For a few years for the reason that publication’s launch in 1964, the image of what it means to be a Sports activities Illustrated mannequin has been relatively unwavering. However in recent times, cowl stars like Martha Stewart have modified the sport for what we consider after we envision this iconic swimsuit journal.

Because of the likes of Stewart and others, Sports activities Illustrated has started to push the message that you simply’re by no means too outdated to rock a bikini and showcase your pure, genuine magnificence. Persevering with on this body-positive streak, simply this week, SI introduced the newest addition to their rookie roster: a 57-year-old former faculty administrator who helps girls all over the place embrace the grey.

Nina Money, 57, Turns into Latest Sports activities Illustrated Rookie

Whereas Nina Money says she has all the time dreamt of being a Sports activities Illustrated mannequin, she’s spent a lot of her life at school, incomes spectacular levels and finally changing into a university administrator. However, at 57, Money determined to chase her modeling goals and entered the publication’s annual Swim Search, ending up as one of many fortunate few to stroll within the 2023 Swim Week runway present. However now, Money’s goals are being taken to a complete new degree as for the primary time in Sports activities Illustrated historical past, the journal is that includes all of their Swim Search finalists of their 2024 print concern.

“My coronary heart simply began pounding—I received tears in my eyes,” Money advised Fox Information Digital on listening to she was going to be in print. “I used to be shocked however fortunately shocked. I used to be so comfortable that every one seven of us have been doing this collectively.” Although Money is now proudly rocking two-pieces on runways and journal covers, she acknowledged that going through the concern of criticism from the general public was mandatory, however not straightforward. “I might inform myself at this time, ‘Lady, who cares what different individuals suppose?’” she started, “You might be residing and you need to dwell. There are all the time going to be critics, it doesn’t matter what you do, however in case you keep true to your self and block that out, you’re going to be comfortable. I prefer to say it’s none of my enterprise what individuals consider me or what different individuals say of me.”

At 57, Money stuns with a radiant smile and her naturally grey strands on show, and her place in Sports activities Illustrated historical past is one she hopes to make use of to encourage different girls to embrace the grey, too. “There are some males that also wish to put the individual with the grey or silver hair on this field,” she started, “Eleanor Roosevelt as soon as stated, ‘You possibly can solely be offended in case you permit your self to be offended.’ I don’t know these individuals making the detrimental feedback and I received’t dwell on that. I get lots of people non-public messaging me [on social media] saying, ‘Thanks for making it OK to go grey,’ or, ‘Thanks for making it OK for a lady to be an educator or to have superior levels and nonetheless do one thing like this.’”