Georgina Burke: From bullied Brisbane schoolgirl to Sports Illustrated star

After being bullied for her size growing up in Brisbane, curve model Georgina Burke is leading the way for body positivity, becoming Australia’s latest Sports Illustrated star

A Brisbane model bullied at school for her size is continuing to break down barriers in the global fashion industry, landing a coveted campaign for Sports Illustrated.

In a major boost to her career, Georgina Burke, 31, is among eight rookie models selected to feature in the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, which has helped launch the careers of supermodels including Elle Macpherson, Heidi Klum and Kate Upton.

She was forced to change schools due to bullying growing up in Brisbane, which continued into high school, and the now New York-based curve model said it was gratifying to be among the women of all sizes now featuring regularly in high profile campaigns.

Brisbane model Georgina Burke in a photoshoot for Sports Illustrated. Photo: Ben Watts/ Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

“We are more accepting of curve models in the States,” Burke said.

“At 6’1 and a size 14 I’m actually considered on the small size here. We still have a way to go in Australia as far as visibility and acceptance goes, but it’s definitely growing.”

Burke, who modelled her own swimwear brand, Burke NYC, for the campaign, said she was initially approached by Sports Illustrated three years ago but didn’t feel ready for the exposure and attention that came with the high profile magazine.

“You need to be really grounded, know who you are and who you want to be under that kind of international spotlight,” she said.

“I was a big kid – tall and wide. Kids would call me every name in the book and throw my lunch across playground,” she continued. “It got so bad at primary school that my parents pulled me out to go to a private girls’ high school, but even there I didn’t fit in. I was used to being different.”

Model Georgina Burke with dog Auzwald for Ralph Lauren. Photo: Supplied/Ralph Lauren

Having lived in New York for five years, separated from her family in Brisbane during the pandemic, she became a face of coveted brand Ralph Lauren, started her own swimwear brand and a charity called Lip Service, which provides packs of essentials for front line nurses in New York.

When she was approached again by Sports Illustrated in November, Burke quickly found herself shooting the campaign in Barbados.

“This time, the time was right. I’m so grateful and excited,” she said.

“I was actually in Montana for Thanksgiving when my agent called saying I had a fitting that day for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. I couldn’t believe it – I lost my mind. I took the first flight back to New York.”

“Don’t let anyone hold you back because if someone wants you to be something you’re not you’re not going to be authentic. The minute you become true to yourself you might end up doing Sports Illustrated.”

Burke is now in the running to win the 2022 rookie of the year title and feature on the cover of the swimsuit edition in May.