Plus-Size Model Ashley Graham Named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie of 2016

Source: Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated named Ashley Graham one of its 2016 Swimsuit Rookies of the Year, marking the magazine’s first plus-size model to earn the achievement.

The 28-year-old beauty expressed her excitement on Twitter, posting, “It’s official – I’m a @sinow swimsuit model!! This is a dream come true. Thank you to everyone…” She added, “Thank you to everyone who stood up for curves- our voices were heard and together we can help me win Rookie of the Year.”

Source: Swimsuits for All

The accolade comes a year after Graham was featured inside the magazine for an ad for the online store Swimsuits for All, the first time ever the iconic swimsuit magazine had featured a plus-size model in its advertisements.

Source: Swimsuits for All

Graham has been busy featured in high fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Glamour and featured in campaigns for Levi’s and Lane Bryant.