Kate Upton inspired by Christie Brinkley’s Sports Illustrated appearance

Kate Upton says it is “inspiring” to have Christie Brinkley in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue at the age of 63.

The 24-year-old blonde bombshell has landed the cover of the special annual edition of the magazine for a third time having previously been chosen as the poster girl for the publication in 2012 and 2013.

Kate – who saw her image on the magazine projected onto the Empire State Building in New York City on Tuesday (02.14.17) – is delighted that model-and-actress Christie is back in the mag looking absolutely incredible in her seventh decade.

Kate said: “It’s so inspiring to see Christie back in the issue and looking incredible. And it just really shows you, no matter your age, you always have your youth and your spirit with you. It always feels great to be a part of Sports Illustrated, but especially this year because of what the issue is all about. Having women of every shape and size and beauty and every age of beauty. It just felt really special when they asked me to come back for this issue.”

Christie was a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue cover star three years in a row in 1979, 1980 and 1981 and appeared in the magazine eight times between 1975 and 2004.

In a first for the publication, Christie poses with her daughters Sailor Brinkley Cook, 18, and Alexa Ray Joel, 31, and admitted that the shoot was a huge moment for her and her girls.

Christie said: “This is a real full circle moment for me. I can get very emotional about this. How many years ago, I was that insecure girl hoping that I would be good enough for the magazine. So to see my daughters now having the same thoughts I had, and to be able to see them actually be there on the job, was definitely a big moment.”

Alexa, is Christie’s daughter with her second husband, singer Billy Joel, and Sailor is her child with her fourth spouse, architect Peter Halsey Cook.