Shannon Burton Rocks the Sports Illustrated Runway

from TOPS Louisville - September 2022

Change Today Change Tomorrow

If anyone knows you have to be patient to reach your dreams it’s Shannon Burton; in July, the 50-year-old Louisvillian sashayed down the Miami Swim Week catwalk for Sports Illustrated. It was not always easy for the 6'1" model, who once played basketball for Butler and Duke–she had to overcome darkness to become the bright light she is today. Shannon took a leap of faith while healing from the devastating death of her son, Riley, who was almost 4 months old. She was 35 years old at the time of the infant’s death and looking for a way to feel whole again. “I said, ‘I don’t care what I do, I just want to have a passion for life again,’” she says. It was then that she was discovered by Heyman Talent Agency out of Louisville. She was always an athlete and being over 6 feet tall as a woman definitely worked as an advantage for her commercial, print, and runway career. Fifteen years later, after signing with the Helen Wells Agency in Louisville and Modelogic out of Chicago, Shannon decided to take another chance–to fulfill her goal of becoming a swimsuit model for a world-renowned company. In November 2021, with help from her amateur photographer husband Bart, she submitted to Sports Illustrated’s Swim Search for their Rookie Class, where members would receive a spot in the 2023 Swimsuit edition of the magazine. Shannon, unfortunately, did not make the cut to be one of 13 finalists, but submitted again in April when the contest opened again. She received an email in June asking to be interviewed by the editor and assistant editor of the magazine, and on the call, they asked her to rock the runway of Miami Swim Week. In July, Shannon and Bart flew out to Florida so that she could work the event and walk the red carpet. As cameras flashed, Shannon could feel her kneecaps shake with nervousness, but then she looked over to her husband to see tears in his eyes–she did it! “I’m trying to get everything out of this life,” she says. “I’m trying to break boundaries.” Shannon says that although she did not make the official Rookie Class, she hopes it is not over for her and Sports Illustrated. Through the experience and joining a supportive Swimfluence Network of other models, Shannon met women from all over the world, including two new best friends for life. “Women need women sometimes,” she says. So, what’s next for the accomplished runway and print model? “I’m going to continue to do what I’ve been doing and go to auditions,” she says “I'm trying to teach my daughters to live without reservations. Riley’s twin

"I’m try g to break boundaries."

FIRST PAGE: Burton with her husband (photo by Walter Arce Photography) TOP LEFT: Working the Sports Illustrated runway (courtesy photo) MIDDLE: Burton at home with her family (courtesy photo) TOP RIGHT: Burton graces the April 2022 TOPS Derby cover (photo by Andrew Kung) BOTTOM RIGHT: She also was featured on another TOPS Derby cover in 2020 (photo by Steve Squall) NEXT PAGE: Burton was a featured model in the August 2020 TOPS fashion shoot (photo by Steve Squall)

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sister Hannah, now 18, and daughter Hailey, 16, both attend Sacred Heart and are athletes and aspiring models like their mom. Shannon is all for her daughters following in her footsteps. Modeling, she says, can help build confidence, coordination, and healthiness, as well as keep them grounded, although, they will need a thick skin. “This is my dream,” she says about walking for Sports Illustrated. “We all have dreams. Not everyone may understand them… and that’s okay. This was mine and I’m so proud of myself for not giving up!” Shannon would love to eventually create a clothing line designed for tall women that is affordable and trendy. Maybe the business will be her next leap of faith–after all, taking chances has worked for her thus far. •

Q+A

TOPS: What is your favorite healthy snack? Shannon: String cheese!

T: What’s your crave-worthy weakness? S: Mexican food, margaritas, and sushi! Our family is a fit family. We eat healthily, but everything is in moderation.

T: What do you do for exercise? S: Lift weights. Women are afraid to lift weights thinking they will get too bulky, but that’s not the case.

T: Do you have any tips to feel young? S: Your mind keeps you young. I’m at a spot in my life where I have learned it’s about balance: the mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical all have to be healthy to have a fulfilling life. It’s important what you put into your body… and I always try to drink more water!