It's official: Valentina Sampaio just became the first transgender model to appear in the legendary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. According to the brand's website , the year-old Brazilian model is one of eight Rookies, or newcomers to the magazine, that will be featured in this year's iconic edition — which is set to hit stands later this month. Additionally, Sampaio released a statement of her own on Instagram in which she reflected on how it feels to hit such a huge milestone. The caption reads: "I am excited and honored to be part of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The team at SI has created yet another groundbreaking issue by bringing together a diverse set of multitalented, beautiful women in a creative and dignified way.

By Elana Fishman. Valentina Sampaio has made history by becoming the first transgender model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, the special edition that catapulted Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Ashley Graham and Kate Upton to superstardom. On Friday, the year-old Brazilian beauty was announced as a rookie for the upcoming issue out July In the images, Sampaio poses in a shimmering gold bandeau bikini as well as an asymmetrical white one-piece. Our options for growing up in a loving and accepting family, having a fruitful experience at school or finding dignified work are unimaginably limited and challenging.

Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio has been blazing trails for years. Our options for growing up in a loving and accepting family, having a fruitful experience at school or finding dignified work are unimaginably limited and challenging. I am excited and honored to be part of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The team at SI has created yet another groundbreaking issue by bringing together a diverse set of multitalented, beautiful women in a creative and dignified way.