At 57 years of age and 5-feet-3-inches in hight, Kathy Jacobs is proud to be both the “oldest and shortest” Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie in the history of the brand.
After modeling in the 1980s, Jacobs came to an open casting call for SI Swimsuit last year, and she made her debut as part of the 2020 model search. Jacobs is set to be part of this year’s issue, which is going to hit stands on July 19. In a new interview with Fox News, Jacobs revealed what it’s like to be the oldest rookie in history.
“It’s a dream come true. It doesn’t even feel real. I’m going to believe it when I actually see the photos in the magazine,” she said with a laugh. “That’s when it’s really going to hit me. But I’m happy. I haven’t stopped smiling. And I’m the oldest rookie ever, which makes it even more exciting.”
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When asked what the experience of participating in the shoot was like, Jacobs said, “I felt a crazy mixture of emotions. For one, I was super grateful. I was super excited. But I was also really nervous. I hardly had any sleep the night before. I was just too excited – and nervous – about the next day. I got up before the sun came up and went to get my hair and makeup done.”
“I had a really big breakfast so I wouldn’t get cranky,” she continued. “But when that first shot happened, I was pretty scared. I just kept thinking to myself, ‘Oh my God.’ Because it wasn’t just me. There was this whole crew. So I was pretty nervous.”
“But everybody is just so nice to you,” Jacobs explained. “They’re constantly encouraging you. They’re going, ‘You’re doing such a good job.’ ‘You’re so beautiful.’ ‘You’re so wonderful.’ It made me feel better and more relaxed. So after that first shot, I really focused on what they wanted. I really trusted their vision… And it just felt so good. Like I could pull this off. I felt, ‘I could do this.’ And I did.”
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In the end, Jacobs feels the her being in Sport’s Illustrated at 57 is about something bigger than just her.
“I feel like it’s a stamp of approval not just for me, but for all the women my age out there. Being able to represent a lady in my age range is such a huge honor,” she said. “At our age, we don’t have to hide. I’m honestly so grateful that they let me be in the same magazine with girls who are younger than me, even younger than my own daughter. And yet no one bats an eyelash. You’re treated like everybody else.”
“Life doesn’t stop when you become a certain age. So I feel like being in this magazine not only helps other women my age but younger girls too,” Jacobs continued. “Everyone’s so terrified about getting older. I’ve had so many younger girls message me and say, ‘Thank you so much for doing this because I’m not terrified of getting older anymore. I know my life is not going to end once I reach 30, 40, 50 or 60.’ Being in this magazine is really a ripple effect. It allows people my age to feel beautiful, to feel sexy. It gives us that stamp of approval to feel beautiful and sexy.”
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