5 Ways Mikayla Holmgren's SI Swimsuit Campaign Is Redefining Beauty Standards

The conversation around inclusivity in high-fashion and major publications has never been more vibrant, and at the heart of this movement is Mikayla Holmgren, a trailblazing model with Down syndrome whose campaign to be featured in the iconic *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* continues to capture global attention. As of December 2025, Holmgren is not just an aspiring model; she is a powerful advocate, leveraging her platform to push for authentic disability representation in an industry that has historically lacked it, making her one of the most compelling figures in modern media.

Holmgren’s journey from the pageant stage to an international modeling spotlight is a testament to her motto: "Dreaming without limits." Her efforts to secure a spot in the coveted *Sports Illustrated* issue represent a significant cultural shift, challenging long-held beauty norms and creating a critical dialogue about what it truly means to be a "swimsuit model" in the 21st century. This deep dive explores her remarkable career and the profound impact her campaign is having on the fashion world and the wider Down syndrome community.

Mikayla Holmgren: A Trailblazer's Full Profile

Mikayla Holmgren is a celebrated American model, dancer, and advocate who has consistently broken barriers in the world of pageantry and fashion. Her career is marked by a series of historic firsts that have earned her national and international recognition.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Full Name: Mikayla Holmgren
• Hometown: Stillwater, Minnesota, USA
• Career Focus: Model, Dancer, Public Speaker, Disability Advocate
• Historical Pageant Feat (2017): Became the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in a Miss USA state pageant, specifically the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.
• Major Pageant Award: Winner of the 'Spirit of Miss USA' Award at the Miss Minnesota USA competition, recognizing her courage and inspirational presence.
• Early Pageant Success: Won the Minnesota Junior Miss Amazing pageant in 2015, a competition designed for women and girls with disabilities.
• Athletic Involvement: A dedicated athlete who has competed in the Special Olympics as a gymnast and dancer.
• Education: Studied at Bethel University, where she continued to pursue her passion for dance.
• Recent Recognition (2025): Recipient of the Best Buddies International Spirit of Courage Award, highlighting her ongoing advocacy work.
• Current Campaign: Actively campaigning and submitting her application for the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* Swim Search, aiming to be the first model with Down syndrome featured.

The Groundbreaking Campaign to Enter the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

The campaign for a model with a disability to be featured in the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* is more than just a modeling goal; it is a cultural imperative. Holmgren's ongoing efforts have positioned her as the face of this movement, bringing a new level of visibility to the Down syndrome community within mainstream media.

The Audacity of the Dream

Holmgren’s dream of appearing in the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* stems from a desire for genuine representation. The magazine, famous for launching the careers of supermodels like Kate Upton and Tyra Banks, has in recent years made strides toward greater diversity, featuring models of various sizes, ages, and backgrounds, including the first transgender model, Valentina Sampaio. However, the step to include a model with an intellectual disability, like Down syndrome, would be a monumental leap forward for the publication and the fashion industry at large.

A Continuous Submission Effort

Mikayla has submitted multiple casting tapes for the SI Swim Search, the magazine's open call for new talent. Her submissions are powerful and authentic, focusing not just on her physical appearance but on her strength, confidence, and message of "Dreaming Without Limits." The campaign has garnered significant media attention, with features on national news programs, solidifying her status as a public figure and advocate.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The impact of this campaign is already visible. It has sparked countless conversations about the narrow definition of beauty and athleticism. Mikayla’s athleticism, honed through years of competitive dancing and Special Olympics gymnastics, directly challenges the stereotype that models must fit a single, restrictive mold. Her participation forces the industry to acknowledge that beauty comes in all forms and abilities.

Beyond the Pageant: Mikayla's Impact on Inclusivity and Disability Representation

Mikayla Holmgren’s influence extends far beyond the possibility of a photoshoot. Her career has created a template for disability inclusion, inspiring thousands of young people with Down syndrome and other disabilities to pursue their own ambitious goals in fields traditionally closed off to them.

The 'Spirit of Miss USA' and Its Significance

When Holmgren competed in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, she did not win the main title, but she was awarded the 'Spirit of Miss USA' Award, a recognition of her courage and ability to inspire. This award, in many ways, was a more profound victory, signaling that her presence alone had a transformative effect on the pageant community and its audience. It highlighted that the true value of competition lies in the spirit and message of the contestant.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

A Parallel Trailblazer: Sofía Jirau

Holmgren’s journey is part of a broader, global movement for disability visibility. Her work runs parallel to the success of Puerto Rican model Sofía Jirau, who made history as the first model with Down syndrome to be featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign. These two women—Holmgren aiming for *Sports Illustrated* and Jirau succeeding with Victoria’s Secret—are collectively dismantling barriers in the two most visible and scrutinized sectors of the modeling industry: high-fashion lingerie and mainstream swimwear publications.

Entities and Topical Authority in the Conversation

The dialogue surrounding Holmgren’s campaign is rich with entities that underscore its importance:

• Disability Representation: The core issue, pushing for authentic and non-tokenized portrayals of people with disabilities.
• Adaptive Fashion: The need for clothing, including swimwear, to be more inclusive of different body types and needs.
• Best Buddies International: An organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which has recognized Holmgren’s advocacy.
• Special Olympics: Highlighting the physical strength and dedication of athletes with Down syndrome, directly countering stereotypes of fragility.
• Miss Universe Organization: The parent organization of the pageants she competed in, which itself has evolved toward greater inclusion.
• Inclusivity in Fashion: A general industry trend that Holmgren is actively driving forward.

By constantly putting herself forward, Mikayla Holmgren is forcing the fashion world to evolve. Her campaign is a powerful reminder that "beauty" is a multifaceted concept that should encompass all forms of human difference and ability. Whether she is officially featured in the next *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* or not, her legacy as a pioneer is already cemented, opening the door for future generations of models with Down syndrome to enter the mainstream without limits.