Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Kate Upton makes sizzling comeback for 60th anniversary issue (2024)

Kate Upton is red hot on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 2024 issue.

The model joins Chrissy Teigen, Gayle King and Hunter McGrady as the magazine's newest cover models.

Sports Illustrated, whichis celebrating its 60th anniversary, islaunching seven covers, which will hit newsstands on May 17.

"It's such a huge honor," Upton told People magazine ahead of the announcement. "It really speaks to really where fashion is going and the message that [Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s editor-in-chief] MJ Day wants to put out — women supporting women, showing different body types and having women speak for different things they believe in."

Kate Upton is wearing a two-piece by Normaillot. (Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated)

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Kate Upton is making a sizzling comeback in this year's SI Swimsuit issue. (Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images)

Upton made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2011 andwas crownedRookie of the Year that year. The 31-year-old mom had her first solo cover in 2012 and had the cover again the following year. In 2014,sheappeared on the flip coverandthen in 2017, she starred on the cover once more.

Kate Upton was crownedSI Rookie of the Year in 2011. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Beach Bunny)

To commemorate its milestone birthday,the outlet is publishinga specialcollectible trilogy of covers from the Sports IllustratedSwimsuit’s60th Anniversary Legends shoot.

It highlights the foursome, along with Brenna Huckaby, Brooklyn Decker, Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, Christie Brinkley, Danielle Herrington, Hailey Clauson, Halima Aden, Jasmine Sanders, Kate Love, Leyna Bloom, Lily Aldridge, Martha Stewart, Maye Musk, Megan Rapinoe, Molly Sims, Nina Agdal, Paige Spiranac, Paulina Porizkova, Roshumba Williams, Sue Bird, Tyra Banks and Winnie Harlow.

Chrissy Teigen is wearing a swimsuit by Saint Laurent, as well as earrings and a necklace by Jacquie Aiche. (Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated)

All seven covers were photographed by renowned SI Swimsuit photographer Yu Tsai.

"Over the past 60yearswe have shattered stereotypes, embraced diversity, and championed inclusivity," Day said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital."With each passing year, we have challenged ourselves to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.While thisyear’sissue is a tribute to the recent past,it’salsoa reminderof the work we must continue to do.We must remind women to challenge the status quo, to celebrate strength and confidence, and to inspire those around us to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions fearlessly."

The 2024 issue of SI Swimsuit hits newsstands on May 17. (Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated)

"SI Swimsuit has transcended its origins,"Day shared."It began as a mere diversion inthewintermonthswhen the sports calendar was relatively empty.Nowit’sa global symbol of empowerment, diversity and positivity.We’vedone our best to honor women of all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds.We’vestrived to reshape societal norms and redefine the standards of beauty. Thisyear’sissue does just that."

"In the past,we’dhave one cover model representing the supposed epitome of beauty at the time,"Day continued."But todaythereare seven covers featuring 27 women, all of whom have helped shape a world in which they feel more represented andmore empowered than ever before.

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Kate Upton made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2011. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Beach Bunny)

"There’sKate Upton, whose first cover served as a catalyst for theevolution of the brand.There’sChrissy Teigen, who represents the new generation of model moguls.There’sHunter McGrady, whose power and advocacy continue to inspire. Andthere’sGayle King, a first-timer who, like her co-cover models, not so gently reminds us that women are limitless and control their destinies. For the three remaining covers, we assembled some of our most influential alumni together for one legendary photo shoot representing where we are right now — and a hope for the future."

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Teigen became Rookie of the Year in 2010. The 38-year-old mom of four also appeared on the 2014 cover alongside Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge.

From left: Chrissy Teigen, Nina Agdal, and Lily Aldridge reveal their cover for SI Swimsuit, circa 2014. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)

McGrady made a splash in the SI Swimsuit issue in 2017. The 31-year-old mom of two became known as theoutlet’s"curviest model ever."McGrady told People magazine she was nearly nine months postpartum after welcoming her second child when shewas photographedfor the latest issue.

"Every yearIfeel more and more confident in who I am and what I bring to the table,"McGrady told Fox News Digital ahead of the cover unveiling."And when I first shot for Sports Illustrated in 2016, I was so young.I had no idea of the opportunities itwas going tobring me and the platform itwas going togive.AndI'vegrown as aperson eversince then."

Hunter McGrady is wearing a swimsuit by JMP The Label and a cover-up by ANTONINIAS. (Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated)

"It'sso much bigger than me,"she gushed."It'sso much bigger than the beautiful photos —that'slike the cherry on top. The message for me is inclusivity.That’swhat makes it so beautiful. SI has brought forth that inclusivity message and celebrates women of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.They'reone of the very few who are doingit,and doing it in such a beautiful way."

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The original swimsuit issue ran in 1964. It has since been a launching pad for models likeMcGrady,as well asBrinkley, Kathy Ireland, Elle Macpherson and Ashley Graham.