As to the actual intent of its use in this case, only the person who chose this particular picture of her knows the answer. My only thoughts would be to question the appropriateness of its use considering the context of the article to which it was meant to highlight in this issue of Newsweek as opposed to its use when she posed for the picture.
When the picture was taken it was to be used in a sports magazine called Runners World. As one can see by her attire, she dressed very appropriately for the magazine in which the picture was originally intended to be used. Her dress for this picture would be clothing that I and I, believe, anyone else would expect to see in a magazine like that. I also believe that if she had worn clothing meant to be worn in other situations, such as an evening gown, people would have questioned the choice of dress and rightfully so. This same thing can be and should be said and asked of Newsweek.
My original impression is that Newsweek used this particular picture for one of two explanations, neither one being a good reason for its use. One explanation would be that Newsweek thought it would help sell more magazines. The other explanation would be to portray her in a manner that could only be seen in a negative portrayal consistent with the accompanied article of her. Neither of these explanations would be consistent with the image that the magazine intended or wants to be known for.
But, this is only my opinion


