Brenna Huckaby Makes History as the First Amputee Featured in SI's Swimsuit Issue

Updated on Feb 23, 2018 at 5:00 PM

Say hello to your new girl-crush: Brenna Huckaby. The snowboarder just made history as the first amputee to ever be featured in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, which is on sale now. When she's not showing off her amazing physique on the beaches of Aruba in that sexy WET Swimwear, Brenna is training in Utah to compete in the Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, next month. She spoke candidly during her SI interview about how nervous she was — but she didn't let that stop her, because she knew it was for something bigger than her:

"I hope women feel empowered by it. Everyone should feel sexy. It doesn't matter what your body looks like, when you feel good in your skin it shows. Let me tell you, there is absolutely no reason you shouldn't feel good in your own skin! I see it as an opportunity to inspire others. It's very rare, if ever, you see a woman with a disability pose in sexy swimsuits. I want to help change the stigma behind disabilities. I want other women, regardless of their body, to know they are powerful and sexy."

Brenna was 14 when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and due to complications, doctors had to amputate her right leg, she told NBC in 2017. Her parents packed up everything and moved to Utah so their daughter could pursue her snowboarding career, and they haven't looked back since. Fast-forward eight years, and Brenna is engaged with a 17-month-old daughter, Lilah, and inspiring people around the world to love their bodies and remind us all that anything is possible.