The polls have closed and the votes have been tallied. After a hard fought campaign, rife with stunning Instagram photos and lobbying on the Twitters, America has a winner.
In the biggest upset since George Mason defeated Connecticut in 2006, Sara Sampaio toppled heavy favorite Emily Ratajkowski to be named Sports Illustrated's 2014 Swimsmoke Rookie of the Year.
Sara performed admirably, capturing 32 percent of the vote. She earned it. I can see why everyone in New York bitched about gridlock on the GW Bridge. The Jersey Shore was waiting for them.
Her pictorial was special: She appeared with fellow rookie and Swimsmoke Sand Volleyball MVP Gigi Hadid. Between Gigi's domination and its recent NCAA qualifications, its been a banner month for the sport.
The two rookies replicated the famous "donk dap" that was the cover photo of this year's issue.
I’m not one to bite the hands that feeds me. I'll try not to critique SI Swimsuit Issue readers too harshly. But is Sampaio really a "rookie"? She was a prominent face of last year's Victoria’s Secret fashion show, and was named Vogue Portugal's "Best Female Model" two years in a row.
Sbe's a pro.
Much like a polished pearl found in the shore.
#JerseyStrong.
We should be recognizing the true rookies who are still grinding on unverified Twitter accounts. I’d like to direct everyone the young lady who finished second with 27 percent of the vote, and pushed Emily Ratajkowski to third. It’s none other than my pick for Swimsmoke ROY Hannah Ferguson!
Do I know my smokes or do I know my smokes?