There is no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt.

I felt free, once I realized i was never going to fit the narrow mold that society wanted me to fit in.

It's really important that we stop body shaming people online and on social media. The rude comments under pictures, comparing women in "who looks better" posts - all that does is force us to judge each other. It only sets us back and women, now more than ever, need to empower each other.

I didn't even think about hiding anything - I honestly went into it [with the idea that] I'm going to show myself off because no one of my size has ever been in this magazine [Sports Illustrated] and I need other women to know that they are just as beautiful.

There is not one standard definition of beauty or one perfect size.

I don't want women to hold themselves back. I think there are too many women who are self-conscious about the way they look - the way they see themselves in the mirror.

There is no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt.