Alt, while the bikinis may have gotten smaller, the issue’s cultural impact has grown. Today, she has noted, SI Swimsuit signifies, “celebrating body diversity, women of different ages, ethnicities and most importantly shining a light on successful women whether they were entrepreneurs, athletes or more."

Carol Alt, Roshumba, Vendela Kirsebom and Elsa Benitez walk the runway during Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show during Miami Swim Wee

John Parra/Getty Images

Samantha Hoopes, who laughingly dubbed one of her more daring bikinis on a 2018 SI Swimsuit shoot a “friendship bracelet,” never shied away from risqué on-camera opportunities. Back in 2014, she memorably posed for the cameras in nothing but body paint.

Roshumba, for her part, has credited SI Swimsuit as a life-changing opportunity. “I just was a basic working girl who was happy to be getting jobs, but when Sports Illustrated came along, not only was I the first featured African American model, but I went from being a working girl to ‘Roshumba,’” she has said. 

Model and mother to daughter Mila, Elsa Benitez proclaims herself a “proud Mexican living in Miami,” on Instagram. These days, her posts show off a happy, globe-trotting life filled with family and close friends.

Since her 1992 SI Swimsuit debut, Vendela has been the face of campaigns for several leading brands including Lay’s, Diesel Jeans, Hanes Underwear and Revlon Lasting fragrance. She’s now calling the shots running her own cruelty-free beauty line and clothing brand. 

Having found equal success personally and professionally, all five women continue to model, champion causes, raise families, rock their swimwear and proudly represent the very best of the SI Swimsuit brand.

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