Katie Austin Celebrates Three Years As SI Swim Model With Gratitude
Katie Austin returned for her third year with SI Swimsuit this May, and the fitness influencer is beyond grateful for her experience with the brand. The 29-year-old initially was discovered through the brand’s open casting call in 2021 and co-won the Swim Search alongside Christen Harper. The two were also named co-Rookies of the Year in 2022.
During Miami Swim week festivities this past weekend, Austin and Harper were bestowed with trophies to honor their accomplishments as Rookies of the Year, and Austin took to Instagram to share some sweet thoughts.
“A moment I will be soaking in forever... feeling so emotional!!! not only did I try out online multiple times, but 6 years ago I stood in these exact hallways with thousands of girls auditioning in person for @si_swimsuit pursuing my lifelong dream,” she wrote. “Yesterday, I stood in the same place, 6 years later, not only walking the show for the 3rd time.. but being honored with this HANDMADE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TROPHY BY @mj_day .. Oh and with my best friend @christenharper ?! You couldn’t write up better script.”
Austin shared photos and videos of herself alongside Harper and Day as they celebrated the momentous occasion, and her 393,000 followers on the platform quickly flooded the comments section with praise.
“I’m so happy for you both!!! ❤️❤️❤️,” 2020 SI Swimsuit Issue cover model Jasmine Sanders wrote.
“I LOVE YOU SO MUCH,” 2023 rookie Ellie Thumann added.
“AWWWWWWW!!!!! HAPPY tears are streaming down!!!!” mom Denise Austin gushed of her daughter. “I am FOREVER proud of who you are Katie as person!!! You are always so kind and humble!! And so DESERVING!!!!! One deeply PROUD Mama!!! Xoxo.”