Nicole Williams English has become the latest cover star of the ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’ edition for 2026, marking a significant milestone in her career. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 41-year-old model expressed her overwhelming emotions upon learning the news, recalling how she burst into tears during the reveal in her kitchen, alongside her young daughter, India Moon.
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Reflecting on the moment, Williams English described it as a “full-circle” occasion for both her personal and professional journey. Last year, she welcomed India with her husband, Larry English, and now, the significance of this achievement is heightened, considering that she was pregnant with her daughter when she participated in the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s Miami Swim Week show in July 2022. During her runway appearance, she proudly showcased her baby bump in a bikini.
“It was an emotional experience, and I was completely taken by surprise,” Williams English told PEOPLE, noting how the reveal was made even more special by the presence of her daughter. She recounted being surrounded by the Sports Illustrated team and editor MJ Day, who held up signs commemorating her journey with the magazine over the years. “I told them I’ve never been that surprised where I had not an inkling of an idea that this could be happening right now,” she said, explaining how achieving this goal was a longstanding dream of hers.
Having been an active participant in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue for the past four years, this cover represents a culmination of hard work and dedication. “It means so much to me,” Williams English shared. The model reflected on her journey, acknowledging how much her experiences had shaped her both as a person and as a professional. “I know who I am now, I’m at a point in my life where I’m happily married with a daughter, and everything carries more meaning.”
Looking back on her path, she noted the challenges she faced over the years in striving for success. “When I look back and saw how much of a struggle it was for me to climb to the top where I’m at now, everything means more to me now,” she said emotionally. Williams English celebrated not just her achievement but also the value of her experiences and the joy they bring her, particularly in light of her growth and the responsibilities of motherhood.
This year’s issue, which features Williams English as one of four cover stars alongside Alix Earle, Tiffany Haddish, and Hilary Duff, showcases her in a stunning mint green bikini. The photo shoot took place on the idyllic Atlantic coast at the Hero Beach Club in Montauk, New York. Each appearance she makes, Williams English continues to embody confidence and strength, which has resonated with many over the years.
In a previous interview, she shared her surreal experience of shooting while eight months pregnant, stating, “I’ve wanted to be a Sports Illustrated Rookie my entire career, so when I received the call that I was the first Rookie of 2023, it was the ultimate dream come true.” The model’s excitement shone through as she described how this achievement brought her to tears once again, signifying the profound joy that this moment holds for her.
As she looks to the future, Williams English remains grateful for her journey and what lies ahead, celebrating both her family and her career as she embarks on this new chapter as a cover star. The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue marks not just a professional triumph but also a deeply personal and meaningful celebration of her life’s journey to date.