Olandria Carthen Joins The Ranks As A 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie

FLORIDA – Olandria Carthen is making waves with her debut as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 Rookie, announced March 31. Selected alongside six other rookie models, Carthen arrives as one of the standout new faces joining the franchise this year.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, more affectionately known as SI Swim, is not only an annual publication issue, but a pop cultural moment that shapes conversations around beauty and fashion. In recent years, its cultural relevance has grown through a stronger embrace of inclusivity, spotlighting women from different backgrounds, body types, and industries. 

Being named a rookie is an honor because it signals not just visibility, but recognition from a legacy brand that has the power to introduce rising talent to a global audience.

“I feel like I need to pinch myself. I’m really a Sports Illustrated rookie. I don’t know if it’s hit me yet,” Carthen said in a promotional video released by the publication. “Sports Illustrated is more than just a hot woman on a cover. It’s women from so many different backgrounds, body types, and shapes.”

Photographed in Italian swimsuit label Oséree, Carthen poses on the beautiful Southwest Gulf Coast of Fort Myers, Florida. As stated by the publication Carthen alongside the other six models were flown to the shores of Captiva Island, Sanibel Island, Pine Island Sound and Cayo Costa State Park to complete the shoot. 

The swimsuit Carthen dawns is a shimmering dark bronze bikini with a sleek, minimal look. The top has supportive underwire cups with a soft scoop shape and thin halter-style straps. The bottoms are matching, high-cut, and simple, giving the set a clean and flattering silhouette. 

Carthen also shared her excitement in a post on X, formerly Twitter, followed by another message thanking supporters and hinting at what is ahead: “Soooooo much more on the way, love the way you all show up to support me!! Love yall down. Never a dull moment in Ola Land.”