Ashley Graham: Sports Illustrated Making Headlines with Plus-Size Model Choice

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Sports Illustrated magazine decided to put on a little surprise for everyone when they announced that plus-size model Ashley Graham is included in their "Rookie of the Year," Today reported.

Last year, plus-size model Ashley Graham was able to make it to Sports Illustrated but via an advertisement. This time around, the magazine decided to include Graham as part of their annual issue. The model is a top contender for "Rookie of the Year."

Graham made the news official by posting a heartfelt message to her fans that supported her, along with a photo of herself from Sports Illustrated.

"It's official - I'm a @si_swimsuit model!! This is a dream come true. Thank you to everyone who stood up for curves - our voices were heard and together we can help me win Rookie of the Year. Stay tuned for voting instructions," Graham said in her Instagram post.

On Monday, Victoria's Secret model Barbara Palvin was announced as the first member of the Sports Illustrated 2016 Rookie Class. Graham was revealed the following day, and the three other women are expected to be named this week, E! Online reported.

Graham, who is often categorized as plus-size in the modelling industry said that she hates that description of her. Although she is thrilled to be picked by the sports magazine, she thinks that women should not be categorized according to their body types.

"I hate the word 'real woman' and I hate the word 'plus-size,'" Graham said. "I've got plenty of friends [of all sizes] and different shapes and everything and I don't want any of them to feel like they aren't 'real women.'"

Apart from her Sports Illustrated magazine feature, Graham also appeared on Lane Bryant's latest "This Body" campaign. It aims to redefine what sexy really is and empower women through body acceptance.

According to an article published by Refinery 29, Bryant's campaign features other plus-size models like Precious Lee, Denise Bidot, Tara Lynn, and Georgia Pratt.

"Our goal is to shift the perception from Lane Bryant as a store for plus-size clothing to Lane Bryant as an inspiring brand for empowered, beautiful, and confident women," said brand president and CEO Linda Heasley.

In a brief interview along with the campaign, Graham confessed that it took her years to finally accept and love her body. She said that although society calls some of her features as "flaws," she recognized each of her positive qualities which in return gave her the love she has for her body now. Well, needless to say, her confidence and self-love surely paid off.