Kate Upton Returns To Sports Illustrated Alongside Chrissy Teigen, Gayle King & More

Kate Upton has returned to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover alongside Chrissy Teigen, Gayle King, and Hunter McGrady.

For the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, the shoot took place in Mexico, where photographer Yu Tsai captured Upton. For the cover image, Upton donned a two-piece swimsuit by Normaillot in shades of pink and red.

After being announced as one of the stars on the magazine's 60th Anniversary issue, Upton opened up about body positivity and how Sports Illustrated Swimsuit "launched" the "conversation of [her] body."

“After my first cover with [SI Swimsuit] in 2012, it really started this conversation about body positivity and inclusivity,” Upton said. “When I look back at my first cover, I see how young I was, and I also can’t help but be taken back to that massive moment [when] that cover launched and that conversation of my body and what my body was.”

“It's such a huge honor,” Upton told PEOPLE Magazine of being a part of the 60th Anniversary issue.

“It really speaks to 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."

The 2024 SISwimsuit Issue marks Kate Upton's fourth cover page feature.

Kate Upton isn't the only star to grace the cover of the big anniversary issue as Chrissy Teigen, Hunter McGrady, and Gayle King were on their own issues of SI Swimsuit.

“We assembled some of our most influential alumni together for one legendary photo shoot. Sure, it looks back on history. But more significantly, it’s a window into the present—where we are right now—and a hope for the future,” Day says. “The result was nothing short of spectacular. So spectacular that we created three covers, a triptych that speaks to the collective strength, power, beauty, and diversity that is what SI Swimsuit looks like at 60.”

According to the official press release, the special Legends shoot features King, McGrady, Teigen, Upton, 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.

Chief MJ Day recalls Upton's first SI Swimsuit cover and how it served as “a catalyst for the evolution of the brand."

"There’s Kate Upton, whose first cover served as a catalyst for the evolution of the brand. There’s Chrissy Teigen, who represents the new generation of model moguls. There’s Hunter McGrady, whose power and advocacy continue to inspire. And there’s Gayle King, a first-timer who, like her co-cover models, not so gently reminds us that women are limitless and control their destinies."

“Over the past 60 years, we have shattered stereotypes, embraced diversity, and championed inclusivity,” said MJ Day. “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," Day added.

“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 continued. "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.”

“In the past, we’d have one cover model representing the supposed epitome of beauty at the time. But today, there are seven covers featuring 27 women, all of whom have helped shape a world in which they feel more represented and more empowered than ever before," the Editor-In-Chief added.