The Unforgettable Three: Inside Cheryl Tiegs' Iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Covers And Her Lasting Legacy

Cheryl Tiegs, often celebrated as "America's first supermodel," remains an indelible figure in the history of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Even today, in late December 2025, her name is synonymous with the magazine's golden era, a time when her wholesome yet alluring image redefined beauty standards and turned the annual publication into a cultural phenomenon. Her appearances were not just magazine shoots; they were cultural milestones that cemented her status as a global icon.

This article dives deep into the specific moments—the three iconic covers and one controversial photo—that made Tiegs the face of the Swimsuit Issue for over two decades, exploring the lasting impact of her work and what the legendary model is doing now as her legacy continues to inspire new generations.

Cheryl Tiegs: A Quickfire Biography and Profile

Cheryl Rae Tiegs’ career is a masterclass in longevity, influence, and business acumen. She transitioned seamlessly from a top model of the 1970s and 1980s to a successful entrepreneur, fashion designer, and environmental activist. Her profile is marked by numerous media milestones, establishing her as a true American icon.

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• Full Name: Cheryl Rae Tiegs
• Born: September 25, 1947
• Place of Birth: Breckenridge, Minnesota, U.S.
• Modeling Career Start: Began modeling at age 17 after a photo of her was discovered by a talent scout.
• Iconic Title: Widely recognized as "America's First Supermodel."
• Magazine Covers: Multiple covers for Glamour, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and notably, the covers of both Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and Time magazine in the same year (1978).
• SI Swimsuit Appearances: A total of nine appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
• SI Swimsuit Covers: Three (1970, 1975, 1983).
• Other Ventures: Fashion designer (Sears clothing line), actress, and spokesperson.
• Current Activities (2024/2025): Continues to be involved in public appearances and charitable work, including events like Project Angel Food's Angel Awards.

The Three Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Covers That Defined an Era

Cheryl Tiegs holds a unique place in Sports Illustrated history, being the first model to grace the cover of the annual Swimsuit Issue more than once. Her three covers span a crucial 13-year period, chronicling the evolution of the magazine and the rise of the supermodel phenomenon under legendary editor Jule Campbell.

1. The Debut: 1970—The Cancun Bikini

Tiegs’ first cover came in 1970, an early milestone in her career. The photo, shot in Cancun, Mexico, featured a classic, sun-kissed look that captivated the American public. This cover helped transition the magazine from a simple sports supplement to a significant cultural publication. It introduced the world to her natural, girl-next-door beauty, setting her apart from the more stylized European models of the time. This first appearance established her as a favorite of the magazine’s editor, Jule Campbell, who championed her all-American appeal.

2. The Mid-Career Milestone: 1975—The Defining Look

Her second cover in 1975 solidified her status as the quintessential SI model. This image, often cited as one of the most memorable in the issue's history, perfectly captured the carefree, aspirational spirit of the mid-70s. The 1975 cover marked her as a model with genuine staying power, proving that her initial success was not a fluke. It further cemented the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as a launchpad for international superstardom, paving the way for future legends like Christie Brinkley and Elle Macpherson.

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3. The Grand Finale: 1983—The Return of a Legend

The 1983 cover was a major event, marking Tiegs’ third and final cover for the publication. By this point, she was a household name, and her return to the cover was a testament to her enduring popularity and timeless beauty. This cover acted as a symbolic passing of the torch, showcasing the model who had defined the genre for over a decade. It was a powerful statement about her incredible longevity in a notoriously fleeting industry, a feat rarely achieved by any model before or since.

The Controversial Photo That Sparked Outrage: The White Fishnet Suit

While the three covers are her most famous milestones, it is a photo from the 1978 Swimsuit Issue that often generates the most discussion. This particular image, which did not make the cover but became instantly iconic, featured Tiegs posing in a white fishnet one-piece swimsuit.

The photo caused a significant stir and even led to protests from some readers and conservative groups. The public outrage stemmed from the perceived audacity and revealing nature of the outfit, which was considered quite risqué for a mainstream publication at the time. Tiegs herself has reflected on the controversy, recalling the intense public reaction. Despite the initial backlash, the image became one of the most recognizable and enduring photographs in the history of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, proving that controversy often fuels cultural impact.

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It is a perfect example of how the Swimsuit Issue, under the guidance of Jule Campbell, constantly pushed the boundaries of fashion and acceptability, making the models involved cultural lightning rods. The "white fishnet" moment is a crucial entity in the magazine's topical authority, representing a pivotal shift in mainstream media's portrayal of women and fashion.

Cheryl Tiegs’ Enduring Influence in the 2020s and Beyond

Decades after her last cover, Cheryl Tiegs’ influence continues to resonate, particularly as the modeling industry grapples with issues of body positivity, diversity, and aging gracefully. Her career longevity is a testament to her intelligence and ability to connect with the public.

Her recent public appearances and mentions, such as being featured in retrospectives and attending high-profile events in 2024 and 2025, confirm her ongoing relevance. Tiegs has also been a candid voice in the ongoing debate about body image in the modeling world, famously making comments about the shift towards "full-figured" models like Ashley Graham. While her comments sparked another round of controversy, they highlighted her perspective as a veteran model from a different era, underscoring the continuous evolution of the beauty standards she helped to define.

Ultimately, Cheryl Tiegs is more than just a former swimsuit model; she is a trailblazing supermodel, a successful businesswoman, and a cultural commentator. Her legacy, built on three iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers and a career that spanned the globe, ensures her place in fashion history as the woman who truly became "America's First Supermodel." Her work remains a benchmark for aspiring models and a fascinating chapter in the history of American media.