When the 2022 Olivia Ponton Sports Illustrated rookie announcement hit the internet, the reaction wasn't just big; it was a total shift in how we view "traditional" swimsuit models. You might know her as the girl who basically owned TikTok during the pandemic, but her transition into the pages of SI Swimsuit wasn't just some lucky accident. It was a calculated move by the magazine to finally embrace the digital age. Honestly, it kind of changed everything for creators who wanted to be taken seriously in high fashion.
Olivia didn't just show up to look pretty. She brought a massive following of over 10 million people with her, and she brought a level of transparency about her life that the industry hadn't really seen before.
The Montenegro Debut and the "Pinch Me" Moment
Her first shoot took place in Montenegro for the 2022 issue. If you've seen the photos, you know they’re stunning, but the backstory is much more relatable. She actually told Grazia that she didn't believe the invitation was real for weeks. Even while she was standing on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, being photographed by James Macari, she felt like she was in a dream.
The 2022 rookie class was stacked, including names like Duckie Thot and Katie Austin, but Olivia stood out because she was the first "pure" TikTok star to make the leap. SI editor MJ Day called her a "breath of fresh air," and for good reason. She wasn't just a face; she was a girl who spent her downtime sticking Post-it notes with positive affirmations all over her house.
Year Two: Dominica and the Futuristic Pivot
By 2023, Olivia wasn't a rookie anymore. She headed to Dominica to shoot with photographer Amanda Pratt. This time, the vibe was totally different. While Montenegro was all about earth tones and matching the rugged landscape, the Dominica shoot went for a more "futuristic" fashion angle. Think metallic accents and bold silhouettes.
She later admitted that the shoot lasted 14 hours. It’s not all just lounging on sand; it’s grueling work in high humidity and changing light. But that 2023 feature solidified her place. She wasn't just a one-hit-wonder influencer. She was an SI staple.
More Than Just a Swimsuit Model
What people often get wrong about the Olivia Ponton Sports Illustrated journey is thinking it’s only about the photos. It’s really about the platform. Olivia has been incredibly open about being part of the LGBTQ+ community. She came out as bisexual in 2021 and later identified as pansexual, and she’s used her SI fame to talk to young girls about being "hyper-femme" in the queer community.
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She basically told SI Lifestyle that she wants younger girls to see that you can be "super girly" and still be your authentic self. That kind of representation matters when you're reaching millions of teenagers who are still figuring themselves out.
- Mental Health: She’s shared her struggles with eating disorders and anxiety, even when she’s at the height of her career.
- Environmentalism: She grew up in Naples, Florida, and is a self-described "beach bum," which led her to partner with 4OCEAN to fight plastic pollution.
- Identity: She uses her "femme" presentation to break stereotypes about what queer women are "supposed" to look like.
The Rumors, the NFL, and the 2026 Landscape
Lately, the conversation around Olivia has shifted toward her personal life, especially the viral rumors involving Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. In 2024 and 2025, things got weird when she was reportedly identified as a staff member during a burglary at his home, but then they were seen together in NYC at 3 a.m.
It’s the classic influencer-meets-pro-athlete narrative, but Olivia has kept her cool through it all. She refuses to give the paparazzi anything concrete, which honestly just makes the public more obsessed. Whether she's "running in Central Park" or attending the Met Gala after-parties, her connection to SI has given her a level of celebrity that transcends just being a "TikToker."
Why Her SI Career Still Matters
In a world where everyone is trying to be "viral," Olivia Ponton has managed to build something that feels permanent. She’s moved into podcasting with Booked and Busy and has fronted campaigns for massive brands like Victoria's Secret and Ralph Lauren.
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She isn't just a girl in a bikini. She’s a business.
Actionable Takeaways for Following the Career of an SI Model
If you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of someone like Olivia, or just want to understand the modern modeling landscape, here is what you need to keep in mind:
- Authenticity beats perfection. Olivia's fans love her because she posts the "messy" parts of her life. Don't be afraid to show the struggle.
- Diversify your platforms. She didn't stay on TikTok; she moved into legacy media (SI), podcasts, and high-fashion runways.
- Find a cause. Whether it's LGBTQ+ advocacy or environmentalism, having a "why" behind your "what" is what builds a loyal community.
- Ignore the noise. Whether it’s dating rumors or internet trolls, staying focused on your work is the only way to survive the 24/7 news cycle.
Focus on building a personal brand that has substance. It’s about being a human being that people can actually look up to, not just a curated image on a screen.