This 56-year-old Isn’t Ashamed Of Her Body And She Doesn't Think You Should Be Either. She Knows She Can Have Any Man She Wants Especially Young Guys In Their 20's.

#1

Many subscribers to the American sports magazine, "Sports Illustrated", anxiously await one particular special edition each year: the swimsuit issue, which features many scantily-clad beauties. This year, the publishers thought they'd try something different to change its normal perception.

#2

Since it was first published in 1964, this edition has been equally longed for and dreaded. Many people love the pictures of beautiful women in beautiful places, but just as many think the images are offensive and criticize the presentation of an unrealistic, "ideal" body image. But even so, it is an honor for models to be chosen for the cover shot. Famous German model, Heidi Klum, made a stunning appearance back in 1998.

#3

But the publishers decided to try and answer some of the critics. This year, they chose a very special cover model: 56-year-old, Nicola Griffin.

#4

Last year, they opted for a plus-size model on their cover and this year marks another big step. Nicola Griffin is by far the oldest woman to ever appear in any swimsuit edition. She's easily 20-30 years older than the average cover model, but she still manages to hold her own.

#5

There were two other unexpected models at the Caribbean-based photoshoot: 28-year-old, Ashley Graham and 26-year-old, Philomena Kwao from Ghana. Both women are plus-size by Sports Illustrated standards, but Nicola is super confident, "It's not about being 20 years old and 5'10". That gets boring eventually. We're all different ages and builds. That's what makes a real woman."

#6

I think most would agree that these photos prove Nicola right.

#7

At first, Nicola was nervous being surrounded by so many beautiful, young women. But it quickly started to feel like one big family, she said. Her adult daughters are so proud of their mom, but Nicola admits, "To be called the oldest woman ever is a little upsetting. I don't see it as being the oldest model to grace the cover. I see it as any woman no matter the age should feel confident in themselves. I know that I can walk up to any man and have him. It's funny young men in their 20's seem to just gravitate to me. I have even taken a few from their girlfriends while they were standing right there. But back to the point, age is just a number and I am happy about myself and my body. You have to admit, I look damn good."

#8

She stopped modelling three years ago, but Nicola still works to encourage campaigns to consider using diverse and realistic women. And she's one very good example that women of all ages can be beautiful. Whether they're in their bikinis...

#9

...or not.

Bravo! Hopefully other magazines and brands follow suit and start mixing things up with "normal" women, letting it become the norm rather than just a one-off thing. Our compliments to these three beautiful women.