Reader comments
East runner turned model: Salt Lake teen skyrockets from student to star

Anonymous | 7:14 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

wow my life is much more fulfilling now that I know this

Mark | 7:17 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Ali sounds as if she's well-grounded as she takes advantage of this opportunity. Hopefully she and her family are doing all they can to keep her out of the clutches of the fashion industry snakes.

ALP | 7:45 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

It's nice to see a smart, athletic girl entering the usually superficial, eating-disorder ridden fashion industry. But I'm surprised she signed a three-year contract if she wasn't that interested. Oh well, enjoy the ride, Ali!

Comments continue below

Anna | 8:00 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Congratulations Ali , the only bit of advice is "remember who you are" and the example you have set for yourself and the WORLD is watching. Keep close with your parents. This is a dream out of the pages of fairy tales. Go for it. Your training and discipline will bode well for you. You are in the wings of becoming FAMOUS. Keep your standards high and God bless you. You sound like an amazing young woman. If you are LDS, you are a role model already and that should never change who you are inside. Cling to the iron rod, Best of everything.

The Haugsoens | 8:31 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Congratulations Ali!!!!!!!!

Suzy | 8:31 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Yeah for her, but I think she looks better in a track uniform then a modeling one.

RD | 9:42 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Hope it doesn't ruin her life.

To: Anonymous | 10:15 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Quit being such a sourpus. Can't you just be happy for a fellow Utahn?!?!?

PD | 11:07 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Maybe somebody should ask Steve Young or Johnny Miller to give her advice on all that but for this article today just give her a congratulations and best wishes we are so happy to have you represent us!!! Way to go Ali!

RockOn | 11:15 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

My condolences to Ali and her family. She's enter the pit of vipers. Truly one of the worst industries on the face of the Earth. I hope she gets out unscathed. Most do not. I've seen it up close and personal. Most self-obsessed people on the planet.

In the entertainment business | 11:20 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

To comment on how is she going to deal with working on Sunday while being LDS is very judgemental. Why don't you ask Steve Young, Mike Weir (Golfer), Danny Ainge, Dale Murphy or any number of high-profile LDS torch carriers in sports, entertainment or any other industry that demands the services of their employees on Sunday, how they deal/dealt with it. Being LDS myself I know that noone prefers to work on the Sabbath, but is necessary to succeed in your field and provide for yourself and family. "Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy" is in the heart of the individual in situations such as these. I think we all know that for some it's easy to judge individuals from their regular 9-5's monday thru friday lives, yet put them in the same situation, how would they react? Retorical only, no need to reply since every situation and individual is different, as in the football player from BYU who turned his back on an NFL career because of this very issue. I have to work on Sundays sometimes too, as do some Bishops and Stake Presidents. JUST going to Church is not "keeping" with the spirit of the Sabbath.

Anonymous | 11:56 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Sounds like anonymous is jealous. Why can't you be happy for other people?

BH | 12:02 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Hope this doesn't ruin her life. The track record for models living happy, productive lives is dismally low.

Lou Dobbler | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Best wishes

Mark B | 12:38 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Mike Weir is not LDS.

Dark Horse | 12:47 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

You guys are hilarious. There is no mention of her religion in this story, her bio, or her Wikipedia page.
Yet, it's like: "Ali, if you are LDS, cling to the rod(!), remember who you are and what you represent, best to you, etc..."

And if you're not, well, enjoy your pit of vipers you little vixen!

patricia | 1:39 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Best wishes and good luck.
just remember you are a daughter of Heavenly Father
who loves you dearly. Hold the young women's torch
high for all the world to see.

Brent | 3:05 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

You Utah people are so wierd. Just be nice and express well wishes to this young girl. Don't bring religion into everything...you are so wierd...

Wow | 3:47 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

It's really nice to hear news that serves as inspiration. It kind of reinforces the belief that you never know when someone of importance is going to come into your life. Ali is very blessed, I'm am so happy for her!

Go Ali | 3:51 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

I happen to know Ali personaly and yes, she is LDS, and she is also a very intuitive young woman. I wish the best for her and hope all of you know she is remarkable and much more sensible than most models out there. Go Ali!

Curious | 4:18 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Why is it mentioned that some is LDS and what position the held in the church important in crime stories but not in this stories like this???

oh my | 5:15 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

can we just get back to commenting on the article and not on everything else. the article was on this girl's sudden rise to modeling for top designers, not on her religion and how or if she'll be an example.

