Veronika Varekova

Veronika Vařeková, known in English-language media as Veronica Varekova, is a Czech model born on June 19, 1977, in Olomouc, Czech Republic. She began her career in modeling shortly after moving to New York City at the age of 19 to study at Parsons School of Design. Shortly after her arrival, she signed with Next Models, launching a career that has spanned over three decades.

Throughout her career, Vařeková has appeared in numerous high-profile campaigns for brands such as Gap, Chanel, Guess, Nivea, Escada, and Victoria's Secret. She has also been featured on the covers of major fashion magazines including Sports Illustrated, where she appeared in the swimsuit edition eight times between 1999 and 2007, including the cover in 2004. Additional magazine covers include Marie Claire, Vogue, Harpers & Queen, Maxim, and Cosmopolitan. Her work has brought her before the lenses of renowned photographers like Patrick Demarchelier and Peter Lindbergh, and onto popular television programs such as The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

In her personal life, Vařeková married Czech Canadian ice hockey player Petr Nedvěd in 2004, although the couple separated two years later. Beyond modeling, she has demonstrated an interest in charitable causes; after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008, she connected with the African Wildlife Foundation and became their Goodwill Ambassador in 2009. She is also involved with the SZPD Orphanage in her hometown. Veronika divides her time between New York City and Prague, maintaining close ties with her family and friends.