Kate Upton Is Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover Girl

Joining the ranks of iconic model superstars like Christie Brinkley, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Cheryl Tiegs, Elle MacPherson, and many others, is 19-year-old model Kate Upton, who was just announced as the cover girl for 2012's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Upton's role in the envied position was officially revealed, in line with recent tradition, on a Monday taping of CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman. Upton and other Sports Illustrated models gathered at the Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan's midtown to find out which one of their pictures would be unveiled on the giant billboard when the curtain was dropped.

Other girls you won't find on the cover, but can see inside the issue — which hits news stands today — include Julie Henderson, Jessica Gomes, Ariel Meredith, Alyssa Miller, Chrissy Teigen, and Irina Shayk, 26, who graced the cover last year.

Upton, a former competitive equestrian according to USA Today and last year's SI "Rookie of the Year," most recently made headlines for her love life, as the frequently rumored girlfriend of New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, 25.

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