The annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition has reached a new milestone this year by featuring a plus-size model as one of the renowned cover models for the magazine. Ashley Graham is the plus-size model who is making waves in the fashion and fitness industries for her groundbreaking achievement. She is one of three models included on alternate covers for the magazine’s special issue. UFC Star Rhonda Rousey and model Hailey Clauson are the additional women who are featured on the two other covers, respectively.

Ashley’s achievement as being recognized as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition covergirl solidifies the magazine’s commitment to showcasing body diversity in its work.

Check out Ashley’s cover:

MP’s Take: I applaud Ashley for her accomplishments. What an honor to be featured on the cover, let alone as the first plus-size model. I also applaud Sports Illustrated for continuing their commitment to respecting the human body and different body types that make us all who we are. The cover has caused quite a stir in the community with people sending negative thoughts and feelings toward Ashley and the magazine for promoting unhealthy lifestyles. That is not the statement that is being made by the cover at all. The cover is simply showing respect to all body types, challenging society’s traditional view of how models are supposed to look.