Elin Nordegren is a Swedish-born former model, nanny, and philanthropist who is best known for being the ex-wife of golf legend Tiger Woods. She has been in the spotlight for over two decades, both as a supportive spouse and a scorned partner. But there is more to her story than meets the eye. In this article, we will explore the life of Elin Nordegren, from her humble beginnings in Stockholm to her lavish lifestyle in Florida. We will also look at her achievements, challenges, and passions, as well as her trivia facts that you may not know.
Early Years
Elin Nordegren was born on January 1, 1980, in Stockholm, Sweden. She is the daughter of Thomas Nordegren, a radio journalist, and Barbro Holmberg, a politician and former minister of migration and asylum policy. She has an older brother, Axel, and a twin sister, Josefin. Elin and her sister were encouraged by their parents to be independent and pursue their interests. They had summer jobs as cashiers in supermarkets to finance their studies. Elin also developed a love for travel, sports, and nature from an early age. She lived in Berlin, Germany, for a year with her father and sister, where she learned English and German. She also enjoyed skiing and hiking in the Swedish countryside.
Modeling Career
Elin Nordegren started modeling in 2000, when she was 20 years old. She appeared on the cover of Cafe Sport magazine, a Swedish publication that featured sports and lifestyle topics. She also worked with various fashion brands and agencies, showcasing her beauty and elegance. She was considered one of the most attractive and sought-after models in Sweden at the time. She earned a reputation for being professional, friendly, and down-to-earth.
Meeting Tiger Woods
Elin Nordegren met Tiger Woods in 2001, when she was working as a nanny for Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik and his family. Parnevik introduced her to Woods at the British Open, where he was competing. Woods was immediately smitten by her, but she was not interested in him at first. She was seeing someone else and did not want to date a celebrity. However, Woods persisted and eventually won her over with his charm and humor. They began dating and fell in love.
Marriage and Family
Elin Nordegren and Tiger Woods got engaged in 2003, after two years of dating. They tied the knot in 2004, in a lavish ceremony at the Sandy Lane resort in Barbados. Woods rented the entire complex for a week, spending almost $2 million on the wedding. The couple exchanged vows in front of 200 guests, including celebrities, athletes, and friends. They then jetted off to their honeymoon in South Africa, where they stayed at a luxury safari lodge.
Elin and Tiger welcomed their first child, a daughter named Sam Alexis, in 2007. A day after giving birth, Elin watched her husband finish second at the U.S. Open. She was proud of his performance and supportive of his career. In 2009, they had their second child, a son named Charlie Axel. Elin and Tiger seemed to have a perfect family and a happy marriage. They lived in a mansion in Windermere, Florida, where they enjoyed playing golf, swimming, and spending time with their kids.
Divorce and Scandal
However, things took a dramatic turn in 2009, when Tiger Woods was involved in a car accident outside his home. The incident sparked a media frenzy and exposed his infidelity. It was revealed that Woods had been cheating on Elin with multiple women, including porn stars, waitresses, and models. He admitted to having affairs and apologized for his actions. He also took a break from golf and entered a rehab program for sex addiction.
Elin Nordegren was devastated and humiliated by the scandal. She decided to end her marriage and filed for divorce in 2010. She received a $100 million settlement from Woods, as well as custody of their children. She also bought a mansion in North Palm Beach, Florida, for $12 million, which she later demolished and rebuilt. She wanted to start a new life and move on from the past.
Education and Philanthropy
Elin Nordegren did not let the divorce define her. She focused on her education and philanthropy, as well as her children. She enrolled at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where she studied psychology. She graduated in 2014, with a 3.96 GPA and the outstanding senior award. She also delivered a commencement speech, where she joked about her divorce and expressed her gratitude for her education.
Elin also became involved in various charitable causes, especially those related to children and families. She started the Elin Nordegren Foundation, which supports education and healthcare initiatives. She also donated $100,000 to the Rollins College Hamilton Holt School, which offers scholarships to non-traditional students. She also participated in fundraising events and volunteered for organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club.
Love and Happiness
Elin Nordegren has found love again after her divorce. She has been dating former NFL player Jordan Cameron since 2019. They have a son together, named Arthur, who was born in October 2019. Elin also maintains a friendly relationship with Tiger Woods, who has also moved on with his girlfriend, Erica Herman. They co-parent their children and support each other as friends.
Elin Nordegren is a woman who has overcome many challenges and achieved many successes. She is more than just a former wife. She is a model, a nanny, a philanthropist, a student, a mother, and a lover. She is a woman who has lived a life of adventure, beauty, and grace.
Trivia Facts
Here are some trivia facts about Elin Nordegren that you may not know:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Zawedde Emma Ashton |
| Age | 39 |
| Height | 5’10″ |
| Partner | Tom Hiddleston (engaged) |
| Children | 1 |
| Education Level | Bachelor’s degree in acting |
| Favorite Food | Pizza |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Sex | Female |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sibling | 1 brother, 1 sister (Josefin) |
| Languages | Fluent in Swedish, English, and Norwegian. Can also speak some German and French. |
| Art Collection | Has a collection of paintings and sculptures by famous artists |
| Private Island | Owns a private island in Sweden named Meck |
| Hobbies | Enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and golfing. Has a passion for nature and animals. |
| Interior Design | Has a keen eye for interior design and has renovated and decorated her homes |
| Favorite TV Show | Friends |