Realist | 5:54 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Ali has a great look. There is no doubt she will be a successful model. The purpose of being a model is to be looked at, ogled, fantacized about, etc. Many men, young and old, will be thinking thoughts about her that would make Utahns "gag." But that is the reality. Get over it and recognize that being attractive is not a sin, and neither is appreciating a young woman's beauty.

LDS Man | 6:28 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

I'm a parent of two very beautiful girls. If a talent scout came up top me and said "these girls could be models" I'd say, "No doubt, but they have no interest in walking down runways wearing next to nothing, having men checking out their bodies under the guise of appreciating ridiculous styles that are rarely seen in public (thank goodness)".

The fashion model is an immoral industry, lets be real. Whoever would encourage their daughter to enter such a sick industry in search of a "career" is very shallow indeed. I do not wish Ali well in such a low-life venture, I encourage her to get out of that pit now!

(PS/ to the other LDS well-wishers: Just how do you expect Ali to hold her torch high as she parades in front of men half dressed?)

(PPS/I'm not from Utah, I'm a Canadian LDS.)

MO | 7:13 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

I think Ali did an amazing job. What an experience! I don't care what her religion is.

WLJ | 7:25 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Go, Ali! People who think that the fashion industry is immoral often see evil in everything. There is danger in any career, and certainly a little more in fashion, but that doesn't mean one should avoid it, especially if you are able to bring in respect, norms and talent. Haute couture is an art form! And very talented young women have chosen to work there. Think Carla Bruni. This story made my day!

Re:In the entertainment business | 7:34 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Mike Weir, the golfer that went to BYU, is not LDS.

To LDS Man | 8:50 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

I am the mother of a 14 year old girl being scouted by the modeling industry. We are active LDS and I am encouraging her "see what happens." You see my girl isn't interested in being a model but an orthodontist. Her dad left us high and dry and I can't give her her dreams she's going to have to work for them. If modeling helps put her through school without the 45K in student loans I've got after being thrust into finding a career worthy of being the sole supporter of my family, then I'm all for it. I know my girl and my girl knows the Lord. She'll do what's right. I'm not about to teach her she should hide her beauty just in case someone else has less than righteous intentions. If modeling is an option for her, then I'm grateful God blessed her so much because her goal of providing braces to underprivledged and impoverished children is too important for her not to acheive just because I won't be able to afford to pay for her education.

Anonymous | 9:01 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Ali is pretty, takes care of herself and should take opportunities as they come. Most people who don't wish her well are most likely out of shape, eat too much and make an effort to improve and enhance their appearance. Go Ali.

Anonymous | 9:39 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

mistake...should have read; and don't make an effort to improve their appearance

LC | 10:14 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

I'm more concerned about the all young girls in general who fall victim to the fallacy of "the perfect body." I just looked at several photos of Ali and she's just perpetuating the sick body image that the fashion industry promotes. She's tall and painfully skinny. Not thin - SKINNY. She has no shape at all. 95% of women cannot look like that without jeopardizing their lives. LDS or not (btw, I find it hilarious that some people here believe she's only a role model if she's LDS), she's being a terrible role model for young women everywhere.

And for the people who say she's parading around half-naked, take a look at her photos. She's dressed modestly in all of them.

Ali, earn your money for college and then go to medical school so you can treat the patients you're creating now.

Flour | 11:00 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

Some of you guys just need to relax.

It really almost doesn't matter where or what you do... there are snakes everywhere.

Your parents can only teach you so much and then the rest is up to you.

Best of luck to you and your future Ali!!

k unit | 11:17 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

im tired of all of you relating everything with church. church is church and modeling is modeling.

mom | 12:02 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

She looks seriously anorexic to me.

Russ, East High 1946 | 12:17 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Good girl! Make the most of it while it lasts, Ali, and make us as proud when it's over as we are at its beginning.

Show some class | 12:22 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

If you wrote anything in here other than congratulations to this young woman - shame on you!

Amazing the sentiments of people, is it because of jealousy, arrogance, ignorance, I don't know?

Her photo's are beautiful. She is beautiful! I would be beyond proud if my own daughther were to have a similar experience.

