Swimsuit

We’re Still Staring at These 6 Amazing Pics From Melissa Wood-Tepperberg’s Rookie SI Swim Photoshoot

The workout and wellness leader was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica.

Ananya Panchal

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica.

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica.

Workout and wellness leader Melissa Wood-Tepperberg made a marvelous debut with SI Swimsuit earlier this year. The 2023 rookie was photographed by Yu Tsai in the breathtaking Dominica, and we still haven’t recovered from how gorgeous, earthy and powerful the images are.

The mom of two, who shares her young kids Elanor and Benjamin with husband Noah Tepperberg, is the founder of MWH, a platform that is focused on making mindful health and wellness accessible for everyone.

“It feels so beyond incredible to be a Sports Illustrated rookie. I can’t fully believe it, but then I can believe it because I’m here and I’m doing it, and it just feels phenomenal,” the 40-year-old said while on location. “Being with Yu Tsai and MJ [Day, SI Swimsuit editor in chief] and the entire team, I have to say that I felt so entirely supported throughout every single step of the way. It’s like working with a well-oiled machine, and I just felt like I was able to fully be myself and bring forward the real me in the most effortless way with incredible direction.”

She added that wrapping up the photoshoot was a “surreal” feeling, and that’s when the immensity of the opportunity finally sunk in.

“I was able to really take a breath and be like, ‘Wow, like this was a dream of mine that I actually fully lived out to its fullest potential,’” the Move With Heart podcast host recalled.

Below are six of our favorite photos from Wood-Tepperberg’s rookie SI Swimsuit photoshoot.

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Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Lybethras Swimwear. Body Chain by KBH Jewels.

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Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Akoia Swim. Shrug by: Natalia Fedner.

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Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Ema Savahl Couture.

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Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by NATASHA TONIĆ.

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Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Bracelets: Viktoria Hayman Jewelry.

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Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Nicole McLaughlin.

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Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.

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