Veronika Vařeková

Veronika Vařeková is a Czech model. Her name in the English language press is often given as Veronica Varekova.
A native of Olomouc, Czech Republic, Veronica moved to New York City at the age of 19 to attend the Parsons School of Design. Upon arriving in Manhattan, Veronica met with Next Models at the urging of a close friend, and was signed immediately.
With Next Models, Veronica’s career took off, landing her the covers of Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and, the most coveted of all, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her images, taken by some of the world’s most prestigious photographers, including Patrick Demarchelier, Gilles Bensimon, Ellen Von Unsworth, Greg Kadel and Peter Lindbergh, led to starring in campaigns for Gap, Chanel, Guess, Nivea, Escada, Chopard, Pantene, Ungaro, Patek Philippe, Hublot and Victoria's Secret. Veronica also appeared on a number of TV programs, including guest spots on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CNN, Charlie Rose, Fox and Friends and more.
A successful and talented model, Veronica’s passions reach beyond the fashion industry as she is an avid painter and involved in the arts. She is also an active person, who can often be found on the golf courses, ski slopes, and tennis courts around the world. In 2004 Veronica married Petr Nedvěd a Czech Canadian professional ice-hockey player. Their marriage was short lived and the couple separated in 2006.
Veronica successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008. It was on this trip that she first met with the African Wildlife Foundation team in Tanzania and discovered her passion for wildlife. Turning her focus to philanthropic endeavors, Veronica was recently named one of the first Goodwill Ambassadors to the African Wildlife Foundation in October 2009; in this role, she will aid in efforts to raise awareness and funds to support initiatives focused on conserving large landscapes, protecting endangered species, and empowering local communities working in AWF’s African Heartlands. Additionally, Veronica is a patron volunteer at the SZPD Orphanage in her home town of Olomouc, a role she has held for over five years.
Veronica’s resides in New York City, however, spends time in Prague to be close to family and friends.

Vařeková has appeared in the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated a total of eight times: 1999-2002 and 2004-2007. She appeared on the cover in 2004. In addition to SI, Vařeková has modeled for Victoria's Secret and became the face of NIVEA. Other contracts include Guess?, Chanel, Pantene, and Newport News. She has been a cover girl for Marie Claire, Harpers & Queen, Maxim, and Cosmopolitan.