Olandria Carthen kept a shocking secret from her fans. The “Love Island: USA” fan-favorite from season 7 was named as one of the rookie models for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
On Tuesday, March 31, Carthen announced the news on X. She excitedly posted, “I’m a SPORTS ILLUSTRATED ROOKIE LFGGGG!!!!!!”
Olandria Carthen Makes Her Sports Illustrated Debut
Carthen proved that she was ready for this moment. She glistened in the hot sun as she posed in a chocolate-brown bikini from Oséree Swimwear, featuring an underwire bra and classic brief bottoms.
Her followers got a glimpse at Carthen in the 2026 Swimsuit issue when Sports Illustrated shared a photo of the reality star on Instagram. The social media influencer posted clips and photos from her sizzling shoot.
In the caption of one Instagram clip, she shared her thoughts on the experience. Carthen still can’t process what she went through. She wrote, “I just wanted to pinch myself. I’m really a Sports Illustrated rookie. I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet.”
The experience wasn’t just about posing in a bikini and showing off her body. “Sports Illustrated is more than just a hot woman on the cover,” Carthen reminded her followers. “You represent so many women of different backgrounds, body types, body shapes.”
In a behind-the-scenes clip from her shoot, Carthen confessed that this was the “biggest secret I’ve ever kept.” The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hits newsstands in May.
‘Love Island: USA’ Fans Love Orlandria’s 2026 SI Swimsuit Photo
GettyWhen Sports Illustrated shared the official photo from Carthen’s shoot on Instagram, fans took to the comments section to show their support. It’s no surprise, considering Carthen was a fan-favorite on the Peacock reality series.
“Rookie? She’s a PROOOOOOOOO,” one fan posted.
Another fan commented, “Olandria, wow, I’m speechless … but what’s new? She is so breathtaking. ❤️”
Someone else posted a comment, noting, “I am GAGGED. I hope we’re getting a cover for SPORTLANDRIA. ❤️”
Meanwhile, the official Instagram account for Visit Fort Myers noticed that Carthen was in their hometown. The comment read, “We see a background we recognize! 👀 We’re so glad you could visit the Fort Myers area for this iconic shoot! 😍🌴”
“Love Island: USA” fans couldn’t help but agree that Carthen’s shoot was “iconic.”
According to Page Six, photographer Katherine Goguen was responsible for Carthen’s shoot in Fort Myers, Florida. Bethenny Frankel, Joceyln Corona, and Emily Blair Marcus were also named as rookies. This year’s lineup includes a diverse mix of influencers, pop stars, reality stars, and entrepreneurs.
