Christen Harper Admits She’s a Bit Obsessed With One Famous SI Swim Model

The 2022 co-Rookie of the Year said this legend is the reason she applied for the Swim Search.

Christen Harper was photographed by Amanda Pratt in Dominica.Amanda Pratt/Sports Illustrated

Three-time SI Swimsuit model Christen Harper revealed which SI Swimsuit legend she’s obsessed with. The 2022 co-Rookie of the Year, who was photographed by Amanda Pratt in Dominica for this year’s magazine, played a game of Jenga with fellow model Katie Austin during Miami Swim Week, where she shared her response.

“Ahead of the upcoming 60th anniversary of SI Swimsuit, who do you consider to be the most iconic model in its history?” the fitness influencer asked Harper.

“I feel like Tyra Banks is a really good one. She was so iconic. But, my personal [favorite]—I’m just obsessed with Kate Upton,” the Women of the League star gushed. “She’s just like the best and I feel like she’s the reason I wanted to be in SI. I just love her so much.”

Upton made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2011 and landed on the cover of three issues over her seven years with the magazine. The supermodel is mom to Genevieve, whom she shares with her husband, Mets pitcher Justin Verlander.

Austin answered the same question, noting that author, designer and 13-time SI Swimsuit model Kathy Ireland is someone she looks up to.

“I think it’s really cool how we chose such different models because we both almost see ourselves in them,” Austin observed.

“Yes,” Harper agreed. “That’s so cute of us.”

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