Gayle King took on a new challenge when she agreed to appear in the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Initially nervous, she couldn’t believe she was asked to be on the cover. Her reaction was one of disbelief when she received the invitation. In an interview with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, she admitted, “I honest to God thought I had been Punk’d.” Even when she called editor-in-chief MJ Day back, she questioned, “Are you punking me?” It took some time for the reality to sink in.
Despite her initial uncertainty, King was pleasantly surprised by the shoot requirements. Worried that she would have to change her diet, she expressed her concerns to Day. However, Day reassured her, saying they wanted her to be exactly as she was. King shared, “She said, ‘Absolutely do not do that. We don’t want you to change anything that you’re doing.’” This set the tone for a confident and comfortable shoot.
Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated
King’s shoot was a celebration of body confidence, as she embraced her authenticity and didn’t worry about minor imperfections. She even enjoyed a cheeseburger before the shoot, staying true to herself. The experience reflected her confidence and passion for representation.
For King, the shoot was about celebrating diversity and authenticity. She emphasized the importance of representation for women of all ages, colors, and sizes. In her own words, “That’s who we are as women people.”
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