Suni Lee, Gabby Thomas Among All-Star Athletes to Kick Off 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue: See Their Debut!

SI Swim editor-in-chief MJ Day says that these "extraordinary" athletes "defy stereotypes and champion equality"

Suni Lee; Gabby Thomas in Boca Raton., Fla 2024 for Sports Illustrated
Suni Lee, Gabby Thomas. Photo:

Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

The next generation of Sports Illustrated is here! 

The magazine's iconic Swimsuit issue officially kicked off its 2025 roster with a group of all-star athletes including golfer Nelly Korda, Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, Olympic track and field star Gabby Thomas and Olympic freestyle skiier Eileen Gu.

"We are thrilled to launch our shoot season for the 2025 issue with an extraordinary lineup of powerful female athletes," editor-in-chief MJ Day shares in a statement. "This remarkable group, featuring Olympic medalists, world champions, and record holders, embodies the next generation of all-stars poised to transform the world of sports."

She continues: "They defy stereotypes and champion equality, inspiring young girls to envision themselves as both athletes and leaders. At SI Swimsuit, we’ve always celebrated the future of women, and there’s no better way to honor these remarkable achievements than by featuring them on the pages of our issue.”

Suni Lee in Boca Raton., Fla 2024 for Sports Illustrated
Suni Lee for Sports Illustrated.

Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

Lee, 21, makes her SI debut three months after helping Team USA win gold in the team final at the 2024 Paris Olympics — plus earning bronze in the uneven bars and in the all-around. In a photo from the upcoming issue, the athlete lounges by a pool in a chocolate brown bikini, her Olympic rings tattoo visible on her forearm.

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Gabby Thomas in Boca Raton., Fla 2024 for Sports Illustrated
Gabby Thomas for Sports Illustrated.

Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

Thomas, 27, who took home three three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, poses for SI in a cheeky mustard yellow one-piece. Her long, dark hair is parted in the middle and features subtle blonde highlights.

Nelly Korda in Boca Raton., Fla 2024 for Sports Illustrated
Nelly Korda for Sports Illustrated.

Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

Norda, who is currently ranked as the world's no. 1 female golfer, strikes a pose with crashing ocean waves in the background. The 26-year-old wears a white triangle bikini top and high-cut bikini bottoms.

Eileen Gu in Boca Raton., Fla 2024 for Sports Illustrated
Eileen Gu for Sports Illustrated.

Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

Gu, 21, channels Pamela Anderson's Baywatch character in her SI shot. The skiier wears a high-cut red one-piece swimsuit, her long blonde hair styled into a bouncy blowout.

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In August, Sports Illustrated announced Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher's debut in the magazine. At the time, Day called the move a "shift in the narrative."

"Ilona Maher gracing the cover of our September digital issue is more than just a celebration of her athletic achievements—it's a powerful statement," Day said at the time. "Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction and authenticity while at the same time displaying the indomitable spirit of an inspirational human. Her ability to break barriers, both on and off the field, resonates deeply with women everywhere."

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