SI Swimsuit Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Iconic Legends Covers Starring Martha Stewart, Tyra Banks and More

'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit' has an incredible seven covers this year — including three group covers with all the legends

Sports Illustrated Legends covers. PHOTO: 

YU TSAI /SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is, in a word, legendary.

So it only makes sense that in honor of the 60th anniversary of the magazine, they would release seven covers — with three of them dedicated to the Legends themselves.

In a gorgeous return, 52 past models including Christie Brinkley, Molly Sims, Martha Stewart, Paulina Porizkova, Tyra Banks and more shot group covers with photographer Yu Tsai to celebrate the franchise.

"Over the past 60 years we have shattered stereotypes, embraced diversity, and championed inclusivity,” said MJ Day, editor in chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, in a press release. “With each passing year, we have challenged ourselves to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. While this year’s issue is a tribute to the recent past, it’s also a reminder of 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.”

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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has been teasing the legendary women who shot the three covers on Instagram for the past several months (in gorgeous black-and-white photos and videos). Each clip and picture offered another glimpse at what to expect upon the reveal on May 14 — like the "iconic" Brinkley or "legend" Winnie Harlow.

“SI Swimsuit has transcended its origins. It began as a mere diversion in the winter months when the sports calendar was relatively empty. Now it’s a global symbol of empowerment, diversity and positivity," Day said in a press release. "We’ve done our best to honor women of all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds. We’ve strived to reshape societal norms and redefine the standards of beauty. This year’s issue does just that.”

Martha Stewart, 82, Christie Brinkley, 70, and Maye Musk, 75, Pose for SI Swimsuit’s Epic Anniversary Shoot

Sports Illustrated Legends cover. 

YU TSAI /SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

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Stewart, 82, who was one of the 2023 cover models, told PEOPLE earlier this year that coming back to the magazine was "fantastic" and being in a room with so many other legends was such a dream.

"It's all the super girls!" she said of the women she joined for the photo shoot in Florida. "I mean, Christie Brinkley and Tyra Banks and all of them. Fantastic. And I look just as good as they did, which was even better. I'm joking, of course."

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Along with the three legendary covers, Gayle King, Kate Upton, Chrissy Teigen and Hunter McGrady have solo covers this year. While Upton and Teigen have previously appeared on SI Swimsuit covers, this is a first for McGrady and King. In fact, King was surprised with the news of her cover on CBS This Morning on May 14 when all of the covers were unveiled.

Pick up all of the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit when it lands on newsstands on May 17.