1960s

The '60s saw the rise of Muhammad Ali (né Cassius Clay). The heavyweight champion of the world appeared on the cover of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED 11 times from 1960 to '69 (and 39 times in total).

Other notable cover athletes during that span: Wilt Chamberlain, Sandy Koufax and Joe Namath.

The 1960s also saw the debut of the Swimsuit Issue on Jan. 20, 1964.