Plus-size model Erica Jean Schenk shattered body stereotypes when she appeared on the cover of the August 2015 issue of Women's Running magazine. But now she's speaking out about how people have reacted to her photo on social media, Fox News reported.
"I was wildly surprised because that's how I actually found out I was on the cover," the 18-year-old model told Fox News' Diana Falzone. "I found it on Twitter because a magazine publicist called me and said, 'Hey, can we do an interview?' And I'm like, 'An interview about what?' It was interesting."
Schenk, who is signed to Wilhelmina Models, said she was happy to be representing athletic plus-size women and welcomed all the positive feedback she's gotten so far.
"I'm over the moon that all these people see me and can relate. I hope I make an impact in women's body acceptance," she told E! News. "I've had so much positive feedback. I can feel the masses begging for more. They want to be able to relate to the struggles, success and celebration of people just like them."
She is also inspiring women to make healthier lifestyle choices despite their insecurities with their own body types, according to BBC News.
"Makes me wonder if I can run...? Maybe it's time to stop worrying what others think and just do it?," a Twitter user replied to Women's Running, BBC News reported.
The magazine's editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor said that her decision to put Schenk on the cover was to help convey the magazine's broader message - that runners come in all shapes and sizes, as previously reported by HNGN.
"You can go to any race finish line - from 5K to a marathon - and see that," Sebor told Today. "It was important for us to celebrate that."
See Schenk's full Fox News interview below.
