Fashion

Simone Biles & Aly Raisman Scored A Major Gig

by Kali Borovic
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition is here, but it's nothing like you've ever seen before. Simone Biles and Aly Raisman posted for Sports Illustrated 's 2017 Swimsuit Edition, but the magazine traded out its typical beach shots for something a little different. Not only do the athletes look incredible, their shoot is fresh and interesting as well.

In the spread, Biles and Raisman perform their typical gymnastics tricks for the magazine, but with one major change from what they are usually wearing — they're wearing bikinis instead of unitards. Their looks help demonstrate just how powerful, strong, and gorgeous both ladies are.

The girls aren't the first Olympians to be featured in the Swimsuit Edition — past Olympic athletes to pose for the issue include soccer star Alex Morgan and hurdler Michelle Jenneke — but they did do things a bit differently by posing in a gym setting. Of course, this isn't their first fashion feature since they won big five months ago, and these two Final Five members have stepped onto plenty of red carpets. But this is one of the more powerful ways that they have combined fashion with their gymnastics skills. It proves that these women have many sides to themselves and shouldn't be afraid to show it.

"Aly and Simone represent all that is beautiful and strong and inspiring in women today. 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," said SI Swimsuit Editor MJ Day. "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."

That's a pretty powerful message, if you ask me. While the shoot still features trendy bathing suits, it also focuses on their incredible talents as well. Instead of the normal secluded beach shots, the photoshoot took place at the North Houston Skate Park and The Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden, according to the publication. From the sneak peeks, the background looks a lot more simple than in previous years, proving that all eyes are on these ladies and their amazing talent.

Both Raisman and Biles have had their fair share of magazine covers and features, but none quite like this. Raisman was also featured in ESPN's 2015 Body Issue, which showed her doing gymnastics in the nude.

There's no official release date for the issue yet, but there will be a special event on Feb. 17 to kick it off. The first annual VIBES by Sports Illustrated party will feature food, music, and culture. My guess is that the Swimsuit Issue will go on sale right around the same time. Until then, these sneak peek images will have to hold you over.