Chrissy Teigen says Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot launched her modeling career

Chrissy Teigen is crediting the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue with launching her successful modeling career. 

The 38-year-old model, who recently appeared in the magazine's 60th-anniversary edition, says her first SI shoot back in 2010 was a turning point.

“They were the first people to really believe in me,” Teigen told Extra. “It was the first time that I got to speak and be in front of people and they were okay with it.”

The model took to Instagram to share several pictures from a photoshoot for the magazine. 

In one post, she reflected on her 2010 shoot, writing, “10 years since my first @si_swimsuit cover and I am so happy to be back with my family!! thank you so, so much for being there through so many different stages of my life and for always loving and rooting for me.”

She added that shooting for the magazine was a “career highlight” for her.

Teigen, who is married to singer John Legend, says the experience not only boosted her confidence but also allowed her to represent a brand she truly admired.

This year's shoot, featuring icons like Kate Upton, Christie Brinkley, Martha Stewart, and Tyra Banks, was another positive experience for Teigen. 

“It was honestly so comfortable and cool,” she said. “It's growth and it felt good.”

Teigen also described difficult times earlier in her career when she struggled with body image issues, revealing to Glamour magazine that she used to weigh herself constantly. 

“I did that for eight years and had this one weight I wanted to be at,” she revealed.

The model also spoke about moving on from ‘negative comments’ and learning to embrace herself.

“If you hear the same comment over and over again, it gets to you. When you are happy in other aspects of your life, you care less,” she shared.

“I see it as showing genuine emotion and happiness,” she added, referring to her “crazy, weird smile and my teeth being too big for my mouth.”