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Petra NemcovaCzech model, TV presenter and philanthropist
Date of Birth: 24.06.1979
Country:  Czech |
Content:
Biography of Petra Nemcova
Early Life and CareerPetra Nemcova was born on June 24, 1979 in Czechoslovakia. Her father was a Freemason and her mother was a teacher. She grew up with her sister Olga. At the age of sixteen, she was discovered through a national talent search program and started her career as a model. In 2003, Petra appeared on the cover of the special edition of "Sports Illustrated" magazine, the "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue", and she continued to appear in the magazine four times in total. She also worked as a model for "Victoria's Secret" and other clothing companies.
Surviving the Tsunami
On December 26, 2004, Petra was in Thailand on the resort of Khao Lak with her fiancé, photographer Simon Atlee, when a tsunami struck. Atlee was initially reported missing, but his body was eventually found and identified on March 3, 2005, on the shores of Sumatra. Petra suffered multiple injuries, including a broken pelvis and internal trauma. She managed to cling to the top of a palm tree for about eight hours before being rescued by local people and taken to the nearest hospital. After spending three weeks in a Thai hospital and another three weeks in Czech Republic for further treatment, Petra began sharing her experience in interviews, including appearances on ABC's "Primetime Love" and CNN's "Larry King Live" shows.
Philanthropy and Activism
In 2005, Petra founded "The Happy Hearts Fund", a charitable organization that supports disadvantaged children. Inspired by her own tragedy, she actively collaborates with other similar charitable organizations. In 2008, Petra and the agents of her fund traveled to Peru to assist the victims of the 2007 earthquake. She was awarded the "Survivor" prize by Glamour magazine for her post-tsunami efforts. Petra continues her philanthropic work while also hosting the show "A Model Life" on TLC.
Personal Life
In 2005, Petra published a book titled "Love Always, Petra", which chronicles her life in communist Czechoslovakia, her entry into the fashion world, and her breakthrough in "Sports Illustrated". The book also explores her relationship with Simon Atlee. Petra dated British singer James Blunt for a period of time in 2006. In June 2007, she became a vegan after learning about the declining fish population in the world's oceans and rivers. In February of the same year, Petra decided to eliminate meat and dairy products from her diet.
