Breaking news for sports and fashion enthusiasts alike! Suni Lee, the talented U.S. Olympic gymnast, has added another feather to her cap by becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. Lee, who recently clinched her second gold medal at the Paris Games, will grace the pages of the 2025 SI Swim edition set to release in May, as announced by the brand on Monday.
The 21-year-old athlete showcased a brown bikini in a captivating series of videos on the SI Swim Instagram Stories, giving fans a sneak peek into her stunning photoshoot. The backdrop for Lee's modeling gig was the sunny Boca Raton, Fla., where she exuded confidence and charm.
Not a stranger to the spotlight, Lee was previously honored as Glamour's Woman of the Year in 2024. Her transition from gymnastics leotards to swimsuits was captured in a teaser video where she playfully discarded a leotard, symbolizing a shift from the gym to the beach.
Expressing her disbelief and excitement, Lee took to her Instagram Story, sharing a snapshot from behind the scenes with the caption, "Is this real life???" Her journey from the gymnastics floor to the glossy pages of a renowned magazine is indeed a remarkable feat.
SI Swimsuit's editor in chief, MJ Day, expressed enthusiasm about the diverse lineup of female athletes featured in the 2025 issue. Day highlighted the empowering nature of these athletes, including Olympic medalists, world champions, and record holders, who are breaking barriers and inspiring young girls worldwide.
Lee leads the pack as the first of three athletes unveiled as SI Swim's newest additions for the upcoming issue. Joining her are Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu and track and field sprinter Gabby Thomas, a triple gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Games.
Gu, 21, and Thomas, 27, also had their photoshoots in Boca Raton, where unexpected rain showers added a touch of spontaneity to the glamorous proceedings, as documented on SI's Instagram Story. From Gu multitasking with a laptop while getting her hair styled to Thomas excitedly picking out swimsuit looks, the behind-the-scenes snippets offer a glimpse into the athletes' off-field personas.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda was recently revealed as the first photoshoot feature of the 2025 issue. The announcement coincided with Korda being honored with the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year award by the LPGA.
Notable figures like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Jena Sims, wife of LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka, extended warm wishes to Korda for her SI Swim debut, setting a positive tone for the upcoming edition.
SI Swim's roster of athletes continues to grow, with names like Ilona Maher, Olivia Dunne, Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, and Angel Reese gracing its pages. The magazine's commitment to celebrating female athleticism and empowerment remains unwavering, showcasing a diverse array of talents and inspiring stories.
Stay tuned for the much-anticipated 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, where Lee and her fellow athletes will redefine beauty, strength, and grace in a celebration of women in sports and beyond.
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