It's been four-and-a-half decades since SI first began highlighting the glory of the swimsuit to sports fans. It didn't take long for the rest of the world -- sports fans or not -- to take notice. Since then, SI has helped wallpaper lockers, bedrooms and computer screens with some of the most ... sporty women ever. From Paulina to Cindy to Marissa to Tyra, we have a lot to be thankful for come February. This time around, we're extremely thankful for the cover sporting model Bar Refaeli.

Check out some shots from the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in the gallery below. if you have some personal favorites from years past, let us know in the comments.


Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition