Cataloging Iconic Magazine Issues Edit
10 Sizzling Past Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Covers

The much-anticipated Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2009 cover model is set to be revealed on the Late Night with David Letterman show on Monday, February 9.

In the meantime, if like us you can’t wait, here is a nostalgic collection of 10 of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers from previous years.

The annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue debuted way back in 1964 as a way to fill the gap in the mid-1960s sporting calendar. Since then, the special issue has turned into a pop culture phenomena that arguably brought bikinis into the mainstream, built the careers of supermodels and graced the walls of teenage boys across the world.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is one of the most coveted spots that even supermodels seek. Previous cover models include Elle Macpherson, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Rebecca Romijn, Marisa Miller, Cheryl Tiegs, Christie Brinkley, Paulina Porizkova, Rachel Hunter, and Valeria Mazza.

Supermodels Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Stephanie Seymour appeared within the pages of the issue but never scored the cover spot, so it is understandable that the reveal of the new cover model usually involves so much buzz and attention.