The Most Unreal SI Swimsuit Photos of Birthday Girl, Cover Star Brooks Nader Over the Years

The 28-year-old was discovered through the Swim Search in 2019 and has posed for the magazine every year since.

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Body chain by Jacquie Aiche. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader has been an SI Swimsuit mainstay since winning the 2019 Swim Search open casting call, and she continues to raise the bar with every shoot. From sultry beachside moments to powerful, high-fashion poses, the Baton Rouge native—who now calls New York City home—has become one of the brand’s most recognizable faces.

The 28-year-old, who celebrates her birthday today, Feb. 7, marked her latest feature with the magazine last year with a stunning photo shoot in Mexico, where she delivered yet another breathtaking spread that highlighted her undeniable presence. She also solidified her status as an SI Swimsuit “legend,” participating in a group photo shoot alongside 26 fellow icons in honor of the 60th anniversary publication in 2024.

“It’s surreal because I feel like I was just standing in line for the Swim Search, trying to be around the magazine and meet the team—and [back then] that to me seemed like such a far-fetched dream. To go from being told ‘no’ by my agents, who said I wouldn’t be a good fit for Sports Illustrated and they wouldn’t like me, to actually winning the Swim Search and being in the issue, and then going on to be on the cover, to now being considered a Legend, surrounded by actual Legends like Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, Lily Aldridge and Maye Musk—I can’t even describe how incredibly special this moment is,” she gushed while on location in Hollywood, Fla. with photographer Yu Tsai. “There’s something really special about the female relationship and how we treat our girlfriends—how they really become family to us. I’m the oldest of four sisters, and that relationship is unmatchable; I’ve never ever, ever, ever known any kind of love like that in my life. I’m so happy that I’m a woman and get to be around the sisterhood of SI Swimsuit and all the icons—women I used to have on my bulletin board in my room in Louisiana.”

Just a year prior, Nader achieved a career-defining milestone, landing on the cover of the 2023 SI Swimsuit issue, following her unforgettable photo shoot in the Dominican Republic.

Over the years, the Dancing With the Stars alum has traveled everywhere from the Bahamas to Bali to Montenegro, and, in honor of her special day, we’re taking a look back at some of her most unreal images—each one proving why she remains an absolute force in the modeling industry.

2019

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. / Yu Tsau/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Swimsuit by TeenyB Bikini Couture / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

2020

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Bali, Indonesia. Swimsuit by Oh Polly. Bracelets by Monies. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

2021

Brooks Nader was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla. Swimsuit by Frankies Bikinis. Earrings by Electric Picks. Bracelets by Cartier. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

2022

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by MESHKI. Earrings by Rue Gembon. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

2023

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by It’s Now Cool. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and ring by Gorjana. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Matthew Bruch. Bracelets by Noir provided by New York Vintage. Earrings by Electric Picks x Brooks Nader. / James Macari/Sports Illustrated

2024

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Mexico. Swimsuit by Maygel Coronel. Necklace and Bracelet provided by New York Vintage. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Hollywood, Fla. Dress by Versace. Shoes by Gianvito Rossi. Jewelry by Charlie Lapson. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated