Sports Illustrated praised for diverse Swimsuit Issue finalists including Nasa scientist and brain tumour survivor

metro.co.uk:

Sports Illustrated have found their finalists for the upcoming Swimsuit Issue, and it’s the most diverse panel yet.A staple in the magazine since 1964, the Swimsuit issue was long the centre of controversy, with some condemning it as objectifying women due to its spot in a generally male-centred magazine.Critics perceived it as objectifying women, while others argued it was represented the pinnacle of success for supermodels.In recent years, Sports Illustrated has sought to feature more diverse models in its pages, and featured Muslim model Halima Aden in a hijab and bikini in 2019, with plus size model Hunter McGrady starring in the magazine the same year.Meanwhile, Valentina Sampaio became the first transgender woman to feature in the magazine in July 2020.Embracing the new move, this year the popular sports magazine has rounded up 14 of the world’s most inspiring women to be in with the chance of appearing in the 2023 issue.The 2022 Swim Search finalists include a Nasa astronaut, hero ICU nurse, lawyers, women who have battled life-threatening diseases, full-time carers and more.Thousands of incredible women applied for the 2022 Swimsuit issue, and after months of difficult decisions, 14 finalists have now made their way to the Dominican Republic for the finals.All 14 will work with professional photographer Yu Tsai in a potentially life-changing photoshoot, before one is chosen to be the Rookie in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.The finalists themselves, as well as the public, have praised the diverse range of models up for a chance to be included in the prestigious, career-launching shoot.Ashley Byrd holds a degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Public Administration, and has worked as everything.