Sports Illustrated Makes History
Bravo to Sports Illustrated for breaking the mold and taking a risk with its 2016 cover models: plus sized model Ashley Graham, UFC fighter Ronda Rousey, and blonde bombshell Hailey Clauson. This marks the first time that Sports Illustrated will be releasing a trio of covers, and each woman is rocking a unique style and body type.
SI Swimsuit Editor MJ Day said, “What defines beauty today? The truth is, times have changed and one size does not fit all. Our position on beauty is well known—healthy, curvy, vivacious and bold. It’s not a size. The three cover models—Hailey Clauson, Ronda Rousey and Ashley Graham—demonstrate that…. So we don’t have just one cover, because beauty doesn’t take just one form.“
Here’s more info on each cover girl.
Ashley Graham
The gorgeous brunette just made history by becoming the first size 16 model to appear on a SI cover, but she’s no stranger to the magazine. Last year, she appeared in an advertisement in the issue.
"I’m insanely speechless. I cannot comprehend how I feel right now. This will go down in the books forever. It is a historic moment. Not only is this the first time that I’m in the issue, but I’m on the cover and sharing this honor with two of the most stunning women. This is for all the women who didn’t think they were beautiful because of their size. This is for them.”
Ronda Rousey
Athlete Ronda Rousey has inspiring women and breaking stereotypes since she’s been racking up awards as a UFC fighter. She is the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, as well as the last Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Rousey was the first U.S. woman to earn an Olympic medal in judo at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Rousey was widely expected to be in the magazine after photos of her wearing only body paint were leaked online.
Of her SI cover, Rousey said, “It’s a real honor being part of such a historic issue that really pays homage to different body types of women and not promoting just one cookie cutter image for every woman, but showing that the healthiest version of every body type is the sexiest version out there. And I couldn’t be happier…I think I was just as honored to get it as to be there in person to watch Ashley’s reaction (laughs).”
Hailey Clauson
This blonde bombshell is about to become a household name, thanks to her Brigitte Bardot looks, although she has made headlines before. In 2011 her parents sued Urban Outfitters for creating a tshirt with a provocative image of her that was used without her consent. And sorry guys, she’s already taken. Her beau is fellow model Julian Herrera who also doubles as a personal trainer and boxing instructor at Overthrow NYC. And one more thing we love about Clauson: her Instagram feed shows her working out but also having cheat days with pizza and Magnolia Bakery’s delicious banana pudding.
When hearing she would be a cover girl, Clauson said, “I’m shaking and crying. I love it so much because it represents three different strong and beautiful women.”
Related:
Talking with ESPY Female Athlete of the Year Ronda Rousey
