Sports Illustrated announced their cover models for their Swimsuit Edition 2016 on Feb. 13, 2016. The cover reveal occurred at 10:30 pm eastern standard time on TNT.
The event included popular model guests such as Gigi Hadid, Chanel Iman and Emily DiDonato showing their support.
We had a BLAST backstage, but the real fun starts at 10:30 pm ET on #TNT! https://t.co/AJ0UCWApZyhttps://t.co/OEC36YquNv
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 14, 2016
Sports Illustrated tweeted the news along with the reveal, stating that one cover model was not enough. They announced the three cover models for the 2016 edition as Ashley Graham, Ronda Rousey and Hailey Clauson.
Because one just wasn’t enough. Here are your THREE 2016 #SISwim cover models! https://t.co/Akav137QKh pic.twitter.com/doCJAKGkE0
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 14, 2016
Our THREE #SISwim cover models look absolutely amazing. See their covers: https://t.co/Akav137QKh pic.twitter.com/L5I3D0naBu
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 14, 2016
Sports Illustrated Swim editor MJ Day then weighed in on why each woman was chosen to be a cover model.
Day said that Clauson, who has shot for Sports Illustrated before, was a no-brainer because "She’s not only every man’s dream but also every woman’s ‘girl crush.’ She’s goofy. She’s smart. And she’s completely humble. What’s crazy is you don’t even feel like she knows that when you’re around her."
Why @Hailey_Clauson? Our #SISwim editor said the choice was a no-brainer. Here's why: https://t.co/thmvkUGJqH pic.twitter.com/wgmgb3QEeF
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 14, 2016
Graham, who is considered a plus-size model, was also chosen to bring something new to the table. "She’s a champion for all women. There’s no denying that Ashley Graham brings something different to the table. It’s exciting to meet someone who can totally handle this moment, take it, and amplify it, all because of who she is and how she celebrates herself," Day said of Graham.
Get to know #SISwim 2016 cover model @theashleygraham! https://t.co/EaTVXeehqT pic.twitter.com/LuckqGWLML
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 14, 2016
WATCH: The adorable moment @theashleygraham found out she was going to be a #SISwim model https://t.co/BVb6MxX0hO pic.twitter.com/tybQ8Mkc2j
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 14, 2016
Rousey, UFC Champion, was also chosen for a cover. "Once you get to know her, she’s fascinating. She’s mesmerizing. And she’s also equally feminine, warm and relatable. After you shoot with her for a day, you realize where the worldwide frenzy comes from," Day said.
ICYMI: @rondarousey landed the #SISwim 2016 cover wearing nothing but body paint https://t.co/JvM8UqQWAj pic.twitter.com/jNDpxAX2eT
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 14, 2016
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