A retrospective look at some of the magazine's most famous cover girls

Sports Illustrated, the magazine regarded as the ticket to supermodel stardom, has chosen to repeat with Kate Upton as its latest cover girl for its 49th Swimsuit Edition being released on newsstands today. Upton, who graced last year's Swimsuit Edition, joins a long line of other top models who have made repeat appearances including Tyra Banks, Christie Brinkley and Kathy Ireland.

The Swimsuit Edition was invented in 1964 by former editor Andre Laguerre, as a way to strike up interest in the magazine during the slow winter months. For many of the women who've graced the cover it's been their first step on the way to stardom, and the photo shoots have taken readers to locations around the world, from the island of Cozumel to Zambia.

Join MSN Sports as we profile some of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition’s most famous faces.