Congrats Ali!

yikes! | 12:23 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Seems like a no win move to me. She'll be spending more time with the snakes in the biz, but less with all the snakes in religious clothing that surround her on planet Utah.

anonymous | 12:33 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

congrats on making a career so quickly! good luck with it! i hope everything works out how you want it to.

Steven Jarvis | 1:13 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Yes Ali is skinny. She has an amazing face.

I was a long distance runner and had the same sort of lanky bony look. I ate 8 PJ sandwiches, a fruit drink, an apple, 8 cookies and two deserts for lunch at school. For breakfast three full bowls of cereal. Dinner was large as well. Being that age and running all the time kept me that way until I hit the MTC. The reality is you can burn more calories than you consume as an athlete.

I wouldn't worry about her. I just wish models would smile. The expressions they 'must' wear kcreep me out.

Andrea Wade | 2:58 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Hello Ali!
You're amazing! I'm just so proud of you!
I had amazing time getting to know you this summer!
I love you!

Andrea

Sarah Brothers | 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

ALI
I love you so much and I am so happy for you!! You are amazing! This summer was amazing! Say hi to the fam ok! Just don't change on me! Stay sweet and strong!
xoxo
Sarah

DT | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

ali is a runner. That burns a ton of calories. Plus, she is sixteen. Most sixteen year olds are very skinny, especially the ones who are super tall. Don't hate on her for having better genetics than most. The fact that so many designers wanted her even with no modeling experience should tell her that she doesn't need to feel pressured into modeling underwear or anything too revealing. If they relly want her they will be respectful of her values if she makes them known.

PROUDSIS | 12:52 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I am the proud sister of the agent that found Ali. He cares for these girls and loves them. He wants them to succeed and do their best in the Industry. If we refer to Ali's pictures theya re modest and if some pervert is getting his kicks off her that is not her problem and should not keep her from following her dreams and talents. We are all sent here to give something and to be something. We need to be be stiving to be our best every day. To my fellow LDS members that made some very interesting comments....remember not to make unrighteous judgement. We are all and all can be member missionaries and be in the world and not of the world. We send people out into the military where cras things are going on all the time and people still do good and are a light to others. Alot of the Authorities served and are good men. We need to support her and be excited for another member of the church to be able to use her talents and gifts to reach others in far off places. Worry about ourselves and be happy for others.

Jocelyn | 7:18 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Congratulations Ali! We have missed you and Maddie at cross-country that's for sure!I wish you well my friend in everything you do! Your pictures are lovely! I will be looking for you on the cover! haha

Idaho Deb | 3:38 p.m. Oct. 16, 2007

Fabulous !!! This is so exciting and you will learn and experience things the text books do not teach by travelling abroad (lucky you). Your pics are amazing - sky is the limit for you !!! My family is cheering you on and look forward to watching you rise to the top. Congratulations and best wishes !!!

Best regards to Stacey as well - he has an incredible eye for great talent. Our prayers are with you.

Freak out! | 10:02 p.m. Oct. 16, 2007

Ok everbody needs to calm down and take a chill pill. This is an article about a girl who made it in the big stuff easy. Everyone is treating this like she made a sex tape and she is horrible. She hasn't done anything bad she got a chance of a lifetime and went for it. We should all be proud of her and congradulate her.

P.S. I am a cross country runner and I think that it is awesome that she got this chance, I hope to see her tomorrow at state! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

EAST HIGH | 12:31 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

CONGRATS ALI..TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY, NEVER LOWER YOUR STANDARDS FOR ANYTHING REMEMER WHO PUT YOU THERE AND BE GREATFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE. EAST HIGH SEMINARY LOVES YOU..EAST HIGH LOVES YOU. AND REMEMBER THAT.

Megan | 3:45 p.m. Oct. 24, 2007

good work ali! i don't really know you but this has just happened to one of my very best friends (a scout contacted her) and she's getting her portfolio soon!

anonymous | 10:00 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

congratulaitons ali! i think that you are a wonderful model. remember who you are. be strong,and happy! keep up the good work!i dont think that the fashion industry is bad at all unless people think of it in a bad way. just remember that. not many people think about it like lds man does hes, thinking about modeling in a bad way.

S�REN | 4:15 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Hope she sees this

Ali! I miss you and Madi! come visit! you're doing great no matter what anyone says! Chloï¿½ was AMAZING. Save those whales!!

miss you,

Sï¿½

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.