Katie Austin, the well-known model and fitness influencer, is preparing for a memorable appearance on the runway at this year’s Sports Illustrated Swim Week. At six months pregnant with her first child, the 32-year-old is excited about her sixth runway show for the iconic magazine.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Katie-Austin-Sports-Illustrated-Swimsuit-Issue-Launch-Party-052626-98c855636f2b4e9ca8df70a2328ea606.jpg)
The model, who tied the knot with Lane Armstrong in May 2024, recently shared some insights into her journey during this pregnancy, particularly regarding her changing body and the challenges she faced in the early stages. Reflecting on her experience, Austin described her first trimester as particularly difficult, stating that it felt like she was not quite herself. “The first trimester was brutal. I did not feel like myself. I felt very alone, to be quite frank,” she revealed. Constant morning sickness presented a significant hurdle, making it challenging to maintain her usual routines related to fitness and nutrition.
Austin, the daughter of renowned fitness icon Denise Austin, noted that she experienced an “identity shift” as her body continued to change. With a career focused on promoting wellness and body positivity, navigating pregnancy brought on new challenges for her. “My body changed very fast,” she admitted, highlighting the pressures she felt, given her professional background.
As the founder of The KA App, Austin is accustomed to a rigorous fitness routine. However, the realities of pregnancy led her to reassess her approach to health and exercise. “I’m kind of type A when it comes to my routine,” she explained. Yet, she has learned to embrace flexibility during this phase of her life. “You can’t plan for anything,” she expressed, acknowledging the unpredictability of what each day may bring. This realisation has taught her patience and self-compassion, which she found particularly challenging during her initial pregnancy stages.
Austin’s sports background—from being a Division I lacrosse player to playing soccer at the University of Southern California—partly contributes to her strong dedication to fitness. However, she now acknowledges the necessity of adapting her perspective. “After I got out of the first trimester and started feeling good, I looked back and thought, ‘I wish I had told myself it’s a phase of life.’” For her, redefining what strength means throughout pregnancy involves accepting that it will vary day by day.
Ahead of her second sports illustrated runway show while pregnant, Austin is focusing less on stringent workout regimens and fad diets, prioritising well-being instead. “It’s important that I’m eating the right things to make me feel good,” she said, indicating a shift in priorities as she prepares for the show.
Preparations for the runway are decidedly different this year. Austin admits that she will miss her ritual of taking a tequila shot before the show but is looking forward to the support from her fellow models, whom she describes as having great energy. “This year, I think we have the best group of girls yet,” she stated.
In addition to her model preparations, Austin is practising her runway walk, adapting to the changes brought on by her pregnancy. “I can nail a walk when I’m not pregnant, but I’m not sure how the belly is going to waddle,” she joked. This year, her experience will also be documented by Hulu, adding another layer of excitement to her impending runway appearance.
With her due date approaching, Austin feels a renewed sense of strength and confidence. “I feel really great now,” she shared, expressing gratitude for the insights gained throughout her journey so far. Looking forward to future pregnancies, she feels better equipped with knowledge gained from her current experience.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway show, which will exhibit Austin in all her glowing, pregnant glory, is set to stream on June 9 on Hulu and will also be available on Disney+. As she prepares to showcase both her pregnancy and her love for fashion, Austin is certainly making this year’s runway appearance one to remember.