Australian model and swimwear designer Sahara Ray has announced the arrival of her first child, a baby girl, marking a joyous new chapter following significant health challenges. The 32-year-old, based in the United States and daughter of surfing icon Tony Ray, shared her happy news through Instagram on Thursday, posting an emotional video of herself cradling her newborn.
Unusual Name Revealed
In her caption, Sahara revealed her daughter's distinctive name as Snow Ray 1/27/2026, combining creativity with the birth date. She expressed profound emotion, writing: "I can’t believe I made this little Maricle with my body. I’m so proud and so in love." Additional content on her Stories featured tearful footage of the model cuddling her infant, telling followers: "She's so beautiful." Details regarding the father remain private, with indications that Sahara is currently single.
Pregnancy Journey Documented
The blonde model, previously linked to Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber in 2016, openly chronicled her pregnancy via social media. Earlier this week, she disclosed preparations for being induced, humorously noting in a caption: "People announcing their August 2026 babies but I've been pregnant since May 2025." This transparency allowed fans to follow her path to motherhood closely.
Overcoming Health Adversity
Sahara's pregnancy announcement follows a particularly difficult period in her life. In May 2024, she revealed a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves. She described being paralysed from her upper thighs downwards, relying on a wheelchair and walker for mobility. "My whole life changed in an instant," Sahara reflected, sharing clips of her health journey.
The condition stemmed from a traumatic incident on April 8, when she was struck by a drunk driver travelling at high speed. "It basically sent my body into shock which sent my body into this crazy sickness," she explained. During subsequent weeks, severe illness left her unable to eat properly, leading to significant weakness. Tingling and numbness in her feet progressed to her legs, necessitating an emergency room visit.
Throughout her recovery, Sahara maintained a positive outlook, telling followers: "This has been really hard to deal with and I've been trying keep a good attitude and be hopeful that my feeling comes back." Fortunately, she has since experienced substantial improvement in her health, making her new role as a mother even more meaningful.
Rise to Prominence
Sahara first gained widespread attention in August 2016 after paparazzi captured her skinny-dipping with Justin Bieber in Hawaii. This incident propelled her into the celebrity spotlight, establishing her as a notable figure in modelling and fashion circles. Her resilience through health struggles and now motherhood continues to inspire her social media audience.
