Every once in a while, a model explodes onto the scene and catches our attention like few others. Whitney Jene Harchanko is just such a model. She appeared in FHM magazine and the world took notice. The model is also Miss Hawaiian Tropic Minnesota, Appeared on MTV’s Final Fu martial arts reality show, is on the USA National bikini team, and has a bright future ahead of her. Check out this interview to find out how her famous butt got that round, and more!
* Special thank you goes out to noted celebrity agent Mike Esterman for his assistance with this interview.
Citynet Magazine: Where are you from/live now?
Whitney Harchanko: I live in Minneapolis, MN, but spend most of my time in Miami, LA or New York.
Let’s start with your early years.
As a kid I was very active. I loved anything rough and tomboyish like dirt bikes and bb guns! I played hockey, tennis, lacrosse, went fishing and wakeboarding and loved the outdoors. I have also done martial arts my whole life and I am very competitive. I was born in Colorado Springs, CO but grew up in Minneapolis.
What’s the origin of your family name?
My family name is Ukrainian. I am also Swedish.
How did you get into modeling?
I won the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Minnesota Pageant last summer and started traveling and shooting. I worked hard and soon everything started to snowball. I got a little recognition and soon I started getting lots of requests. Now I am very busy as a full time model!
Describe the Hawaiian Tropic experience.
Hawaiian Tropics was fun… like nothing I had ever done. I was amazed to have won because I never win ANYTHING!!! But I was so excited to have a crown and sash!!! Hehe… I got to make many appearances and sign posters, etc, along with competing at Nationals in Oahu, Hawaii!
How did you get into Karate? Hockey? Other sports?
I was 8 years old doing softball and dance and was basically bored. I quit the two and started hockey and karate. They both fit my competitive, aggressive attitude so they stuck!
What has been the best experience?
Shooting “the Final Fu” for MTV. Everyone on the show was amazing and so much fun. I loved meeting all the MTV people and shooting a TV series. I hope to get more acting jobs because I would love to be on TV or in the movies all the time.
What has been the worst experience?
Sleeping on the floor of airports when flights have gotten delayed or canceled. It has happened a lot (more than) would you believe.
Favorite music?
I love Beyonce, Mariah Carey, I like R & B and Salsa music.
Describe your wildest experiences. Are you a big partier?
At times… I love Miami. South Beach is so much fun. I love it there! I love the clubs down there, the beach, I have had some of the best times of my life there. I’m not going to say much on this one cause it could come back to bite me you know where! [Editor’s Note: Bite you where? Sounds good!]
Has anyone ever run up to you in the street and brought you flowers?
Yes, in South Beach. I guy came up to me with 2 red roses and asked me to marry him. I had to say no because I am only 19, and too young to get married!
What’s the most common question that people ask you?
“Are your eyes really that color?”
What do you think is your sexiest body part?
I love my eyes, my butt and my stomach! My eyes are very unusual, I like my butt because it took a lot of squats and karate kicks to get it that round, and I like my stomach after I have done a million abdominal crunches for weeks. It looks so tight and sexy.
What turns you on in a guy?
I love tall, dark and handsome guys. I also like guys who are funny, have an outrageous sense of adventure, spontaneous and love to work out (muscles) and be physical. I like my guy to be able to go a few rounds with me (sparring or grappling). I also love it when a guy sings to me.
Pet Peeves?
People who make promises and do not follow through with them, people who are not honest.
Name anyone you would love to meet.
Mariah Carey.
What do you want the world to know about you?
I have a 2nd degree black belt in karate, I was in advanced placements classes in high school and loved advance Shakespeare class. I love to sing and I am ready for anything… so bring it on!!!
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Hmmmm… that is a hard one because I am a risk taker…and none of them seem to be that risky yet. So I will have to see what comes my way. I was all signed up to go to college and the day I was supposed to move into my dorm I decided not to go to college full time and to pursue modeling, acting and singing instead. Some people might say that is risky but I was just following my dreams.
Favorite upcoming projects?
I am working on a new martial arts video, I have a couple music videos that I am very excited to do, I am working on my CD, I have 1 song done and several to go. I will be traveling quite a bit this fall doing photo shoots for several swimwear companies and calendars.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, having a No. 1 hit Album, and winning a Oscar. [Editor’s Note: Oh, is that all?!]
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