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Ashley Graham Says Her ‘Sports Illustrated’ Cover Is for ‘Every Woman Who Felt She Wasn’t Beautiful Enough’

Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham attends the 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 at Forbes on Fifth on Jan. 28 in NYC. D Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Ashley Graham stripped down for the cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, but on Sunday, February 14, she humbly explained that it wasn’t just a win for her, but for women everywhere.

“Truly speechless!!!” the plus-size model captioned a repost of the magazine image on Instagram. “This cover is for every woman who felt like she wasn’t beautiful enough because of her size. You can do and achieve anything you put your mind to. Thank you so much to the entire @si_swimsuit team! I’m so excited to be a part of your family. I love you all!!!! #siswim #beautybeyondsize.”

Related: PHOTOS: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Covers Through the Years

In the gorgeous image, Graham, 28, shows off her curves in a purple-and-gold bikini, kneeling in the waves as the water splashes about her legs.

Graham, who is a size 16, got her start modeling in lingerie, and has her own line of intimates that she debuted last September.

The Nebraska native shares this year’s cover girl honors alongside UFC wrestler Ronda Rousey and Gucci model Hailey Clauson.

“Thank you everyone for your kind words and support,” Clauson tweeted. “I am beyond honored to be on cover of @SI_Swimsuit … and also to be along the incredible @RondaRousey and @theashleygraham wow!!”

Related: PHOTOS: Winter's Hottest Bikini Bods!

Other past SI Swimsuit Issue cover models have included Chrissy Teigen, Elle Macpherson, Tyra Banks and last year’s cover girl, Hannah Davis, who is engaged to Derek Jeter.

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