Kate Upton graced the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition for the second straight year, becoming just the fifth model to do so. Making the issue even more important was the fact that it was the 50th edition of the swimsuit shoot.
Upton has skyrocketed in popularity since debuting in the magazine as rookie of the year two years ago and she was featured on the cover for the first time last year. Upton is one of the most sought-after models in the world and her love life has taken hold in the tabloids, as there are rumors she is dating Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers.
The Florida native went all the way to Antarctica for this years' issue and was photographed basically naked on the snow and ice, close to an active volcano. As part of the 50th anniversary issue, the magazine decided to shoot spreads on all seven continents.
Upton was chilly and she spoke this week about getting sick on David Letterman and on the Today Show.
"I'm naked and trying to change," she told David Letterman of her weeklong experience in subzero temperatures. "I literally couldn't move my legs, so the editors would have to pick up my legs and put them into my next outfit."
Over the past couple years Upton has become a viral star due to her dancing videos as well as one of her performing the dougie hip-hop dance at a basketball game. She has started up an acting career, appearing in "The Three Stooges" as well as "Tower Heist". She also appeared in commercials for MLB The Show with Verlander, which only helped push the speculation that the two were dating.
Upton apparently has a thing for athletes, as she was also reportedly seeing Mark Sanchez for a time last year, which might be a reason why he struggled on the field so much. She is still only 20-years-old, so there is a chance she could make the cover again next year, but Sports Illustrated may want to shake things up.
Some of the other best cover models include Russian model and girlfriend of Cristiano Ronaldo Irina Shayk, who was the cover model for the 2011 issue, as well as Brooklyn Decker, wife of Andy Roddick and cover model for the 2010 issue.
Shayk has appeared in the issue since 2007 and she is considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. She has worked with many companies, including Victoria's Secret, Armani as well as for magazines, appearing on the covers of GQ, Glamour as well as Ocean Drive.
Decker is one of the most sought-after models as well and she has also started an acting career, appearing on the television show "New Girl" and in feature films like "Battleship" and "What to Expect When You're Expecting."
She was featured on the cover of the 2010 issue and in a recurring theme of these three ladies, she is married to Andy Roddick, another world class athlete. She has also worked with Victoria's Secret and has participated in many philanthropic endeavors, including working with injured troops for the Wounded Warriors Project and visiting hospitals.
There are many more beautiful cover models that have graced the magazine over the years, but the past three are some of the best.
CLICK HERE for an interactive look at PHOTOs from the Sports Illustrated issue.