• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Tyra Banks, Alex Morgan and Camille Kostek cover 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

4:47
2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover stars revealed!
Laretta Houston/Sports Illustrated
ByHayley FitzPatrick
May 08, 2019, 12:15 PM

Tyra Banks returns to modeling as one of the new cover stars of the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.

The 45-year-old supermodel, who was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of this publication alongside model Valeria Mazza in 1996, came out of retirement for the 2019 issue.

"There is this stereotype that only a 20-year-old woman in a bikini is hot," Banks told Sports Illustrated. "Like once we reach a certain age, we are no longer desirable. But I want to show that modeling has no age. I’m coming out of retirement to practice what I preach."

PHOTO: Summer 2019 Sports Illustrated cover with Tyra Banks in Great Exuma, Bahamas is on sale now.
The summer 2019 Sports Illustrated cover with Tyra Banks in Great Exuma, Bahamas is on sale now.
Laretta Houston/Sports Illustrated

Related Articles

(MORE: Halima Aden makes history as the first model to wear a burkini in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue)

For the cover, which was photographed in Great Exuma, Bahamas, by Laretta Houston, Banks wears a yellow string bikini.

Editor’s Picks

Model makes history as first to wear a burkini in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

  • Apr 29, 2019

Inclusive swim styles you'll want to shop now for summer

  • Apr 11, 2019

Models paint on their bodies for a cause in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue's first nude series

  • Feb 07, 2018

"I am telling people that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and ages" she said in an interview with SI. “I have to put my money where my mouth is. I have to make sure my message is pure.”

Banks has built many successful businesses and is now a guest lecturer for a personal branding course at Stanford Graduate School of Business, along with running her companies. She revealed to SI that she is now changing her moniker to "BanX" and re-entering the modeling scene after exiting in 2005.

The new name symbolizes "X-ing out cookie-cutter beauty," she told the outlet.

“Mononyms are exciting in the industry," she said. "But usually models use their first names, like Iman. I want to flip the script and go by my last name. I’m taking something familiar and making it new. I’m wiser now and thicker."

"BanX is me, but she’s also every woman," she added. "BanX represents rebirth and that beauty boundaries only exist to be broken."

Professional soccer player and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan is also a cover star of the highly anticipated issue.

"Alex Morgan stands for feminine strength and power, using her voice to fight for gender discrimination and equal pay," said MJ Day, editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, in a press release.

PHOTO: Summer 2019 Sports Illustrated cover of Alex Morgan in Saint Lucia on sale now.
The summer 2019 Sports Illustrated cover of Alex Morgan in Saint Lucia on sale now.
Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Related Articles

(MORE: Models paint on their bodies for a cause in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue's first nude series)

Sports Illustrated rookie and former Patriots cheerleader Camille Kostek rounds out the trio of cover stars.

The model and dancer appeared in the 2018 swimsuit issue as part of the company's model search through Instagram and is now a cover star.

The Summer 2019 Sports Illustrated cover of Camille Kostek in Australia is on sale now.
Josephine Clough/Sports Illustrated

The 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue features 34 women. Day told "GMA" that the upcoming issue is "one of the biggest and broadest samplings of beauty that we've ever featured." It is on newsstands now.

Editor’s Picks

Model makes history as first to wear a burkini in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

  • Apr 29, 2019

Inclusive swim styles you'll want to shop now for summer

  • Apr 11, 2019

Models paint on their bodies for a cause in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue's first nude series

  • Feb 07, 2018

Up Next in Culture—

Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock reunite on 'Practical Magic 2' set: 'The witches are back'

July 18, 2025

Tech company Astronomer launches investigation into 'kiss cam' moment at Coldplay concert

July 18, 2025

Late-night TV hosts react to ‘Late Show’ cancellation

July 18, 2025

Caitlin Clark will be 'active on the sidelines' during WNBA All-Star Game despite injury

July 18, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News