Brazilian model, Valentina Sampaio, always has something special with her. And now, she has become the first transgender model to appear in the Sports Illustrated. On 10 July 2020, it was announced that the 23-year-old Brazilian beauty would be featured in the 2020 SI Swimsuit Issue, making the historic move in the company's edition.
Concerning the fact, the editor of SI Swimsuit, MJ Day mentioned:
"Our goal in selecting who we feature in the SI Swimsuit Issue is centered around identifying some of the most inspiring, interesting, and multi-dimensional women that we can find."
The company further mentioned that the Brazilian model has been on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's radar for a few times now. After they finally met face to face, it became apparent that besides her obvious beauty. Yeah, apart from her beauty, Sampaio is an impassioned activist, a true pioneer for the LGBT+ community, and a well-rounded woman with whom SI Swimsuit is proud to work.
Valentina Sampaio will be the first transgender swimsuit model (©: harpersbazaar.com)
Similarly, SI Swimsuit released a statement thanking Sampaio for putting her trust in them. MJ Day continued on behalf of SI Swimsuit that they will give a platform for the sake of her personal aspirations and the trans community.
Regarding her appearance with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2020, Sampaio said:
"The moment my agent, Christiana Tran, from The Lions Talent Management told me I was blown away by excitement and shock that SI Swim was really going to happen. It was always a dream of mine that was finally coming to fruition."
"The first thought that came to my mind was this is not only an achievement for me as an individual but for the whole Trans community. WE did this! WE are making a change in the world and I am so honored that SI thought of me to be in the upcoming SI Swim Issue."
Valentina Sampaio's modeling career started from her teenage, but it has not been an easy way for her to reach the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Previously, she used to get fired once the modeling agency knew her sexuality as a transgender.
Before Photos And After Photos Of Valentina Sampaio
Valentina Sampaio's Early Modeling Pictures:
Valentina Sampaio's career in modeling started when she was studying at Fashion College. An agent discovered her, and later, she signed with a modeling agency in Sao Paulo. Since then, she has made history and another history.
See Before And Pictures Throughout The Years:
Valentina Sampaio On French Vogue - 2017
Valentina Sampaio made her first special step in the modeling career as a first transgender model to get featured in Vogue Paris. Before that, none of the LGBTQ beauties had made such history.
On Vanity Fair - 2018
Valentina Sampaio got featured on the Vanity Fair mag back in June 2018 along with other models. She was also the first transgender model to appear in the Vanity Fair.
On Teen Vogue Summit - 2019
Valentina Sampaio was one of the models featured on the Teen Vogue Summit in Los Angeles in November 2019. The event featured many personalities like speakers, industry leaders, and Vogue editors.
Valentina Sampaio's Measurements
Valentina Sampaio is one of the aspiring models of today's modeling community. She is the first transgender model to be featured in many of the modeling platforms.
She is proudly presented by The Lions – New York, Monster Management – Milan, Premier Model Management – London, Photogenics LA – Los Angeles, Uno Models – Barcelona, and many more.
Valentina Sampaio, whose real name is not revealed yet, has a slim body build with a height of 5 feet and 9½ inches tall. She weighs 57kg in weight, and her shoe size is 10.5 (US) or 41 (EU) or 8 (UK).