Model Hopes To Be The First Woman With Down Syndrome Featured In Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue

Apr 08, 2021 by apost team

In the past ten years, the fashion industry has become more inclusive, increasing its representation of ethnicities, body types and abilities. Mikayla Holmgren is a trailblazer in that regard. In 2017, she was the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in the Miss USA Pageant in Minnesota, winning the Miss Minnesota USA Spirit Award and the Director’s Award. At just 22, she also won first place at the Junior Miss Amazing competition, a beauty pageant for people with disabilities. And in 2021, at 26 years old, this intrepid young woman has her sights set on another ambitious goal. Holmgren wants to make history by being the first woman with Down syndrome featured in Sports Illustrated magazine’s swimsuit issue.

Since 1964, Sports Illustrated has published the annual special issue, showcasing photos of female celebrities, athletes and models wearing swimsuits across the globe. Landing on the cover of the special issue is understood to be a major moment in one’s modeling career. Moreover, the issue also has cultural significance, as it is credited with popularizing the bikini swimsuit.

This spring, Holmgren opened up about her dream to become among the many famous models featured in the swimsuit edition, speaking to a variety of media outlets from People magazine to TODAY.

Holmgren applied to be part of the magazine through the issue’s “Swim Search” wherein people from around the world can apply to be part of the swimsuit issue. This year, however, Holmgren found out that she didn’t make the top 15. With that said, Holmgren says she will continue to apply.

It felt kind of bad,” Holmgren told TODAY of not making the top 15. “I’ll wait until next year to compete.”

One of Holmgren’s biggest motivations as a model is that her career will show the world what people with Down syndrome are capable of. In the United States alone, around 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome, according to the CDC. The condition occurs when babies are born with an extra chromosome, an extra copy of chromosome 21. This is why some refer to Down syndrome as Trisomy 21, as trisomy is simply a medical term for an extra chromosome.

The condition is lifelong, but interventions early in life — such as speech and physical therapy — can help individuals with Down syndrome live up to their full potential.

“I wanted to bring awareness for those who have special needs and want to do modeling, like me,” Holmgren said of her desire to model for Sports Illustrated. “(I want people to know) I can do those things.”

“It gives another opportunity to show that those with Down syndrome have so much to share and give,” Holmgren’s mom added in an interview with TODAY. “They always say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and, of course, we’re prejudiced but we think that those with Down syndrome are some of the most beautiful people in the world.”

Holmgren traces her beginnings as a model back to her first dance class when she was just 6 years old. Dance helped the talented young woman build her confidence and passion for the spotlight, which includes public speaking.

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“We just encouraged her to go after her dreams,” Holmgren’s mom explained. “When she was born this little preemie baby that had multiple surgeries and the doctors were like, ‘We don’t know if she’ll ever walk or talk.’ Here she is 26 years later just breaking barriers. She has a story to tell.”

While people continue to discriminate against individuals with Down syndrome, more and more women and men with the condition are gaining recognition in the fashion and modeling world — no doubt in part thanks to figures like Holmgren.

Madeline Stuart, a 24-year-old woman from Brisbane, Australia, with down syndrome, has also forged her own path as a successful model. And like Holmgren, she has made history. Stuart was the first model with Down syndrome to participate in New York Fashion Week, one of the most prestigious annual fashion showcases.

"In the beginning, (a lot of) designers expected I would be happy to walk for free or for the 'experience,' which was very disheartening," Stuart told POPSUGAR in a 2018 interview. "I worked very hard to break down barriers to get where I am."

Holmgren is hoping to break down some barriers herself, and even if she didn’t make it into Sports Illustrated this year, she’s still looking forward to being an inspiration for people with Down syndrome across the world.

“It was so good to be a role model ... and to stand out,” she said. “I have hopes and dreams. I want everyone to be more empowered.”

What do you think of Holmgren’s story? Do you have a favorite model or fashion icon who is breaking down barriers? Let us know — and be sure to pass this story on to raise awareness surrounding Down syndrome and Holmgren’s career.