When it comes to showing off the beautiful bodies, no one does it better the Sports Illustrated. Landing a gig on the cover of this annual publication is one of the pinnacles of modelling success, and has provided many models with an easy transition from modeling to acting and many more careers. Many women have watched their careers launch from simply being featured in the magazine. The yearly babe-filled issue has featured some of the hottest women of time, and we have compiled a list of the 10 most gorgeous.
10. Elle Macpherson
Elle Macpherson – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Covers
One of only two models to grace the cover of the SI Swimsuit Edition three years in a row, there is no doubt why Elle Macpherson made this top ten list. This Australian business-woman, model, and actress graced the cover from 1986-1988.
9. Marisa Miller
Marisa Miller – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
In a Forbes interview, Marisa Miller stated that “supermodels have to become brands to be successful.” She’s done just that and more in the five years since her SI appearance. She was the first spokesperson for the Harley Davidson company and represents rum manufacturer, Captain Morgan. For the 2010-2011 NFL season, Miller made the rounds hosting NFL games and modeling jerseys. Something that had never been done for the league.
8. Brooklyn Decker
Brooklyn Decker – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Brooklyn Decker is not named for the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. She is actually named for a horse that a friend of her mother owned. The horse’s name was Brooke, and after her mother suggested the name, her father suggested Brooklyn as a more formal version. Featured on the cover of the 2010 issue, Brooklyn Decker’s beautiful beach body has quickly become famous, and earned her a the number eight spot on our list. She’s appeared in the magazine every year, but the 2010 cover was by far the best.
7. Kate Upton
Kate Upton – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Katherine ”Kate“ Upton is an American model and actress. 2011′s Rookie of the Year in the SI Swimsuit Editions, Kate Upton then went on to appear on the cover of the bother the 2012 and 2013 editions. She was also the subject of the 100th Anniversary Vanity Fair cover.
6. Cheryl Tiegs
Cheryl Tiegs – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Cheryl Tiegs is an absolute icon in the world of swimsuit modeling and is widely considered the first “supermodel”. She is most famous for parlaying her success with Sports Illustrated into a career as a designer and businesswoman. In the 1980s, her Sears clothing line sold over $1 billion dollars of merchandise. Today, at 65, Tiegs spends her golden days promoting health and fitness for various manufacturers.
5. Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Known for being the first model to grace the cover of SI Swimsuit Edition three times in a row (1979-1981), Christie Brinkley is living proof that women only get sexier with age. Too bad her love life hasn’t been as successful as her career. Brinkley has been married four times, most notably to musician Billy Joel, several of whose music videos she appeared in. Her fourth marriage, to architect Peter Cook, ended in a much-publicized 2008 divorce.
4. Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca Romijn – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Rebecca Alie Romijn) is an American actress and former fashion model. She is best known for her role as Mystique in the X-Men films and for her recurring role as Alexis Meade on the television series Ugly Betty. Romjin is a significant part of this top 10 list. en ogled Rebecca Romijn on the cover of Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue and then stole their girlfriends’ Victoria’s Secret catalogs to get more. But the blonde babe wasn’t satisfied with posing pretty, and surprised naysayers when she went from supermodel to super funny.
3. Bar Rafaeli
Bar Rafaeli – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
She was the cover model of the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and was voted #1 on Maxim magazine’s Hot 100 list of 2012. She has worked with nunerous fashion brands, including Garnier, Escada, Desigual, Subaru, Gap, Samsung, and Sears. She has appeared on the covers of magazines such as Elle, Marie Claire, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, GQ, Esquire, Glamour, Maxim,Grazia and Harper’s Bazaar. She was the cover model of the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and was voted #1 on Maxim magazine’s Hot 100 list of 2012.
2. Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
There is no doubt that Cindy Crawford is a staple on lists like this one, and that is for good reason. Just look at the picture above. Her success at modeling made her an international celebrity that has led to roles in television and film, and to work as a spokesperson. In 1995, Forbes magazine placed her on the list of the highest paid models on the planet.
1. Irina Shayk
Irina Shayk – Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Irina Shayk is a Russian model known for her stunning and memorable appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue between 2007 and 2013. She was the cover model for the 2011 issue. Shayk makes her acting debut as the wife of Hercules in the 2014 film Hercules: The Thracian Wars, a must watch.