"Women that are not only elite athletes, that are captivating and impressive in their own professional accomplishments (lots and lots of Olympic gold medals between them), but strikingly sexy and beautiful in front of photographer James Macari's lens. I love seeing them shine in an entirely different way in the Swimsuit issue and being able to share these gorgeous and powerful images with the world. These women, their beauty, and what they can achieve know no limits."Raisman tweeted her appreciation at being included in the edition. The magazine "celebrates all women for being strong & beautiful," she added.Five months after turning heads in #Rio, @Simone_Biles and @Aly_Raisman will make their #SISwim debut! pic.twitter.com/YQ8sOZtBrC
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) January 10, 2017
It wasn't Raisman's first time being featured in a scandalous photoshoot. In July of 2015 the gymnast stripped down for ESPN The Magazine’s annual Body Issue, which features photos of top athletes without clothes, but also without revealing everything.Raisman, 22, was team captain for America's "Final Five" Olympics gymnastics team. She holds six Olympic medals, one she famously earned for a floor routine to the song "Hava Nagilah."JTA contributed to this report.WOW thank u @SI_Swimsuit @MJ_Day for including me. Love how @SInow celebrates all women for being strong & beautiful pic.twitter.com/JRl1pPq11l
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) January 10, 2017