Talking Bodies
This week, it was announced that Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Aly Raisman will be featured in the 2017 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and I (pun intended) flipped out.
My love and appreciation for the sport of gymnastics runs deep, although I myself am not a gymnast. Over the past five or so years, I have become an avid fan, watching almost every national and international meet, engaging in online communities, and even creating my own videos and photo edits. It’s a passion that is little understood by those around me, as gymnastics is admittedly not the most popular sport to follow intensively. (The exception being the Olympics, when the general population tunes in once every four years.)
There is a lot to love about gymnastics, from the smooth handstands on bars to the powerful tumbling on floor. The balance between grace and power is difficult to execute but beautiful to watch. There is a magical quality to it all, the way in which the gymnasts perform daunting, physically demanding routines in such an effortless manner. But of course, it isn’t magic—it’s hard work, day in and day out.
It is this intensive training that gives Simone and Aly their powerful physiques. As strong, muscular women at 4’9” and 5’2” respectively, these two athletes may not fit the typical beauty standards. But their bodies are tuned to their sport, allowing them to run faster, jump higher, be stronger. Their bodies are the physical manifestation of the work they’ve put in to succeed at the highest levels. Their bodies are limitless.
By featuring Simone and Aly in the 2017 Swimsuit Issue, Sports Illustrated is proving that strength is beautiful. It is encouraging body positivity and confidence. It is showing young girls everywhere that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
