Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2009 Makes a Big Splash with Bar Refaeli on the Cover

The 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is causing quite a stir with provocative pictures of model Bar Refaeli on the cover. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition is by far the best selling issue for the magazine each year, and 2009 is going to be no exception as early reports state that the 2009 Issue is flying off the shelves. With a lot of publicity centered around this year's issue, a model that is drawing a lot of attention to her in the weekly trade magazines, and a number of athletes taking part, the issue is becoming quite popular.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is a yearly publication from SI that shows off some of the newest styles in swimsuits, all while showcasing some of the hottest models and athletes from around the world. What sets the SI Swimsuit Issue apart from so many other magazines that do the same idea is mixing those attractive models with great location shots that additionally show of the beauty of locales in far off lands. Mixed in with all of the half-naked ladies lounging on beaches are several sports articles that are intended to keep interest flowing for the magazine, but end up just being "filler" for a lot of readers.

This year includes 33 different models showing off some of the hottest swimwear from around the world, but in this instance a lot of the participants in the swimsuit issues aren't just full time models. In addition to models like Jessica Hart, Bar Refaeli, and Irina Shayk, there are a number of athletes that grace the pages of this year's issue. At the top of the list is race car driver Danica Patrick, who has recently been seen in a lot of television commercials. Joining her are a number of NBA Dancers from around the league, and well as three tennis stars (Tatiana Golovin, Daniela Hantuchova, and Maria Kirilenko).

This is going to continue to be a hot issue for the magazine, as they have really pulled out all the stops to make the 2009 swimsuit issue one that will stand out in the crowd. In addition to the issue, there are also videos of the shooting of the issue, calendars, and of course a TV special to highlight all of the girls. With Bar Refaeli leading the way, this could turn out to be a best-selling for Sports Illustrated, and proof that once again, SI is at the top of their game.

Source: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Web-Site and SI Models List for 2009