Plus-Size Model Ashley Graham Announced for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue

Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue is proceeding with its new-found appreciation of body diversity, tapping plus-size model Ashley Graham as its “SI Rookie” in 2016. 

The news follows Aussie model Robyn Lawley’s inclusion in the 2015 edition, where she made history as the first plus-size model to ever grace the Swimsuit Issue’s pages. Ashley was also part of that mag, however only as part of an advertisement for swimwear label Swimsuitsforall.

 

It’s official – I’m a @si_swimsuit model!! This is a dream come true. Thank you to everyone who stood up for curves- our voices were heard and together we can help me win Rookie of the Year. Stay tuned for voting instructions #beautybeyondsize #siswim

A photo posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Feb 9, 2016 at 7:33am PST

Sports Illustrated is unveiling five Swimsuit Issue “rookies” via their Swim Daily blog this week, with Barbara Palvin already announced. Snaps to SI for continuing to mix up its usual contingent of ultra-thin women. We hope this is just the beginning of what appears to be a modelling industry revolution.

Watch Ashley announce the news in the video below.

[Via Sports Illustrated]