5 Sports Illustrated Plus Size Models Who Own the Runway

sports illustrated Plus size models get noticed!

In case you didn’t know, in 2016, runway star Ashley Graham made history as the first voluptuous woman to grace the cover of a magazine. sports illustrated. The striking beauty sparked a new era in the body positivity movement when she appeared on the cover of the magazine’s famous swimsuit issue in a purple and yellow bikini.

At the time, Graham said: people She published an article in the magazine about what this expression means not only to her, but also to curvy women around the world. “I thought sports illustrated “I was taking a risk by putting a girl my size in the magazine,” the former newcomer told the magazine. “But putting me on the cover? They’re not just breaking barriers. They’re the norm now. This is beyond epic!”

“Girls who don’t have confidence in their bodies, girls who feel ‘fat’, girls who have cellulite, girls who have stretch marks on their bodies, these are all things that I had as a child, and girls like me. “There was no woman I had ever seen growing up,” she added. “I had a mother, and that’s another thing, but there are people who have cellulite, people who have jiggling, people who have fat on their backs, and how do you overcome all of that without being stigmatized by society?” What you’re talking about… it’s true.”

sports illustrated Since its debut in 1954, it has played a leading role in sports media. The news empire was founded by the late journalist Stuart Sheftel. It became widely known for its annual swimsuit section, which started in 1964 and helped popularize it by posing with numerous (mostly fit) female celebrities.

“The moment I picked up the cover and saw it for the first time, I knew my life would change forever.” Graham went on a rant in a YouTube video About that experience. “Big girl is staying here! You know what I’m saying?

Ultimately, Graham’s groundbreaking accomplishments catapulted her to global stardom, paving the way and opening doors for other large-sized queens to make their mark. And today, we’re introducing you to other Sports Illustrated plus-size models you should know about and follow!

These are 5 Plus Size Models in Sports Illustration to Remember

1. Hunter McGrady

Hunter McGrady is the daughter of actress/interior designer Brynja McGrady and actor Michael McGrady. The 31-year-old Los Angeles native is sports illustrated For the first time after being discovered in 2017 through one of their Famous casting call. Since then, McGrady has been with the brand for six years and has been photographed in multiple countries within the pages of the famous magazine.

In May 2024, model citizen podcast The host hooked the cover. sports illustrated Swimsuit’s 60th Anniversary Legends issue also includes collaboration shoots with icons like Tyra Banks and Kate Upton.

2. Achieng Agtu

Kenyan-born influencer Achieng Agutu reveals new talent sports illustrated60th anniversary issue in May 2024. Photographed in Mexico by honorable photographer Yu Tsai.

Considered the “Queen of Confidence,” the 27-year-old shares her unabashed love for head-to-toe fashion and creating motivational content that inspires nearly 2 million viewers on Instagram and TikTok (combined). Through this, we have built a huge online presence. Additionally, she is also one of the hosts of Prime Video’s new talk show. influencedIn , she and other social media stars give passionate opinions on real-life topics.

3. Yumi Nu

Yumi Nu caused a stir when she became the first plus-size Asian woman to grace a fashion show. sports illustrated 2022 swimsuit cover. Reaching a turning point, Nu share“This is truly groundbreaking in so many ways and we are making history.” He added, “It means a lot to me to be able to represent young people like me. ” he added.

Her first magazine appearance came through a 2021 shoot in Tampa. Across New Jersey residents sports illustrated The partnership made her one of their most notable faces. The 27-year-old is the owner of BLUEKI, a size-inclusive clothing company, and is also a singer-songwriter.

4. Veronica Pome

Veronica Pome was the first Polynesian model to be featured in a film. sports illustrated Her swimsuit reveal came after she earned a spot as a model search finalist for the brand. “There’s so much more to me than just wearing a bikini on the beach and taking beautiful pictures. I represent so much more than that, and I’m the face of big hopes and big dreams,” the 34-year-old said. Ta. sports illustrated of historical movement.

Pome continues to use her platform to highlight the importance of body diversity and female empowerment, and shine a light on the industry. Strutter, who was born in Tonga, is currently affiliated with Community New York.

5. Lauren Chan

Canadian model Lauren Chan sports illustrated The first ever queer model will appear in the 2023 swimsuit issue. around peoplea former Glamor fashion editor, became a hot topic when she came out to the public after divorcing her husband. Speaking about her journey to self-love, she said: And you’ll feel more confident. ”

Lauren Cheung recently sports illustrated 60th Anniversary layout highlighting Chrissy Teigen, Kate Upton, Hunter McGrady, and Gayle King with four separate covers. She is the former owner of the luxury clothing brand Henning.

Who is your favorite Sports Illustrated plus size model? Let us know in the comments!