Sports Illustrated have taken a slightly more alternative approach to their newest Swimsuit Issue, and Olympic athlete Aly Raisman is literally making a statement.
Attempting to spread a more modern, empowering message than in years gone by, the sports mag has opted for an ‘In Her Words’ feature; put together by female editor MJ Day and other female staff members.
Female photographer and director Taylor Ballantyne was on hand to offer creative assistance for a shoot which gave the swimsuit models an opportunity to choose the words fitting for their own personal messages.
Many had words written on their bare bodies, such as ‘progressive’, ‘strong’ and ‘artist’, giving a fuller reflection of their identities than one would usually expect from a scantily clad spread.
One of the women photographed for the shoot was Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman, who is also known for speaking out against sexual misconduct.
The 23-year-old American gymnast bravely testified against Olympic gymnast doctor Larry Nassar, who has been given a prison sentence exceeding 100 years for committing sexual abuse crimes.
Aly is now using her nude photographs to speak out about her position as a survivor, making the following comments to Sports Illustrated:
I would like to remind everyone that being a survivor is nothing to be ashamed of, and going through a hard time does not define you.
I hope that we can one day get to a point where everyone realizes that women do not have to be modest to be respected. We are free to draw confidence and happiness in our own way, and it is never for someone else to choose for us or to even judge us for that matter.
For me, ‘In Her Own Words’ serves as a reminder that we are all humans, we are all battling something, and it is ok to not be ok. We are not alone and we need each other.
Sports Illustrated have described the ‘In Her Words’ shoot as being ‘a platform that allows the voice, the strength and the passion of these women to be expressed in the rawest form… on the naked body.’
Posting an image of herself on Instagram – with the words ‘women do not have to be modest to be respected’ penned on her naked skin – Aly wrote the following caption:
Women do not have to be modest to be respected– Live for you! Everyone should feel comfortable expressing themselves however makes them happy.
Women can be intelligent, fierce, sexy, powerful, strong, advocate for change while wearing what makes them feel best.
The time where women are taught to be ashamed of their bodies is OVER. The female body is beautiful and we should all be proud of who we are, inside and out. Thank you so much @si_swimsuit
Many of Aly’s fans have come forward to applaud her decision to participate in the shoot, with one person describing her as a ‘brave, beautiful warrior.’
Another said:
Any one who criticizes her decision to pose nude, try spending an entire day without any clothes on to see how relaxing being naked feels.
She could let the experience she went through leave her with some demons. Fortunately, she is doing something which will help her heal.
Aly Raisman isn’t the only professional athlete taking part in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Genie Bouchard has made an appearance for the second year running, choosing to demonstrate her talents for modelling off the tennis court, and her dad’s reaction is priceless.
Fair play to Aly for not letting her past trauma dictate how she lives her life going forward.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.