In a rare move for the publication, Sports Illustrated proudly shows off Olympic sporting stars Simone Biles and Aly Raisman for the cover of its 2017 Swimsuit Issue, out next month.

In promotional footage from the magazine, four-time Olympic gold medalist Biles can be seen in a variety of bikinis showing off her handstand skills and split-jumps, while three-time Olympic gold winner Raisman flaunts her athletic figure, perched over a bench in box splits.

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The gymnasts were photographed by SI Swimsuit photographer James Macari in Houston at the World Champions Center, the North Houston Skate Park and the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden.

In a press release, SI Swimsuit editor MJ Day said: 'Aly and Simone represent all that is beautiful and strong and inspiring in women today.

'Women that are not only elite athletes, that are captivating and impressive in their own professional accomplishments (lots and lots of Olympic gold medals between them), but strikingly sexy and beautiful in front of photographer James Macari's lens,' he added.

Aly and Simone represent all that is beautiful and strong and inspiring in women today

The gold-medal 'Final Five' team members are a rare departure from former famed SI cover stars (see Chrissy Teigen and Irina Shayk photos) and follow in the footsteps of several iconic sportswomen like Serena Williams, the US football team and boxing champion Ronda Rousey who have been all been shot for the magazine.

If this isn't inspiration to get in the gym this year, we don't know what is.

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Katie O'Malley
Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.