As the 60th-anniversary edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is set to hit newsstands on May 15, fans of the franchise are eagerly anticipating the legendary stars who will grace its pages. Among those stars are iconic athletes Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, who have posed for the magazine together in a special Legends photoshoot.
Bird, a retired WNBA star who previously posed for SI Swimsuit in 2022, joined Rapinoe, a retired USWNT winger, who shot with the franchise in 2019 and 2023, for this exclusive photoshoot. In an emotional interview, Bird shared her sentiments about being photographed for this prestigious issue, particularly focusing on the significance of their representation as gay athletes and partners.
Rapinoe echoed Bird’s sentiments about the sentimental aspect of the 60th anniversary edition, noting how surreal it felt to be surrounded by professional supermodels and appreciating the opportunity to embark on this adventure together as retired athletes. The couple’s camaraderie and humor were evident as they reflected on their experience together. Rapinoe mentioned how much fun they had together, laughing and enjoying each other’s company while navigating the world of supermodels surrounding them.
The SI Swimsuit issue has been celebrating women’s bodies for over six decades and has become a cultural phenomenon that fans eagerly await every year. This year’s edition promises to feature some of the most iconic stars in sports history alongside stunning photography that captures their beauty and athleticism in all its glory.
