For the first time in history, Sports Illustrated has three separated cover models. The 2016 version of the Swimsuit edition features Ronda Rousey, Ashley Graham and Hailey Clauson each appear on one of the covers.
"Every single woman that is booked for this magazine is cover worthy," Assistant SI Managing Editor MJ Day said. "The collective beauty in the magazine is overwhelming. SI has always been and will always be about the models; the pictures you see here are a celebration of them ... The three covers of Hailey, Ronda and Ashley celebrate the new SI Swimsuit. 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 became especially obvious to me while shooting and editing this year's issue."
Rousey is best known as the UFC fighter who lost her first fight at the end of 2015. Before that, she was a perfect 12-0. Rousey appears in body paint in the SI swimsuit edition.
"Ronda Rousey is a cultural phenomenon," Day said. "She is the perfect combination of beauty, brains, brawn and humility. 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."
Graham is listed a plus-sized model, and this is her first appearance as an SI model. She's just the second plus-sized model to appear in an SI swimsuit edition.
"Ashley Graham is a sultry, feminine masterpiece," Day said. "I dare you not to stare at her. Ashley commands your attention in her photographs. She owns her sexiness in a way that every woman should. Her confidence is contagious."
Clauson is just 20 years old, and appeared in last year's edition.
"Hailey Clauson is the definition of a modern bombshell," Day said. "Learn a little about her and you'll appreciate her beauty even more. Even as unsettling as her beauty can be, one minute in her company and you'll feel like you've known her for years."
The 2016 Swimsuit Edition goes on sale Monday, February 15th. In addition, SI will launch a new website for the swimsuit edition that goes live at 9 a.m. ET.
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