Image Source: James Macari / Sports Illustrated

Megan Thee Stallion was chosen as one of the cover models for this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, along with Naomi Osaka and Leyna Bloom. Not only is this Megan’s first Sports Illustrated cover, but it’s also history-making. “When I got the call that they wanted me on the cover, I was like, ‘Wha—? Me?’ And to be the first female rapper on the swim cover makes it extra special,” she told People. “It feels amazing!”

In honor of the cover’s release, Megan posted the image to Instagram with a heartfelt caption. “REAL SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT EDITION COVER MODEL SH*T,” she wrote. “Thee first female rapper on the cover of @si_swimsuit I want to thank all the strong women in my life who inspired me to love my body and live my best hot girl life. It means the world to me to be on this cover DREAM COME TRUE!!”

Megan’s excitement for her cover stems from another history-making Swimsuit Issue. “My earliest memory of a SI Swimsuit cover was Tyra [Banks],” Megan shared with the outlet. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this girl looks like me!’ Here is this stunning Black woman owning her curves and it made a big impact. It made me think, maybe I can be on the cover of SI Swim one day. And guess what — I am!”

Ahead of the “magical” cover shoot, the 26-year-old spent months training. “I got into the shoot right away. [Photographer] James [Macari] said he usually doesn’t get into the water until the fourth or fifth set-up, but we were both in the ocean from the start,” she added. “The day was perfect and I had a blast.” She also considers the shoot “one of the best experiences in my life” due to Sports Illustrated‘s dedication to diversity. “I think they are on the forefront when it comes to diversity and inclusion because they do not fear change, they lean into it,” Megan said. “They see the world and have it reflect on the cover and pages inside. That is why they have been so successful.”

Image Source: James Macari / Sports Illustrated

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