She's been on the runway, in Euphoria, and all over your Instagram feed — and now Meredith Mickelson is officially making her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut. The 26-year-old model, actress, and Gen Z icon was photographed in Botswana for the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue, and the photos are exactly what you'd expect: jaw-dropping, wild, and completely unforgettable.
Photo via Daily Front Row / Ruven Afanador for SI Swimsuit
From an Atlanta Mall to the Okavango Delta
Meredith's story is one of those you-can't-make-it-up moments: discovered at a shopping mall in Atlanta at just 14 years old, she went on to grace the pages of Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and Maxim, collaborate with brands like Christian Louboutin and Maybelline, and land roles in projects including Euphoria and Find Your Friends. And now, as of March 17, 2026, she can officially add SI Swimsuit debut to that list.
For the shoot, Meredith traveled with four fellow models — Alix Earle, Penny Lane, Achieng Agutu, and Camille Kostek — to Stanley's Camp and Baines' Lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta. The wetland is home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. In other words: just your average Tuesday if you're shooting for SI Swimsuit.
Meredith wore a PatBO swimsuit with Birkenstock boots for her shoot, photographed by the legendary Ruven Afanador. When the first photos dropped, her reaction was everything: "IM CRYING AGAIN😭😭😭😍😍😍😍😍." Same, honestly.
Why This Debut Matters
Gen Z has been well-represented in the SI Swimsuit franchise in recent years — Alix Earle's iconic 2024 digital cover changed what "swimsuit model" even means — but Meredith Mickelson's debut feels different. She's the kind of multi-hyphenate that the 18-25 crowd actually looks up to: model, actress, content creator, and someone who talks openly about building a career on her own terms.
Her friendship with Alix Earle (yes, they shot together in Botswana) only adds to the story. The two have long been fixtures in each other's social media worlds, and seeing them both in the 2026 issue is one of those genuinely exciting crossover moments. Fans in the comments said it all: "OMG @meredithmickelson x @alixearle the crossover we've always needed!!"
Photo via TMZ / Ruven Afanador for SI Swimsuit
Get the Look: Bold Bikini Energy Without the SI Swimsuit Budget
Meredith's PatBO swimsuit in the Botswana shoot is all about clean lines, bold contrast, and that effortless editorial confidence. The good news? You don't need a sports illustrated shoot to achieve that same energy. Audi Swim's Bow Babe Contrast sets are built for exactly this vibe — adjustable triangle tops, cheeky bottoms with contrast trim, and bows that are giving full editorial moment.
Here's how to steal Meredith's editorial moment for under $36:
- Bow Babe Contrast Top - Black ($17.99) — That classic black-and-white contrast energy, adjustable triangle, ties at the neck and back
- Bow Babe Contrast Bottoms - Black ($17.99) — Cheeky, contrast-trim thong bottoms with signature bow detail
- Bow Babe Contrast Top - Pink ($17.99) — For when you want the editorial look in a bolder color story
- Bow Babe Contrast Bottoms - Sky Blue ($17.99) — The unexpected color moment that makes any beach photo pop
The full black contrast set runs just $35.98 — less than a round of drinks at a beach bar, and infinitely more photogenic. Made with Audi Swim's Luxe-Flex fabric (nylon-spandex), these sets keep their shape whether you're poolside in Miami or, you know, trekking through the Okavango Delta.
Want more on styling your contrast bikini? Check out our deep dive: Triangle Bikini 2026: The Complete Style & Fit Guide — and for the boldest looks of the season, don't miss The Sexiest Bikinis for 2026: Bold Styles for Every Body.
The Full 2026 Issue Is Coming in May
The SI Swimsuit 2026 Botswana shoot is just the first reveal. The issue — which also includes shoots in Mexico, Ft. Myers, South Caicos, and Montauk — drops on newsstands in May. If Meredith's debut photos are any indication, the full issue is going to be something else entirely.
Mark your calendars, follow Meredith on Instagram, and in the meantime, consider taking your own editorial moment. The beach is calling. Your Bow Babe set is waiting.
Share: