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Kelsey Merritt's Bahamas "Sports Illustrated" Shoot Is The Hottest Thing You'll See All Week

Summer hasn't arrived yet, but Kelsey Merritt is already raising temperatures to sweltering heights with her sizzling Sports Illustrated photo shoot. Believe us when we say that it's the hottest you've seen the Filipino-American beauty, by far!

 

 

Kelsey's clearly been on a roll as all her modeling dreams have been coming true in lightning speed. She was the first Filipino to walk the Victoria's Secret runway in the lingerie brand's legendary fashion show, was featured in Voguegraced magazine covers, and most recently, was officially made a Sports Illustrated rookie! 

All happening in less than half a year, the milestones have understandably overwhelmed the 22-year-old who's managed to handle all her professional milestones with a powerful combo of grace and groundedness. 

Announcing on Instagram the newest credit in her growing resume, Kelsey wrote, "I’ve been keeping this a secret for a while, and now I’m so excited I get to finally share with you all that I’m the newest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2019 Rookie!!! Ahhh thank you @si_swimsuit@mj_day for the opportunity to shoot for this iconic issue!!!"

 

 

Given Kelsey's snaps of herself sunbathing in beaches all over the world that dominate her Instagram, the skin-baring magazine's choice to include her in its 2019 roster of sculpted swimsuit models is a no-brainer. It's definitely Kelsey's ultimate chance to show off the body she's worked so hard to achieve too, as she'll be given a full spread in the issue. 

 

Look! Kelsey Merritt And Catriona Gray Bumped Into Each Other In NYC

 

Although the Sports Illustrated special swimsuit issue has three months to go before it hits the stands, we've been given a red hot sneak peek of the finished products we can expect from Kelsey's shoot.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A little #bts from the photo I posted earlier ?? #SISwim @si_swimsuit ??

A post shared by Kelsey Merritt (@kelseymerritt) on

 

The magazine flew her over to Exuma and Nassau in The Bahamas where crystal clear turquoise waters and gently lapping waves define the land and seascape. Completely in her element, Kelsey owned every shot and looked amazing from all angles, in every one of her swimsuits. (A special slate-gray silver suit with her name was even made for her to remember the event by!)

 

WATCH: Kelsey Merritt’s Nighttime Skincare Routine Revealed!

 

On set, Kelsey posed on powder-white shores and in secret caves, working her surroundings to her advantage like a pro. Switching effortlessly between sultry sun goddess to playful mermaid-esque model between shots, Kelsey was right at home at the shoot from beginning to end. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kelsey Merritt (@kelseymerritt) on

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The sweetest ???? from the sweetest rookie! • • • @grandisleresort #grandisleresortexuma

A post shared by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@si_swimsuit) on

 

Taking a break from time to time to enjoy the beauty all around her, Kelsey didn't hesitate to participate in the tropical destination's most awesome activities: snorkeling, swimming with sharks, and hanging out with wild iguanas!

 

READ: Can You Guess Who Kelsey Merritt's Neighbors Are At Her Brand New NYC Apartment?

 

More than just fulfilling her dreams of becoming an internationally recognized model, the opportunity to be featured in Sports Illustrated was on Kelsey's bucket list for a different reason; the publication celebrates body positivity and diversity, an advocacy that Kelsey holds close to her heart. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Living my best mermaid fantasy with @si_swimsuit ?????? This island girl feels at home!!!????‍??

A post shared by Kelsey Merritt (@kelseymerritt) on

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@si_swimsuit) on

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@si_swimsuit) on

 

We're certain that more good things have yet to come for Kelsey, and we'll be right behind her all the way! 

 

Photos from @kelseymerritt @si_swimsuit