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Model Becomes The Oldest To Feature In Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Model Becomes The Oldest To Feature In Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Fifty-seven-year-old Kathy Jacobs will feature in Sports Illustrated's iconic swimsuit edition this year

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The woman who is to become the oldest model in the history of the famous Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition says that 'old is the new hot' and being selected for inclusion is the 'best feeling' ever.

Fifty-seven-year-old Kathy Jacobs was selected after submitting a video of herself to the magazine stating why she thought she should be included, and will now make her appearance in - coincidentally - the 57th swimsuit edition in SI's history.

The married mum-of-one told The New York Post: "I'm closer to 60 than I am to 50 at this point.

"So to be in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine representing ladies my age is just the best feeling in the world."

Sports Illustrated

Speaking about her time on the runway, she explained how she was grateful for the opportunity to show of her skills, as well as increasing visibility for older women.

Kathy continued: "When I first went out [on the runway] the main thing on my mind was to show gratitude.

"I was talking to the ladies [in the audience] saying 'I represent you' as I walked."

Of course, she was also involved in the event with women who are considerably younger than her, which could have proven an intimidating experience. However, Jacobs said she didn't let that get to her, and just went out there to enjoy herself and present herself in the best light.

Instagram/Kathy Jacobs

"I was like, 'Screw it,'" the California resident said.

"I'm going to be my biggest, baddest and boldest self.

"I'm taking full advantage of this moment.

"Because It's taken me so long to get here."

Jacobs was discovered by the publication's yearly 'Swim Search' along with 13 other models.

In order to be selected, she had to send in a 60-second video explaining why she should be chosen.

In that video, she explained: Old is gold. And short is sexy.

"Heck, I'm so out, I'm in."

Instagram/Kathy Jacobs

Jacobs has been into modelling since the 1980s, but this is her first big break in the industry.

She said: "I tried and tried and tried, but I did not get included.

"I was not invited to the party. And I had to take a lot of minimum wage jobs."

Now, after more than 40 years of trying to make it in the industry, she'll have the chance to appear in the magazine that has also featured appearances from supermodels, top athletes, and stars from around the world.

Featured Image Credit: Sports Illustrated

Topics: SPORT, Interesting, US News, Weird