Jena Sims Koepka says modeling in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is her 'biggest dream': 'Not about the body, but WHO’s in that body'

Jena Sims Koepka shares her Sports Illustrated finalist photos. (Photo: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Jena Sims Koepka shares her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit finalist photos with her Instagram followers. (Photo: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) (Sam Greenwood via Getty Images)

Jena Sims Koepka is reflecting on her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit journey.

The actress and former Miss Georgia Teen USA, who is married to golfer Brooks Koepka, took to Instagram this week to share photos of herself taken as a finalist in the Swimfluence Network's 2023 Swim Search. Sims is one of 12 women chosen to potentially appear in the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

"My journey with [Sports Illustrated Swimsuit] began in the late 90s when I saw Tyra [Banks] on the cover in that iconic polka dotted bikini. It was my earliest memory of what true beauty felt like," Koepka began the caption of her post. "SI Swimsuit is not about the body, but WHO's in that body. I'm touched beyond belief to be one step closer to my biggest dream in life."

She added that the "community of badass women" has already "changed my life for the better."

"I can’t wait to see what the next steps hold," Koepka wrote.

Koepka received lots of support in her comments section. One follower wrote, "Proud of you is an understatement! You embody everything this company should want to promote and you would be the best representative imaginable. Lysm and so excited for this journey for you!" Another added, "There's nothing better than seeing someone who's worked their ass off get such a MAJOR win!!! Keep it up babe."

Koepka is all about promoting inner beauty. The Sharnkado 5: Global Swarming actress is also the founder of The Pageant of Hope, an organization which promotes self-esteem and confidence in children and teens through events across the globe.

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