Sports Illustrated just made history with their 2016 Swimsuit Issue. Instead of just one cover, the magazine unveiled three different covers featuring three gorgeous women, all while celebrating the fact that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
The covers were officially revealed on TNT Saturday night during an hour-long special called "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 Revealed" following the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk competition. After weeks of speculation, the magazine finally announced that plus size model Ashley Graham, UFC fighter Ronda Rousey and model Hailey Clauson would be on the three different covers of the iconic issue.
"The three covers of Hailey, Ronda and Ashley celebrate the new SI Swimsuit," Assistant Managing Editor MJ Day said. "All three women are beautiful, sexy and strong. Beauty is not cookie cutter. Beauty is not 'one size fits all.' Beauty is all around us and that because especially obvious to me while shooting and editing this year's issue."
Day then went on to explain why they chose these three from all the beautiful woman in the magazine that were "cover worthy."
"Ronda Rousey is a cultural phenomenon. She is the perfect combination of beauty, brains, brawn and humility," she explained. "She possesses a spirit bigger than the space around her, and it is both infectious and inspiring. She's a Phoenix, as fiery and beautiful as any mythical creature ever depicted."
Clauson also shared her topless cover shot to Instagram with a lengthy caption, explaining just how happy she is to be a part of something as major as this. "I'm so incredible excited to announce that I am on the cover of the 2016 issue of sports illustrated swimsuit issue," she wrote. "Honestly words can't describe how grateful I am. I have worked my butt off and never gave up on my dream! Thank you so much for making my dreams come true tonight. @mj_day I have so much love for you!"
