Professional golfer Paige Spiranac has been announced as one of the featured athletes in the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
The 24-year-old then shared her excitement on Instagram, giving fans a preview of her photoshoot and expressing how much the opportunity means to her. She explained that the edition focuses on self-love, body confidence, empowering women, and encouraging kindness.
Paige has often faced criticism in the golf world, with some claiming her success is tied to her appearance rather than her talent. She has openly said that such remarks undervalue the effort and dedication she has put into her career.
Sports Illustrated praised her for using her platform to stand up against online bullying, introducing her as the first athlete revealed for the 2018 lineup. In Aruba, she posed for photographer James Macari in several looks, sharing how proud she felt to finally embrace her body and her confidence.
In her words:
“I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud that I can be strong, smart, and confident. This issue is about celebrating women for who they are and making them feel valued.”
Paige also revealed that in earlier stages of her career she faced unfair treatment, including questions about whether she was truly a golfer or simply seeking attention. She described those experiences as difficult but said they motivated her to stand firm in her identity.
Speaking to Golf Magazine, she said:
“Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is iconic. I’m honored to be part of it. They stand for empowerment and body positivity, which is everything I believe in.”
The shoot gave her the freedom to feel comfortable and confident in a way she hadn’t experienced before, marking a turning point in her outlook on both her career and herself.
She also appeared in a video highlighting her involvement with Cybersmile, an organization dedicated to combating online harassment, showing her commitment to using her platform for positive change.
