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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue lauded for most diverse top 6 picks ever: 'Pay attention to their stories'

Editor MJ Day revealed the lineup of gorgeous women who were to be featured in the SI Swimsuit 2020 in what is one of its most diverse lineup ever

BY PRIYAM CHHETRI

PUBLISHED FEB 14, 2020

Christie Valdiserri, Brielle Anyea and Kathy Jacobs (Getty Images)

The latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is being applauded for its diversity and its stunning final picks on social media. Editor MJ Day revealed the lineup of gorgeous women who are to be featured in the SI Swimsuit 2020 in what is one of its most diverse cast ever.

They've got a bald beauty from Philadelphia and a plus-size model from Maryland while also featuring a sexy as hell 56-year-old bombshell from California.

Day wrote on her Instagram unveiling the final six, "These six INCREDIBLE women represent so many things to so many people. I’m just proud and emotional that they want to share their beautiful journeys with you all through @si_swimsuit," she wrote.

Kathy Jacobs walks the runway during the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show During Miami Swim Week At W South Beach - Runway at WET poolside lounge at W South Beach on July 14, 2019, in Miami Beach, Florida (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)

She added, "Pay attention to them. To their stories. Cheer them on. Lift them up. Because in doing so, as one of our newly minted top six so eloquently states in her video 'we leave the world a little bit of a better place'."

Social media definitely agreed with her. Model Hunter McGrady said, "MJ every year you choose the most incredible and diverse women and leave me in awe each time. You continuously go against societal grains and push for true inclusivity and are the reason for the inclusive incline of this industry."

She added, "So proud and honored to be a part of and help represent this brand." Another fan applauded the diversity in the cast, "hey are all absolutely stunning!! I am so proud of SI for including so much diversity!! I will be running out to purchase copies as soon as it's out!!"

Christie Valdiserri attends the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show During Miami Swim Week At W South Beach - Front Row/Backstage at WET poolside lounge at W South Beach on July 14, 2019, in Miami Beach, Florida (Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)

"Yassssssss!!!!! I love the diversity of this fabulous group!!!," said one fan on Instagram while another shared, "Love what you guys are doing! You choose amazing, diverse women and it’s such a fresh representation of true beauty! They are all fantastic!"

The cast includes Christie Valdiserri, a 25-year-old fitness instructor, and dancer with alopecia, 56-year-old model Kathy Jacobs who is an absolute stunner, 24-year-old plus-size model, blogger, and advocate for inclusivity in size Brielle Anyea, Former Miss America World Clarissa Bowers, 27-year-old model Tanaye White and 20-year-old model Jamea Lynne Byrd.