Salma Hayek Graces Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover at 58

Salma Hayek, a celebrated figure in Hollywood known for her captivating performances and multifaceted career, has added another impressive achievement to her already extensive resume: swimsuit model. The iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has chosen Hayek as one of its cover stars for this year’s edition, a decision that has generated significant buzz and excitement across the entertainment and fashion industries. The announcement, made on May 13th, has solidified Hayek’s status not only as a talented actress but also as a symbol of ageless beauty and body positivity.

Hayek shares the coveted cover spotlight with three other remarkable women: Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, college gymnast turned model Olivia Dunne, and model and businesswoman Lauren Chan. This diverse selection of cover stars underscores Sports Illustrated’s commitment to representing a wide range of body types, ages, and backgrounds, reflecting a more inclusive and progressive vision of beauty.

The photoshoot, set against the stunning backdrop of Hayek’s native Mexico, captures the actress in a variety of settings and poses. Some images feature her partially nude, exuding confidence and sensuality. Others showcase her in an array of stylish bikinis, highlighting her toned physique and natural beauty. The settings range from idyllic beaches with the ocean stretching out before her, to playful scenes with zebras grazing in the background, and lighthearted moments in a swimming pool. The overall effect is a celebration of Hayek’s vibrant personality and enduring allure.

At 58 years old, Hayek’s appearance on the cover aligns with a recent and significant trend embraced by Sports Illustrated: featuring older models. This initiative challenges traditional notions of beauty and ageism, demonstrating that confidence, sex appeal, and relevance are not limited by age. In 2023, the magazine featured Martha Stewart, then 81, in a striking white one-piece swimsuit, a move that garnered widespread attention and praise. The year before, in 2022, Maye Musk, the model and mother of Elon Musk, graced the pages of the Swimsuit Issue at the age of 74, further solidifying the magazine’s commitment to age diversity.

Hayek’s inclusion in this year’s lineup reinforces the message that beauty is timeless and multifaceted. In an interview with Sports Illustrated during the photoshoot, Hayek reflected on her own history with the magazine, saying, "I remember when I was young, a long, long time ago, I was always so excited to see the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and (I would think) ‘Who’s going to be in it?’” She continued, “Of course, I didn’t look like a model, so it never occurred to me that I could ever be in it."

Her words reveal a sense of disbelief and gratitude at being chosen for the cover, particularly at this stage of her life. "If somebody would have told me that I would be on it at 58 years old, I would have gone to the funny farm, but the world has changed, and that’s exciting,” she stated, acknowledging the evolving standards of beauty and representation in the media.

The cover stars of the previous year’s Swimsuit Issue included Sports Illustrated veterans such as Kate Upton and Chrissy Teigen, as well as journalist Gayle King, demonstrating the magazine’s blend of established figures and newcomers. Hayek’s presence in this year’s edition further elevates the issue’s profile and underscores its commitment to showcasing a diverse range of personalities and perspectives.

Having spent over three decades in the entertainment industry, Hayek has established herself as a formidable talent, earning critical acclaim for her acting and using her platform to advocate for various social causes. She has also ventured into producing and directing, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to storytelling. Her appearance on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover represents a new chapter in her already illustrious career, one that allows her to embrace her sexuality and challenge age-related stereotypes.

Hayek praised the magazine for providing her with the opportunity to feel "sexy" at a later stage in her life. "I could retire, but I don’t want to miss this moment. I fought for it, you know?, and I’ve been a part of it,” she told the publication. “I think it’s really remarkable that a magazine like Sports Illustrated is saying, it’s okay, maybe even great, to be in your 50s and still feeling not just sexy, but, in my case, free, unapologetic about my body, not having to hide it.”

Her words resonate with many women who feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and to diminish their sexuality as they age. Hayek’s message of self-acceptance and body positivity is particularly powerful, encouraging women of all ages to embrace their bodies and celebrate their individuality.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, featuring Salma Hayek and the other cover stars, is set to hit newsstands on May 17th. The release is highly anticipated, not only for the stunning visuals but also for the powerful message of inclusivity and empowerment that the magazine is promoting. Hayek’s cover is expected to spark conversations about ageism, body image, and the evolving role of women in the media, further solidifying her position as a role model and an advocate for positive change. Her cover is more than just a beautiful image; it is a statement of confidence, resilience, and the enduring power of beauty at any age. It represents a celebration of women and a challenge to the outdated notion that attractiveness diminishes with time.