Sports Illustrated first: Plus-size model graces swimsuit cover
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - For the first time ever, Sports Illustrated is featuring a pluz-size model on the cover of its iconic swimsuit issue.
28-year-old model Ashley Graham wears a size 16.
The average American woman is a size 14.
Graham posted a picture of her cover on Instagram saying, it's dedicated to "every woman who felt like she wasn't beautiful enough because of her size. You can do and achieve anything you put your mind to."
Graham is a body positive activist and lingerie designer. She said she was honored to be on the magazine's cover and called the moment "beyond epic."
This year, SI's annual swimsuit issue also includes alternate covers featuring mixed martial arts star Ronda Rousey and fashion model Hailey Clauson.
It's the first time in 52 years that the magazine has done three different covers for its popular swimsuit issue.