The 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has been unveiled with three covers: O.G. supermodel Tyra Banks, breakout star Camille Kostek and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan.
Banks, a TV personality and entrepreneur who was the first black woman to adorn the annual bikini bible’s cover in 1997, looks as stunning as ever at age 45 in her comeback cover appearance.
“There is this stereotype that only a 20-year-old woman in a bikini is hot,” Banks told Sports Illustrated. “Like once we reach a certain age, we are no longer desirable. But I want to show that modeling has no age. I’m coming out of retirement to practice what I preach.”
Banks dons a yellow string bikini on a Great Exuma, Bahamas beach for her cover, which was photographed by Laretta Banks.
“I am telling people that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and ages” she added. “I have to put my money where my mouth is. I have to make sure my message is pure.”
Kostek, who shined as a red carpet host at last year’s Maxim Hot 100 Experience, also got a solo cover after landing a spot in the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as part of the rookie class.
The former NFL cheerleader and current girlfriend of retired Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski caught her first big break with the mag after participating in SI’s open model casting in 2017 by submitting an Instagram video.
Morgan, an Olympic gold medalist and multi-time U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, adorns the third solo cover. Watch her react to its unveiling below:
MJ Day, editor of the issue, spoke highly of Morgan’s activism in a press release.
“Alex Morgan stands for feminine strength and power, using her voice to fight for gender discrimination and equal pay,” Day said.
“These women emulate determination to own who they are and demonstrate how limitless they can be,” she said of the three cover models.
