SI Swimsuit model had ‘no clue’ she was pregnant during shoot

It’s the mother of all surprises.

While Danielle Herrington curls her amazing cakes in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2021 Photographed in March, the bikini model did not expect her to have a bun.

Herrington, 28, told The Post: “Four days after the scan, I found out I was pregnant.

When she returned to her Los Angeles residence from a magazine photo shoot on Miami Beach, the 5-foot-10-year-old beauty felt nauseous and took a pregnancy test. And when the results came back positive, she took six more tests before confirming her condition to the doctor.

“I found out I was about five weeks pregnant,” continued the Compton, California native. “And I was completely shocked.”

But since overcoming her initial skepticism – and the “really bad” first trimester due to constant morning sickness – Herrington says she “can’t wait” to meet the joy to come. .

She and her boyfriend, model Geron McKinley, 27, are set to welcome a baby boy in September.

“I’m so excited to give birth to him, to see his face and watch him grow,” she choked.

But now, almost eight months pregnant, Herrington is excited to represent expectant mothers in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit swimsuit. The most inclusive version – for women of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages – hits shelves on Monday.

“I’m glad I can represent the mothers and pregnant women out there,” Herrington said, acknowledging that working while passionate can be mentally and physically draining.

“But I don’t think [a] the baby will stop your whole life,” the beauty added. She plans to continue modeling sexy swimsuits after giving birth. “I think so [even as a mom] you can still be who you are and still have kids. “

And Herrington has always been a model.

She knew she was destined for a life of modeling and styling at the age of 8. By the age of 13, she had turned professional.

And in 2018, just two years after moving from California to Brooklyn to further her career, Herrington became the third woman of color to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated in its nearly 70-year history. of the magazine.

Legendary model Bank Tyra, 47 years old, was killed as the first black girl on the cover of the issue in 1997. Megastar Beyoncé, 39, followed the glamor suit in 2007.

“When I moved to New York, that was my dream, that was the goal,” says Herrington of joining the fashion divas in the annals of SI fame.

“So to get that done within two years [being in the city] is mind blowing. “

And for Herrington, it means just as much to shine as an inspiration to the next generation of black women in the SI Swimsuit 2021 edition.

“I am very happy to be able to represent [for] little black girls out there,” she said, noting that this year was her first time wearing hip-length braids and bamboo earrings for her photo shoot.

“Feeling great [to represent my community with my look],” Herrington said. “I feel like it’s my moment.”