Kate Upton Brings Star Power to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 60th Anniversary Celebration in NYC

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit just celebrated its diamond jubilee on Tuesday, with none other than superstar model Kate Upton leading the charge—amplifying the glitz and glamor of New York City. The Houston Astros’ ace Justin Verlander’s wife, known for her captivating presence and stunning physique, graced the event with her signature charm, making it a night to remember.
Sharing the spotlight with media mogul Gayle King, beloved model Chrissy Teigen, and a constellation of other stars, Upton, no stranger to the SI Swimsuit family, marked her fifth cover appearance this year. Her Instagram post, captioned “Celebrating @si_swimsuit’s 60th anniversary in NYC ✨,” perfectly captured the essence of the evening, radiating joy and excitement.
In 2011, Kate Upton started her journey with SI Swimsuit. She became the face of the brand and represented its move towards inclusivity and diversity. Her fifth cover has proven that she is still loved by the audience, while also showing how she wants women to be self-aware and love themselves.
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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Upton (@kateupton)
Ben Bruno, Upton’s trainer, said in an Instagram post: “What I appreciate most about Kate is that she does things the right way.” He mentioned her disciplined training style and how she eats healthy for sustainable results rather than quick fixes. This dedication was evident in Upton’s radiant appearance at the anniversary celebration, where she exuded confidence and grace.
Kate Upton’s cover shoot preparation involved a rigorous regimen of heavy lifting, cardio, and a balanced diet. Her trainer emphasized that her commitment to consistency is what sets her apart. “She sets an amazing example for women to follow,” Bruno concluded, underscoring the model’s influence as a role model for healthy living.
This year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is a landmark edition, marking 60 years of iconic imagery and cultural impact. Throughout the years, the magazine has been breaking stereotypes while embracing all types of people from different backgrounds. Upton being present during this milestone event proves just how much progress has been made towards inclusiveness within the modeling industry; there were many other models who attended as well.
Beyond Kate Upton: Other stars who helped celebrate SI Swimsuit’s 60th anniversary
The 60th-anniversary party represented an assemblage of stars from all walks of life who contributed to the magazine’s storied past. King, the 69-year-old co-host of “CBS Mornings,” made her debut in the swimsuit issue, proving that age is just a number. On the other hand, plus-sized model Hunter McGrady—known for her advocacy for body positivity—returned to the pages of SI Swimsuit, radiating confidence and beauty. Also making a comeback was Teigen, who has been a fixture in the SI Swimsuit world, proving that nothing can dim one’s shine even after becoming a mom.
Besides them, the event saw the presence of other notable figures like Lily Aldridge, Chanel Iman, and Nicole Williams English. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit veterans Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, and Olivia Dunne were also in attendance, alongside rising stars such as Ellie Thumann, Maye Musk, and Christen Harper. The guest list also included fitness enthusiasts Katie Austin and Yumi Nu, golfer Paige Spiranac, model Kate Love, activist Leyna Bloom, and many more.
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The rookies from the 2024 issue added to the excitement, including Xandra Pohl, Achieng Agutu, Penny Lane, Jena Sims, Nina Cash, Brittney Mitchell, Sharina Gutierrez, and Berkleigh Wright. Big 12 athletes Alexa Massari, Jasmine Williams, and Jillian Hayes rounded out the impressive roster of attendees, making the event a true celebration of diverse talent and beauty. Each of these women, in their own unique way, has contributed to the magazine’s mission of empowering women and challenging societal norms.
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The celebration went on with a weekend-long experience at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., a.k.a. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Island. This fan-focused event gave people a chance to meet models, participate in various activities, and dive into the SI Swimsuit brand.
The 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hit newsstands on May 17 and is available for purchase now. An essential item for anyone who wants to celebrate women’s beauty, diversity, and strength, this edition is yet another example of what has made this magazine great over so many years: pushing boundaries. With stars like Kate Upton leading the way for us all, there couldn’t be more bright days ahead when it comes down to Sports Illustrated Swimsuits!