Rippon up the catwalk

HOT, HOT, HOT: Coffs Harbour’s Brittni Rippon will be representing the Coffs Coast in a national swimwear modelling competition.

Bruce Thomas

MIRANDA Kerr eat your heart out – here comes Coffs Harbour’s Brittni Rippon.

The fresh-faced 18-year-old is set to represent the Coffs Coast in a national swimwear model search – and judging by her very fast success, this is only just the beginning.

“This was pretty much the first competition I’d ever entered,” Miss Rippon said yesterday.

“I really just entered for the excitement of it and to try something new. I was so surprised (to win) I didn’t even think I would get through the first heat, let alone win the final – you should have seen the look on my face.”

Despite her limited experience in the field, Miss Rippon has heads turning far and wide and can’t wait to take advantage of the opportunities that may arise from her recent success.

Her long-term ambition is to become a TV presenter and travel the world.

“I’m really excited but I’m definitely nervous because I don’t really know what to expect.

“I just finished school last year and I’m having a gap year this year, just working and seeing what opportunities come from this.

“At first, modelling was just a part-time thing but we’ll see – it would be great to do it as a career.”

Miss Rippon will compete in the national finals of the Ralph Australian Swimwear Model Search in Sydney on April 23. If successful, she has the chance to be on the cover of the leading men’s magazine, as well as feature in the 2011 calendar.