Alex Morgan blew up in popularity this past summer with her epic Women’s World Cup run. Now she’s improving on her popularity as the 2012 Olympic Games approach with an appearance in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition.

The once-a-year issue receives a ton of fanfare and the publication has launched the careers of a number of models and given exposure to some extremely beautiful women athletes.

Morgan is no exception and her appearance in a body paint bikini is going to be talked about for a while.

The issue just came out on Valentine’s Day and Morgan appears alongside golfer Natalie Gulbis and swimmer Natalie Coughlin wearing nothing but paint.

You can check out the photos of Alex and the other women right here. 

She did an interview with the magazine and revealed she was actually more nervous to pose for them than she was in the World Cup Finals.

SI.com: What was more intimidating: posing in bodypaint or taking on Japan in the World Cup finals?

Morgan: I have been playing soccer my entire life. I know how to stay calm and not get too nervous for games. That's why I would have to say posing in bodypaint was a little more intimidating. It was a completely new experience and definitely took some getting used to before I felt comfortable in bodypaint. I had to look in the mirror every five minutes to make sure I actually had a swimsuit on

It was a great decision by the soccer star to further her career and continue to keep America’s attention on the U.S. Women’s national team after their World Cup finals appearance a few months ago.

They are going to be a force to be reckoned with in London and Morgan has a chance to become a starter and a reason for everyone to tune in.