SI Swim model Natalie Mariduena wants to 'be an example' of 'body normalcy'

For "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's" 2022 issue, model and social media influencer Natalie Mariduena was photographed by Yu Tsai in Belize. This is her second appearance.

Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com.

"I have so many followers who are young women, very impressionable and looking at me as an example for themselves," she said. "I try to connect with people, whether it's through DMs or the comments section. I’m often told, ‘I have your body type — thank you for showing this.’ These people are showing their appreciation towards me and I want to give that love back. Because I have this platform, I think it’s more important than ever that I provide positivity for women."Mariduena praised SI Swimsuit for celebrating different body types, as well as women of various ages. For the 2022 issue, Mariduena was photographed in Belize by veteran photographer Yu Tsai.

"It’s the best feeling in the world as a model to be part of a magazine that accepts and celebrates you for being you," she said. "I remember we ended up shooting around 15 bikinis bright and early that day, out in the jungle. I’m in waterfalls, I’m laying on rocks, I’m hanging on bridges, standing in rivers … [but] it was like a little party. You wouldn’t know it from looking at the photos, but there are like 20-25 people standing behind the camera just hollering, encouraging and motivating you. They’re having a little dance party for you."While this wasn’t Mariduena’s first time appearing in the magazine, her photos this year left her stunned, she insisted.