Top Celebrities: 27 Petra Nemcova

For supermodel Petra Nemcova, the term “survivor” applies in the truest sense of the word. In 2004, she and her photographer boyfriend Simon Atlee were on holiday in Phuket, Thailand, when the Indian Ocean tsunami hit the day after Christmas. Atlee was swept away and drowned; Nemcova was badly injured, but was rescued. She has since recovered and resumed her thriving modeling career.

Over the last two years, Petra has been holding her own at No 16 on the Top 99, and is still commanding a strong position as this year's No. 27. Her recovery from her injuries and her subsequent return to modeling has been inspiring, making us appreciate her even more. Early in 2006, we had a chance to discover her depth with her autobiography, Love Always, Petra, and Glamour magazine presented her with their Survivor Award in recognition of her accomplishments. Commercially, her return was rightfully recognized in the 2006 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition with fantastic photos and a poignant article.

This year should be no less hectic for the “Czech Chick.” Like last year, expect to see Nemcova gracing magazine pages and appearing on television. Though you may not see it on the tube, even more meaningful is the time and effort she devotes to the Happy Hearts Fund. The charitable organization she founded to benefit orphans of the tsunami, the Happy Hearts Fund has now expanded to include all children who have endured economic, health-related or natural disasters. Now that’s what being a survivor is all about, and we salute her.

Petra Nemcova
Petra Nemcova pictures
Petra Nemcova pics
Petra Nemcova Gallery