Woman aspires to become first ‘Sports Illustrated’ swimsuit model with Down syndrome

If you ever needed the inspiration to achieve your goals and your dreams, look no further than Mikayla Holmgren. The 26-year old from Minnesota has been recently making waves because of her groundbreaking achievements at such a young age.

Mikayla is a dancer, choreographer, public speaker, and graduate of Bethel University. In 2017, she took the pageant world in a storm after being the first woman with Down syndrome to participate in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.

“I have seen other Miss USA contestants do it. And, I said, I want to do this,” she said.

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Mikayla has long been raising awareness about her condition but this time, she is about to take on a new goal.

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Early this year, she sent in her audition tape to be the first model with Down syndrome to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

“Sports Illustrated Swim has been such a champion of diversity of beauty, and now is the time to include someone like me [as she points to herself]. I am the first woman with Down syndrome in the Miss USA state pageant. I rocked my bathing suit on stage. Now it’s time to rock the magazine. All women deserve to be celebrated. We need awareness for those with special needs.”

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She is no stranger to the spotlight, so her audition sounded natural and authentic to her cause. Mikayla is really excited to make a huge difference in breaking the stigma surrounding Down Syndrome.

“I just want to build awareness for those with special needs and especially those with Down syndrome.”

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Aside from making waves in the pageant world, Mikayla still has tons of attributes under her belt. She is a Special Olympics athlete, a gymnast (level 3), a golfer, and a model. She’s also modeled in campaigns for Sephora, Rosedale Mall, and Sigma Beauty.

Mikayla also worked with the Minnesota House and Senate to help pass a bill and with the Pennsylvania Congress as part of the Down Syndrome Awareness Act.

Not only that, but she has also teamed up with the United Nations with Holy See, a pro-life panel for Down Syndrome that aims to show the importance and worth of individuals born with this condition.

Although she already has a lot on her plate, she also serves to be an ambassador for Best Buddies, a nonprofit that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mikayla is truly an inspiration to everyone.

Despite being told by doctors she might never walk or talk after being born premature, she is clearly defying the odds and breaking barriers.

As for her long-term goals, Mikayla hopes that she would be able to live independently. She is also planning to have her own dance studio and start her clothing and makeup line.

There has always been a lot of misconception about Down Syndrome, but thankfully a lot of people are doing their best in breaking the stigma surrounding it. We clearly need to have a better understanding and a shift of perception about this condition.

Thankfully, Mikayla is on her way to reach this goal.

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By Jamie Maraña

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Jamie Maraña is a contributor at SBLY Media.