NEW YORK, Feb. 9 2010 - Smiling in the clear blue water of the Maldives, supermodel Brooklyn Decker sizzles on the cover of the highly-anticipated 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (www.SI.com/Swimsuit) out today. Tabbed "A Perfect 10," Decker is a five-year veteran of SI Swimsuit. The cover was shot by legendary SI photographer Walter Iooss Jr.

As cover model, Decker joins a legacy of supermodels who have adorned the cover of SI Swimsuit including Kathy Ireland, Cheryl Tiegs, Hiedi Klum, Elle MacPherson, Tyra Banks and Petra Nemcova. Many of these covers were shot by Iooss who, with the addition of this year, has eleven SI Swimsuit covers to his name.  

Today also marks the multiplatform debut of the 2010 SI Swimsuit franchise. SI.com/Swimsuit features more than 1,400 photos and 100 videos of the models taken during shoots spanning six countries: Chile, Portugal, India, the Maldives, Canada and the United States. At SI.com/Swimsuit look for candid "off-the-clock" photos, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from a franchise that reached more than 66 million people last year.

"Our readers will enjoy the many surprises in the latest installment of this renowned franchise," said SI Group Editor Terry McDonell."This year's Swimsuit issue features both familiar faces and exciting newcomers and photography that fans have come to expect, transporting them to a new array of exotic locations."

Decker made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2006. Thanks to her all-American looks she earned a recurring spot in the 2007, 2008 and 2009 issues where she was shot in Tucson, Israel and Canouan Island in the Grenadines, respectively.  In the 2010 cover photo Decker's bathing suit was made by Italian designer Delfina Swimwear; her necklaces were made by Lana Jewelry and Camilla Dietz Bergeron; her ring is an Isaac Prado creation; Sara Weinstock made the solid gold bangles featuring eight diamond bezels; Sydney Evan provided the beaded bracelets; and Helen Ficalora produced the diamond stacking rings.

2009 cover model Bar Refaeli—along with Julie Henderson, Esti Ginzburg, Jessica Gomes, Hilary Rhoda, Damaris Lewis, Jessica White, Cintia Dicker, Irina Shayk, Anne V and Daniella Sarahyba—are also familiar faces who return for the 2010 SI Swimsuit issue.  Along with six rookies, they journeyed to half a dozen countries for shoots from a wide range of settings, from the low-lying beauty of the beaches in the Maldives to the world's highest desert in Chile and the snow-covered slopes of Whistler, Canada.  The bustling streets of Lisbon, Portugal; WWII era planes from the Palm Springs Air Museum; and India's colorful landscape served as additional backdrops for this year's models.

The 2010 Swimsuit issue also features big names from the world of sports and television. U.S. Olympic skiers and snowboarders—including gold medal favorites Lindsey Vonn and Hannah Teter—donned bikinis on the slopes of Whistler, where they'll compete for Olympic glory starting later this week. In addition, dancers from ABC's hit series "Dancing with the Stars," were photographed with athletes who've competed on the show; wives and girlfriends (WAGS) of World Cup athletes were bodypainted in bikini bottoms and their significant other's jersey; and tennis star Ana Ivanovic wore a bikini amid bed of pink tennis balls.