Long now has the debate raged over whether the American publication Sports Illustrated is more about sport, or more about illustration. And this Valentine’s Day that arguement has once again been thrown wide open with the arrival of the much-anticipated swimsuit edition.

Inside there are pages and pages of young sportswomen (their chosen sport: modelling) draped about their chosen sporting venue (a gorgeous sandy beach), attired only in what the good Lord granted them… and some swimming togs.

In the case of Marisa Miller (pictured), some of the snaps have her wearing a hilarious painted on swimming costume. Seriously, you just couldn’t make it up.

So, sport or illustration? Let us know with your comments.