The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue dropped this week. Long considered a piece of male pop culture Americana it is being released at a most delicate time in our society. In the midst of the #MeToo Movement, along with the increased calls for diversity in media (both justified causes btw), how would SI handle the task of presenting scantily women frolicking along beaches? It definitely seemed to take the bull by the horns, by including the likes of Aly Raisman, Paralympian snowboarder Brenna Huckaby and presenting a cover girl that people of color could also consider the girl next door. Check out some the noteworthy additions to this year’s issue.
Danielle Herrington
Who Is She: The 24-year old model is this year’s cover girl. She’s been modeling since the age of 13 and has graced the pages of Victoria’s Secret and GQ. Was even named Rookie of the Year in SI along with Chrissy Teigen.
Where She’s From: This woman hails from Compton U.S.A. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thoughts on Being an SI Swimsuit Model: She told ABC News, “I remember watching on ‘The Tyra Banks Show,’ she said, she was the first black woman to cover Sports Illustrated. I just always aspired to be like her and follow in her footsteps.”
Lais Ribeiro
Who Is She: If you think you’ve seen her before your right. She’s only a world famous super model who graced the pages of SI in 2017 and consistently walks runways across the globe. Oh yes, she’s a futbol fan too!! Gotta love that.
Where She’s From: Ribeiro is from Brazil. Doesn’t it all makes sense now.
Thoughts on Being an SI Swimsuit Model: Gracious as always, but you have to think its old hat for her.
Anne de Paula
Who Is She: The rising star, has been working in the industry since she was 14 and originally wanted to be a gynecologist, Anne was picked by online voters as the winner of Sports Illustrated’s Model Search competition, which propels its winners straight into the ‘rookie’ section of the magazine.
Where She’s From: Another lovely Latina from Brazil.
Thoughts on Being an SI Swimsuit Model: She literally broke down in tears on the air, when she was told that she won the model search and would be in the 2018 issue. “It means a lot to me coming from Brazil, it was so hard coming from another country. It’s a dream come true.”