Madeline Stuart, the courageous and inspiring teen model with Down syndrome whose story we first told here, has just landed her first major modeling contract. Manifesta, a U.S.-based women’s athletic-wear brand that targets women of all shapes, sizes and types, has taken on Stuart as one of their representatives.

The match seems like one made in heaven – after all, Madeline decided to become a model after she lost 44lbs (20kg) in a big to improve her health and slim down. Manifesta, on the other hand, is an athletic apparel brand whose goal is to make and advertise clothing for women of all body types.

“With all that Madeline is doing, we’re so excited to have her represent Manifesta,” the company writes on their blog. “Just as Madeline is committed to expanding people’s ideas of what a model can be, Manifesta is determined to show that the clothing and fashion industry doesn’t have to be exclusionary, that one brand can work for women of various sizes.”

More info: madelinestuart.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Madeline Stuart’s dream was to become a professional model

She also happens to have Down syndrome

After she lost 44lbs (20kg) to keep healthy, she decided to start modeling

She’s been working hard to achieve her dream, with a bit of help from her supportive mother

“She really wants to change the way people discriminate against disability,” said Maddy’s mother

She just became the newest face of Manifesta, a U.S. women’s athletic apparel brand

It is this budding model’s first big professional contract

“People with Down syndrome can do anything, they just do it at their own pace”

“Give them a chance and you will be rewarded beyond your greatest expectations”

(Image credits: lulubellephotography.com.au | Facebook)

“I think it is time people realized that people with Down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful”

“I want people to stop saying ‘I’m sorry’ when I tell them my daughter has Down syndrome, because it’s a very naive statement”

“If the average person could see the beauty Maddy has inside, how loving and caring she is and if that is what people measured beauty on, then most of the models in the world would have Down syndrome”

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