Rayna Vallandingham Named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie for 2025

Rayna Vallandingham, a 13-time Tae Kwon Do World Champion and new actress, is making her debut as a model in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, photographed by Yu Tsai in Jamaica. Vallandingham, who has a significant following on social media, combines her martial arts background with her acting career, recently appearing as Zara Malik in the final season of 'Cobra Kai.' Fans eagerly anticipate her full gallery in May, with her first sneak peek revealing a stunning beaded two-piece bikini. This crossover into modeling highlights her commitment to representation as an Indian-American woman in the entertainment industry. Vallandingham's journey from martial arts prodigy to model exemplifies her versatility and dedication to inspiring others. She joins a notable lineup of athletes featured in this year's issue, further showcasing the blend of sports and fashion.