Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Hunter McGrady advocates for self-love and acceptance, sharing her journey to embracing her body and encouraging others to do the same.

Hunter McGrady, known as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's "curviest model ever," has made a powerful statement by landing her first cover for the outlet's 2024 issue. With a mission to promote body diversity and shatter narrow beauty standards, McGrady's presence on the cover is a testament to the changing landscape of the modeling industry.

Growing up, McGrady struggled with body image issues and the pressures to conform to societal norms. It was through therapy that she learned to accept and love her body, a journey that laid the foundation for her successful career.

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

"Much of it goes back to me being 15 years old and starting as a straight-sized model," McGrady said. "I was a size two. I was striving for something that I couldn’t attain. Once I grasped the fact that this wasn’t going to be my journey, I let myself live and be happy. I grew into the person I am today. I’m proud of my body and what it has done for me."

McGrady's cover is a celebration of all body types, especially in an era where thinness is often idealized. She believes that sexy comes in all sizes and that self-love should be the driving force behind body acceptance.

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

"I think what Sports Illustrated is doing – celebrating all bodies – is so powerful. They’re doing the work. … Especially right now when we’re entering this weird era, an Ozempic era, and just celebrating thinness." — Hunter McGrady

McGrady emphasizes the importance of focusing on what our bodies can do, rather than dwelling on perceived flaws. She believes that the more we nitpick our bodies, the more we empower those who profit from our insecurities.

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

"The first thing I learned in therapy is what our bodies can do for us," she explained. "Hating your body — and I have to be careful with saying this — but that’s the biggest money-maker. … The more you hate yourself, the more that you find things to nitpick, the more money people are making off you. … Everyone’s saying, ‘Look different. Be different. Wear this. Cover up this way. Drink this and you’ll be thinner."

"I just call it the bulls--- meter."

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

McGrady has never felt pressured by SI Swimsuit to lose weight, a testament to the outlet's commitment to body positivity. She credits her journey of self-acceptance for her confidence in modeling and encourages others to embrace their uniqueness.

"I still very much believe that sexy comes in all sizes," said McGrady. "But I had to work on myself first. It’s a journey to get there. I’m not saying I don’t have bad days, because I do. We’re all human. I think what Sports Illustrated is doing — celebrating all bodies –—is so powerful. They’re doing the work. … Especially right now when we’re entering this weird era, an Ozempic era, and just celebrating thinness."

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

McGrady believes that online bullying, especially body shaming, remains a prevalent issue in society. She urges others to rise above negativity and focus on their own worth.

"No matter what you do, you’re going to get hate," McGrady shrugged. "But you’re also going to get love. … Negative comments or anybody who shames someone about their body? That’s so boring. Get something better to talk about. … There are so many people who find that the biggest, most exciting part of their day is shaming someone about their body or how they look. … That says less about me and more about them."

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

McGrady credits her father's advice and her own resilience for her ability to cope with online trolls. She believes that online bullying should be addressed and that there needs to be accountability for those who engage in such harmful behavior.

"He’s always told me, ‘You’re going to get both sides. No one comes out of this industry unscathed,’" she recalled. "I knew that from a very young age. I was prepared for that. I’m still prepared for that. I’ve been able to armor myself. … I will say online bullying is something that is still very prevalent and still needs to be talked about because there are no real ramifications for it. You can just get behind a keyboard and say the first thing that comes to mind.

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

"If I respond to a mean message, which I very seldom do, people will say, ‘I was just looking for a response. I love you and love what you do,’" McGrady continued. "[Bullies] just want to get a rise out of you just because you’re a public figure and there’s no real ramifications for it."

"I do think online bullying is very prevalent today, and it’s a conversation we should all be having," McGrady added.

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

As a mother of two, McGrady has a fresh perspective on body acceptance and the importance of self-care. She encourages others to prioritize their own well-being and to embrace the joys of motherhood.

"I’m coming in now as a mom of two little ones," McGrady said. "I have a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old. And the way that I look at the world now is different. The way that I am, the very fabric of my being is just different. But I feel the best. I feel the most grounded. … The moment I walked on set, I felt that confidence. I felt really beautiful."

Hunter McGrady: Embracing Body Positivity and Praying for Her Haters

McGrady's message of self-love and body positivity is refreshing and empowering. She inspires others to embrace their unique qualities and to strive for acceptance and well-being. Her journey serves as a reminder that the path to self-acceptance is not always easy but that it is ultimately a journey worth taking.