American uber-model Kate Upton has been tabbed as the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl. To anybody who has ever laid eyes on the part-time dougie-er, the news should come as no surprise. To anybody who has not, you're in for a real treat.
The issue will be released this week, featuring plenty of models in scant clothing and athletes such as U.S. Women's Soccer national teamer Alex Morgan, U.S. Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin, and LPGA vet Natalie Gulbis sporting body paint.
You can check out the cover, as well as a preview of Morgan's photoshoot, after the jump.
[Photograph by Walter Iooss Jr.]
[Photograph by Stewart Shining]
You can head out to newsstands to pick up the issue. Sports Illustrated was kind enough to feature tons of content online as well. You can see more of Kate Upton at SI Swimsuit 2012. Also be sure to check out more of Alex Morgan and Co.