Athletes sizzle in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photos

Cape Town - Sports Illustrated has done it again.

For over half a century, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition has given the world an up-close look at 30 of the most beautiful women on the planet.

But in recent years the magazine has taken on a whole new life.

The SI Swimsuit edition is no longer just about models in bikinis, it also stands to empower women and give them a platform.

Among the household-name models, the 2018 edition - out on Valentine's Day, February 14 - features four sportswomen.

Leading the way is reigning US Open tennis champion, Sloane Stephens, who took to social media to express how "proud" she was to be part of the issue.

Stephens was a shock winner of last year's US Open at Flushing Meadows, her first Grand Slam title.

I am so proud to be a part of this issue. Thank you @si_swimsuit for being such an amazing platform for women of ALL different body types. This one is for us, ladies ♥?

A post shared by Sloane Stephens (@sloanestephens) on Feb 13, 2018 at 7:11am PST

I am so proud to be a part of this issue. Thank you @SI_Swimsuit for being such an amazing platform for women of ALL different body types. This one is for us, ladies ♥? pic.twitter.com/5OSREALWbh

— Sloane Stephens (@SloaneStephens) February 13, 2018

Stephens, is not the only tennis player to feature in this year's SI Swimsuit edition.

Joining her is Canadian star Genie Bouchard, who appears for the second consecutive year.

Bouchard also took to social media to thank the SI team - and confirm that her father gave his seal of approval.

2 years in a row!!! ?????? Thank you @mj_day @darciebaum and the whole team at SI, love you guys & all the craziness we get up to. So grateful for your love ?????? #SISwim

A post shared by Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) on Feb 13, 2018 at 1:34pm PST

Sooo Dad approves... thank god ???? @SI_Swimsuit pic.twitter.com/C2IC9bMkE8

— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) February 13, 2018

Little-known golf professional Paige Spiranac also appears.

Spiranac, who has faced criticism in the golfing world in the past due to what some consider to be revealing clothing, said she was thrilled that the magazine is helping her embrace her body.

Gosh I’m still in disbelief?? But @si_swimsuit! Still so thankful to the entire #siswim team for believing in me?? #loveyourself #bodypositivity #ownit #bekind ??- @jamesmacari

A post shared by Paige Spiranac (@_paige.renee) on Feb 13, 2018 at 7:35am PST

Rounding out the sportswomen to feature is Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman who took the opportunity to showcase a powerful message in her nude photograph which read: 'Women do not have to be modest to be remembered'. 

Women do not have to be modest to be respected-- Live for you! Everyone should feel comfortable expressing themselves however makes them happy. Women can be intelligent, fierce, sexy, powerful, strong, advocate for change while wearing what makes them feel best. The time where women are taught to be ashamed of their bodies is OVER. The female body is beautiful and we should all be proud of who we are, inside and out. Thank you so much @si_swimsuit @mj_day @darciebaum @ja_neyney @taylorbphoto & the rest of the team.

A post shared by Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman) on Feb 13, 2018 at 9:18am PST

American model Danielle Herrington landed the coveted cover feature.

Dreams do come true! Watch the emotional moment Danielle Herrington finds out she's our #SISwim 2018 cover model. https://t.co/v7s0Jf70yc pic.twitter.com/WHWO96scfK

— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 13, 2018