Earlier this week, ESPN the Magazine just unveiled images from their most anticipated “Body Issue”. The annual release showcases the world’s top athletes in the nude. The “Body Issue” displays physiques from that of football players, swimmers, boxers, motosports competitors, tennis players and more! Only six lucky athletes were chosen to grace the varying covers of the magazine and those are: Snowboarder Jamie Anderson, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, swimmer Michael Phelps, Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka and tennis star Venus Williams. One thing that always stands out in this issue besides the stunning photography of all 22 featured athletes is that each athlete brings something different to the table and have different body types that allow them to excel in their respective disciplines. I say the ‘REAL BODIES’ are on display in this issue – some have tattoos, scars or tan lines from training outside. Strong is Beautiful – each athlete is unique and the issue also shows equality from men and women athlete that fans will appreciate! The Body Issue will hit newsstands Friday, July 11. I only selected a few images to see the rest visit the gallery here. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"Proud to have Muscles" American hockey player Hilary Knight uses the spotlight to promote the women's game and spread a few valuable messages. "I noticed that if I'm 185 pounds or more [as I was for the Olympics], I get this crazy power-forward mentality and no one can stop me. I definitely still felt feminine at 185. I just jumped right in and took hold of being proud and happy with being a female athlete." I had this idea that muscular isn't feminine. "There is this image of athletic women as small and petite — the yoga body type. Women in general, we tend to shrink ourselves and not have as much confidence as we should in presenting ourselves and our body types. It's OK to be fit and healthy and comfortable within your body, whatever frame you have. Since gaining 15 pounds to be at the top of my sport [for the Olympics], I've tried to shatter the body image that muscular isn't feminine." Excerpts from her interview on Espn She is Badass! Props to Hilary! STRONG is BEAUTIFUL Embrace your BODIES LADIES!
Here is a full listing of all the athletes.
Photo Credit: ALL PHOTOS from ESPN
|