'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit 2011 Cover: Irina Shayk

Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Beyonce Knowles, Bar Rafaeli and Brooklyn Decker -- each of these bikini-clad beauties has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue. It's one of the highest profile gigs in the modeling world, and a coveted honor that can make a little-known model into a household name. On Tuesday, 25-year-old Russian knockout Irina Shayk joined this elite club, appearing on the 48th annual SI swimsuit cover.

Before Shayk goes on to catch Chevy Chase's eye in a National Lampoon's Vacation movie, host Project Runway, become a Grammy-winning singer or star as Adam Sandler's love interest in a high-profile romantic comedy, perhaps we should take a bit of time to familiarize ourselves with the little-known supermodel.

First things first: Though this is Shayk's first Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, this is far from her first appearance in the magazine. The brown-haired stunner -- who was born and raised in a small town outside Chelyabinsk, Russia -- made her SI swimsuit debut in 2007, and has appeared in every swimsuit edition since. So, if she looks familiar, that could be why. Then again, you might also recognize her from the music video for Kanye West's hit 2010 single "Power." She has a very prominent role in the extremely cool vid, kneeling directly to Kanye's left and looking absolutely gorgeous. (Watch it below!)

It's also interesting to note that Shayk has been dating world-renowned Real Madrid soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo since 2010. Ronaldo, by the by, has never graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. Way to go, Irina!

Do you think Irina Shayk is a worthy Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl? Chime in below!

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-2011-cover-irina-shayk/1-a-323553

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