How Maura Higgins Manifested Her Bombshell “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ”Runway Show Debut (Exclusive)

Michelle LeeTue, June 9, 2026 at 12:10 PM UTC

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Maura Higgins walks the 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit' Runway Show in Miami, FloridaCredit: Ivan Apfel/Getty -

Maura Higgins made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show on May 30

The reality television star spoke with PEOPLE at the outlet's Beach Club and backstage about embodying confidence in a swimsuit

Higgins had her breakout moment during her season of Love Island UK and starred in season 4 of The Traitors US

This is the year of Maura Higgins.

The Love Island UK alum has been on a reality television hot streak. She became a fan favorite on The Traitors US this past winter and, come fall, will showcase a new side to her prowess on Dancing with the Stars. It's safe to say her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show was the cherry on top.

Higgins, 35, was among the women walking the runway at the annual fashion event held in Miami, Fla. Chatting with PEOPLE at the Sports Illustrated Beach Club on May 29, she revealed that the milestone was made possible through the power of manifestation.

Maura Higgins in the 2026 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit' Runway ShowCredit: Ivan Apfel/Getty

"I actually had Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on my vision board, so this was another [goal] ticked off for me," said Higgins, who also previously said that the technique pushed her towards her DWTS gig.

Higgins added that she likes to visualize her dreams and doesn't actually have any of her own affirmations. But, "I try and be like, 'Right, Maura. Come on, you're strong, you're confident, you can do this.' I just give everything my all and hope for the best."

Despite her calling the job at hand — aka walking down a runway in a bikini — beyond her "comfort zone," backstage at the May 30 event, Higgins shared how the cast supported her along the way.

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"I feel like confidence definitely comes with age, but the one amazing thing about being in this room is everyone is just so confident, but that's, of course, thanks to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit," she added. "They celebrate all women, and that's why I love it. To be in a room full of all these strong, independent women, it's pretty insane."

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On the catwalk, set up at the W South Beach hotel, Higgins modeled three different looks, including a pink bikini and Baywatch-red one-piece.

Maura Higgins in a crochet bikini for the 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit' Runway ShowCredit: Ivan Apfel/Getty

As for if she had any friends on speed-dial to call when she needed modeling advice? Higgins admitted, "I don't ask anyone for advice. Only my mommy." But she's always going to do things her way. "I go with what I want," she joked.

The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show is available to stream on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ starting June 9. Produced by Next of Kin, an EverWonder Studio company, directed by Sam Wrench and executive produced by Wrench alongside Ashley Edens and Ian Orefice, the broadcast features performances by pros from Dancing with the Stars cast and Lizzo, in addition to exclusive behind-the-scenes moments.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”