Models, Olympians, activists... the body image heroes you need to be following know that being body beautiful doesn't mean conforming to one specific shape, size or cookie-cutter look.
: @mistyonpointe
: @mistyonpointe
You may recognise the incomparable Misty Copeland from a starring role in an underwear advertising campaign, which made the world take notice of a new kind of ballerina as a counterpoint to the delicate, waif-like dancer we traditionally expect.Copeland's athleticism, strength and fierceness make her a role model to be reckoned with; she's also breaking down racial barriers as the first African-American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.
: @RondaRousey
: rondarousey
Ronda Rousey is a fighter - both inside and outside the ring. She wore only body paint for her turn in one of the coveted cover spots of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition 2016, and is always first to speak up for female empowerment and against body fascism.
: @jilly_peppa
: @jilly_peppa
The latest face of Beyoncé's new campaign, Jillian Mercado is challenging the fashion industry's beauty ideals with her killer style and body-positive outlook - and she's doing it all from her wheelchair. Mercado has muscular dystrophy, but that hasn't curbed her modelling career: she's signed to IMG Models and has appeared in Carine Roitfeld's CR Fashion Book and a campaign for Diesel - so far.
