Jasmine Sanders, who goes by “Golden Barbie” on her social media channels, has been crowned this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie Of the Year.
The 28-year-old model has graced covers for high-fashion magazines, like Vogue and CR Fashion Book, and now she’s adding Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie of the Year to her resumé.
SI Swimsuit editor, MJ Day, had heaps of praise for the model.
“The thing about Jasmine is that there is an instant connection to her when you meet her,” Day said.
“I’m so excited to be part of the Sports Illustrated family!” Jasmine said in Nov. 2018, when she first signed on.
She applauded the magazine for celebrating, “all types of women with different body types from different backgrounds,” and said, “I can’t wait to be alongside such icons as Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Irina Shayk, Chrissy Teigen, and Ashley Graham.”
Jasmine joins the ranks of previous Rookie of the Year winners including, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Upton, Barbara Palvin, and Alexis Ren.
Rookies are chosen each year based on a combination of popular vote, editor’s choice, and a history as an SI Swimsuit brand ambassador.
2019’s class of hopefuls included other famed models like Winnie Harlow, Tara Lynn, and Halima Aden, who made history this year as the first model to wear a hijab and a burkini in the magazine.
Sanders was born in Germany but raised in South Carolina.
Jasmine’s mother is German, and her father is African-American, and was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army when they first met.
Congrats, Jasmine!
