On July 19, Sports Illustrated (SI) Swimsuit announced this year's cover models: rapper Megan Thee Stallion, tennis player Naomi Osaka and model/actress Leyna Bloomeach making history in her own way.
A press release sent to Windy City Times read, " As the brand continues to focus its efforts [toward] shifting the industry's perceptions of beauty, the 2021 issue brings together a group of powerfully diverse people and creates a community rooted in self-love, acceptance and transformation."
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day stated, "Bloom makes history as the first transgender cover model in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's history, and the first trans person of color to appear on our pages, solidifying the fact that the more diverse and inclusive a community, the stronger it becomes."
Day added, "We celebrate Naomi for her passion, strength and power geared towards consistently breaking barriers when it comes to equality, social justice and mental health. As for Megan Thee Stallion, she is a magnetic powerhouse taking the world by storm. Together these women represent three of the most powerful voices of today."
This year's issue also includes a special flip section off the back cover featuring wellness, travel, style and beauty content. The section introduces SI Swimsuit x TRX Training ClubSMan exclusive training experience with unlimited on-demand workouts and live classes with TRX trainers and former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover models Danielle Herrington, Camille Kostek and Kate Bock, along with professional lacrosse player Alex Aust and model Gabriella Halikas that will launch alongside the 2021 issue. Readers will get a sneak peek of what users can expect from the fitness platform.
Exclusive content from this year's issue will be available the same day across all Sports Illustrated Swimsuit social and digital channels starting July 19. The issue will be in-home and on newsstands on Thursday, July 22.
For more information, visit swimsuit.si.com .